Introduction to Baked Chili Rellenos Cheese
Welcome to a culinary trip that feels like an embrace for your taste buds! Cheese-filled Baked Chili Rellenos is the dish I look up to when things in life get chaotic and there’s a need to enchant my family on the dining table. Think of juicy roasted poblano peppers filled with melting Monterey Jack cheese ladled with an elegant creamy egg mixture that ties everything together. Short solution for busy nights, and oh boy, this cheesy affair will drag everyone to have one more serving. Let us get into this lovely recipe and make your kitchen a haven.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Chili Rellenos Cheese
This Baked Chili Rellenos Cheese is not just easy to whip up, it’s a flavor-packed dish that feels like a treat. In just 55 minutes, you’ll have a tray of cheesy goodness ready to serve. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend gathering. Plus, the melted cheese and roasted peppers create a delightful symphony of taste that will have your loved ones raving. Trust me, it’s a meal that brings joy!
Ingredients for Baked Chili Rellenos Cheese
Gathering the right ingredients for Baked Chili Rellenos Cheese is half the fun! Here’s what you need to create this savory masterpiece:
- Poblano Peppers: These flavorful peppers are the stars of the show. Their smoky taste enhances the dish beautifully. You can also use bell peppers if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: This cheese melts wonderfully and provides a creamy texture. Feel free to swap it with pepper jack for a spicy kick!
- Eggs: They form the rich and fluffy base that ties everything together. You can use egg whites for a lighter option.
- All-Purpose Flour: This helps give the egg mixture a nice structure. For a gluten-free version, try almond flour or gluten-free baking mix.
- Whole Milk: Using whole milk ensures a creamier texture. You can substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- Baking Powder: This ingredient helps the egg mixture puff up during baking. It’s essential for the dish’s delightful texture.
- Salt and Black Pepper: These basic seasonings elevate the flavors. Don’t skip them—they make a world of difference!
- Cheddar Cheese: Topped on the dish, it adds an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful golden crust.
- Non-stick Spray or Butter: Use this to grease your baking dish, preventing any sticking mishaps.
If you’re ready to get cooking, you can find the exact quantities of each ingredient at the bottom of this article, available for easy printing. Happy cooking!
How to Make Baked Chili Rellenos Cheese
Creating Baked Chili Rellenos Cheese is a delightful experience, and I’m here to walk you through it step by step. With these easy instructions, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal on the table in no time. Let’s get to it!
Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is important. It ensures your dish cooks evenly from the moment it goes in. Next, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lightly grease it with non-stick spray or butter. This step will prevent the chili rellenos from sticking, making your cleanup much easier.
Roast the Poblano Peppers
Now comes the fun part—roasting! This process brings out the peppers’ wonderful flavors. You can do this over an open flame or under your oven’s broiler. Turn the peppers around so they char on all sides. The skins should blister and darken, which will create that smoky flavor we love. Once they’re all charred, transfer them to a bowl and cover it. Letting them steam for a few minutes makes peeling easier.
Prepare the Peppers for Stuffing
After a short steam session, carefully peel off the skins of the poblano peppers. Be gentle since they can still be hot! Make a slit on one side of each pepper and remove the seeds. This will help to further enhance the flavors without the extra heat. Finally, stuff each pepper with shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Filling them generously will ensure every bite is packed with cheesy goodness.
Make the Egg Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, all-purpose flour, whole milk, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. This egg mixture acts as a creamy blanket for the stuffed peppers. Be sure to whisk until everything is smooth and free of lumps. This step is key because a well-blended mixture will create a fluffy texture in the final dish.
Assemble the Dish
Now that everything is prepared, it’s time to assemble! Place the stuffed poblano peppers in a single layer in your prepared baking dish. This ensures they cook evenly. Next, pour the creamy egg mixture over the peppers, making sure each one is generously coated. To finish, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. This will melt beautifully and create a lovely golden crust.
