Enchiladas

Enchiladas De Chayote Y Queso

Name: Enchiladas De Chayote Y Queso
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 large chayote squash, peeled and chopped; 1 cup queso cheese, shredded; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1/4 cup chopped fresh scallions; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 8 corn tortillas

By Wesley Pemberton · June 19, 2026 · Enchiladas

Prep30 min

Cook40 min

Total70 min

Serves6

As a second-generation cook from a Guadalajara family in San Antonio, I grew up surrounded by the vibrant flavors and aromas of Mexican cuisine. One of my favorite dishes from childhood is Enchiladas De Chayote Y Queso, a delightful combination of tender chayote squash and creamy queso cheese wrapped in warm tortillas. This recipe is a staple in our household, and I'm excited to share it with you.

The key to making great Enchiladas De Chayote Y Queso is to start with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Look for chayote squash that's firm and heavy for its size, and use a good quality queso cheese that melts well. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese and spices to make the dish your own.

In this recipe, we'll take you through the steps of preparing the chayote squash, making the queso sauce, and assembling the enchiladas. With a little patience and practice, you'll be enjoying delicious Enchiladas De Chayote Y Queso in no time.

One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it as a main dish, a side, or even as a snack. It's also a great option for vegetarians and vegans, as you can easily substitute the cheese with a plant-based alternative.

So let's get started and make some delicious Enchiladas De Chayote Y Queso! Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's a great option for vegetarians and vegans, as you can easily substitute the cheese with a plant-based alternative
The dish is highly customizable, so you can add your favorite spices and herbs to make it your own
Enchiladas De Chayote Y Queso is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for serving at parties and gatherings
The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with affordable ingredients
It's a great way to use up leftover chayote squash and cheese
The dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, as it can be made in under an hour

Why This Recipe Works

The success of Enchiladas De Chayote Y Queso lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The roasted chayote squash adds a sweet and tender element, while the queso sauce provides a rich and creamy contrast. By using a combination of spices and herbs, we can create a depth of flavor that complements the squash and cheese perfectly.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of proper cooking techniques. By roasting the chayote squash in the oven, we can bring out its natural sweetness and add a smoky flavor. Similarly, by making the queso sauce from scratch, we can control the level of creaminess and flavor to our liking.

Finally, the key to making great Enchiladas De Chayote Y Queso is to not overcomplicate the recipe. By keeping the ingredients simple and the steps straightforward, we can create a dish that's both delicious and accessible to cooks of all levels.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Enchiladas De Chayote Y Queso, you'll need a few simple ingredients. Look for fresh chayote squash, good quality queso cheese, and some basic spices and herbs. You'll also need some tortillas, vegetable oil, and a few other pantry staples.

When shopping for chayote squash, choose ones that are firm and heavy for their size. You can find them at most Mexican markets or well-stocked supermarkets. For the queso cheese, look for a good quality brand that melts well and has a rich, creamy flavor.

2 large chayote squash, peeled and choppedChayote squash is a type of Mexican squash that's similar to zucchini. It has a sweet, slightly nutty flavor and a firm texture. You can find it at most Mexican markets or well-stocked supermarkets.
1 cup queso cheese, shreddedQueso cheese is a type of Mexican cheese that's made from cow's milk. It has a rich, creamy flavor and a smooth texture. You can find it at most supermarkets or Mexican markets.
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantroCilantro is a type of herb that's commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It has a fresh, citrusy flavor and a delicate texture. You can find it at most supermarkets or Mexican markets.
1/4 cup chopped fresh scallionsScallions are a type of onion that's commonly used in Mexican cuisine. They have a mild, sweet flavor and a crunchy texture. You can find them at most supermarkets or Mexican markets.
2 tablespoons vegetable oilVegetable oil is a type of oil that's commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It has a neutral flavor and a smooth texture. You can find it at most supermarkets.
1 teaspoon ground cuminCumin is a type of spice that's commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It has a warm, earthy flavor and a distinctive aroma. You can find it at most supermarkets or Mexican markets.
1 teaspoon smoked paprikaSmoked paprika is a type of spice that's commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It has a smoky, slightly sweet flavor and a distinctive aroma. You can find it at most supermarkets or Mexican markets.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt is a type of seasoning that's commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It has a savory, slightly sweet flavor and a crunchy texture. You can find it at most supermarkets.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper is a type of seasoning that's commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It has a sharp, slightly bitter flavor and a crunchy texture. You can find it at most supermarkets.
8 corn tortillasCorn tortillas are a type of flatbread that's commonly used in Mexican cuisine. They have a soft, pliable texture and a mild flavor. You can find them at most supermarkets or Mexican markets.

