When it comes to Mexican cuisine, enchiladas are a beloved staple that have captured the hearts and stomachs of food lovers around the world. While the classic red enchilada sauce is certainly delicious, there’s something to be said for the creamy, comforting flavor of a well-crafted white enchilada sauce.

Unlike its tomato-based counterpart, white enchilada sauce relies on a rich, velvety base of simmered onions, garlic, and a blend of spices to create a truly unique and flavorful topping for your enchilada creations. And the best part? You can easily whip up a batch of this versatile sauce right in your own kitchen.

1. White Enchilada Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a slight kick)

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and lightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onion-garlic mixture and whisk to combine, cooking for 2-3 minutes to lightly toast the flour.

Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Stir in the milk and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, about 5-7 minutes.

Season the sauce with the ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. If you’d like to add a touch of heat, stir in the cayenne pepper as well.

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your taste preferences.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the white enchilada sauce cool slightly before using. The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

This homemade white enchilada sauce is the perfect topping for your favorite enchilada recipes, whether you’re making classic chicken enchiladas, veggie-packed versions, or even a delicious breakfast variation. The creamy, velvety texture and savory, aromatic flavors of the sauce will truly elevate your enchilada game to new heights.

Feel free to experiment with the spices, adding a touch more cumin for an earthier flavor or a sprinkle of chili powder for a little extra heat. You can also use the sauce as a base for other Mexican-inspired dishes, such as enchilada casseroles, burritos, or even as a dip for tortilla chips.

So the next time you’re craving the irresistible comfort of enchiladas, skip the store-bought sauce and whip up a batch of this homemade white enchilada sauce. Your taste buds will thank you!

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Julia Jane is a home cook inspired by her mother's cooking. With the desire to share my cooking experiences with everyone, she created this website

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