Baked Chile Rellenos Recipe

Introduction

Baked Chile Rellenos are a lighter, cheesy, and comforting version of the classic Mexican dish. Roasted poblano peppers are stuffed with cheese, topped with a rich tomato sauce and gooey melted cheese, then baked until golden. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a festive meal!

Ingredients

For the Peppers:

• 6 large poblano peppers
• 2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, or mozzarella)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheese (for melting on top)

Instructions

1. Roast the Peppers:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Lightly brush the poblano peppers with olive oil.
   • Roast them on a baking sheet for 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally until skins are blistered.
   • Place them in a bowl and cover with a plate or foil for 10 minutes. Peel off skins gently.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a medium skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
   • Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
   • Stir in tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Stuff the Peppers:
   • Slice a small slit down each roasted pepper (without cutting all the way through).
   • Carefully stuff each pepper with shredded cheese.
4. Assemble and Bake:
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
   • Place stuffed peppers in the dish, cover with remaining tomato sauce.
   • Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top.
   • Bake for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden brown.
5. Serve:
   • Let them cool for a few minutes. Serve with rice, beans, or a simple salad.

Tips

• Roast peppers over an open flame or under a broiler for more smoky flavor.
• Use a combination of cheeses for extra gooeyness and flavor.
• For a vegetarian option, you can add sautéed mushrooms, corn, or black beans to the filling.