Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce

This Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce recipe is a total game-changer for your Mexican dishes! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a rich, flavorful sauce that’ll transform any meal into a fiesta. Perfect for smothering enchiladas, tacos, or even drizzling over your favorite burritos! Completely Vegan + Gluten-free Option.

When I’m craving enchiladas, this Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce is my go-to. It’s quick to make + perfect for more than just enchiladas—try it on tacos, burritos, nachos or whatever you like. It adds such a great spicy, tangy + earthy flavor that really makes a difference! Plus, it’s so easy to whip up, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the store-bought stuff.

I’m all about sharing those essential recipes that make a big impact, and mastering this Enchilada Sauce is a total game-changer! Unlike many Mexican-style sauces, this one skips the tomatoes and focuses on a blend of seasonings you probably already have. It’s super quick—just 5 minutes to prep + 15 minutes to simmer. Plus, it’s naturally vegetarian, vegan, and can be easily made gluten-free.

I'm always experimenting in the kitchen, trying to create quick, tasty sauces that won't keep you tied up for hours. Up next, you might want to try making your own Homemade Alfredo Sauce, whipping up some Homemade Pesto Sauce, mastering The Best Homemade BBQ Sauce, or adding a spicy kick with this Jalapeno Ranch Sauce!

Jump to:

• What Is Enchilada Sauce?
• Why You Will LOVE Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce
• How To Make Homemade Enchilada Sauce
• Ingredients
• Ways To Use Homemade Enchilada Sauce
• Variations Of Homemade Enchilada Sauce
• Can I Make This Enchilada Sauce Gluten-free?
• Homemade Enchilada Sauce Q + A's
• More Homemade Sauces + Dressings
• MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
• Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce

What Is Enchilada Sauce?

Enchilada sauce is a flavorful blend used to coat and elevate enchiladas and other Mexican dishes. It usually combines ingredients like chili powder, cumin, and garlic to create a rich, spicy, and tangy flavor. In this recipe, we skip the tomatoes and focus on a savory mix of seasonings that still delivers all the delicious depth and kick you love.

Why You Will LOVE Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce

• Amazing bold flavor --- Spicy + savory, with no tomatoes needed.
• It's so easy + so simple, that you'll make it on repeat.
• Customizable to match your heat level.
• So much better than store brought ---- Taste the difference with every spoonful.
• Suitable for plant-based diets + easily adapted for gluten-free needs.

How To Make Homemade Enchilada Sauce

To whip up this enchilada sauce, start by heating olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Toss in some flour and cook for a minute, whisking all the while. Then, mix in chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and basil.

Slowly add chicken stock (or veggie stock), whisking to keep it smooth, and let it simmer on medium-low for 10-15 minutes until it thickens. Once thickened, season with salt to taste, give it a good stir, and it’s ready to jazz up your enchiladas, nachos, tacos, and more!

Ingredients

SAUCE:

• Stock. You can use chicken or vegetable stock.
• Extra virgin olive oil. Feel free to use your favorite high-quality EVOO. My fave tried and trusted brand is California Olive Ranch.
• Chili powder. Feel free to use as much or as little as you prefer.
• All-purpose flour. This will help to thicken the sauce, you can also opt for a GF flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Spices + seasonings. Garlic powder, cumin, dried oregano, dried basil + sea salt.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS SAUCE!

Here, I've curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce. Everything from my fave pots, immersion hand-blenders, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Ways To Use Homemade Enchilada Sauce

Here are a few of my favorite ways to use this easy enchilada sauce:

• Enchiladas. The classic choice, slathered over your favorite rolled tortillas.
• Tacos. Drizzle over your tacos for an extra kick.
• Burritos. Add a zesty layer inside or on top of your burritos.
• Quesadillas. Dip or drizzle on quesadillas for a delicious twist.
• Nachos. Pour over nachos for a flavorful upgrade.
• Chili + soups. Mix into chili or soup for extra depth of flavor.

Variations Of Homemade Enchilada Sauce

If you make this sauce often and want to switch things up, here are a few of my favorite variations:

• Add some heat. Boost the spice with a pinch of cayenne or use ancho chili powder for a smoky kick.
• Turn it creamy. Stir in heavy cream for a luscious, creamy sauce.
• Tone it down. If you're sensitive to spice, start with a small amount of chili powder and adjust as needed after simmering.
• Bring the smoke. Swap in chipotle chili powder for a smoky, spicy twist (and a bit more heat!).
• Tomato it up. For a tomato-flavored sauce, mix in a few tablespoons of tomato paste for extra depth.

Can I Make This Enchilada Sauce Gluten-free?

Yes definitely! To make this sauce GF, simply swap the flour with GF-friendly flour and ensure that stock is GF-friendly. 

Homemade Enchilada Sauce Q + A's

More Homemade Sauces + Dressings

Check out these mouthwatering sauce/dressing recipes that your whole family will love, especially after trying the delicious Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce recipe!

• Creamy Avocado Pesto Mayo Sauce
• The Best Homemade BBQ Sauce
• Roasted Garlic Olive Oil Dip
• Jalapeno Ranch Sauce
• Spicy Restaurant Style Salsa
• Vegan Ranch Dressing
• Creamy Chipotle Dressing

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried this Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram  and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

Love this Post? SHARE!