8 Best Canned Enchilada Sauces to Elevate Your Next Mexican Meal
Top enchilada sauces to try, from classic red to exotic mole, cater to all tastes and preferences, providing a variety of flavors for your next meal.
When it comes to enchilada sauces, there are plenty of brands and flavors to choose from. But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which sauce is the best one for you.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of the 8+ best enchilada sauces available today – with a focus on canned enchilada sauce options. Whether you’re looking for a classic red sauce or something more exotic (mole!), we’ve got you covered.
So check out our list and find the perfect enchilada sauce for your next meal!
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1. Old El Paso Mild Enchilada Sauce
Old El Paso Mild Enchilada Sauce is a mild blend of Mexican-inspired spices that makes this sauce a staple in many kitchens. It makes the classic enchilada that so many people know and love. It’s used widely even outside of enchiladas. We like to mix it with tamales, empanadas, and more. We hesitate to call it the best-canned enchilada sauce – but it’s certainly the most popular.
2. Siete Green Enchilada Sauce
The Siete Green Enchilada Sauce is a dairy-free sauce that is gluten-free, grain-free, paleo, climate-friendly & vegan-friendly. It has a bright and tangy flavor and is made with whole vegetables, apple cider vinegar, and avocado oil. The sauce is perfect for baking enchiladas, chilaquiles, chicken tacos, carnitas, soups, and more!
3. La Victoria Traditional Red Enchilada Sauce
If you’re looking for a classic red enchilada sauce with a simple, pure taste, look no further than La Victoria. With over 100 years of experience behind it, this brand knows how to make a great enchilada sauce.
4. Wildtree Tia Rosa’s Red Enchilada Sauce
The Wildtree Tia Rosa’s Red Enchilada Sauce is a vegan and vegetarian blend that is made from certified organic, gluten-free, and dairy-free ingredients. The sauce includes a complex blend of tomatoes, chilies, authentic Mexican spices, and a hint of cocoa. It’s close to an authentic enchilada sauce. The sauce is perfect for enchiladas, and quesadillas, and even as a slow cooker sauce for chicken broth and pork.
5. Patricia Quintana Achiote Cooking Sauce
Patricia Quintana Achiote Cooking Sauce is a delicious, authentic Mexican sauce that delivers a rush of flavors using blends of spices, annatto seeds, herbs, fruit, and vinegar. It’s perfect for making cochinita tacos, chicken fajitas wrap, grilled meats and veggies, and more. Patricia Quintana sauces are made with all-natural non-GMO ingredients from small Mexican farms using the freshest ingredients. They’re handcrafted artisanal sauces that allow you to easily cook original Mexican dishes at home in a fraction of the time.
6. Hatch Green Chile Enchilada Sauce
Hatch Green Chile Enchilada Sauce is a great buy for those who want to make New Mexican dishes. It has a mild heat level and no MSG or gluten. The sauce also tastes great, making it perfect for enchiladas or other recipes.
7. Las Palmas Red Chile Sauce
Las Palmas Red Chile Sauce is a medium red chile sauce that has a deep, spicy flavor from the red chile peppers used to make the sauce. This sauce is perfect for marinades, stir-fry, dressings, and meatballs. You can also use Las Palmas Medium Red Chili Sauce to make delicious Mexican staples. Authentic Mexican meals start here with so much flavor and so many opportunities.
8. Frontera Foods Green Chile Enchilada Sauce
Looking for a delicious and easy-to-prepare enchilada sauce? Look no further than Frontera Foods Green Chile Enchilada Sauce. This sauce is made with fresh, all-natural ingredients and is ready in just 20 minutes. So whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or something special for a party, this sauce is sure to please.
Make Your Own!
Yes, this roundup is focused on enchilada sauces that you can buy and pour. But don’t overestimate how hard it is to make a good enchilada sauce. Here’s a quick guide.
How To Choose Best Enchilada Sauce
There are a few considerations when choosing the best enchilada sauce. Here are the primary ones to think about.
Price
You can get a jar of red enchilada sauce for around $2. That’s cheap street taco food right there. Or, you could shell out $13 and more for the good stuff. It will last you a few years too.
Country Of Origin
Some sauces may be more difficult to find locally. This is where shopping online comes into play.
Ingredient Balance
Some red enchilada sauces are hotter than others. Some are thicker. Look for one that has the consistency you prefer and a level of heat that isn’t overpowering.
Heat Level
Not too hot, not too mild. Any good quality red enchilada sauce will have some spice to it though.
Brand
Some brands will have a reputation for quality. Find a brand you trust and stick with them whenever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between red and green enchilada sauce?
There is a significant difference between red and green enchilada sauce. Red enchilada sauce is made with chili peppers, while green enchilada sauce omits the chili pepper and relies on tomatillos for its color. Red enchilada sauce is also typically spicier than green enchilada sauce – though this is only from commercial practice. In traditional sauces, green is hotter than red.
Is enchilada sauce spicy?
Enchilada sauces are spicy. Enchilada sauces have varying levels of spiciness, ranging from mild to very hot. The thickness also goes from thin enchiladas sauces to thick, making it an ideal type of food for enchiladas.
Can I make my own homemade enchilada sauce?
Yes, you can make your own enchilada sauce. A homemade enchilada sauce recipe will usually be simpler than a canned sauce. A homemade sauce will generally have fewer (but higher quality) ingredients, and will usually have less tomato sauce and more spices and peppers. Although mole chiles give red beef sauces their characteristic dark mahogany color, any Mexican or Latin market will carry small cans of mole paste that must be diluted according to instructions before adding it to the mix.
