Easy Boulders Enchilada Recipe

Transform your dinner table with this legendary boulders enchilada recipe, a recreation of the famous enchiladas that have made Boulder, Colorado's Mexican food scene legendary. These aren't your ordinary enchiladas - they're packed with rich, authentic flavors, smothered in a velvety homemade sauce, and baked until perfectly bubbly. Whether you've tried the original or are just craving exceptional enchiladas, this recipe brings restaurant-quality Mexican cuisine right to your kitchen.

Recreate Colorado's famous Boulders enchiladas with authentic homemade sauce and perfectly tender tortillas.

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Baked Boulders Enchilada Recipe in a white dish with red sauce, melted cheese, and fresh garnishes on a clean kitchen counter

Why The Boulders Enchilada Recipe Became Famous

First found in Boulder's vibrant food scene, the boulders enchilada recipe has earned a devoted following across the country. Moreover, their perfect balance of authentic Mexican flavors and modern Colorado interpretation makes these boulders enchiladas uniquely delicious. Additionally, while the original restaurant guards their recipe closely, this recreation captures the essence of what makes the famous boulders enchilada recipe so special.

Why You'll Love Making This Boulders Enchilada Recipe

Listen up, enchilada lovers - this isn't just another Tex-Mex recipe! First, these boulders enchiladas feature a scratch-made sauce that'll make you forget about the canned stuff forever. Furthermore, the filling strikes that perfect balance between cheesy and flavorful, while the tortillas stay perfectly tender without getting soggy. Best of all, you can prep these boulders enchiladas ahead and just pop them in the oven when you're ready to eat!

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Why The Boulders Enchilada Recipe Became Famous
Why You'll Love Making This Boulders Enchilada Recipe
Boulders Enchilada Recipe Ingredients
Why These Ingredients Make the Boulders Enchilada Special
Step-by-Step Boulders Enchilada Recipe Instructions
Boulders Enchilada Recipe Substitutions
Boulders Enchilada Recipe Variations
Essential Equipment for Boulders Enchilada Recipe
Storing Your Boulders Enchiladas
Top Tip
My Grandma's Magic Touch
A Few Final Words Before You Start Cooking...
FAQs
Related
Easy Boulders Enchilada Recipe

Boulders Enchilada Recipe Ingredients

Let's gather everything needed for these legendary boulders enchiladas:

The Famous Boulders Enchilada Sauce:

Dried guajillo chilies
Dried ancho chilies
Fresh garlic cloves
White onion
Fire-roasted tomatoes
Chicken broth
Ground cumin
Mexican oregano
Salt and pepper
Vegetable oil

Authentic Boulders Enchilada Filling:

Shredded chicken (like the original boulders recipe)
Monterey Jack cheese
White onion
Fresh corn tortillas
Queso fresco
Black olives
Fresh cilantro

Classic Boulders Enchilada Toppings:

Mexican crema
Diced tomatoes
Sliced avocado
Lime wedges
Extra cilantro
Pickled jalapeños

Ingredients for Boulders Enchilada Recipe, including dried chilies, garlic, tomatoes, chicken, tortillas, and cheese

Why These Ingredients Make the Boulders Enchilada Special

First, authentic dried chilies create that signature sauce depth that Boulders enchiladas are known for. Additionally, using fresh corn tortillas (never flour!) ensures proper texture. Furthermore, the combination of two types of cheese adds complexity, while fresh garnishes bring brightness to these rich enchiladas.

See recipe card for quantities.

Step-by-Step Boulders Enchilada Recipe Instructions

Preparing The Boulders Enchilada Sauce

First, toast dried chilies:
- Heat skillet until hot
- Toast chilies 30 seconds each side
- Soak in hot water 30 minutes
- Reserve soaking liquid
Then, blend sauce ingredients:
- Drain chilies (save liquid)
- Blend with tomatoes, garlic, onion
- Add broth gradually
- Strain mixture
Finally, cook the sauce:
- Heat oil in large pot
- Pour in strained sauce
- Simmer 30 minutes
- Season to taste

Authentic Boulders Enchilada Assembly

Prepare tortillas:
- Quick fry in oil
- Dip in warm sauce
- Place on work surface
Create the filling:
- Mix shredded chicken
- Add cheese portion
- Season mixture
Roll enchiladas:
- Fill each tortilla
- Roll tightly
- Place in baking dish
- Top with remaining sauce

Step-by-step assembly of the Boulders Enchilada Recipe, with tortillas, chicken, cheese, and sauce

Baking Your Boulders Enchiladas

Preheat oven to 375°F
Cover dish with foil
Bake 25 minutes
Uncover, add cheese
Bake 10 more minutes

Hint: For perfectly sauced boulders enchiladas, dip each tortilla quickly - don't soak them or they'll fall apart!

