Description
Baked Chili Rellenos Cheese is a flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring roasted poblano peppers stuffed with melted Monterey Jack cheese, topped with a light egg batter and cheddar cheese, then baked to golden perfection. This recipe offers a smoky, cheesy delight perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Peppers and Cheese
- 6 large poblano peppers
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Batter
- 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
Other
- Non-stick spray or butter, for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Roast Peppers: Roast the poblano peppers over an open flame or under a broiler, turning frequently until the skins are charred and blistered on all sides, which imparts a smoky flavor.
- Steam Peppers: Transfer the charred peppers to a bowl and cover to allow them to steam for several minutes. This process loosens the skins for easier removal.
- Prepare Peppers: Peel off the skins carefully, make a slit lengthwise on one side, and remove the seeds to reduce bitterness. Stuff each pepper with the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly.
- Arrange Peppers: Place the stuffed peppers in a single layer inside the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are spaced evenly for uniform cooking.
- Make Batter: In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly. Add the flour, whole milk, baking powder, salt, and black pepper, whisking until the batter is smooth and fully combined without lumps.
- Pour Batter: Pour the egg batter evenly over the stuffed peppers in the baking dish, allowing it to coat them well.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the batter-coated peppers for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden brown and puffed, indicating the batter is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked chili rellenos to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors settle and ensure safe handling.
Notes
- Roasting the peppers over an open flame adds authentic smoky flavor that’s essential for traditional chili rellenos.
- Steaming helps loosen the tough skins, making peeling easier and preventing tears in the peppers.
- Using a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses combines creamy meltiness with a sharper flavor contrast.
- Make sure to evenly distribute the batter and cheese topping to ensure consistent cooking and browning.
- Serve with a side of salsa or rice for a complete meal.
