Cheesy Baked Chiles Rellenos Casserole
This Cheesy Baked Chiles Rellenos Casserole is a delightful twist on a traditional Mexican favorite that combines the robust flavor of whole chili peppers with the richness of melty cheeses. Baked to perfection, this dish creates a warm, hearty meal that's perfect for any occasion. This family recipe combines smoky, spicy chiles with creamy Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese, enveloped in a fluffy egg mixture. Topped with a savory tomato sauce, this casserole is sure to please a crowd, making it an excellent choice for potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy weeknight dinner.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole chili peppers
30 ounces (remove seeds)
Monterey Jack cheese
8 ounces (grated)
cheddar cheese or longhorn cheese
8 ounces (grated)
evaporated milk
5 ounces (canned)
egg whites
5 (whipped)
flour
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 dash (none)
pepper
1 dash (none)
tomato sauce
8 ounces (canned)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Lightly spray an 8x10-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
Carefully lay half of the whole chili peppers flat in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they cover the bottom evenly.
4
Sprinkle half of the grated Monterey Jack cheese and half of the grated cheddar cheese over the layer of chilis.
5
In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until frothy and they hold soft peaks.
6
Slowly mix in the flour, a dash of salt, a dash of pepper, and the evaporated milk into the whipped egg whites until well combined.
7
Pour half of the egg mixture evenly over the cheese layer in the baking dish.
8
Repeat the layering process by placing another layer of chili peppers on top, followed by the remaining cheeses.
9
Pour the rest of the egg mixture over this final layer of cheese, ensuring it is well covered.
10
Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes until it is set and lightly golden on top.
11
After 25 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and pour the canned tomato sauce evenly over the top.
12
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until everything is hot and bubbly.
13
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Baked Chiles Rellenos Casserole?
It is a delightful twist on a traditional Mexican favorite that combines whole chili peppers, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, and a fluffy egg mixture, topped with savory tomato sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This casserole makes approximately 10 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
An 8x10-inch baking dish is recommended.
What type of chili peppers should be used?
The recipe calls for 30 ounces of whole chili peppers.
How should the chili peppers be prepared?
The seeds should be removed from the chili peppers before they are laid flat in the dish.
Which cheeses are used in this casserole?
This recipe uses 8 ounces of Monterey Jack cheese and 8 ounces of cheddar or longhorn cheese.
How do you prepare the egg whites?
Whip the five egg whites until they become frothy and hold soft peaks.
What ingredients are mixed into the whipped egg whites?
Slowly mix in 1 teaspoon of flour, a dash of salt, a dash of pepper, and 5 ounces of canned evaporated milk.
How is the casserole layered?
Layer half the peppers, half the cheeses, and half the egg mixture, then repeat the process with the remaining halves.
What is the initial baking time?
Bake the casserole initially for about 25 minutes until it is set and lightly golden on top.
When should the tomato sauce be added?
The 8 ounces of canned tomato sauce should be poured over the top after the first 25 minutes of baking.
What is the final baking time after adding the sauce?
Return the dish to the oven for an additional 15 minutes until it is hot and bubbly.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this is a vegetarian dish.
How should the dish be garnished?
The casserole can be served hot and garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
How do I prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish?
Lightly spray the baking dish with nonstick cooking spray before assembly.
What is the total amount of cheese needed?
You will need a total of 16 ounces of cheese: 8 ounces of Monterey Jack and 8 ounces of cheddar/longhorn.
Can I use longhorn cheese instead of cheddar?
Yes, longhorn cheese is a suitable substitute for sharp cheddar in this recipe.
What type of milk is required?
The recipe specifies using 5 ounces of canned evaporated milk.
Is the flour used for breading or the egg mixture?
The flour is mixed directly into the whipped egg whites to help stabilize the mixture.
What kind of flavor profile does this dish have?
It offers a smoky, spicy flavor from the chiles combined with creamy and sharp notes from the cheeses.
Is this a good recipe for a potluck?
Yes, its casserole format makes it an excellent choice for potlucks and family gatherings.
What texture should the egg mixture have before baking?
It should be a fluffy, well-combined mixture of whipped egg whites, milk, and flour.
Should the tomato sauce be heated before pouring it over the casserole?
The recipe does not require pre-heating the sauce, as it will heat through during the final 15 minutes of baking.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients: chili peppers, two types of cheese, evaporated milk, egg whites, flour, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce.
Is the tomato sauce fresh or canned?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of canned tomato sauce.
Should the chili peppers be whole or chopped?
The recipe uses whole chili peppers laid flat in the dish.
How many egg whites are used?
Five egg whites are used for the fluffy egg mixture.
What type of cuisine does this recipe belong to?
This dish is categorized as Mexican cuisine.
Is this a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, with a total bake time of 40 minutes and easy layering, it is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.