Chiles Rellenos
Chiles Rellenos are flavorful stuffed green chiles filled with melted cheeses, coated with a light egg batter, baked until golden, making a savory dish perfect for entertaining or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the seeds from the green chiles and dry them on paper towels.
- Cut the Monterey Jack cheese into 1/2-inch cubes, approximately 3 1/4 inches long.
- Insert a cube of cheese into each chile.
- Beat the eggs and add the flour until smooth.
- Add the remaining ingredients (milk, paprika, red pepper, pepper, salt) and beat until well combined.
- Place half of the stuffed chiles in a 7 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Cover with half of the grated Cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining chiles and cheese.
- Pour the egg mixture over all the chiles in the pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 60 minutes.
- Allow to set for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices such as cumin or garlic powder to the egg mixture. For a lighter version, you can substitute the Monterey cheese with a low-fat cheese alternative. If you prefer a bit of heat, try using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of Mexican recipes like the Chili Con Queso Appetizer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chiles rellenos warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream. This dish pairs excellently with a side of rice or black beans for a complete meal. For a festive touch, consider serving alongside the Easy Tortilla Dip for a delicious appetizer spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chiles rellenos in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the dish soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chiles Rellenos contains roughly 834 calories, with 24g protein, 161g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), protein (47% of the Daily Value), and iron (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 591mg per serving (26% 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 prepare chiles rellenos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chiles and the egg mixture in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, just pour the egg mixture over the chiles and bake as directed.
What types of chiles work best for this recipe?
Whole green chiles are ideal for this recipe, with poblano or Anaheim varieties being the most common. They provide a mild flavor and are perfect for stuffing. Make sure to choose chiles that are firm and have a vibrant color.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian-friendly! Just ensure that the cheeses you use are vegetarian-friendly as well. You can also add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
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).