Enchiladas Suizas

There’s something magical about digging into a warm, cheesy plate of Enchiladas Suizas. The creamy tomatillo sauce wraps around each enchilada like a cozy blanket, and the melty cheese bubbles and stretches with every bite. This dish is the definition of comfort food, with its perfect blend of tangy, creamy, and savory layers. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just treating yourself, these enchiladas are a game-changer. Trust me, it’s worth every bite.

Behind the Recipe

The first time I tasted Enchiladas Suizas, it was at a small family-run taqueria with music playing in the background and steam rising from my plate. That first forkful was unforgettable. The sauce was zesty and smooth, the tortillas soft, and the cheese golden and bubbling. It felt like the kind of meal you sit down for when you need a little extra warmth in your life. Recreating that experience at home became a mission, and now it’s a go-to recipe that never disappoints.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

“Suizas” means “Swiss” in Spanish, a nod to the influence of Swiss immigrants in Mexico who introduced dairy-based sauces. Enchiladas Suizas originated in Mexico City and are characterized by their creamy green sauce, usually made with tomatillos and crema. This dish blends Mexican spice and texture with a European-inspired richness, resulting in something truly special. Over time, it’s become a beloved classic in Mexican cuisine.

Why You’ll Love Enchiladas Suizas

This dish brings everything you love about Mexican food into one irresistible package:

Versatile: Works with chicken, beef, or a vegetarian filling.
Budget-Friendly: Uses easy-to-find, affordable ingredients.
Quick and Easy: The sauce comes together fast, and assembly is simple.
Customizable: Spice it up or add extra toppings like avocado or jalapeños.
Crowd-Pleasing: Cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor—everyone loves it.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the sauce and filling in advance to save time.
Great for Leftovers: Reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Let’s take your enchiladas from good to amazing:

• Lightly fry the tortillas before rolling to keep them from tearing.
• Roast your tomatillos for a deeper, smokier flavor.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving filling.
• Add a splash of chicken broth to thin the sauce if needed.
• Always top with extra cheese before baking for that bubbly crust.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Having the right tools makes cooking this dish smooth and satisfying:

Blender or Food Processor: Essential for making the creamy tomatillo sauce.
Large Skillet: For sautéing the filling and softening tortillas.
Baking Dish (9×13): The perfect size for lining up your enchiladas.
Tongs or Spatula: Handy for rolling and transferring tortillas.
Aluminum Foil: Keeps everything covered while baking for even cooking.

Ingredients in Enchiladas Suizas

Let’s bring together the flavors that make this dish shine.

1. Tomatillos: 1 pound, husked and rinsed. They bring the tangy base for the sauce.
2. Jalapeño: 1, seeded. Adds a gentle heat.
3. Garlic: 3 cloves. Adds savory depth.
4. White Onion: 1 small, quartered. Lends sweetness and balance to the sauce.
5. Fresh Cilantro: ½ cup. Brings a burst of herbal brightness.
6. Mexican Crema: ½ cup. Adds creaminess to the sauce.
7. Chicken Broth: ½ cup. Thins the sauce for a smooth pour.
8. Salt: 1 teaspoon. Enhances flavor.
9. Cooked Shredded Chicken: 2 cups. Juicy and hearty filling.
10. Corn Tortillas: 10. The base that holds it all together.
11. Shredded Cheese: 2 cups (Monterey Jack or mozzarella). Melts beautifully.
12. Vegetable Oil: For softening the tortillas.

Ingredient Substitutions

Need to work with what’s in your kitchen? No problem.

Tomatillos: Green salsa in a pinch.
Mexican Crema: Sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Shredded Chicken: Use beans or sautéed veggies for a vegetarian version.
Corn Tortillas: Flour tortillas if preferred.
Monterey Jack: Cheddar or Oaxaca cheese also work.

Ingredient Spotlight

Tomatillos: These green gems are tart, juicy, and the key to that signature flavor. They bring brightness to balance the creamy richness.
Mexican Crema: Smoother and slightly tangier than sour cream, it gives the sauce its silkiness and gentle flavor.

