Enchiladas

Enchiladas De Elote Y Queso

Name: Enchiladas De Elote Y Queso
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh corn kernels; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 dried chiles, stemmed and seeded; 1 cup shredded cheese; 6 corn tortillas; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

By Wesley Pemberton · June 19, 2026 · Enchiladas

Prep30 min

Cook25 min

Total60 min

Serves6

Enchiladas De Elote Y Queso, a dish that warms my heart and reminds me of my childhood in San Antonio, surrounded by the vibrant flavors of my family's Mexican heritage. This recipe is a staple of our family gatherings, and I'm excited to share it with you.

The combination of roasted corn, melted cheese, and the subtle spice of dried chiles creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting. It's a dish that's perfect for any occasion, whether it's a weeknight dinner or a special celebration.

One of the things I love about this recipe is the way it showcases the beauty of Mexican cuisine, with its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. By using high-quality ingredients and taking the time to prepare each component with care, you'll be able to create a dish that's not only delicious but also authentic.

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of fresh and dried ingredients to create a rich and complex flavor profile. We'll start by roasting fresh corn and blending it with onions, garlic, and dried chiles to create a smooth and creamy sauce. Then, we'll fill tortillas with a mixture of cheese, corn, and spices, and cover them in the sauce and melted cheese.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting to explore the world of Mexican cuisine, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So let's get started and create a dish that's sure to impress your family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a great way to use up fresh corn and other seasonal ingredients.
The dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a weeknight dinner or a special celebration.
The combination of roasted corn, melted cheese, and dried chiles creates a unique and delicious flavor profile.
The recipe is highly customizable, so you can adjust the level of heat and the type of cheese to your liking.
It's a great way to introduce your family and friends to the flavors of Mexican cuisine.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe is the way the flavors are layered and balanced. By roasting the corn and blending it with the onions, garlic, and dried chiles, we create a sauce that's both sweet and spicy. The cheese adds a creamy richness, while the tortillas provide a nice texture contrast.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of traditional Mexican cooking techniques, such as roasting and blending. These techniques allow us to extract the maximum amount of flavor from our ingredients and create a dish that's truly authentic.

The resting time is also crucial, as it allows the flavors to meld together and the cheese to set. This makes the dish easier to serve and ensures that each bite is filled with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Enchiladas De Elote Y Queso, you'll need a few key ingredients, including fresh corn, onions, garlic, dried chiles, cheese, and tortillas. You can find these ingredients at most grocery stores, and they're relatively inexpensive.

When shopping for ingredients, look for the freshest corn you can find, and try to use a variety of cheeses for the best flavor. You can also customize the recipe to your taste by adding other ingredients, such as cooked chicken or diced bell peppers.

2 cups fresh corn kernelsFresh corn is essential for this recipe, as it provides a sweet and creamy flavor. You can use frozen corn as a substitute, but it won't have the same texture and flavor as fresh corn.
1 large onion, dicedOnions add a depth of flavor to the dish and help to balance out the sweetness of the corn. You can use any type of onion you like, but yellow or white onions work best.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungency to the dish and helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. You can use more or less garlic to taste, depending on your personal preference.
2 dried chiles, stemmed and seededDried chiles provide a smoky heat to the dish and help to add depth and complexity to the sauce. You can use any type of dried chile you like, but Anaheim or poblano chiles work best.
1 cup shredded cheeseCheese is essential for this recipe, as it provides a creamy and rich flavor. You can use any type of cheese you like, but a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack works best.
6 corn tortillasCorn tortillas are the traditional choice for enchiladas, and they provide a nice texture contrast to the soft and creamy filling. You can use flour tortillas as a substitute, but they won't have the same flavor and texture.
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantroCilantro adds a fresh and herbal flavor to the dish and helps to balance out the richness of the cheese and the sauce. You can use parsley or basil as a substitute, but cilantro works best.
1/2 teaspoon ground cuminCumin adds a warm and earthy flavor to the dish and helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. You can use more or less cumin to taste, depending on your personal preference.
1/2 teaspoon paprikaPaprika adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the dish and helps to add depth and complexity to the sauce. You can use smoked or sweet paprika, depending on your personal preference.
Salt and pepper to tasteSalt and pepper are essential for bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients and adding depth and complexity to the dish. You can use more or less salt and pepper to taste, depending on your personal preference.

