Enchilada adventures: South of the border flavors

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If you’re in the mood to switch things up, there are 29 unique enchilada recipes waiting for you to try right from the south. These enchiladas offer various flavors and ingredients, making them stand out from the usual enchilada dishes. So, if you’re feeling adventurous let’s dig into this world of delicious enchiladas together!

Chicken tinga in a blue bowl.
Chicken Tinga. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Baked Spanish Rice

Baked Spanish Rice in two black baking dishes.
Baked Spanish Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Let’s take your sense of taste on a trip to Spain with Baked Spanish Rice! You wouldn’t believe how warm, soft rice, tomato sauce, and a medley of spices can be so comforting. It’s more than just a side dish. It’s a heartfelt accompaniment that raises the standard of your enchiladas. Want more, you ask? Well, you wouldn’t be the first one!
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who says salads have to be boring? Certainly not the Mexican Street Corn Salad! With charred corn, a twist of tangy lime, and a dash of spicy mayo, it’s anything but dull. It’s refreshing and bursting with flavors that interact with south-of-the-border recipes, especially enchiladas. Can’t wait for you to try it!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mango Habanero Salsa

Mango Salsa in a bowl with chips nearby.
Mango Habanero Salsa. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ready to spice up your salsa game? Meet Mango Habanero Salsa. With the sweetness of a ripe mango and a fiery habanero kick, it’s a salsa like no other. This addictive blend will lavishly top off your enchiladas and transform even the most basic tortilla chips into a treat.
Get the Recipe: Mango Habanero Salsa

Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

Grilled Steak skewers on a white plate with chilis nearby.
Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo offers a south-of-the-border twist to classic steak skewers. The Mojo Rojo sauce adds a zesty edge, perfectly balancing the smoky steak. Oh, what flavors it will bring to your enchilada night?
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

Texas Corn Succotash

Texas Corn Succotash in a black bowl.
Texas Corn Succotash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

May I suggest the Texas Corn Succotash for your enchiladas tonight? Brimming with sweet corn, crunchy peppers, and hearty beans, it is a delightful mouthful of contrasting textures. The southern-inspired feel of this dish will have you indulging in more, and your enchiladas will love the company.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash

Smoked Pork Belly Tacos

A closeup shot of two tacos filled with smoked pork belly and vegetables.
Smoked Pork Belly Tacos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Is there room for some protein? How about Smoked Pork Belly Tacos? There’s something about the slow-smoked pork belly that’s so delicious. Add a variety of toppings and a dish that brings another depth to your enchilada adventures.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Tacos

Mexican Black Beans

Mexican black beans in a white bowl with parsley and garlic.
Mexican Black Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

These are not just your basic black beans. They’re cooked traditionally to create a hearty, earthy base invigorated by a distinctly Mexican flavor profile. Halfway in, you’ll appreciate the enticing trip towards the south of the border.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Beans

Smoked Queso

Smoked queso in a black pot.
Smoked Queso. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Amp up your queso game with our smoked variety. It’s the melty golden cheese you can’t resist but with a laid-back smokiness. It’s like your palates went for a lazy stroll in Mexico. Halfway through, you’ll start picking up on the nuanced south-of-the-border spirit.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Queso

Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Chicken Tinga Tostada on a plate.
Chicken Tinga Tostadas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Want to explore a crunchier side of Mexican cuisine? Try Chicken Tinga Tostadas. They showcase shredded Chicken Tinga atop a crispy tostada, a delicious re-imagination of enchiladas. Whether a fun dinner or a quick snack, these tostadas won’t let you down!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Birria Pizza

Birria Pizza on a pizza stone.
Birria Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If your cooking expedition includes Italian cuisine, then Birria Pizza can’t be overlooked. Melding together the flavors of birria stew with a comforting pizza is like hitting a flavor jackpot. Feel it adding the finishing touch to your enchilada trip!
Get the Recipe: Birria Pizza

Cheez-Its Tostada

Cheez-It Tostada on a plate with hot sauce in a bottle.
Cheez-Its Tostada. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever wanted a quirky twist to a Mexican classic? The Cheez-Its Tostada is just that. Crispy, golden squares of Cheez-Its, topped with your chosen ingredients, bring a smile to your enchilada night. Simple as that!
Get the Recipe: Cheez-Its Tostada

Pico de Gallo

A shot of Pico de Gallo on a board with chips nearby.
Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Let me introduce you to Pico de Gallo, a classic and refreshing medley of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and zesty spices. It’s so timeless that it effortlessly complements any south-of-the-border meal. Yes, even your enchilada adventure!
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Arroz Verde

Arroz Verde rice in a black pan with tomatoes and herbs.
Arroz Verde. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

It’s time to bring a dash of vibrancy to your meal with Arroz Verde or as we call it, green rice. This blast of green ingredients, like cilantro and jalapeño, adds a pleasing dimension to your enchiladas. What’s more, it gives them a pop of color that will get you compliments on your presentation. Trust me, it’s pretty and tastes just as good!
Get the Recipe: Arroz Verde

