Whether or not to cover enchiladas while cooking is a common question many home cooks have. Both covered and uncovered methods have their benefits, so it often comes down to personal preference. This article will examine the pros and cons of covered vs. uncovered enchiladas to help you decide which is best for your needs.
What are the benefits of cooking enchiladas covered?
Keeps enchiladas moist
One of the main benefits of covering enchiladas while cooking is that it helps retain moisture. The lid traps in steam so that the tortillas don’t dry out. This is especially helpful when baking enchiladas, as the oven heat can quickly make them too dry if left uncovered.
Allows cheese to melt thoroughly
Covering enchiladas as they cook allows any cheese topping to melt evenly throughout. If left uncovered, the top of the cheese may overbrown while the interior remains unmelted. Covering helps the cheese melt all the way through to the center of the dish.
Saves cleanup time
Covering contained any splatters or bubbles that may arise while enchiladas cook. Leaving the pan uncovered runs the risk of ingredients bubbling over and making a mess in your oven. Covering keeps things tidy.
Intensifies flavors
Trapping in steam while cooking concentrates the flavors of the dish. Much like braising meat or stewing vegetables, covered cooking allows flavors to mingle and become more robust.
What are the benefits of cooking enchiladas uncovered?
Crisps the tortillas
Leaving enchiladas uncovered as they cook allows the edges and tops of the tortillas to become crispy in spots. This adds nice texture variety. Covered tortillas will steam and remain soft throughout.
Browns cheese evenly
Uncovered cooking allows any cheese topping to brown evenly over the surface of the enchiladas. Covered cheese only browns around the edges where exposed. Fans of cheesy browned tops may prefer uncovered cooking.
Thickens sauce
Any sauce or gravy base will reduce faster when uncovered. This results in a thicker, richer sauce vs. the thinner sauce from covered cooking. If you prefer a thicker enchilada sauce, uncover them while cooking.
Prevents sogginess
Leaving enchiladas uncovered reduces the risk of the tortillas becoming soggy from too much steam. Uncovered cooking allows any excess moisture to evaporate.
Should you cover enchiladas when baking vs. stove top?
In general, covering is more beneficial when baking enchiladas in the oven. The dry heat of an oven makes it more likely the enchiladas will dry out or over-brown when uncovered. Covering them while baking helps prevent this.
On the stovetop, you can go either way. Covering will help cheese melt faster and keep in moisture. But leaving the pan uncovered will offer more crispy textures from uncovered tortilla edges and thicker sauce reduction.
You can also try uncovered stovetop cooking first to crisp and thicken, then add a cover near the end just to finish melting the cheese through.
Baking Enchiladas Covered
- Keeps interior moist and prevents drying out
- Cheese melts evenly throughout
- Intensifies flavor development
- Minimizes splatter mess
Baking Enchiladas Uncovered
- Creates crispy tortilla edges
- Allows excess moisture to evaporate
- Forms an evenly browned cheese crust
- Reduces risks of sogginess
Stovetop Enchilada Cooking Methods
Covered on Stovetop
- Melts cheese faster
- Keeps interior moist
- Intensifies flavors
- Creates a thinner sauce
Uncovered on Stovetop
- Crisps tortilla edges
- Reduces moisture for less sogginess
- Thickens and reduces sauce
- Browns cheese evenly
Tips for Perfect Enchiladas
Use corn tortillas
Corn tortillas hold up better to moist fillings and enchilada sauce than flour. Flour tends to get soggy and fall apart.
Pre-heat tortillas
Dip tortillas in hot sauce or fry quickly in oil before filling and rolling. This prevents cracking as you roll them up.
Don’t overfill
Overstuffed enchiladas are hard to roll up neatly. Add just enough filling so you can fully wrap the tortilla around it.
Use enough sauce
Spoon sauce over the rolled enchiladas as you place them in the pan, then pour additional sauce over the top to prevent drying out.
Let rest before serving
Let baked or stove top enchiladas rest 5-10 minutes before cutting to allow flavors to meld.
Conlusion
The choice between covering or uncovering enchiladas depends on your preferences for texture and moisture. Covered enchiladas are ideal if you like a moist, cheesy interior with a thinner sauce. Uncovered cooking lends itself to crispy edges, reduced sauce, and an evenly browned crust. Consider your desired results, or try both covered and uncovered methods to see which you prefer. Proper filling, rolling, sauce amount, and resting time are also key for enchilada success.