Spinach and Cheese Enchiladas

When it comes to enjoying delicious and hearty Mexican cuisine, few dishes can compare to the warmth and richness of Spinach and Cheese Enchiladas. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking for a wholesome meal packed with flavor, this dish offers a satisfying combination of creamy cheese, nutritious spinach, and perfectly spiced sauce all wrapped up in soft tortillas. In this article, we will walk you through each step of creating this savory dish in detail, providing you with the perfect recipe for a homemade Mexican feast.

Ingredients for Spinach and Cheese Enchiladas

To create these delightful enchiladas, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredient	Quantity
Olive oil	2 tsp
Onion (medium, diced)	1
Garlic cloves (minced)	3
Lime juice	½ lime
Fresh spinach	12 cups
Cilantro (chopped)	½ cup
Green chilies (from can, chopped)	½ oz
Chili powder	30 mg
Cayenne pepper	½ tsp
Cumin	2 tsp
Cream cheese	8 oz
Sour cream	½ cup
Salt and pepper	To taste
Green enchilada sauce (canned)	28 oz
Flour tortillas (Huevos flour tortillas de gallo)	8
Shredded Mexican cheese mix	4 cups
Toppings (avocado, green onions, olives, cilantro)	Optional

With all of your ingredients gathered, let’s move on to the preparation and cooking steps.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Spinach and Cheese Enchiladas

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensuring your oven reaches the correct temperature before you begin will make sure that your enchiladas bake evenly.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Place a large skillet over medium heat and pour in the 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Once the oil has warmed up, add the diced onions to the skillet. Sauté the onions for about 4 minutes, or until they turn soft and fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, making sure not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.

Step 3: Cook the Spinach

After sautéing the onions and garlic, it’s time to add the spinach. Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to add the spinach in batches. Cook the spinach until it wilts down, which should only take a few minutes. This step is crucial for reducing the volume of the spinach and ensuring it blends seamlessly with the other ingredients.

Step 4: Add the Seasonings and Cilantro

Once the spinach has wilted, stir in the chopped cilantro, lime juice, green chilies, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and cumin. These seasonings add depth and a mild heat to the dish. Continue stirring until all ingredients are well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 5: Incorporate Cream Cheese and Sour Cream

With the spinach mixture fully seasoned, remove the skillet from heat. Add the cream cheese and sour cream to the skillet and stir until the cheese melts and blends into the spinach mixture. The result should be a creamy, rich filling that’s full of flavor. At this point, mix in half of the shredded cheese (about 2 cups) and stir until well combined.

Step 6: Prepare the Baking Dish

Take a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread about ¾ of the green enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom. This layer of sauce will prevent the tortillas from sticking and add flavor to every bite.

Step 7: Assemble the Enchiladas

Now it’s time to assemble the enchiladas. Place about ⅓ cup of the spinach and cheese filling into the center of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down into the baking dish. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, nestling each one snugly into the dish.

Step 8: Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the filled tortillas. Use a spatula to spread the sauce evenly, making sure all the tortillas are coated. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese generously over the top of the sauce-covered enchiladas. The cheese will melt beautifully in the oven, creating a gooey and irresistible topping.

Step 9: Bake the Enchiladas

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is bubbling. If you prefer a more golden and crispy cheese topping, you can place the dish under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 10: Add Toppings and Serve

Once the enchiladas are out of the oven, allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite toppings such as freshly chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, green onions, and olives for added texture and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!