Enchiladas

Enchiladas De Espinacas Con Queso

Name: Enchiladas De Espinacas Con Queso
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) fresh spinach leaves; 1/2 cup (115g) queso fresco, crumbled; 1/2 cup (115g) Oaxaca cheese, shredded; 1/4 cup (55g) chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 8-10 corn tortillas; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

By Zadie Penhallow · June 19, 2026 · Enchiladas

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total45 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I tasted Enchiladas De Espinacas Con Queso at my abuela's house in Guadalajara. The combination of tender tortillas, creamy spinach, and melted cheese was love at first bite. As a second-generation cook, I'm excited to share this authentic Mexican recipe with you, so you can bring a piece of our culture into your home.

This dish is special because it's a staple in many Mexican households, particularly during special occasions. The recipe may seem simple, but the key to its success lies in the quality of the ingredients and the technique used to prepare them. Fresh spinach, good quality cheese, and homemade tortillas make all the difference.

Enchiladas De Espinacas Con Queso is a versatile dish that can be served at any time of the day. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a weekend brunch, or even a special occasion like a birthday or holiday gathering. The best part is that it's easy to make ahead and refrigerate or freeze for later, making it a great option for busy families.

In this recipe, we'll take you through the step-by-step process of making Enchiladas De Espinacas Con Queso from scratch. We'll cover everything from preparing the spinach and cheese filling to assembling and baking the enchiladas. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, you'll find that this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal special equipment.

So, let's get started and create a delicious and authentic Mexican dish that will become a staple in your household. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, Enchiladas De Espinacas Con Queso is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make ahead and refrigerate or freeze for later
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion
Versatile and can be served at any time of the day
Uses high-quality ingredients and traditional Mexican techniques
Creamy and indulgent, with a rich flavor profile
Great option for busy families and beginners
Can be customized with different types of cheese and fillings

Why This Recipe Works

The success of Enchiladas De Espinacas Con Queso lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The creamy spinach and cheese filling provides a rich and comforting base, while the tortillas add a nice crunch and texture. The key to achieving this balance is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the filling and tortillas properly.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the technique used to prepare the spinach. By sautéing the spinach with garlic and onion, we bring out its natural flavors and create a deep, rich flavor profile. This technique also helps to reduce the bitterness of the spinach, making it a great option for those who don't like strong-tasting greens.

The cheese is also an essential component of this dish. By using a combination of melted cheese and cream, we create a creamy and indulgent sauce that coats the tortillas and filling perfectly. The type of cheese used is also important, as it affects the flavor and texture of the dish. In this recipe, we use a combination of queso fresco and Oaxaca cheese, which provides a nice balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Enchiladas De Espinacas Con Queso, you'll need a few essential ingredients, including fresh spinach, good quality cheese, and homemade tortillas. You can find these ingredients at most Mexican markets or online. When shopping for spinach, look for fresh bunches with crisp leaves and no signs of wilting. For the cheese, choose a combination of queso fresco and Oaxaca cheese for the best flavor and texture.

In addition to these main ingredients, you'll also need some basic pantry staples, such as onion, garlic, and spices. Make sure to have these ingredients on hand before starting the recipe, as they're essential to the flavor and texture of the dish.

1 lb (450g) fresh spinach leavesLook for fresh bunches with crisp leaves and no signs of wilting. You can also use frozen spinach, but fresh is preferred for the best flavor and texture.
1/2 cup (115g) queso fresco, crumbledQueso fresco is a type of Mexican cheese that's perfect for this recipe. You can find it at most Mexican markets or online. If you can't find queso fresco, you can substitute it with feta or ricotta cheese.
1/2 cup (115g) Oaxaca cheese, shreddedOaxaca cheese is a type of Mexican string cheese that's perfect for melting. You can find it at most Mexican markets or online. If you can't find Oaxaca cheese, you can substitute it with mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese.
1/4 cup (55g) chopped onionUse a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Maui, for the best flavor.
2 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use roasted garlic for a deeper flavor.
1/2 teaspoon ground cuminCumin is a essential spice in Mexican cooking. Use fresh cumin for the best flavor.
1/2 teaspoon paprikaPaprika adds a smoky flavor to the dish. Use sweet or smoked paprika for the best flavor.
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepperCayenne pepper adds a spicy kick to the dish. Use more or less to taste.
1/2 teaspoon saltUse kosher salt for the best flavor.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperUse fresh black pepper for the best flavor.
8-10 corn tortillasUse fresh corn tortillas for the best flavor and texture. You can also use flour tortillas, but corn is preferred.
2 tablespoons vegetable oilUse a neutral oil, such as canola or grapeseed, for the best flavor.