Ingredients for Enchiladas De Chayote Y Queso

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or comalSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometerCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Enchiladas De Chayote Y Queso

1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the chayote squash and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the squash on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and roast it in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until it's tender and lightly browned.
2
While the squash is roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped scallions and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they're softened and lightly browned.
3
Add the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This will help to toast the spices and bring out their flavors.
4
Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Once it's cool enough to handle, chop it into small pieces and add it to the skillet with the scallions and spices. Stir to combine.
5
In a separate saucepan, heat the queso cheese over low heat, stirring constantly, until it's melted and smooth. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
6
To assemble the enchiladas, lay a tortilla flat on a cutting board and spoon some of the squash mixture down the center of the tortilla. Roll the tortilla up and place it seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and squash mixture.
7
Pour the melted queso cheese over the top of the enchiladas and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the cheese is crispy.
9
Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with additional cilantro and scallions if desired.
10
To make the dish more substantial, serve the enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice, beans, or roasted vegetables.
11
You can also customize the recipe by adding other ingredients, such as diced chicken or steak, to the squash mixture.
12
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Oaxaca or Monterey Jack, to change the flavor of the dish.

Expert Tips

To get the best flavor out of your chayote squash, make sure to roast it in the oven until it's tender and lightly browned.
Don't overfill the tortillas with the squash mixture, as this can make them difficult to roll and can lead to a mess.
If you're having trouble getting the queso cheese to melt, try adding a little bit of milk or cream to the saucepan to help it along.
To add some extra flavor to the dish, try adding some diced onions or garlic to the skillet with the scallions and spices.
Experiment with different types of tortillas, such as whole wheat or corn, to change the flavor and texture of the dish.
To make the dish more substantial, serve the enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice, beans, or roasted vegetables.
You can also customize the recipe by adding other ingredients, such as diced chicken or steak, to the squash mixture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not roasting the chayote squash long enough, which can result in a hard and fibrous texture.
Overfilling the tortillas with the squash mixture, which can make them difficult to roll and can lead to a mess.
Not melting the queso cheese properly, which can result in a grainy and unappetizing texture.
Not adding enough spices and seasonings to the dish, which can result in a bland and uninteresting flavor.
Not serving the enchiladas hot, which can result in a cold and unappetizing dish.
Not experimenting with different types of cheese and ingredients, which can result in a boring and uninteresting dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding diced chicken or steak to the squash mixture for added protein and flavor.
Using different types of cheese, such as Oaxaca or Monterey Jack, to change the flavor of the dish.
Adding some diced onions or garlic to the skillet with the scallions and spices for added flavor.
Using whole wheat or corn tortillas instead of traditional tortillas for a different texture and flavor.
Adding some roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.
Using different types of spices and seasonings, such as cumin or chili powder, to change the flavor of the dish.
Serving the enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice, beans, or roasted vegetables for a more substantial meal.

What to Serve With Enchiladas De Chayote Y Queso

Enchiladas De Chayote Y Queso is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve it as a main dish, a side, or even as a snack. It's also a great option for vegetarians and vegans, as you can easily substitute the cheese with a plant-based alternative.

Some popular ways to serve Enchiladas De Chayote Y Queso include with a side of Mexican rice, beans, or roasted vegetables. You can also add some diced chicken or steak to the squash mixture for added protein and flavor. Experiment with different types of cheese and ingredients to make the dish your own.

Serve with a side of Mexican rice, beans, or roasted vegetablesAdd some diced chicken or steak to the squash mixture for added protein and flavorUse different types of cheese, such as Oaxaca or Monterey Jack, to change the flavor of the dishAdd some roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to the dish for added flavor and nutrition

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Enchiladas De Chayote Y Queso can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store the dish, simply place it in an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the dish in the oven or microwave until it's hot and bubbly.

To freeze the dish, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and label it with the date and contents. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it in the oven or microwave.

To reheat the dish, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until it's hot and bubbly. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until it's hot and bubbly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is chayote squash and where can I find it?

Chayote squash is a type of Mexican squash that's similar to zucchini. You can find it at most Mexican markets or well-stocked supermarkets.

Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese in this recipe. Some popular options include Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, and Queso Fresco.

Can I add other ingredients to the squash mixture?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the squash mixture, such as diced chicken or steak, to add protein and flavor to the dish.

How do I store and reheat the dish?

Enchiladas De Chayote Y Queso can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat the dish, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until it's hot and bubbly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Simply assemble the enchiladas and refrigerate or freeze them until you're ready to serve. Then, simply reheat the dish in the oven or microwave until it's hot and bubbly.

Is this dish vegetarian and vegan-friendly?

Yes, this dish is vegetarian and can be made vegan-friendly by substituting the cheese with a plant-based alternative.

Can I serve this dish as a main course or side dish?

Yes, you can serve this dish as a main course or side dish. It's a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

What are some popular variations of this recipe?

Some popular variations of this recipe include adding diced chicken or steak to the squash mixture, using different types of cheese, and adding some roasted vegetables to the dish.

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card