Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spicy Poblano Chorizo Breakfast Bake?
It is a hearty casserole that combines roasted poblano chiles, spicy chorizo sausage, melted cheeses, and corn tortillas in a rich egg custard.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 10 people.
What are the primary ingredients in this dish?
The main ingredients include poblano chiles, chorizo sausage, corn tortillas, eggs, half-and-half, Monterey Jack pepper cheese, and cheddar cheese.
How do I roast the poblano chiles?
Roast them over an open gas flame or under a broiler for 7 to 10 minutes until charred, then steam in a bag for 15 minutes before peeling.
How much chorizo is required?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of chorizo sausage, removed from casings and crumbled.
Can I make this breakfast bake ahead of time?
Yes, it is designed to be prepared and refrigerated for at least 6 hours or ideally overnight before baking.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
How long does the casserole take to bake?
It takes approximately 1 hour and 10 to 15 minutes to bake until bubbly and golden brown.
What size baking dish is needed?
You should use a generously buttered 9 by 13-inch baking dish.
How many eggs are used in the custard?
The recipe requires 10 large eggs whisked together with half-and-half.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
A combination of 1.5 cups of Monterey Jack pepper cheese and 1.5 cups of medium cheddar cheese is used.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, the combination of chorizo, poblano chiles, pepper cheese, and hot red pepper sauce gives it a bold, spicy flavor.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
One serving provides about 30g of protein.
Does the recipe include vegetables?
Yes, it includes roasted poblano chiles, yellow onion, red sweet bell pepper, and garlic.
What type of tortillas should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 5 corn tortillas, which should be quartered.
How should I layer the casserole?
Layer 1/3 of the sausage mixture, 1/3 of the tortillas, and 1/3 of the cheese mixture over the poblanos, and repeat this twice.
How long should the casserole rest after baking?
Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven before slicing and serving.
What are the recommended garnishes?
It is best served warm, topped with sour cream and a drizzle of picante sauce.
Can I use different peppers if I cannot find poblanos?
While poblanos provide a specific smoky flavor, you could substitute with Anaheim chiles if necessary.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 35g of fat per serving.
Are there any fresh herbs in the recipe?
Yes, the cheese mixture includes 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro.
What is the purpose of resting the dish overnight?
Resting allows the tortillas to absorb the egg mixture and the flavors of the chorizo and chiles to meld together.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch?
Absolutely, it is described as a perfect dish for a delightful brunch.
Can I use half-and-half substitutes?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of half-and-half for a rich texture, but you could use whole milk for a lighter version.
How do I know when the bake is fully cooked?
A knife inserted into the center should come out clean, and the top should be golden brown.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with 4 teaspoons of chili powder, salt, fresh ground black pepper, and hot red pepper sauce.
Does this recipe contain carbohydrates?
Yes, there are 15g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should I peel the poblanos?
Yes, the blackened skin should be peeled off after roasting and steaming to ensure a smooth texture.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, though grating your own Monterey Jack and cheddar often results in better melting.