Ingredients for Enchiladas De Espinacas Con Queso

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet or sauté panCutting boardChef's knifeMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerBaking dish

How to Make Enchiladas De Espinacas Con Queso

1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4
Add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and cumin.
5
In a separate pan, melt 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the crumbled queso fresco and cook until melted and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
6
Add the shredded Oaxaca cheese to the pan and cook until melted and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Season with paprika and cayenne pepper.
7
In a large bowl, combine the cooked spinach mixture and the cheese mixture. Stir until well combined.
8
To assemble the enchiladas, lay a tortilla flat and spoon some of the spinach and cheese mixture onto 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 filling.
9
Pour the remaining cheese mixture over the top of the enchiladas and cover with aluminum foil.
10
Bake the enchiladas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the top is lightly browned.
12
Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

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 texture.
Add some heat to the dish by using more cayenne pepper or adding some diced jalapeños.
Experiment with different types of fillings, such as chicken or beef, for a unique twist on the recipe.
Make ahead and refrigerate or freeze for later, making it a great option for busy families and beginners.
Use a thermometer to ensure the cheese is melted and creamy, and the enchiladas are cooked through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overfilling the tortillas, making them difficult to roll and resulting in a messy enchilada.
Not using enough cheese, resulting in a dry and flavorless enchilada.
Not cooking the spinach and cheese mixture long enough, resulting in a raw and unappetizing filling.
Not letting the enchiladas rest before serving, resulting in a soggy and unappetizing texture.
Not using fresh and high-quality ingredients, resulting in a bland and unappetizing flavor.
Not experimenting with different types of fillings and cheeses, resulting in a boring and unoriginal dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced chicken or beef to the filling for a unique twist on the recipe.
Use different types of cheese, such as feta or ricotta, for a different flavor profile.
Add some diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the filling for an extra kick of heat.
Use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas for a different texture.
Add some chopped fresh cilantro or scallions to the filling for a fresh and herbaceous flavor.
Use a variety of spices, such as cumin and paprika, to add depth and complexity to the dish.
Make individual enchiladas for a fun and easy appetizer or snack.

What to Serve With Enchiladas De Espinacas Con Queso

Enchiladas De Espinacas Con Queso are perfect for serving with a variety of sides, such as Mexican rice, beans, and roasted vegetables. You can also serve them with a simple green salad or a slice of warm bread. For a fun and easy appetizer or snack, try making individual enchiladas and serving them with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese.

Some other ideas for serving Enchiladas De Espinacas Con Queso include:

Serve with Mexican rice and beansServe with a simple green saladServe with a slice of warm breadMake individual enchiladas for a fun and easy appetizer or snack

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Enchiladas De Espinadas Con Queso can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen for later, making them a great option for busy families and beginners. To refrigerate, simply assemble the enchiladas and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, assemble the enchiladas and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply bake the enchiladas in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat, as this can result in a dry and unappetizing texture.

Some other tips for storing and reheating Enchiladas De Espinadas Con Queso include:

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cheese is best for Enchiladas De Espinacas Con Queso?

The best type of cheese for Enchiladas De Espinacas Con Queso is a combination of queso fresco and Oaxaca cheese. Queso fresco is a type of Mexican cheese that's perfect for melting, while Oaxaca cheese is a type of Mexican string cheese that's perfect for adding flavor and texture.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach instead of fresh. Simply thaw the frozen spinach and squeeze out as much water as possible before using it in the recipe.

How do I prevent the tortillas from tearing when rolling the enchiladas?

To prevent the tortillas from tearing when rolling the enchiladas, make sure to use fresh and pliable tortillas. You can also warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.

Can I make Enchiladas De Espinacas Con Queso ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Enchiladas De Espinacas Con Queso ahead of time. Simply assemble the enchiladas and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat Enchiladas De Espinacas Con Queso?

To reheat Enchiladas De Espinacas Con Queso, simply bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat, as this can result in a dry and unappetizing texture.

Can I use different types of fillings, such as chicken or beef?

Yes, you can use different types of fillings, such as chicken or beef. Simply cook the filling according to your recipe and use it in place of the spinach and cheese mixture.

How do I prevent the enchiladas from becoming soggy?

To prevent the enchiladas from becoming soggy, make sure to not overfill the tortillas and to use a moderate amount of cheese and sauce. You can also bake the enchiladas for a few minutes longer to crisp up the top and prevent sogginess.

Can I serve Enchiladas De Espinacas Con Queso as an appetizer or snack?

Yes, you can serve Enchiladas De Espinacas Con Queso as an appetizer or snack. Simply make individual enchiladas and serve them with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese.

The Full Recipe

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