By Wendy Stoltz / Last Modified On March 18, 2023

Homemade Gluten-Free Enchilada Sauce is savory, bursting with authentic flavor and a mild kick of spice. Your Mexican evenings will be completed with this tasty sauce filled with good for you ingredients. No more scrutinizing labels, your gluten-free enchiladas will be devoured with this homemade Mexican sauce made from scratch.

Store-bought sauces are often filled with nasties that we should just not eat. They are there to preserve the sauces for extended periods of time. Why not make this easy gluten-free enchilada sauce filled with goodness? It only takes 30 minutes, and you're done!

Get inspired in the kitchen with Udemy's gluten-free cooking courses, perfect for every palate and preference!

Gluten-Free Enchilada Sauce Recipe

Store-bought enchilada sauces sometimes add wheat, making them a no-go for those who eat gluten-free.

This gluten-free enchilada sauce is so simple to put together and tastes amazing with my gluten-free enchiladas recipe.

You won’t go back to buying enchilada sauce after you’ve tried this recipe. There will be no need; this recipe is just so delicious.

Why You’re Going to Love This Gluten-Free Enchilada Sauce

Simple to make - Wipping up this sauce is really easy! With really basic ingredients too!

Tastes so much better - Everything tastes better when made from scratch. And you can control the ingredients you place inside.

Easier on the pocket - Bottled sauces can be so expensive, but making your own is so easy and cost-effective.

INGREDIENTS IN GLUTEN-FREE ENCHILADA SAUCE

Avocado Oil – Adds healthy fats and a silky texture to your sauce.

Chili Powder – A must-have in any enchilada sauce recipe, chili powder adds the main flavor and some spicy notes to this recipe.

Cumin – A classic flavor note in taco-style recipes, cumin is a must.

Garlic Powder – Garlic powder adds a warm and savory flavor.

Onion Powder – More and more flavor here. Onion powder pairs well with garlic powder and the other spices in this recipe.

Salt – Seasoning this sauce well is key in making delicious enchiladas.

Black Pepper – Adds a small bit of heat.

Tomato Paste – Tangy and bright, this gives the sauce its red color and fresh flavor. This is not tomato sauce. Use a tomato paste. Tomato sauce is thinner and has added ingredients whereas tomato paste has been cooked for an extended period of time.

Bone Broth or Stock – Use whichever you have on hand. Chicken, beef, or vegetable broth works here.

Xanthan Gum – Xanthan gum acts as a thickener. But it's optional.

Apple Cider Vinegar – Adding vinegar at the end gives this sauce a bright finish.

Equipment Needed for This Gluten-Free Enchilada Sauce

Saucepan - Use a medium-sized saucepan.

Whisk - I like to use a stainless-steel whisk.

Storage jar - Use these glass jars to store the sauce in the fridge.

If you have any questions about making Gluten-Free Enchilada Sauce, please leave a comment, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

HOW TO MAKE GLUTEN-FREE ENCHILADA SAUCE

1. Warm oil in a medium saucepan set over medium heat, then add the spices.
2. Toast spices, then add tomato paste.
3. Slowly pour in the broth, whisking constantly to remove lumps.
4. Stir in xanthan gum (optional for thickening it).
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the sauce has thickened.
6. When thick, remove from heat and whisk in the vinegar. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed. Use in your favorite enchilada recipe. Store in a jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Tips for Making the Best Gluten-Free Enchilada Sauce

Use spices that are fresh - The fresher the spices, the better, as they add so much flavor to the sauce.

Use a good quality broth or stock - This is the main ingredient, so it is worth buying a good brand. Alternatively, I like to make my own. 

Thicken the sauce to your liking - It is best to adjust the sauce thickness to the way you like it. Some prefer it thicker, while others prefer it runnier.

Frequently Asked Questions

IS ENCHILADA SAUCE GLUTEN-FREE?

This homemade enchilada sauce is gluten-free, but anything you might buy at the grocery store in a can or jar may not be. Please make sure to read all labels before purchasing any ingredients or sauces at the store.

My recipe for gluten-free enchilada sauce doesn’t include any sweeteners, so it's naturally refined and sugar-free.

How Can You Thicken Enchilada Sauce Naturally?

There are various ways to thicken the sauce naturally. I like to simmer it for longer on low heat and continue stirring it at certain times so it does not stick. If you want a quicker option, add xanthan gum. 

How Do I Store Gluten-Free Enchilada Sauce?

