Knock Your Socks Off Homemade Enchilada Sauce
Ditch the jar! This homemade enchilada sauce recipe is bursting with flavor. Easy, smoky, and perfect for authentic enchiladas mexicanas. Get the best enchilada sauce recipe here!

- Recipe Introduction: Knock Your Socks Off Homemade Enchilada Sauce
- Knock Your Socks Off Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe Card
- Ingredients & Equipment: Setting the Stage for Flavour
- Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Mania
- Step-by-Step to Homemade Enchilada Sauce Glory
- Pro Tips for Next-Level Enchiladas
- What to Serve with Your Knock-Your-Socks-Off Sauce
- Storage Secrets
- Tweaks and Twists
- Quick Nutrition Lowdown
- Frequently Asked Questions
Alright, let's dive into the good stuff! Ready to ditch that bland, store-bought stuff?
Recipe Introduction: Knock Your Socks Off Homemade Enchilada Sauce
Do you ever crave authentic Mexican flavors but feel intimidated? Honestly, making your own enchilada sauce recipe is easier than you think! Get ready for a total flavour explosion!
Quick Hook:
Fancy leveling up your Mexican game? This enchilada sauce recipe will blow your mind. It’s packed with smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors that will make best enchiladas ever.
Brief Overview:
This sauce recipe is inspired by traditional Enchiladas Mexicanas . It brings the authentic taste of Mexico to your kitchen.
It is a medium difficulty and takes about 45 minutes to make. This recipe yields around 3 cups. This is enough for about 12 enchiladas.
Main Benefits:
The homemade version lets you control the spice and sodium. Plus, you can avoid all those nasty preservatives! It's a fiesta in your mouth. Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce Easy to the rescue!
This best enchilada sauce is perfect for a family taco night or a weekend gathering. it is guaranteed to impress! what makes it special? the depth of flavour from the dried chilies and the customizable heat.
So, are you ready to learn How To Make Enchiladas Sauce ? It's simpler than you think, trust me! Let's check out the ingredients.
Okay, let's dive into what you need to make this knock-your-socks-off enchilada sauce recipe . honestly, the right ingredients and tools are half the battle, innit? this isn't just any sauce; it's homemade enchilada sauce , and it's all about that authentic flavour.
Let's get started!
Knock Your Socks Off Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 3 dried Ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded (2 oz / 57g)
- 2 dried Guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded (1 oz / 28g)
- 1 dried New Mexico chili, stemmed and seeded (0.5 oz/ 14g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (150g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (6g)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder (16g)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (2g)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (1g)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (1g)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (0.5g)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (411g)
- 2 cups chicken broth (473ml)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15ml)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (4g)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
🥄 Instructions:
- Rehydrate the dried chilies by simmering them in a small saucepan of water until softened. Drain, reserving some of the soaking liquid.
- Combine the softened chilies (de-stemmed and de-seeded) with a little of the reserved soaking liquid in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and cinnamon (if using). Cook for about a minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the chili paste, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavours to meld.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat, if desired. Thin with more broth if needed.
- Use immediately in your favorite enchilada recipe or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Ingredients & Equipment: Setting the Stage for Flavour
Okay, let's dive into the bits and pieces that make this sauce sing. I swear, once you try diy enchilada sauce easy , you'll never go back to the shop-bought stuff.
Main Ingredients for Best Enchilada Sauce
First up, the stars of the show!
Chili Paste:
- 3 dried Ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded ( 2 oz / 57g ) – These give it that deep, rich flavour, like a warm hug.
- 2 dried Guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded ( 1 oz / 28g ) – For a bit of brightness and fruity notes.
- 1 dried New Mexico chili, stemmed and seeded ( 0.5 oz/ 14g )
The Sauce Itself:
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ) – To get things sizzling.
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, finely chopped ( 150g ) – Don't skimp on the onion, it adds sweetness.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced ( 6g ) – Because garlic makes everything better, right?
