Savory Southwestern John Wayne Casserole
Inspired by the beloved Western movie icon, John Wayne, this delectable casserole marries the bold flavors of green chiles with creamy Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses. With its rich egg base and fresh tomato garnish, this dish is a hearty one-dish meal that brings comfort and a taste of the Southwest to your dinner table. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, John Wayne’s legacy lives on in every bite, offering warmth and satisfaction reminiscent of the vast Arizona landscape.
8
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Canned diced green chiles
8 ounces (Drained)
Monterey Jack cheese
1 lb (Coarsely grated)
Cheddar cheese
1 lb (Coarsely grated)
Evaporated milk
3/4 cup (None)
Eggs
4 (Separated into yolks and whites)
Flour
1 tablespoon (None)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (None)
Tomatoes
2 (Thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned diced green chiles and both cheeses (Monterey Jack and cheddar). Transfer this mixture into a buttered shallow casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, egg yolks, flour, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until they reach stiff peaks.
5
Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture, being careful not to deflate the whites.
6
Pour this fluffy mixture over the cheese and chile layer in the casserole dish, ensuring an even distribution.
7
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
8
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and carefully arrange the thinly sliced tomatoes over the top.
9
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
10
Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with a sprinkling of additional green chiles for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information
19g
Fat
10g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the inspiration behind the Savory Southwestern John Wayne Casserole?
The dish is inspired by Western movie icon John Wayne, blending southwestern flavors like green chiles with rich cheeses.
How many servings does this casserole make?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (160°C).
Which cheeses are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of coarsely grated Monterey Jack cheese and 1 lb of coarsely grated cheddar cheese.
How many eggs are needed and how are they prepared?
You need 4 eggs, which should be separated into yolks and whites.
What type of green chiles should be used?
Use 8 ounces of canned diced green chiles, ensuring they are drained.
How do I prepare the egg whites?
The egg whites should be beaten in a large mixing bowl until they reach stiff peaks.
What is the first layer of the casserole?
The first layer consists of the diced green chiles mixed with the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses.
How much evaporated milk is required?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of evaporated milk.
What ingredients are whisked with the egg yolks?
Whisk the egg yolks with evaporated milk, 1 tablespoon of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
What is the total baking time for the casserole?
The total baking time is 60 minutes, divided into two 30-minute intervals.
When do I add the sliced tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be arranged on top after the casserole has baked for the initial 30 minutes.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 300 calories.
How much fat is in a serving of this dish?
There are 19g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this casserole provide?
Each serving provides 15g of protein.
What are the carbohydrates per serving?
There are 10g of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I know the casserole is finished baking?
The dish is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Is the baking dish supposed to be buttered?
Yes, you should use a buttered shallow casserole dish.
Should I let the casserole cool before serving?
Yes, allow the casserole to cool slightly after removing it from the oven to let it set.
Can I add extra garnish?
Yes, you can garnish the finished dish with a sprinkling of additional green chiles for extra flavor.
How many tomatoes are needed?
The recipe requires 2 tomatoes, which should be thinly sliced.
What is the consistency of the egg mixture?
By folding the stiff egg whites into the yolk mixture, the resulting topping is described as fluffy.
What size should the cheese grater be?
The recipe recommends that both the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses be coarsely grated.
Does this recipe include flour?
Yes, it includes 1 tablespoon of flour mixed into the egg yolk base.
Is this recipe suitable for a family gathering?
Yes, it is described as a hearty one-dish meal perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Common tags include casserole, one dish meal, southwestern, cheesy, egg, tomato, family recipe, and comfort food.
What seasoning is used?
The dish is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
Why must I be careful when folding the egg whites?
You must fold them gently to avoid deflating the air in the whites, which keeps the casserole fluffy.
Is this a vegetarian dish?
Based on the ingredient list provided, this is a vegetarian-friendly casserole as it contains no meat.
What is the preparation for the tomatoes?
The 2 tomatoes should be thinly sliced before being placed on the casserole.