The aroma of roasted peppers fills the kitchen as you dream of diving into a warm, cheesy bowl of Chile Relleno Casserole. Imagine layers of tender chilies enveloped in creamy goodness that makes your taste buds dance in delight. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for any occasion when you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen.
I vividly remember the first time I made this dish. My family gathered around the table, their faces lighting up with joy as they took that first bite. It was a moment of pure bliss—a comforting embrace wrapped in melted cheese and savory spices that felt like home.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chile Relleno Casserole is incredibly easy to prepare and offers layers of flavor that will wow your taste buds.
- Its beautiful presentation makes it a showstopper at gatherings while being versatile enough for any occasion.
- The satisfying combination of creamy cheese and spicy peppers guarantees a delightful experience for everyone!
I still chuckle when I think about my cousin’s face after trying this casserole; he went from skeptical to a full-blown fan in one delicious bite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Poblano Peppers: Choose firm peppers for optimal flavor and texture; roasting them adds a wonderful smokiness.
- Shredded Cheese: Use a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar for the perfect melty goodness.
- Eggs: Large eggs help bind everything together, creating that fluffy texture we crave.
- Milk: Whole milk works best to achieve creaminess; no skimpy options here!
- Flour: All-purpose flour helps create a light batter that holds everything together beautifully.
- Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess; feel free to use Greek yogurt as an alternative!
- Onion: Chopped onion brings aromatic sweetness; use yellow or white for the best results.
- Garlic Powder: A sprinkle enhances flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Cumin: This spice adds warm earthiness; it’s essential for bringing out those Mexican flavors!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Roast the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place poblano peppers on a baking sheet and roast until charred and soft, about 20 minutes.
Prepare the Filling: While the peppers cool, sauté chopped onions in a skillet until translucent and fragrant. This step adds depth to your filling.
Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, flour, sour cream, garlic powder, and cumin until smooth. You’re aiming for a silky consistency here!
Assemble the Casserole: Grease a baking dish and layer half of the batter on the bottom. Add roasted peppers followed by shredded cheese before pouring over the remaining batter.
Bake Until Golden: Place your casserole in the oven for about 30-35 minutes or until puffed up and golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Serve Hot!: Let it cool slightly before slicing into squares. Serve with salsa or avocado slices for an added burst of freshness.
Now you have all you need to whip up this mouthwatering Chile Relleno Casserole! Enjoy every cheesy bite as it warms your heart—and let’s be honest—who doesn’t love an excuse to eat copious amounts of melted cheese?
You Must Know
- Choosing fresh, firm chiles ensures a vibrant flavor and perfect texture in your casserole.
- Preheating the oven makes a world of difference in cooking time and evenness.
- Don’t skip the cheese; it adds that gooey, irresistible layer we all crave.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by roasting the chiles until they blister, then prepare your filling while they cool. Layer everything in a greased baking dish and pop it into the oven for a deliciously bubbly finish.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor. You can also swap out the regular cheese for pepper jack to add a spicy kick to your casserole.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring that cheesy goodness returns.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Opt for a mix of cheeses for depth of flavor, like cheddar and Monterey Jack.
- Toast spices before adding them to enhance their flavors.
- Let your casserole rest after baking; this helps it set beautifully, making serving easier.
It was a chilly Sunday afternoon when I first served this casserole to my friends; their delighted expressions made all the effort worthwhile and turned an ordinary meal into something special.
FAQ
What type of chiles should I use for Chile Relleno Casserole?
Use fresh poblano or Anaheim chiles for authentic flavor and mild heat.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it a day before and refrigerate before baking to save time.
How do I ensure my casserole is not too watery?
Make sure to drain excess liquid from ingredients like tomatoes or beans before adding them.
Easy Chile Relleno Casserole
Savor the creamy, spicy goodness of this Easy Chile Relleno Casserole, featuring roasted poblano peppers and melted cheese—a perfect dish for any family gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- Fresh Poblano Peppers
- Shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar Cheese
- Large Eggs
- Whole Milk
- All-Purpose Flour
- Sour Cream
- Onion
- Garlic Powder
- Cumin
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast poblano peppers on a baking sheet until charred and soft, about 20 minutes.
- While the peppers cool, sauté chopped onions in a skillet until translucent.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, flour, sour cream, garlic powder, and cumin until smooth.
- Grease a baking dish. Layer half of the batter on the bottom, add roasted peppers and shredded cheese, then pour the remaining batter on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Add black beans or corn for extra flavor and texture.
- Swap regular cheese for pepper jack for added spice.
- Refrigerate assembled casserole overnight to save time on baking day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (120g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