- Chili powder: 2 tablespoons ( 16g ) – Don't confuse this with chili flakes!
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon ( 2g ) – Adds a bit of earthiness, like you're sitting around a campfire, you know?
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon ( 1g ) – A little bit of Mediterranean magic.
- Smoked paprika: ½ teaspoon ( 1g ) – The secret ingredient! It adds a lovely smokiness.
- Ground cinnamon: ¼ teaspoon ( 0.5g ) – Optional, but trust me, it adds a warm, comforting touch.
- Crushed tomatoes: 1 can ( 14.5 ounce/411g ) – The base of our beautiful homemade red enchilada sauce easy .
- Chicken broth: 2 cups ( 473ml ) – Veggie broth works too if you're going meat-free.
- Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ) – A little bit of tang to balance it all out.
- Brown sugar: 1 teaspoon ( 4g ) – Just a touch of sweetness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste – Seasoning is key, my friends!
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life
- Cumin + Chili Powder + Oregano: This is the holy trinity for that authentic Mexican flavour. Seriously, don't skip these!
- Smoked paprika, cinnamon: These are the flavor enhancers. They add depth and complexity, making your home made enchilada sauce red truly special.
- No apple cider vinegar? A squeeze of lime juice will do in a pinch.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
- A large pot or Dutch oven: For simmering all that goodness.
- Blender or food processor: To make that chili paste smooth.
- Small saucepan: To cook the chillies.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key, my darlings!
- Tongs: For grabbing those pesky chilies.
You can definitely whip up this sauce in a regular saucepan. Remember to keep the heat low and stir often. Now, you're ready to make those amazing enchiladas mexicanas .
So, there you have it! getting your hands on these things is like assembling your avengers, ready to tackle any cooking challenge.
Now, let's go make some best enchiladas ! you’ll see how to make enchiladas sauce is simple.

Alright, let's dive into making some seriously tasty enchilada sauce recipe ! Seriously, ditch the jarred stuff. This is way better. I'm gonna tell you how to make enchilada sauce .
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Mania
First things first, let's get organised. essential mise en place is key, honestly. measure out all your spices. chop your onion and garlic.
Trust me, it makes life easier! safety first , make sure you wash your hands especially after handling those chilies! nobody wants chili eye.
Step-by-Step to Homemade Enchilada Sauce Glory
Right, ready to rock? Here's how to make some homemade red enchilada sauce easy :
- Soften those Chilies: Simmer the dried chilies in water until soft, about 15 minutes . Save a bit of the soaking water, it's liquid gold!
- Blend It Up: Blend the chilies with some of that soaking liquid into a smooth paste.
- Sauté Time: Sauté your onion in olive oil until soft. Add the garlic and cook until you can smell it. Ooh la la!
- Spice it Right: Stir in your chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, and cinnamon (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Wet Ingredients: Add the chili paste, crushed tomatoes, broth, vinegar, and brown sugar.
- Simmer Down: Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes . Or longer, for extra flavour!
- Season Up: Season with salt and pepper. Taste, taste, taste!
Pro Tips for Next-Level Enchiladas
- Spice it up (or down): Adjust the chilies to your liking. Start mild and go hotter.
- Simmer Power: Simmering longer means deeper flavor.
- Mistakes to avoid: Not tasting as you go. This is important.
- Make it ahead Honestly, this can easily be made a day or two in advance. It actually gets better with time!
We are making best enchilada sauce and the best way to make home made enchilada sauce red or diy enchilada sauce easy is making with love.
This homemade enchilada sauce recipe is your ticket to flavour town. grab your apron and get ready for the best enchiladas ever! you'll never buy the store-bought junk again, promise!
Alright, so you've got your homemade enchilada sauce recipe all ready to roll, eh? awesome! but before you dive headfirst into making the best enchiladas this side of the rio grande, let's chew over a few extra bits.
