Creamy Hatch Chile Relleno Casserole Recipe for Flavorful Vegetarian Dinners
Introduction
Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a mouthwatering creamy hatch chile relleno casserole? This delectable dish combines the smoky heat of roasted hatch chiles with the indulgent creaminess of cheese and sour cream, all baked to perfection in a satisfying casserole. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this easy creamy hatch chile relleno casserole recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and dinner guests alike.
Why is it Perfect for You?
This creamy hatch chile relleno casserole is the ideal choice for busy individuals seeking a flavorful, vegetarian-friendly meal. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the essence of chile rellenos without the hassle of stuffing and frying individual peppers. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients List
◾ 8 large hatch chiles, roasted and peeled
◾ 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
◾ 2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded
◾ 1 cup sour cream
◾ 4 large eggs
◾ 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
◾ 1 tsp garlic powder
◾ 1 tsp onion powder
◾ 1/2 tsp salt
◾ 1/4 tsp black pepper
◾ 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Preparation Time and Servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Hatch Chiles
Begin by roasting your hatch chiles until the skin is charred and blistered. Place them in a plastic bag to steam for about 10 minutes, then peel off the skin and remove the seeds. Slice the chiles into strips and set aside.
Step 2: Create the Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheeses. Mix well and set aside about 1 cup for topping the casserole later.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the roasted hatch chiles on the bottom. Sprinkle half of the cheese mixture over the chiles, then pour half of the egg mixture on top. Repeat these layers once more.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for about 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the reserved cheese on top and return to the oven until melted.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top before serving your delicious creamy hatch chile relleno casserole.
Nutritional Information
This creamy hatch chile relleno casserole is rich in protein and calcium from the cheese and eggs. It’s also a good source of vitamin C from the hatch chiles.
Calories per Person
Approximately 450-500 calories per serving.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
To make this recipe lighter, consider using low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also add more vegetables like diced tomatoes or spinach to boost the nutritional value.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with a side of fresh salsa, guacamole, or a crisp green salad. For a heartier meal, pair it with Spanish rice or black beans.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the casserole, as this can lead to a dry texture. Also, make sure to properly drain the roasted chiles to prevent excess moisture in the dish.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
FAQs
Can I use canned hatch chiles instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned hatch chiles if fresh ones are not available. Just be sure to drain them well before use.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or cornstarch.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from chilled.
Conclusion
This creamy hatch chile relleno casserole is a delightful twist on the classic Mexican dish. It’s perfect for those who love the flavors of chile rellenos but prefer a simpler preparation method. With its rich, creamy texture and bold flavors, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
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Share your experience with us
OOLALA
This turned out so awesome they look like they came from a exspensive bakery.
Just a question
So what about the grease from the meat? Should I use the leanest meats or is the grease give more flavor.
What about a meatloaf on top of veggies ? Would that work?
Ingredients list good, directions lacking
There were great details on quantities of ingredients I should use, but the recipe didn’t tell me the cook time. Also, mentioned in the section about “common mistakes” that you need to let it chill enough but doesn’t direct you in the recipe that you need to let it chill. More details would be helpful
Dressing is perfect!
Not a big fan of mayo, loved the Greek yogurt swap. Reduced garlic a bit. Dressing was delish!
Best coffee cake- ever!!
This recipe was not the easiest to follow due to how it was written. It requires a lot of back and forth from instructions to the lists of ingredients but oh, hey, the end result is totally worth the effort! Mouthwatering and delicious plus it’s a pretty presentation.
