Chile Relleno Casserole: A Flavorful Twist on a Mexican Classic
If you love the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine, you’ve likely encountered Chile Rellenos — roasted poblano peppers stuffed with cheese, dipped in an airy batter, and fried to golden perfection. While absolutely delicious, traditional chile rellenos can be a bit time-consuming to prepare. That’s where the Chile Relleno Casserole comes in — it captures all the essence and flavor of the original dish but in a simple, bake-and-serve format perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
In this article, we’ll walk through a step-by-step guide to making this irresistible dish — creamy, cheesy, mildly spicy, and packed with authentic flavor.
🧀 What Is Chile Relleno Casserole?
Chile Relleno Casserole is essentially a deconstructed version of traditional chile rellenos, layered like a lasagna. Roasted poblano or green chiles are layered with cheese and a light egg batter, then baked until bubbly and golden. Some versions include ground beef or sausage for extra heartiness, but it’s equally delicious as a vegetarian dish.
🌶️ Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Casserole:
- 6 to 8 large poblano peppers (or canned whole green chiles)
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for richness)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin (optional for smoky flavor)
- 1 cup cooked ground beef or chorizo (optional)
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the dish)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream
- Salsa or enchilada sauce
🔥 Step 1: Roast and Prepare the Chiles
If you’re using fresh poblano peppers, you’ll need to roast them to bring out their smoky flavor and loosen the skins:
- Preheat your oven’s broiler or use an open flame on a gas stove.
- Place the peppers directly under the broiler or over the flame, turning them frequently until the skin blisters and blackens on all sides.
- Transfer the roasted peppers to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let them steam for 10 minutes.
- Peel off the charred skin, remove the stems and seeds, and slice them open flat.
If you’re using canned green chiles, you can skip this step entirely.
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