
Jennifer Aniston’s Enchilada Bites are a fun, bite-sized twist on a classic Mexican favorite. These mini enchiladas are packed with melted Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, topped with crumbled Cotija, and served with a dollop of creamy guacamole. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party dish, these enchilada bites are quick to make, flavorful, and delightfully crispy. Whether you’re entertaining guests or craving a fun and cheesy treat, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
These Enchilada Bites are irresistible thanks to their combination of textures and flavors. The tortilla cups provide a crispy base, while the melted cheeses create a gooey, indulgent filling. The enchilada sauce and diced onions add tang and sweetness, and the Cotija cheese gives a salty, crumbly finish. Pairing these bites with guacamole adds creaminess and a hint of freshness, making each bite balanced and satisfying. They’re small, shareable, and perfect for any occasion where you want something fun, cheesy, and delicious.
What Are Jennifer Aniston’s Enchilada Bites?
Jennifer Aniston’s Enchilada Bites are mini tortillas shaped into cups and filled with a combination of shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, enchilada sauce, and finely chopped onions. After baking until golden and crispy, they’re topped with crumbled Cotija cheese and served with guacamole. These enchilada bites are essentially handheld, bite-sized versions of traditional enchiladas, offering all the flavor in a fun and approachable form.
Cooking Tips
- Use a neutral oil: Brushing the tortilla cups with avocado, canola, or vegetable oil ensures they crisp up perfectly without adding any overpowering flavor.
- Cut uniform rounds: Using a cookie cutter or a glass ensures that all your enchilada bites are the same size, which helps them cook evenly.
- Cheese blend: Combining Cheddar and Monterey Jack gives the perfect balance of meltiness and flavor. You can adjust the ratio to suit your taste.
- Don’t overfill: Be careful not to overstuff the tortilla cups; this prevents spilling and ensures each bite stays intact.
- Serve fresh: These bites are best served immediately while the cheese is warm and gooey and the tortillas remain crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the tortilla cups in advance and store them unbaked in the muffin tin for a few hours. Fill and bake them just before serving for the best texture.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can experiment with other cheeses like Pepper Jack, Oaxaca, or a Mexican blend for extra flavor and meltiness.
Can I make a vegetarian version?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. To make it vegan, substitute plant-based cheeses and use a vegan sour cream or guacamole for serving.
Can I make them spicier?
Yes! Add finely chopped jalapeños to the filling or drizzle with a bit of hot sauce for extra heat.
How to Store
Store any leftover baked enchilada bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for 5–10 minutes to restore crispiness.
How to Freeze
Freeze the unbaked filled tortilla cups for up to 1 month in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Do not freeze the fully baked bites, as the texture will suffer.
Ingredients
- 6 (8-inch) flour tortillas
- 1 tbsp avocado oil (or neutral oil like canola or vegetable)
- 2 oz Cheddar cheese, shredded (about ½ cup)
- 2 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (about ½ cup)
- ¾ cup enchilada sauce
- ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about ¾ cup)
- 2 oz Cotija cheese, crumbled or grated (about ½ cup)
- Store-bought guacamole, for serving
How to Make Jennifer Aniston's Enchilada Bites
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tortillas on a cutting board. Use a 3-inch cookie cutter or similar tool to cut out 24 rounds. Brush one side of each tortilla round with oil and press the rounds into the wells of a muffin tin, oiled side down.
- In a small bowl, combine the shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Spoon about 1 ½ teaspoons of enchilada sauce into each tortilla cup, followed by 1 ½ teaspoons of diced onion and 2 teaspoons of the cheese mixture.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese melts and the tortillas are crispy and golden on the bottom, about 20–25 minutes.
- Remove the enchilada bites from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese on top and serve immediately with guacamole.