Chiles Rellenos (Egg) Casserole
Egg casserole featuring melted cheeses and green chilies, perfect for breakfast or brunch. Creamy, savory, and hearty, it suits a crowd or weekend family meal.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bread ⓘ
- butter or margarine, softened ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Jack cheese ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can green chilies, chopped ⓘ
- 6 eggs ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons paprika ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon whole oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
Instructions
- Spread butter or margarine on each bread slice.
- Cut the bread into 2-inch pieces and place in an 11 x 7 inch baking dish.
- Top the bread with shredded Cheddar and Jack cheeses, then sprinkle with chopped green chilies.
- Beat eggs until frothy.
- Add milk, salt, paprika, oregano, pepper, garlic powder, and dry mustard. Mix well.
- Pour the egg mixture over the casserole.
- Cover and chill overnight or for at least 4 hours.
- Uncover and bake at 325°F for 50 to 55 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding cooked chorizo or sautéed bell peppers to the mix. If you want a lighter version, swap out half of the cheese with cottage cheese or Greek yogurt. You can also use whole grain or gluten-free bread for a healthier alternative. To avoid sogginess, ensure the bread is slightly stale before using it in the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Chiles Rellenos Casserole is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a fresh avocado salad or some salsa on the side. For a complete meal, serve it alongside breakfast potatoes or a light fruit salad. This dish also makes a great brunch centerpiece, complementing other items like Picnic Cupcakes or Sweet Potato Breakfast Biscuits.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. This dish can also be frozen before baking; just bake it directly from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chiles Rellenos (Egg) Casserole contains roughly 1039 calories, with 30g protein, 215g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (152% of the Daily Value), and calcium (140% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 684mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before and let it chill in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to bake it the following day, and it will be ready to serve for breakfast or brunch.
What can I substitute for the cheeses?
If you prefer a different flavor, feel free to use pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder taste. Vegan cheese alternatives also work well for a dairy-free version. Just ensure that any substitutes melt nicely for the best texture.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when it's puffed up and golden brown on top. You can also insert a knife in the center; if it comes out clean, the casserole is cooked through. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).