Fried Tomatillos

Fried Tomatillos in a black cast iron pan.
Fried Tomatillos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re into new experiences, give Fried Tomatillos a try. Crunchy, golden-brown tomatillos make a tangy and welcome change to your enchilada experience. It’s a deliciously simple idea that’s oh-so-yummy!
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos

Guacamole Snack Board

A top-down shot of a guacamole snack board.
Guacamole Snack Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Aiming to personalize your cooking experience? A Guacamole Snack Board allows you to build your favorite mix of avocado, add-ons, and chips. What could be better than having a variety along with your enchiladas for all to enjoy?
Get the Recipe: Guacamole Snack Board

Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

A stack of chicken and pineapple on a vertical skewer on a cutting board.
Smoked Chicken Al Pastor. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A traditional Al Pastor taken up a notch thanks to the smoky chicken. The smoke adds a certain depth and the seasonings pull you further south. Going through, the flood of Mexican flavors becomes unmistakable. It truly is an adventure!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

A plate of empanadas on a slate.
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Enchiladas and Air Fryer Beef Empanadas, that’s your perfect pair for Mexican cuisine tonight. The empanadas, with their crispy shells and savory filling, will likely fly off the serving tray. They are the perfect accompaniment to your enchilada trip.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

Slow Cooker Carnitas Board

A platter of pork carnitas board on a wooden table.
Slow Cooker Carnitas Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Let your slow cooker work magic with this dish! Easy to prepare, yet the result is a plate of mouth-watering carnitas. You’ll taste the care and slow infusion of those tremendous south-of-border flavors. It’s like that slow trip to Mexico you always dreamt of.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Carnitas Board

Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

An image of Tex-Mex Caesar Salad on a square plate.
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever had a Caesar salad with that special Tex-Mex kick? It marries the substantial Caesar salad you love with those familiar Tex-Mex vibes. It’s like having a backyard barbecue right on your fork! And the south-of-the-border influences? Oh, they shine through every bite.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

Dutch oven Carnitas

Carnitas in a round black dish.
Dutch oven Carnitas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Using a Dutch oven makes carnitas even more satisfying. Slow-cooked to perfection, each bite sings with rustic notes. You’ll start to get that deep Mexican essence mid-bite. It enhances the whole experience.
Get the Recipe: Dutch oven Carnitas

Cream of Jalapeno Soup

Cream of Jalapeno Soup in two bowls.
Cream of Jalapeno Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sometimes, a comforting bowl of spiciness is all you need. This jalapeno soup provides just that. Its bold, creamy texture meets the heat of jalapenos. The sensation steers you closer and closer to Mexican flavors.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Jalapeno Soup

Al Pastor Carnitas

Al Pastor Carnitas in a white bowl with tongs.
Al Pastor Carnitas. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

How about well-marinated pork cooked to perfection? That’s Al Pastor Carnitas for you. Start digging in and it gets even more exciting as the tangy distillation of Mexican flavors starts forming the backdrop.
Get the Recipe: Al Pastor Carnitas

Taco Casserole

A Taco Casserole dish with black beans, cheese and jalapenos.
Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Think of it as a festive taco party layered into a heartwarming baked casserole. You’ll enjoy familiar flavors of tacos with a cozy casserole vibe. Halfway through the dish, the Mexican core starts shining brightly.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Chicken Tinga

Chicken tinga in a blue bowl.
Chicken Tinga. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

So, what’s cooking tonight? How about Chicken Tinga? A modest blend of shredded chicken in a slightly spicy, tomato sauce. It might not sound like a big deal, but trust me, it can turn ordinary enchiladas into an extraordinary Mexican feast! There’s something just amazing in the way it transports you straight to the south of the border with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Mexican Street Corn Soup

Mexican street style corn soup in a white bowl on a white plate.
Mexican Street Corn Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Experience street food joy right in your soup bowl! The corn and other ingredients blend perfectly to bring an invigorating spin to the soup. As you enjoy, the street essence of Mexico starts wafting through.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Soup

Birria de Res

Two white bowls filled with slow cooker birria garnished with fresh lime wedges.
Birria de Res. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

It’s a dance of savory and warming spices with meat playing the lead! Birria de Res is a hearty showcase of south-of-the-border flavors. As you savor it, the meaty Mexican spirit starts becoming beautifully prominent.
Get the Recipe: Birria de Res

Grilled Corn Guacamole

Corn guacamole with tortilla chips on a plate.
Grilled Corn Guacamole. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

This isn’t your everyday guacamole. Grilled corn introduces a delightful crunch to the mix. As you delve further, the creamy avocado with its Mexican soul becomes even more evident.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Guacamole

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Al pastor chicken quesadillas pulled apart.
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Take your quesadillas on an Al Pastor spin. A perfect surprise hides inside those lightly crisped tortillas: juicy, tangy chicken. Walk through the taste and those Mexican tones start underlining the whole experience.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Baja Fish Tacos

Baja fish tacos on a white plate.
Baja Fish Tacos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Let’s have a little taste of the beach, shall we? Baja Fish Tacos bring fresh fish, zesty dressing, and a gratifying crunch. Each bite feels like a Mexican beach vacation, with flavors as vivid as the Mexican coast.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos

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