How to Buy the Best Chilaquiles

Your Guide to buying the best Chilaquiles

Overview

Chilaquiles (or “chilis”) are a traditional Mexican dish that are made from lightly fried tortillas, combined with salsa, other vegetables, and sometimes cheese and eggs. The resulting dish is a flavorful combination of savory and spicy flavors that are sure to satisfy. With so many different variations available, finding the perfect Chilaquiles for your meal can be a daunting task. This guide provides all the information you need to better understand Chilaquiles, compare different types, and make the right purchasing decision.

Key features

  • Type of Chile - Chilaquiles can be made with either green or red chiles, and each offers a slightly different flavor.
  • Heat Level - Chilaquiles can range from mild to spicy, so make sure to choose the one that best suits your taste preferences.
  • Cheese Options - Chilaquiles can be made with or without cheese, and the type of cheese can also vary, so it is important to decide what type of cheese you prefer for your dish.
  • Add-ins - Some Chilaquiles dishes will include additional ingredients, such as onions, peppers, tomatoes, and other vegetables. Be sure to choose one that includes the ingredients you enjoy.
  • Toppings - Chilaquiles can be topped with lettuce, sour cream, avocado, and other toppings to make them even more delicious. Consider all of the available toppings before purchasing.

See the most popular Chilaquiles on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Versatility: Chilaquiles are highly versatile and can be served as a breakfast, lunch, or dinner dish as well as a side item or light snack.
  • Nutrition: Chilaquiles can be a nutritious dish, depending on the ingredients used, as it can contain proteins, fibers, and vitamins.
  • Budget-Friendly: Chilaquiles are a budget-friendly dish and can be made with relatively few and inexpensive ingredients.
  • Flavorful: Chilaquiles are a tasty and flavorful dish, as the tortillas are fried and then drenched in a variety of flavorful sauces.
  • Easy to Make: Chilaquiles are a simple dish to make and require minimal other ingredients, making them a great choice for a quick and easy meal.

Cons

  • Spicyness: Chilaquiles are usually served with sauces that can be quite spicy, so if you are not a fan of spicy food, you might want to consider milder options.
  • Size: Chilaquiles can be quite large in size, so they are not the best option for those looking for a light snack.
  • Time: Chilaquiles take some time to prepare, and they are best served fresh, so if you are looking for something that can be quickly made, you may want to look elsewhere.
  • Availability: Chilaquiles are not widely available outside of Mexican restaurants or Mexican specialty stores, so if you are looking for an easy to find meal, you may want to look elsewhere.

Best alternatives

  1. Huevos Rancheros- A traditional Mexican breakfast dish made with a fried egg, salsa, and refried beans.
  2. Quesadillas- A Mexican dish made with a corn or wheat tortilla filled with cheese.
  3. Tostadas- Tortillas that are deep-fried and topped with various mixtures such as beans, ground beef, cheese, salsa, and lettuce.
  4. Chimichangas- A deep-fried burrito filled with meat, beans, and cheese.
  5. Taco Salad- A salad that is made with lettuce, beans, ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, and salsa.
  6. Enchiladas- A tortilla that is filled with meat, cheese, and beans, and then topped with a spicy sauce.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Tortillas - round, flat, unleavened bread made from wheat or corn, used to make chilaquiles
  • Cheese - a dairy product used to top chilaquiles
  • Salsa - a type of condiment made from tomatoes, chiles, and onions; used to top chilaquiles
  • Eggs - a versatile ingredient, used to make a chilaquiles casserole
  • Frying Pan - a cooking utensil used to fry tortillas and assemble chilaquiles
  • Spatula - a kitchen utensil used to flip and assemble components of chilaquiles
  • Plate - a dish used to serve chilaquiles

Common questions

  1. What is the traditional way to make Chilaquiles?

    The traditional way to make Chilaquiles is to start with lightly fried corn tortilla strips that are then covered in a sauce made from tomatoes, chiles, garlic, and onions. The mixture is then simmered until the tortillas are softened and the flavors blend together. Finally, the Chilaquiles are topped with a variety of toppings, such as cheese, crema, onions, and cilantro.

  2. What types of sauce are typically used for Chilaquiles?

    The variety of sauces used for Chilaquiles depend on the region they come from, but they are usually made with a combination of tomatoes, chiles, garlic, and onions. Common chili sauces used are green sauce, red sauce, and mole. Some recipes may also call for the addition of spices and herbs such as oregano, cumin, and paprika.

  3. What toppings are commonly used on Chilaquiles?

    Common toppings for Chilaquiles include cheese, crema, onions, cilantro, and sour cream. Other toppings can be added to the dish depending on personal preference, such as avocado, jalapeno peppers, olives, and salsa.

  4. Can Chilaquiles be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner?

    Chilaquiles can be served for any meal of the day. They are particularly popular for breakfast, as they are a great way to use up leftover tortillas. However, they can also be served for lunch or dinner, as a main dish or side dish.

  5. Are there vegetarian versions of Chilaquiles?

    Yes, there are vegetarian versions of Chilaquiles. To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute the meat for vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. Additionally, vegan versions can be made by omitting cheese and sour cream and substituting a vegan-friendly cream or yogurt.

Trivia

An interesting fact about Chilaquiles is that they were originally created as a way to use up leftover tortillas and other ingredients. This was because the Aztec people believed that one should never waste food. In some Mexican households, chilaquiles are traditionally served on special occasions such as birthdays or weddings. They are also sometimes served as a hangover cure. Many believe that the chili-tomato sauce helps revive and restore energy. This makes chilaquiles a popular dish that people enjoy all over Mexico and the Southwest United States. Source: The Spruce Eats.

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.