Instructions for Making Enchiladas Suizas

Now let’s dive into the fun part—cooking up a pan of cheesy goodness.

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, boil tomatillos, jalapeño, garlic, and onion for 10 minutes until soft. Blend with cilantro, crema, broth, and salt until smooth.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Heat a skillet over medium with a bit of oil. Lightly fry each tortilla for 10 seconds per side to make them pliable.
4. Assemble the Dish: Fill each tortilla with chicken and a sprinkle of cheese, then roll and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
5. Cook to Perfection: Pour the sauce over the enchiladas and top with the rest of the cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake 10 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Finishing Touches: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro or a drizzle of crema.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Dish it out hot with rice, beans, or a fresh salad on the side.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The sauce is creamy with just the right touch of acidity. The tortillas soak up the flavor but still hold their shape. Every bite is rich, cheesy, and packed with a zesty punch from the tomatillos. That golden cheese crust on top? Totally irresistible.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

These tips make all the difference:

• Char tomatillos under the broiler for a smoky edge.
• Keep your rolled tortillas tight so they don’t fall apart.
• Add pickled onions on top for contrast and zing.

What to Avoid

Steer clear of these common slip-ups:

• Skipping the tortilla fry—your enchiladas might get soggy.
• Using too much sauce inside the enchiladas—it’s better poured on top.
• Overbaking, which can dry out the filling.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 5
Calories per serving: 430

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make the sauce and filling a day ahead for an easier assembly. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

How to Serve Enchiladas Suizas

These enchiladas are perfect with Mexican rice, black beans, or a crunchy slaw. Want a flavor punch? Serve with lime wedges, avocado slices, or a sprinkle of queso fresco.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Don’t let a single bite go to waste!

• Chop them up and toss into a tortilla soup.
• Turn into a layered enchilada casserole.
• Use filling and sauce as taco stuffing the next day.

Additional Tips

A few extras can take your dish to the next level:

• Warm your tortillas in foil in the oven if you’re skipping the frying.
• Drizzle crema on top just before serving for that final flourish.
• Add sliced jalapeños or green onions for a fresh crunch.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve in a ceramic dish with bright napkins or sprinkle with chopped herbs before serving. That golden cheese crust, drizzled crema, and green sauce combo is irresistibly photogenic.

Variations to Try

Here’s how to switch things up:

• Vegetarian Spin: Use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and beans.
• Red Suizas: Swap tomatillos for roasted red peppers.
• Spicy Kick: Add serrano chilies or chipotle to the sauce.
• Seafood Twist: Use shrimp or crab for a luxurious filling.
• Breakfast Version: Fill with scrambled eggs and top with salsa verde.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use store-bought green salsa?

A1: Yes, just blend with crema to get that signature creamy texture.

Q2: Can I freeze Enchiladas Suizas?

A2: Absolutely. Freeze unbaked, then bake straight from frozen with extra time.

Q3: Is this dish spicy?

A3: Mild to medium. Adjust heat by adding or omitting jalapeños.

Q4: Can I make it dairy-free?

A4: Yes, use dairy-free cheese and coconut yogurt in place of crema.

Q5: Do I have to fry the tortillas?

A5: It’s highly recommended, but you can warm them in the oven instead.

Q6: What cheese works best?

A6: Monterey Jack melts beautifully, but mozzarella or Oaxaca are great too.

Q7: Can I make the sauce ahead?

A7: Yes, store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer.

Q8: Are corn or flour tortillas better?

A8: Corn is traditional and holds up better, but flour tortillas are fine too.

Q9: What toppings go well?

A9: Cilantro, sliced avocado, pickled onions, or even shredded lettuce.

Q10: Can I bake these in advance?

A10: Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready to eat.

Conclusion

Enchiladas Suizas are more than just a meal—they’re a celebration of flavor, comfort, and culture. Whether you’re making dinner for a busy weeknight or preparing a spread for guests, this dish brings warmth to every table. With its creamy sauce, melty cheese, and satisfying filling, this one’s bound to become a favorite. Go ahead and take that first bite—you’re going to love it.

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