Bake the Dish
Slide the dish into the oven and let it bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it towards the end. The top should look golden brown and puffed up, indicating it’s ready to come out. Once done, allow it to cool slightly before serving, giving the flavors time to meld together. Your Baked Chili Rellenos Cheese will be the highlight of any meal!
Tips for Success
- Use gloves when handling roasted peppers to avoid skin irritation.
- Let the roasted peppers cool before peeling for easier handling.
- For a spicier kick, leave some seeds in the peppers.
- Prep the peppers and egg mixture ahead of time to save effort later.
- Feel free to customize with additional ingredients like black beans or corn!
Equipment Needed for Baked Chili Rellenos Cheese
- 9×13-inch baking dish (a large casserole dish can work too)
- Mixing bowls (use any sturdy bowls you have on hand)
- Whisk (a fork can do the job in a pinch)
- Knife for peeling and cutting the peppers
- Baking spatula for serving
Variations of Baked Chili Rellenos Cheese
- Spicy Version: For an extra kick, add chopped jalapeños or use spicy pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack.
- Meat Lover’s Delight: Incorporate cooked ground turkey or chorizo into the cheese filling for a hearty twist.
- Vegetable Medley: Mix in some sautéed onions, mushrooms, or spinach with the cheese to boost nutrients and flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese and almond milk to create a deliciously cheesy, vegan-friendly version.
- Quinoa Add-in: Stir cooked quinoa into the cheese mixture for added protein and texture.
Serving Suggestions for Baked Chili Rellenos Cheese
- Pair with a refreshing side salad with lime vinaigrette for a light contrast.
- Serve with rice and black beans for a complete meal that’s satisfying.
- A glass of chilled white wine or iced tea complements the flavors beautifully.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and avocado slices for added freshness and color.
- Offer some sour cream or guacamole on the side for creamy dipping options.
FAQs about Baked Chili Rellenos Cheese
Can I make Baked Chili Rellenos Cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the peppers and egg mixture in advance. Just assemble them in the baking dish and cover them until you’re ready to bake. This makes it perfect for busy days or unexpected guests!
What other cheeses can I use in this recipe?
While Monterey Jack is my favorite for its melting qualities, you can experiment with cheddar, gouda, or even queso blanco. Each cheese will bring a different flavor and texture to your dish.
Can I freeze Baked Chili Rellenos Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Just ensure to cool it completely before wrapping it tightly. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Is this dish spicy?
The heat of this Baked Chili Rellenos Cheese mainly comes from the poblano peppers, which are mild. If you’re looking for more heat, consider adding jalapeños or using spicy cheese varieties!
What side dishes pair well with Baked Chili Rellenos Cheese?
Try serving it with a crisp green salad, some Mexican rice, or even sweet corn tortillas. These pair nicely and create a well-balanced meal!
Final Thoughts
Creating Baked Chili Rellenos Cheese in your kitchen is more than just making a meal; it’s about bringing family and friends together around the table. The joy of watching loved ones dive into a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious is unforgettable. This recipe encapsulates a warm, inviting spirit that transforms any ordinary day into something special. With its rich flavors and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to be a hit for busy nights or joyful gatherings. I hope this dish brings as much happiness to your home as it does to mine!
Print
Baked Chili Rellenos Cheese
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Chili Rellenos Cheese is a delicious and cheesy dish featuring roasted poblano peppers stuffed with Monterey Jack cheese and topped with a creamy egg mixture.
Ingredients
- 6 large poblano peppers
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Non-stick spray or butter, for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
- Roast poblano peppers over an open flame or under a broiler, turning until skins are charred and blistered on all sides.
- Transfer the charred peppers to a bowl, cover, and allow them to steam for several minutes to loosen the skins.
- Peel off skins from the peppers, make a slit on one side, and remove seeds. Stuff each pepper with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Place the stuffed peppers in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- In a mixing bowl, beat eggs. Add flour, milk, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until fully combined and smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the stuffed peppers in the dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and puffed.
- Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to handle the peppers carefully to avoid burns from the charred skin.
- You can substitute cheeses if preferred, but Monterey Jack provides a nice melting quality.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and baked when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
