5 Ideas For What To Do With Leftover Enchilada Sauce

Do you have an open can of enchilada sauce in your pantry and don’t know what to do with it?

Enchilada sauce is a delicious ingredient that can be used in many recipes.

However, if you find yourself with too much leftover enchilada sauce, don’t worry!

There are plenty of creative ways to use it.

What are the best options for using leftover enchilada sauce? Leftover enchilada sauce can be used as a marinade for meat, stirred into soup or chili, added to macaroni and cheese dishes, or even poured over nachos! You can even use the sauce as an easy dip for chips.

If you’re wondering what else you could do with your excess enchiladas sauce, this article has got you covered!

We’ve put together a list of 5 top ideas for what to do with your leftover enchilada sauce – each one just as delicious as the last.

5 Ideas For What To Do With Leftover Enchilada Sauce

Enchilada sauce can go a long way.

But if you find yourself with some leftover, don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to use it up.

Here are five ideas for what to do with your extra enchilada sauce:

1 – Freeze the Enchilada Sauce

If you have leftover enchilada sauce, one of the best things to do is to freeze it for future use. The sauce can last for up to three months in the freezer, so it’s a great way to preserve it and avoid waste.

Before freezing the sauce, let it cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Squeeze out the air and make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn.

When you need to use the sauce, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it before adding it to your enchiladas. Thawed enchilada sauce can also be used as a dipping sauce or poured over other dishes like rice or roasted vegetables.

2 – Use It as a Marinade

Enchilada sauce is a flavorful and tangy combination of spices, tomatoes, and chilies, making it a great marinade for meat, fish, or vegetables. Simply coat the protein or vegetables with the sauce and let it marinate for a few hours before cooking.

For a quick and easy meal, try using the sauce as a marinade for chicken or tofu. Grill or bake it until it’s cooked through and serve with cooked rice or vegetables.

Alternatively, toss vegetables in the sauce and roast them in the oven for a delicious and flavorful side dish.

3 – Make Enchilada Soup

If you’re tired of using enchilada sauce only for enchiladas, get creative by making enchilada soup. Simply combine the sauce with chicken or vegetable broth, cooked chicken or beef, vegetables, and your favorite toppings like cilantro, avocado, and shredded cheese.

To make the soup, sauté some chopped onions and garlic in a large pot until they are soft. Add the enchilada sauce, broth, and any other desired ingredients.

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, until the flavors have combined. Serve with your choice of toppings.

4 – Use It as a Pizza Sauce

Another great way to use up leftover enchilada sauce is by using it as a pizza sauce. Swap out your usual tomato sauce for enchilada sauce to create a delicious and unique flavor.

Just spread a thin layer of the sauce over the pizza crust, add some toppings like cooked chicken, peppers, and onions, and sprinkle some shredded cheese on top. Bake in the oven until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

The resulting pizza will have a spicy kick and a complex flavor profile that will keep you coming back for more.

5 – Mix it With Queso Dip

If you have leftover enchilada sauce and queso dip, why not combine them for an amazing dip recipe? Mix the enchilada sauce with the queso dip to create a creamy and spicy dip that’s perfect for tortilla chips or raw vegetables.

To make the dip, simply heat the queso dip in a small saucepan until it’s warmed through. Add a few tablespoons of enchilada sauce and mix it until it’s well combined.

Feel free to adjust the ratio of queso dip to enchilada sauce to taste. Add more sauce if you want extra spice, or add more queso if you prefer a milder flavor.

Leftover enchilada sauce doesn’t have to go to waste. Use one of these ideas to stretch its use and enjoy its flavorful taste in new and creative ways.