How to Make Homemade Dry Enchilada Spice Blend

When it comes to Mexican cuisine, one cannot overlook all the amazing spices and flavors! I created my Homemade Dry Enchilada Spice Blend because I wanted something versatile that could be used with a variety of enchiladas and also other recipes. With the perfect blend of savory and sweet, you can use this enchilada spice blend in beef or chicken enchiladas, or in my bison enchiladas or my butternut squash and black bean enchiladas.

Grab your corn tortillas and a delicious enchilada sauce and get ready to make a spice the whole family will love. 

Why this recipe works

• It’s simple to make and is ready in under 5 minutes!
• Versatility. It’s a flavorful base for any protein like steak or chicken, use in your favorite enchilada recipe or use it as a taco spice or in tortilla soup. It can also be used in vegetarian dishes. 
• Making your own spice blend means you can control your sodium intake, or if you’d like to increase the flavor of a particular herb, you could.

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Ingredients

• Ground cumin. With its nutty undertones, cumin adds depth and complexity to the spice blend. 
• Sweet paprika. Paprika give the vibrant red hue and a subtle sweetness to the blend. Smoked paprika can be used as well.
• Dried oregano. A staple herb in Mexican cuisine,oregano gives a refreshing citrus touch to the spices. 
• Garlic powder. Garlic brings that layer savory yumminess. 
• Ground coriander. Adds a citrusy smell and nuttiness to the spice blend.
• Kosher salt. This is an enhancer to the meat or veggies.
• Cayenne pepper. Adds a touch of heat to the spice blend. 

How to make Enchilada spice

Gather all your herbs and spices. Using a measuring spoon, add the herbs and spices to a small bowl. Gently combine with a fork or small whisk.  

Storage for spices

Store in a glass spice container with a lid or in an airtight jar at room temperature. You can store homemade dry rubs in your kitchen cabinet for up 6 months. Be sure to label the jar so you remember what spices you have on hand for the next time you cook. 

Variations for Homemade Enchilada Spice Blend 

Here are some additional spices that are amazing in this enchilada spice blend:

Spicy chili powder. Chili powder is often referred to as the secret ingredient of an authentic enchilada spice blend. I wanted to keep the spice level light because I needed it to be toddler friendly so I didnt add it. 

Onion powder. I didn’t add onion powder to this mix only because I normally add fresh sweet onions to my enchiladas or tacos. Onion powder will give the spice blend a touch of sweetness.

Crushed chipotle peppers or chipotle powder. OMG – this is seriously the perfect blend of flavors and makes the best taco seasoning!

Black pepper. 

Sugar. If you’re looking for a spicy sweet taste, try adding a touch of sugar. 

Uses for Enchilada spices

Whether you are getting ready to make cheese enchiladas or you’ve shredded up leftover rotisserie chicken, this enchilada spice mix will enhance any dish. Some of my favorite ways to use this spice mixture is with ground turkey, shrimp, beef, bison and chicken. Some recipe ideas are tacos, burritos, taco lettuce cups or use it on vegetables like roasted carrots or potatoes or spice up your corn on the cob. 

Use a tablespoon of seasoning to bring extra flavor to hummus or sour cream. 

Sprinkle on scrambled eggs or use on grilled meats or on top of mac and cheese or any pasta dish or rice casserole dish. 

Helpful tips for this seasoning recipe

– Use exact measurements but you can also measure abundantly. Playing around with different flavors is how you figure out what you like. 

– Use fresh spices and fresh dried herbs. That will be a game changer in flavor! My recommendation for spices is to buy according to what you know you will use up. I go through spices fast- every 4-6 weeks but I cook 90% of the week. 

– I don’t suggest adding more salt to the spice blend. Instead, taste test your dishes to see if more salt is needed and add gradually. If you are adding cheese to your enchiladas or tacos, that will increase saltiness as well. 

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