If you have to ask what it is, you either aren’t from New Mexico or you’re a hungry tourist desperately seeking to try this delectable state favorite. Think of a stacked enchilada as a layered Tex-Mex delight. The ingredients are essentially the same as a typical rolled enchilada, except for that it is served flat with meats, cheeses, and other favorite Mexican-style ingredients tucked in between the layers. While most stacked varieties are made with soft tortillas, some use crispy-fried tostado types to add extra crunch. While you can always have your favorite made your way, you’ll want to add the locally-grown and delicious green or red (or both) chile to the mix. And don’t forget about the optional egg! Here are some favorite spots where a stacked enchilada is legendary:
1. La Nueva Casita Café, 195 N. Mesquite St. - Las Cruces
Red chile makes this stacked enchilada option complete. In true New Mexican tradition, the food is spicy, but delightfully so. Consider getting their popular noodle soup as a tasty option to a side of rice.
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2. Cervantes Restaurant and Lounge, 5801 Gibson Blvd. - Albuquerque
People come from all over to get their enchilada fix here, especially when smothered with red or green chile. You can even buy the sauce by the case in the store immediately behind the restaurant - something visitors may not know - and even get it shipped home. Consider a combination plate where you can also get their carne adovadas, a flavorful, marinated pork dish. It's literally the best of both worlds.
Fresh ingredients and experimental combinations make this a beloved hotspot for traditional New Mexican food. The beautiful exterior attracts folks to the restaurant, but it is the delightful food and stacked enchiladas that keep them coming back. Diners rave about the hearty proportions and great service.
4. Guadalajara Grill, 1384 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur and 822 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte - Taos
The selections here are so good that the restaurant now has two locations in town. The guacamole here has a bit of a kick and is a perfect complement to your choice of stacked enchiladas. Homemade tortillas and a flavorful salsa are definitely pluses by many patrons. Don't expect anything fancy; the food is served cafeteria style. But portions are large and waits in peak times are worth it!
The blue enchilada with red and green chile is what many locals and returning tourists come for here. The café is worthy of a visit in itself before you even sit down and enjoy the local favorite.
Locals claim that the restaurant is like going to your family's house for a special meal. Those with a case of the hungries should add a bowl of their house green chili to complement the stacked enchilada platters. The best part is you can truly order it up your way, and staff will happily oblige!
7. La Cocina de Doña Clara, 4350 Airport Rd. - Santa Fe
Green chile chicken enchiladas are one of the most popular items on the menu here. The season chicken and generous portions is a genuine crowd pleaser. The lamb dish (birria) is also tasty, and diners swear the flan here is the best in the state.
8. Don Juan's Cocina, Don Juan's Cocina, 118 Manzanares Ave E. - Socorro
Don Juan's promises not to disappoint with its traditional red chili cheese and onions, although some foodies swear their green chile is the hottest in the land (and in a good way). Be sure to leave room for legendary stuffed sopapillas!
El Bruno's uses blue corn tortillas and customers rave about the fried egg on top. It's not really a breakfast dish, but can be, but the flavors and textures mind-meld into a deliciously pleasing combination.
Have you ever tasted stacked enchiladas, and if so, are they now on your short list of favorite Southwestern cuisine? Do you have other great Mexican restaurants in New Mexico to add to this list? We’d love to hear about your favorite restaurant to enjoy this beloved entrée. For another New Mexican food favorite, try this little stop on New Mexico’s Route 66.
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