Store it in a jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Can I Freeze Gluten-Free Enchilada Sauce?

You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Use a freezer-safe container.

What Substitutions / Replacements Can I Make in This Gluten-Free Enchilada Sauce?

Dairy-free - This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy free. 

Vegetarian / Vegan - Use a vegetarian stock. 

Does Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce Have Gluten?

Old El Paso red enchilada sauce is not certified gluten-free. This red enchilada sauce is not made in a dedicated gluten-free facility. Check the different sauces within the range to be 100% sure as you can see, the red enchilada sauce is gluten-free, but others within the range are not.

Is All Enchilada Sauce Gluten-Free?

No, unfortunately, not all enchilada sauce is gluten-free. Some do contain wheat as an ingredient. Check the food labels to be 100% sure.

Is Rosarita Enchilada Sauce Gluten-Free?

Rosarita enchilada sauce is not certified gluten-free. Again check within the range as products do change. I always check labels, even if it is an item I purchase regularly.

Which Enchilada Sauces Are Gluten-Free?

These are gluten-free enchilada sauce brands:

• Old El Paso Red Enchilada Sauce 
• La Victoria Red Enchilada Sauce
• Hatch Red Medium Enchilada Sauce
• Siete Red Enchilada Sauce - It is labeled gluten-free.

WHAT CAN YOU MAKE WITH GLUTEN-FREE ENCHILADA SAUCE?

Besides my gluten-free enchilada recipe, there are lots of other things you can make with enchilada sauce:

Use enchilada sauce recipes to top burgers, hot dogs, or sausages to give them a Mexican flair.

Add this sauce to some cooked meat and serve as gluten-free tacos on gluten-free tortillas. Try my taco seasoning with only 6 ingredients. You can call it “lazy enchiladas”. Top with lettuce and sour cream.

Serve this gluten-free enchilada sauce with eggs for breakfast. Fry an egg, and top with a little bit of sauce and cheese for a twist on gluten-free huevos rancheros.

MORE DELICIOUS GLUTEN-FREE MEXICAN RECIPES

• Instant pot carnitas is one of our favorite quick instant pot recipes, and you can drizzle enchilada sauce on top for a fun twist or make the traditional dish with this gluten-free enchiladas recipe. 
• For a crowd-pleasing appetizer (or main dish if you make a lot!), try our insanely delicious gluten-free empanadas. Or start off with this delicious crack corn dip!
• If you're looking for a side dish, try these crockpot black beans.
• I have a recipe for homemade gluten-free taco seasoning too. Keep that one on hand whenever the taco mood strikes.
• And for dessert, make these easy gluten-free churros! 

Continue to Content

Yield: 2 cups

Gluten-Free Enchilada Sauce

Print

Homemade Gluten-Free Enchilada Sauce is savory, bursting with authentic flavor and a mild kick of spice. Your Mexican evenings will be complete with this sauce.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Additional Time 15 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons avocado oil
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoons salt
• ¼ teaspoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 cups bone broth or stock (beef, chicken, or vegetable)
• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional to thicken it)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Warm oil in a medium saucepan set over medium heat, then add spices.
2. Toast for 1 minute, then add tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Slowly pour in broth, whisking to constantly to remove lumps.
4. Stir in xanthan gum (optional for thickening it).
5. Raise heat to medium-high and bring mixture to a low boil, then reduce heat and simmer until sauce has thickened, about 5-6 minutes.
6. When thick, remove from heat, then whisk in the vinegar and season to taste with more salt and pepper.
7. Use in your favorite enchilada recipe. Store leftovers in a mason jar for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Notes

• Fresh ingredients work best.
• Use this enchilada sauce within 5 days of making it, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. They never cost you extra.

• 
  Utopia Kitchen Nonstick Saucepan Set - 1 Quart and 2 Quart Sauce Pan Set with Lid - Multipurpose Pots Set Use for Home Kitchen or Restaurant (Grey-Black)
• 
  OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk,Black
• 
  Ball Regular Mouth 32-Ounces Mason Jar with Lids and Bands, Clear,(Pack Of 2)

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

2

Serving Size:

¼ cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 310Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 1427mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 4gSugar: 4gProtein: 14g

This nutrition info is based on the exact ingredients and brands that I used a the time. It may not be 100% accurate. Please check your ingredients nutrition labels.

Did you make this Gluten-Free Enchilada Sauce? Please leave me a comment below, letting me know what you thought.