These recipe notes will help you take your homemade enchilada sauce recipe from "pretty good" to "holy moly, that's amazing!".
Honestly, these tips are like the secret handshake of the enchiladas mexicanas world.
What to Serve with Your Knock-Your-Socks-Off Sauce
Presentation is key, you know? slap that diy enchilada sauce easy over some freshly rolled enchiladas. then garnish with a dollop of sour cream and some chopped cilantro.
Boom! restaurant-worthy. on the side, how about some fluffy mexican rice and refried beans? and don't forget the drinks! a frosty margarita or even just a cold cerveza pairs perfectly with homemade red enchilada sauce easy .
You know? it is what it is. if you want to go the extra mile, then add some guacamole and tortilla chips.
Storage Secrets
Okay, so you've made a batch of this ridiculously good homemade enchiladas sauce . now what? if you have leftovers of this best enchilada sauce , then store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
It will stay good for up to 5 days. want to freeze it? go for it! just make sure it's completely cool before popping it in the freezer.
It will last for a couple of months. when you're ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating is a breeze. just warm it up on the stovetop over low heat. or, if you are lazy, microwave it until heated through.
It really is that simple.
Tweaks and Twists
Wanna shake things up? of course, you do! for a vegetarian version of this home made enchilada sauce red , just swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth.
If you're watching your sodium, then use a low-sodium broth. or, if you want to spice it up and need more than just a best enchiladas , add a chopped chipotle pepper for a smoky kick.
And speaking of chipotle, i remember one time i tried adding too many chipotles, and my guests were gasping for air! learn from my mistakes people!
Quick Nutrition Lowdown
Alright, let's keep this simple. this homemade enchilada sauce recipe does pack a flavour punch. but it also brings some nutritional value to the party.
It's got vitamins from the tomatoes, and antioxidants from the chilies. each serving has a good dose of flavour without a massive calorie hit.
So there you have it! some quick tips and tricks to take your how to make enchiladas sauce game to the next level.
Now, get cooking and make some magic happen! don't be afraid to experiment and have fun. i believe in you!

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this enchilada sauce recipe spicier? I'm a bit of a chilli fiend!
Absolutely! If you're after a kick like you're chewing on a firecracker, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce while it simmers. Or, for a smokier heat, blend in a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce when you make the chili paste. Just remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away, so start small and taste as you go – you don't want to end up breathing fire!
I'm vegetarian – can I still make this enchilada sauce recipe?
You bet your bottom dollar! Making a vegetarian version is as easy as pie. Simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Also, double-check that your brown sugar is processed without bone char (some brands are). This enchilada sauce recipe is very adaptable so go ahead and try it!
How long will this homemade enchilada sauce last in the fridge, and can I freeze it?
Your homemade enchilada sauce will happily chill in the fridge for up to 5 days, giving you ample time to whip up some enchiladas or use it as a flavour boost in other dishes. And yes, you can absolutely freeze it! Just pop it into an airtight container (leaving a little room for expansion) and it'll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw it out in the fridge overnight before using – easy peasy!
My enchilada sauce came out a little bitter – what went wrong?
Bitterness in enchilada sauce usually comes from the dried chilies. Make sure you've removed all the seeds and membranes from the chilies before rehydrating them, as these can contribute to a bitter flavour. Also, sometimes simmering for too long on high heat can concentrate bitter compounds. Try lowering the heat and adding a touch more brown sugar or apple cider vinegar to balance the flavour.
What's the best way to use leftover enchilada sauce? I've got loads!
Oh, you lucky duck! Leftover enchilada sauce is a treasure trove of flavour. You can use it to make chilaquiles for a hearty breakfast, simmer it with chicken or pork for a delicious stew, or even use it as a base for a spicy tomato soup. It's also great drizzled over tacos, quesadillas, or even scrambled eggs. Think of it as your secret weapon for adding a Mexican-inspired punch to just about anything!
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