Description
A simple Easy Chile Relleno Casserole with layers of roasted poblano peppers, melty cheese, and fluffy egg batter, topped with a smoky homemade tomato sauce.
Ingredients
4 poblano peppers
10 oz Monterey Jack cheese (or Oaxaca cheese)
3 large eggs (room temperature)
2½ tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp milk
¼ tsp baking powder
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 Roma tomatoes
½ yellow onion
½ jalapeño pepper
2 small garlic cloves (skin on)
2 tbsp avocado or vegetable oil
1 small corn tortilla (street taco size)
1 tsp chicken bouillon
¼ tsp oregano
2½ tbsp water
Optional: fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream, avocado slices, hot sauce
Instructions
Roast the Peppers: Preheat the oven to broil and position the rack close to the broiler. Arrange the whole poblano peppers on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil for 3–4 minutes per side until blackened and blistered.
Steam & Peel: Place the peppers in a sealed zip-lock bag and let them steam for 5–7 minutes. Peel off the skins, remove stems and seeds, and set aside.
Prepare the Batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch baking dish. Separate egg whites and yolks. Beat the whites with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form. On low speed, add yolks one at a time, then incorporate flour, milk, baking powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and fluffy.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the egg mixture evenly in the baking dish. Layer two poblano peppers over the batter, followed by a sprinkle of cheese. Add the remaining roasted peppers and cheese, then finish with the rest of the batter. Top with the last bit of cheese.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until golden and set. Cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Prepare the Sauce: While the casserole bakes, char the tomatoes, jalapeño, onion, and unpeeled garlic cloves in a cast-iron skillet until softened. Peel the garlic and tomatoes, then blend with onion, jalapeño, tortilla, bouillon, oregano, water, salt, and pepper until smooth. In the same skillet, heat oil, add the blended sauce, and simmer for 3–5 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Notes
Use Oaxaca or Chihuahua cheese for a more authentic taste.
Add cooked chicken or chorizo for extra protein.
Make ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 13g