Boulders Enchilada Recipe Substitutions

First, let's explore how to adapt this authentic recipe:

Making Boulders Enchiladas Your Way

Chicken → Shredded beef or pork
Corn tortillas → Don't substitute (key to authentic boulders enchiladas!)
Guajillo chilies → Ancho or pasilla chilies
Fresh tomatoes → Fire-roasted canned tomatoes
Queso fresco → Cotija cheese

Dietary Modifications for Boulders Enchiladas

Make it vegetarian: Use roasted vegetables
Dairy-free: Use vegan cheese alternatives
Gluten-free: Already gluten-free with corn tortillas
Lower sodium: Reduce salt in sauce

Boulders Enchilada Recipe Variations

Let's explore different ways to enjoy this classic dish:

Traditional Variations:

Classic Chicken Enchiladas Recipe: The most popular version, featuring shredded chicken in our signature sauce
Shrimp Enchiladas: Fresh seafood twist
Beef Enchiladas: Using braised shredded beef
Pork Enchiladas: Made with tender carnitas

Creative Twists on Chicken Enchiladas Recipe:

Green Chicken Enchiladas: Using tomatillo sauce
Creamy Chicken Enchiladas: Adding sour cream to sauce
Spicy Chicken Enchiladas: Extra chipotles in adobo
White Chicken Enchiladas: Using creamy white sauce

Vegetarian Options:

Sweet Potato and Black Bean
Mushroom and Spinach
Roasted Vegetable
Cheese and Green Chile

Modern Fusion:

Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
BBQ Chicken Enchiladas
Mediterranean Style
Asian-Fusion Enchiladas

Pro Tip: While you can experiment with fillings, the authentic boulders enchilada sauce remains key to maintaining that signature taste!

Essential Equipment for Boulders Enchilada Recipe

Before you start creating these legendary enchiladas, let's make sure you have all the right tools on hand for success.

Must-Have Tools

First, gather these basics:

Large baking dish (13x9 inch)
High-powered blender for sauce
Large skillet
Heavy-bottom sauce pot
Strainer
Tongs for dipping tortillas
Measuring cups and spoons

Nice-to-Have Equipment

Additionally, these make preparation easier:

Tortilla warmer
Food processor
Multiple prep bowls
Rubber spatulas
Serving platter

Creating restaurant-quality enchiladas starts with proper storage methods. Here's everything you need to know about keeping your boulders enchiladas fresh and delicious.

Storing Your Boulders Enchiladas

Fresh Storage First, follow these guidelines:

Cool completely before storing
Cover tightly with foil
Refrigerate up to 3 days
Store extra sauce separately

Freezing Instructions For make-ahead boulders enchiladas:

Prepare but don't bake
Wrap dish tightly
Freeze up to 2 months
Thaw overnight before baking

Reheating The Perfect Boulders Enchilada

Oven Method (Best): 350°F, covered, 20-25 minutes
Microwave (Quick): 2-3 minutes, covered with damp paper towel

Pro Tip: The boulders enchilada sauce can be made ahead and frozen separately for up to 3 months!

Top Tip

Want to know what truly elevates this boulders enchilada recipe? Start by warming your tortillas on a dry skillet first, then brush both sides with oil using a silicone pastry brush, and finally dip them in your warm sauce. This simple three-step method ensures your tortillas stay tender but never mushy during baking, making rolling a breeze and keeping that delicious filling right where it belongs!

My Grandma's Magic Touch

You know what makes these boulders enchilada extra special? My grandmother's little secret from her tiny kitchen in New Mexico. She would always toast the dried chilies in a well-seasoned cast iron skillet that was older than me, swearing that "memories make the best seasoning." Then she'd add a small piece of Mexican chocolate while blending the sauce - not enough to make it sweet, but just enough to give the boulders enchilada sauce that mysterious depth that had everyone begging for her recipe. Now, 30 years later, every time I make these enchilada, I use that same trick (though sadly, not the same skillet), and somehow, that little piece of chocolate makes them taste exactly like the ones from her Sunday family dinners.

Final Boulders Enchilada Recipe served on a white plate with red sauce, crema, avocado, and lime

A Few Final Words Before You Start Cooking...

First, you're now ready to create boulders enchilada that'll make your kitchen the new favorite Mexican restaurant in town! Beyond just a recipe, these enchilada have a way of turning regular weeknight dinners into celebrations, and leftovers (if you're lucky enough to have any!) taste even better the next day. Whether you're making them for Taco Tuesday, weekend gatherings, or just because you're craving something spectacular, this boulders enchilada recipe has you covered. And when everyone asks for your secret? Well, that's between you, me, and that little piece of Mexican chocolate!

Rate this recipe and join our enchilada-loving family!

FAQs

What is the secret to good enchiladas?

The key to perfect boulders enchiladas lies in three critical steps. First, always toast and rehydrate your dried chilies for a deeper sauce flavor. Then, lightly fry your tortillas before dipping them in sauce - this creates a barrier that prevents them from getting soggy. Finally, don't overfill your enchiladas; less filling means they'll hold together better and be easier to eat.

Why are they called divorced enchiladas?

Enchiladas divorciadas" (divorced enchiladas) are different from our boulders enchilada recipe. They're called divorced because they're served with two different sauces - usually red sauce on one side and green sauce on the other, hence the "separation" or divorce on the plate. They showcase the delicious contrast between the two traditional Mexican sauces.

What makes enchiladas unhealthy?

While the boulders enchilada recipe can be part of a balanced diet, enchiladas can become less healthy when loaded with excess cheese and fried in lots of oil. However, you can make healthier versions by using less cheese, adding more vegetables, using minimal oil for tortilla preparation, and choosing lean proteins. Our recipe strikes a good balance between authentic flavor and healthier preparation methods.

What's the difference between enchiladas and mole enchiladas?

The main difference lies in the sauce. While our boulders enchilada recipe uses a chili-based red sauce, mole enchiladas are covered in mole sauce - a complex mixture that typically includes chilies, chocolate, nuts, and spices. Mole enchiladas tend to have a richer, more complex flavor profile with sweet and spicy notes, while traditional enchiladas like our boulders recipe focus on the pure chili flavor.

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