Deconstructed Delight: A Simple & Delicious Chili Relleno Casserole Recipe

Chili Rellenos, those cheesy, battered, and fried poblano peppers, are a beloved dish, but let’s face it, they can be a bit time-consuming and intimidating to make. That’s where the Chili Relleno Casserole comes to the rescue! This deconstructed version captures all the flavors and textures you love about traditional chili rellenos, but in a much simpler, bake-and-serve format. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any time you’re craving that comforting Mexican flavor without the fuss. This recipe is designed to be approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, with clear instructions and readily available ingredients. Get ready to experience the deliciousness of chili rellenos in a whole new, easier way!

## Why You’ll Love This Chili Relleno Casserole

* **Easy to Make:** Forget the deep frying and delicate pepper stuffing. This casserole comes together quickly with minimal effort.
* **Big on Flavor:** All the classic chili relleno flavors are here: roasted poblano peppers, melty cheese, and a flavorful egg custard.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different cheeses, meats, or vegetables.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This casserole is always a hit at potlucks and gatherings.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather your ingredients. This recipe uses common pantry staples and fresh produce, so you should be able to find everything you need at your local grocery store.

* **Poblano Peppers:** The star of the show! You’ll need about 6-8 poblano peppers, depending on their size. Look for firm, unblemished peppers with a deep green color. The roasting process mellows the slight heat of the peppers and brings out their rich flavor.
* **Cheese:** A generous amount of cheese is essential for that classic chili relleno flavor. Monterey Jack is the traditional choice, as it melts beautifully and has a mild, creamy flavor. However, you can also use other melting cheeses like cheddar, Oaxaca, or even a blend of cheeses.
* **Eggs:** Eggs form the base of the custard that holds the casserole together. They provide richness and structure to the dish.
* **Milk:** Milk adds moisture and creaminess to the custard. You can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even a non-dairy milk alternative like almond milk or oat milk.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** A small amount of flour helps to thicken the custard and prevent it from becoming too runny.
* **Onion:** Diced onion adds savory flavor to the casserole. You can use yellow onion, white onion, or even red onion.
* **Garlic:** Minced garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor that complements the poblano peppers and cheese.
* **Cumin:** Ground cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor that is characteristic of Mexican cuisine.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste, to season the casserole.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Get creative and add your favorite ingredients! Some popular options include cooked chorizo, shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, or green chiles.

Here’s a detailed ingredient list with specific quantities:

* 6-8 poblano peppers
* 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
* 6 large eggs
* 1 cup milk
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup diced onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: 1/2 cup cooked chorizo, shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, or green chiles

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Baking sheet
* Aluminum foil
* Large bowl
* Whisk
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Knife
* Cutting board
* Measuring cups and spoons

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your delicious Chili Relleno Casserole.

**Step 1: Roast the Poblano Peppers**

Roasting the poblano peppers is a crucial step, as it softens their skin, mellows their heat, and enhances their flavor. There are several ways to roast poblano peppers:

* **Oven Roasting:** Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the poblano peppers on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Roast for 20-30 minutes, or until the skins are blackened and blistered, turning occasionally to ensure even roasting.
* **Broiling:** Preheat your broiler. Place the poblano peppers on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Broil for 5-10 minutes, or until the skins are blackened and blistered, turning frequently to prevent burning.
* **Gas Stovetop:** Place the poblano peppers directly on the grates of a gas stovetop over medium heat. Turn the peppers frequently with tongs until the skins are blackened and blistered. This method requires close attention to prevent burning.

Once the peppers are roasted, immediately transfer them to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. This will help to steam the peppers and loosen the skins.

**Step 2: Peel and Seed the Poblano Peppers**

After the peppers have steamed for about 10-15 minutes, carefully remove them from the bowl. The skins should now be easy to peel off. Use your fingers or a small knife to peel away the blackened skins. Be careful, as the peppers may still be hot.

Once the peppers are peeled, make a slit down the side of each pepper and remove the seeds and membranes. You can leave a few seeds in if you prefer a bit more heat.