Ingredients for Enchiladas De Elote Y Queso

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or comalBlender or food processorCheese graterSharp chef's knifeCutting boardInstant-read thermometerOven

How to Make Enchiladas De Elote Y Queso

1
Preheat your oven to 375 F (190 C).
2
Roast the corn kernels in a dry skillet over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until they're lightly browned and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Add the dried chiles to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, for 1-2 minutes, until they're fragrant and slightly puffed.
5
Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool slightly.
6
Transfer the roasted corn, onion, garlic, and chiles to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth, adding a little water if necessary to achieve the right consistency.
7
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a couple of tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, add a tortilla and cook for 30-60 seconds on each side, until it's lightly browned and fragrant.
8
Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, until they're all lightly browned and fragrant.
9
In a large bowl, combine the blended corn mixture, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10
To assemble the enchiladas, lay a tortilla flat and spoon some of the corn and cheese mixture onto the center of the tortilla. Roll the tortilla up and place it seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
11
Pour the remaining corn and cheese mixture over the top of the enchiladas and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
12
Bake the enchiladas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until they're hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and the cheese is crispy.

Expert Tips

Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overfill the tortillas, as this can make them difficult to roll and can result in a messy enchilada.
Use a variety of cheeses for the best flavor, and don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese.
Add some heat to the dish by incorporating diced jalapenos or serrano peppers into the filling.
Experiment with different types of corn, such as sweet corn or popcorn, for a unique flavor and texture.
Add some freshness to the dish by topping the enchiladas with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or diced avocado.
Use leftover filling to make tacos or nachos, or to add to other dishes like soups or salads.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not using fresh and high-quality ingredients, which can result in a bland and unappetizing dish.
Overfilling the tortillas, which can make them difficult to roll and can result in a messy enchilada.
Not cooking the tortillas properly, which can result in a tough and chewy texture.
Not using enough cheese, which can result in a dry and flavorless dish.
Not adding enough seasoning, which can result in a bland and unappetizing dish.
Not letting the dish rest before serving, which can result in a messy and unappetizing presentation.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some heat to the dish by incorporating diced jalapenos or serrano peppers into the filling.
Experiment with different types of corn, such as sweet corn or popcorn, for a unique flavor and texture.
Add some freshness to the dish by topping the enchiladas with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or diced avocado.
Use leftover filling to make tacos or nachos, or to add to other dishes like soups or salads.
Try using different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a unique flavor and texture.
Add some smokiness to the dish by incorporating chipotle peppers or smoked paprika into the filling.
Experiment with different types of protein, such as chicken or beef, for a heartier and more filling dish.

What to Serve With Enchiladas De Elote Y Queso

Enchiladas De Elote Y Queso are a delicious and satisfying dish that can be served at any time of day. They're perfect for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or even a casual gathering with friends.

Try serving the enchiladas with a side of Mexican street corn, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. You can also add some warmth and comfort to the dish by serving it with a bowl of tortilla soup or a side of warm tortillas.

Mexican street cornRoasted vegetablesSimple green saladTortilla soupWarm tortillasGrilled chicken or steak

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Enchiladas De Elote Y Queso can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, simply assemble the enchiladas and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the enchiladas to a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer.

To reheat, simply bake the enchiladas in a preheated oven at 350 F (180 C) for 20-25 minutes, until they're hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also reheat the enchiladas in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat, as this can result in a dry and rubbery texture.

Leftover filling can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Try using leftover filling to make tacos or nachos, or to add to other dishes like soups or salads.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cheese is best for Enchiladas De Elote Y Queso?

A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese works best, but you can also use other types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a unique flavor and texture.

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?

Yes, you can use frozen corn as a substitute, but it won't have the same texture and flavor as fresh corn. Try to use fresh corn for the best flavor and texture.

How do I prevent the tortillas from becoming tough and chewy?

To prevent the tortillas from becoming tough and chewy, make sure to cook them properly and not to overfill them. You can also try using a different type of tortilla, such as corn tortillas, for a more authentic flavor and texture.

Can I add other ingredients to the filling, such as chicken or beef?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the filling, such as chicken or beef, for a heartier and more filling dish. Just make sure to cook the ingredients properly before adding them to the filling.

How do I reheat the enchiladas without drying them out?

To reheat the enchiladas without drying them out, try baking them in a preheated oven at 350 F (180 C) for 20-25 minutes, until they're hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also reheat the enchiladas in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat, as this can result in a dry and rubbery texture.

Can I make the enchiladas ahead and freeze them?

Yes, you can make the enchiladas ahead and freeze them for up to 2 months. Simply assemble the enchiladas and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the enchiladas to a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer.

What's the best way to serve the enchiladas?

Enchiladas De Elote Y Queso are a delicious and satisfying dish that can be served at any time of day. Try serving the enchiladas with a side of Mexican street corn, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Can I use leftover filling to make other dishes?

Yes, you can use leftover filling to make other dishes, such as tacos or nachos, or to add to other dishes like soups or salads. Just make sure to store the filling properly in the fridge or freezer before using it.

The Full Recipe

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