Baked Chili Rellenos Recipe
Baked Chili Rellenos is a delicious Mexican-inspired dish featuring roasted poblano peppers stuffed with melted Monterey Jack cheese, coated in a fluffy egg batter, and baked to golden perfection with a cheddar cheese topping. This comforting casserole offers a cheesy, mildly spicy flavor perfect for a hearty meal.
- Author: Leo
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Peppers and Cheese
- 6 large Poblano peppers
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Batter
- 4 large eggs
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Other
- Non-stick spray or butter (for greasing)
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Roast Poblanos: Roast the poblano peppers over an open flame or under the oven’s broiler until their skins are charred and blistered on all sides, which brings out their smoky flavor.
- Steam Peppers: Transfer the hot peppers to a bowl and cover tightly with a plate or plastic wrap to steam for 10 minutes, making the skins easier to peel off.
- Peel and Clean Peppers: After steaming, peel off the charred skins carefully. Make a lengthwise slit in each pepper and remove all seeds and membranes to reduce heat and bitterness.
- Stuff Peppers: Stuff each peeled poblano pepper with the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, then place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish to hold the filling.
- Prepare Egg Batter: In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs until soft and frothy. Whisk in the flour, milk, baking powder, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth, uniform batter.
- Coat Peppers with Batter: Pour the egg batter evenly over the stuffed peppers in the baking dish, allowing it to coat and surround them.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the batter-coated peppers for a flavorful, golden crust after baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until the egg batter is puffed up and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Allow the baked chili rellenos to cool slightly before slicing and serving to enjoy the gooey, cheesy layers safely.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, leave some seeds inside the poblanos, but be cautious as they add heat.
- Use a sharp knife to carefully slit and deseed the peppers to keep their shape intact.
- If you don’t have Monterey Jack, mozzarella or a mild white cheese can be substituted.
- Ensure the roasting process chars the skin well; it’s key for flavor and easy peeling.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated, though best enjoyed fresh for texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
Keywords: chili rellenos, baked poblano peppers, Mexican cheese dish, vegetarian baked peppers, cheesy poblano recipe