**Step 3: Prepare the Custard**

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and flour until smooth. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

**Step 4: Assemble the Casserole**

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Slice the peeled and seeded poblano peppers into strips. Arrange a layer of pepper strips on the bottom of the baking dish.

Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the pepper strips.

Pour half of the custard mixture over the cheese.

Repeat the layers: Add another layer of pepper strips, the remaining cheese, and the remaining custard mixture.

If you’re adding any optional ingredients like chorizo, chicken, or vegetables, sprinkle them over the top of the casserole at this point.

**Step 5: Bake the Casserole**

Bake the casserole for 30-40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the cheese is melted and bubbly. A knife inserted into the center of the casserole should come out clean.

**Step 6: Let it Rest and Serve**

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the custard to set further and make it easier to slice.

Serve the Chili Relleno Casserole hot, garnished with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or cilantro.

## Tips for Success

* **Roast the Peppers Evenly:** Make sure to turn the peppers frequently while roasting to ensure that they are evenly blackened and blistered. This will make them easier to peel.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the casserole can result in a dry and rubbery custard. Keep a close eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as the custard is set.
* **Use Good Quality Cheese:** The cheese is a key ingredient in this casserole, so be sure to use a good quality melting cheese that you enjoy.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the custard mixture before pouring it into the baking dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or cumin to suit your taste.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** The toppings are a great way to customize your Chili Relleno Casserole. Try different combinations of salsa, sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, or even a drizzle of hot sauce.
* **Make it Ahead:** This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.

## Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s so versatile! Here are a few ideas for variations and substitutions:

* **Add Meat:** For a heartier casserole, add cooked chorizo, shredded chicken, ground beef, or diced pork.
* **Add Vegetables:** Mix in diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, green chiles, or sauteed mushrooms.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different melting cheeses like cheddar, Oaxaca, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the custard mixture for a spicier kick. You can also use pepper jack cheese.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the meat and add extra vegetables for a vegetarian version.
* **Use Different Peppers:** While poblano peppers are the traditional choice, you can also use other peppers like Anaheim peppers or even bell peppers (although the flavor will be different).
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour.
* **Dairy-Free Option:** Use a dairy-free milk alternative like almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. You can also use a dairy-free cheese substitute, although the texture and flavor may be slightly different.

## Serving Suggestions

Chili Relleno Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

* **Rice and Beans:** Serve it with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a classic Mexican-inspired meal.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
* **Tortilla Chips and Salsa:** Serve it with tortilla chips and salsa for dipping.
* **Guacamole:** A scoop of guacamole adds creaminess and flavor.
* **Sour Cream:** A dollop of sour cream adds a tangy coolness.
* **Salsa Verde:** A drizzle of salsa verde adds a bright, herby flavor.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Leftover Chili Relleno Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.*

* Calories: 350-450 per serving
* Protein: 20-25 grams per serving
* Fat: 25-35 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams per serving

## Chili Relleno Casserole Recipe Card

Here’s a printable recipe card for easy reference:

**Recipe Name:** Chili Relleno Casserole

**Yields:** 6-8 servings

**Prep time:** 20 minutes

**Cook time:** 40 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 6-8 poblano peppers
* 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
* 6 large eggs
* 1 cup milk
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup diced onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: 1/2 cup cooked chorizo, shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, or green chiles

**Instructions:**

1. **Roast the Poblano Peppers:** Roast the poblano peppers under the broiler or in the oven until the skins are blackened and blistered. Place in a bowl and cover to steam for 10-15 minutes.
2. **Peel and Seed:** Peel the skins off the peppers, make a slit down the side, and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. **Prepare the Custard:** In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. **Assemble the Casserole:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of sliced pepper strips on the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle with half the cheese, then pour half the custard mixture over the cheese. Repeat layers. Sprinkle with any optional ingredients.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. **Rest and Serve:** Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite toppings.

## Final Thoughts

This Chili Relleno Casserole is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of chili rellenos without all the work. It’s a simple, satisfying, and customizable dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a deconstructed delight!

Enjoy your cooking!