Cheesy Sour Cream Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this delightful Sour Cream Enchilada Casserole. Packed with creamy goodness and bursting with Tex-Mex flavors, this dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The heart of this casserole lies in the rich and tangy sour cream sauce that brings all the ingredients together in perfect harmony.

From neighborhood potlucks to casual holiday gatherings, this Sour Cream Enchilada Casserole has earned its place as a beloved staple on many tables. The creamy sauce, flavorful shredded chicken, and gooey cheese make for a winning combination that never fails to impress. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a cozy meal at home, this casserole is sure to hit the spot.

Don’t hesitate to customize this dish to suit your taste preferences – add extra jalapeños for a spicy kick, swap out cheeses to your liking, or even try a vegetarian twist with black beans or mushrooms. With make-ahead and freezer-friendly options, this Sour Cream Enchilada Casserole is not only delicious but also convenient for busy days. Get ready to savor every bite of this Tex-Mex favorite that promises to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Quick Benefits

• Creamy and Comforting: The sour cream adds richness and tang to the sauce, making it a comforting and flavorful dish.
• Versatile Ingredients: Rotisserie chicken, cheese options, and tortilla choices allow for customization to suit personal preferences.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the casserole in advance, store leftovers, or freeze for future meals without compromising on taste or texture.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Sour Cream Enchilada Casserole Recipe Recipe

• Easy Tex Mex Comfort: Enjoy the comfort of cheesy, bubbly casseroles with minimal fuss but maximum flavor.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dish: A go-to recipe for gatherings, potlucks, and casual holiday meals that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Creamy and Tangy: The sour cream-based sauce brings richness and tanginess that ties all flavors together perfectly.
• Customizable Toppings: Let your creativity shine with toppings like jalapeños, cilantro, green onions, avocado, and more, creating a personalized culinary experience.
• Versatile Ingredients: Easily adapt the recipe with substitutions like different cheeses, protein choices like turkey or beans, and even switching out sour cream for Greek yogurt.
• Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for meal prep, gatherings, or as a thoughtful gift, this casserole can be assembled in advance or frozen for later enjoyment.
• Adaptable for Different Occasions: From holiday twists to seasonal variations, this recipe can be tailored to suit different celebrations or dietary preferences.
• Creamy Sauce Perfection: Taking the time to create the sauce on the stovetop results in a luxuriously smooth and creamy texture that elevates the entire dish.
• Convenient Rotisserie Chicken: Utilize the convenience and flavor of rotisserie chicken for a quick and tasty meal option.
• Cheese and Heat Options: Experiment with different cheese varieties and adjust jalapeño quantities to tailor the dish to your preferred level of spiciness.
• Prep-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready for an easy and stress-free meal solution.

Ingredients for Cheesy Sour Cream Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Sauce

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon pickled jalapeño juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapeños

Assembly

• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 12 small corn or flour tortillas

Pro Tips for Cheesy Sour Cream Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Pro tip: Take your time with the sauce – cooking it slowly on the stovetop will ensure a luxuriously smooth and creamy texture that elevates the whole dish.

Pro tip: Experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor profile. Pepper jack, mozzarella, or your favorite melting cheese can be used in place of or in addition to the Monterey Jack and Cheddar for a unique twist.

Pro tip: Adjust the heat level of the casserole by varying the amount of jalapeños used. For a milder taste, reduce the quantity or omit them altogether. If you prefer more spice, feel free to add extra jalapeños for an added kick.

How to Make Cheesy Sour Cream Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Make Roux

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour and whisk for 1 minute until lightly golden.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Broth

Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds. Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking continuously.

Step 4: Thicken Sauce

Stir continuously until sauce thickens, approximately 5 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat.

Step 5: Season and Finish Sauce

Combine sour cream, chopped pickled jalapeños, jalapeño juice, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper, whisk until smooth.

Step 6: Layer Ingredients

Layer half of the shredded chicken and sauce over the tortillas in the baking dish, then sprinkle with 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese.

Step 7: Repeat Layers

Arrange the remaining tortillas, chicken, sauce, 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, and 1 cup of Cheddar cheese in layers.

Step 8: Bake Casserole

Place aluminum foil over baking dish and bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Step 9: Finish Baking Uncovered

Uncover and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Storage Tips

Once you’ve made the Sour Cream Enchilada Casserole, store any leftovers tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors and texture hold up well and can even improve over time. If you plan to freeze portions, make sure the casserole cools completely, slice it into portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and then foil. Thaw the portions in the fridge before reheating covered in the oven at a low temperature to maintain the creamy texture of the sauce.

For longer storage options, you can assemble the casserole without baking it, wrap it well, and freeze it for up to two months. Thaw the frozen casserole in the fridge before baking. Cover it while baking as directed, and then uncover to allow it to bubble and brown to perfection. Remember not to rush the sauce-making process, as the time spent on the stovetop ensures a luxuriously smooth and creamy texture that enhances every bite of this Tex Mex comfort dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

For those looking to make a vegetarian version of this Sour Cream Enchilada Casserole, consider swapping the chicken for seasoned black beans or sautéed mushrooms. These alternatives will provide a flavorful and satisfying filling, perfect for those who prefer meatless options.

If you’re aiming to lighten up the dish, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream. While this swap may result in a slightly tangier taste, it offers a healthier alternative without compromising too much on the creamy texture of the sauce.

Feel free to get creative with the cheese selection in this casserole. While Monterey Jack and Cheddar are traditional choices, you can experiment with pepper jack, mozzarella, or any other melting cheese you prefer. Each cheese will bring its unique flavor profile to the dish, allowing you to customize it to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

For an eye-catching and interactive serving suggestion, consider setting up a DIY Sour Cream Enchilada Casserole bar at your next gathering. Provide an array of toppings like chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, fresh lime wedges, salsa, and extra jalapeños. Let your guests customize their portions with their favorite toppings for a fun and personalized dining experience.

To elevate the presentation of your Sour Cream Enchilada Casserole, try serving individual portions in mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins. Layer the tortillas, chicken, sauce, and cheese in each vessel and bake until bubbly and golden brown. Garnish each mini casserole with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a charming and appetizing presentation that is perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.

FAQs for Cheesy Sour Cream Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is convenient and adds flavor to the casserole. Simply shred and layer as instructed.

Can I use a different cheese instead of Monterey Jack and Cheddar?

Monterey Jack and Cheddar work well, but you can use pepper jack, mozzarella, or your favorite melting cheese.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the casserole?

The jalapeños add mild heat. Adjust quantity or omit for a milder taste, or add more for extra spice.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Both work, but flour tortillas yield a softer texture while corn offers a heartier, traditional flavor.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Bake when ready to serve for convenience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sour Cream Enchilada Casserole is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the comforting flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine with ease and simplicity. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering, looking for a make-ahead meal, or simply craving a cozy family dinner, this casserole is sure to impress.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your Sour Cream Enchilada Casserole by customizing it with your favorite toppings, cheeses, or protein choices. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability, making it a go-to recipe that can easily be tailored to suit any occasion or dietary preference. So gather your loved ones, set up a toppings bar, and savor the creamy goodness of this beloved casserole that is bound to become a new staple in your home.