Cream Cheese Enchiladas
If you’re looking for a dish that brings the whole family together, look no further than these indulgent Cream Cheese Enchiladas. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this recipe is a delightful twist on traditional enchiladas. The combination of cream cheese, tender chicken, and zesty green chiles creates a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these enchiladas are sure to impress.
Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing
Cream Cheese Enchiladas are an absolute crowd favorite! The rich, creamy filling balances perfectly with the tangy green enchilada sauce, while the melted cheese creates an irresistible topping. Kids and adults alike will appreciate the familiar flavors with a unique twist. Plus, this dish is easy to customize, making it a versatile option for varying tastes and dietary preferences. You can serve them alongside a fresh salad or some warm tortillas, and everyone will leave the table satisfied.
What You’ll Need
To make these Cream Cheese Enchiladas, gather the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 4-ounce can fire-roasted green chiles
- 1 cup Mexican blend shredded cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded Colby jack cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 2 cups green enchilada sauce
- 12 flour tortillas, 6-inch
Tools of the Trade
Having the right tools can make the process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 9×13 inch baking dish – for assembling and baking the enchiladas.
- Mixing bowl – to combine the filling ingredients.
- Spatula – for spreading the filling and topping the enchiladas with sauce.
- Whisk – to mix the cream cheese and spices evenly.
- Oven – to bake your enchiladas to perfection.
Cream Cheese Enchiladas: How It’s Done
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your enchiladas bake evenly and come out perfectly bubbly.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, fire-roasted green chiles, 1/2 cup of Mexican blend cheese, 1/2 cup of Colby jack cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, lime juice, and shredded cooked chicken. Mix until well combined. This creamy filling is what makes these enchiladas truly special.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Spread about 1/2 cup of the green enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. Take a tortilla, spoon a generous amount of the filling into the center, and roll it up tightly. Place the seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this process until all tortillas are filled and arranged in the dish.
Step 4: Top with Sauce and Cheese
Once all the enchiladas are in the dish, pour the remaining green enchilada sauce over the top, making sure to cover each enchilada. Sprinkle the remaining Mexican blend cheese and Colby jack cheese evenly over the sauce.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
Once your enchiladas are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or avocado slices.
In-Season Swaps
Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:
- Substitute shredded turkey for chicken if you have leftovers.
- Use fresh green chiles if available for an extra kick.
- Swap in different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicier flavor.
- Add in seasonal veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and texture.
Little Things that Matter
When making Cream Cheese Enchiladas, a few small tips can elevate your dish:
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t skip the lime juice; it adds a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Feel free to adjust the level of spices based on your taste preference.
- Use high-quality enchilada sauce for the best flavor.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
These Cream Cheese Enchiladas are perfect for leftovers. Store any uneaten enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
If you want to meal prep, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and store them in the fridge before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are coming straight from the fridge.
Cream Cheese Enchiladas Q&A
Can I make these enchiladas vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily swap out the chicken for beans or additional vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option.
What can I serve with Cream Cheese Enchiladas?
These enchiladas pair well with a fresh green salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans. You could also serve them with guacamole or salsa on the side for extra flavor.
Can I freeze Cream Cheese Enchiladas?
Absolutely! Assemble the enchiladas and freeze them before baking. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
How do I store leftover enchiladas?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave as needed.
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In Closing
In conclusion, Cream Cheese Enchiladas are a deliciously creamy and satisfying dish that everyone will love. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can whip up this comforting meal any night of the week. The layers of flavor from the spices, cheese, and green chiles create a delightful experience for your taste buds. So why not gather your ingredients and start making these delectable enchiladas tonight? You won’t be disappointed! Enjoy the warmth, comfort, and smiles that come with every cheesy, creamy bite.
Cream Cheese Enchiladas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, green chiles, 1/2 cup of Mexican blend cheese, 1/2 cup of Colby jack cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, lime juice, and shredded chicken. Mix until well combined.
- Spread 1/2 cup of green enchilada sauce across the bottom of your baking dish. Fill each tortilla with the mixture, roll, and place seam side down in the dish.
- Pour remaining green enchilada sauce over the enchiladas and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with toppings like sour cream or cilantro.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easy mixing.
- Don’t skip the lime juice for a zesty flavor.
- Adjust spices according to your taste.
- High-quality enchilada sauce enhances flavor.
