🌶️ Baked Chili Rellenos

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🌶️ Baked Chili Rellenos

If you love traditional chile rellenos but want to skip the deep frying, Baked Chili Rellenos are the perfect solution. Roasted peppers are stuffed with a melty cheese filling, topped with a flavorful homemade sauce, and baked until bubbly and golden. You still get all the smoky, cheesy goodness—without the mess or excess oil.

This casserole-style version of a Mexican classic is ideal for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or when you have fresh seasonal peppers to use up.

🧾 Ingredients

For the Peppers:

  • 4 large Anaheim or pasilla chilies

  • 2 cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cotija)

For the Sauce:

  • ½ cup crushed tomatoes

  • 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies

  • ¼ cup chicken broth

  • ½ cup diced onion

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Chilies

Grill or broil the chilies until the skins are blistered and charred (about 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally). Place them in a sealed bag or covered bowl and let steam for 10 minutes. Peel off the skins, slit lengthwise, and remove seeds.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling

Mix the cheeses together in a bowl. Reserve about ½ cup for topping later.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

Fill each chili with the cheese mixture and gently close them. Place seam-side down in a lightly greased baking dish.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, diced green chilies, chicken broth, onion, garlic, oregano, and garlic powder. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Assemble & Bake

Pour the sauce over the stuffed peppers. Sprinkle with the reserved cheese.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with:

  • Sour cream

  • Fresh cilantro

  • Sliced avocado

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Healthier than fried rellenos
✔ Easy to prepare
✔ Crowd-pleasing comfort food
✔ Vegetarian-friendly
✔ Perfect as a main or side dish

💡 Tips for Best Results

  • Use fresh Anaheim or pasilla peppers for mild heat and tender texture

  • Fully char skins for easy peeling and better flavor

  • Lightly grease the dish to prevent sticking

  • Let rest before serving for clean portions

🔄 Variations

  • Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle powder

  • Veggie-packed: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or corn

  • Meaty: Add shredded chicken or cooked chorizo

  • Green sauce: Replace tomato sauce with tomatillo sauce

🍽️ What to Serve With It

  • Warm tortillas (corn or flour)

  • Mexican rice

  • Refried beans

  • Pico de gallo or fresh salsa

  • Street corn salad

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Up to 4 days
Freezer: Up to 2 months
Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave (texture will soften slightly)

⭐ Final Thoughts

Baked Chili Rellenos prove that comfort food doesn’t need to be deep-fried to be delicious. With roasted peppers, gooey cheese, and a rich sauce, this dish delivers big flavor with simple preparation. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights at home.

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