I Made Cheesy Chiles Rellenos—and You're DEFINITELY Going to Want This Recipe (2024)

Learn how to make the most emblematic and patriotic dish of Mexico: chiles rellenos.

The origin of chiles rellenos dates back to the Spanish conquest of Mexico in the 16th century. As with Mexican culture as a whole, much of Mexico’s culinary tradition stems from a mixture of Spanish and indigenous customs. This is definitely true for chiles rellenos—the recipe brings together a mixture of indigenous and European ingredients.

In Spanish, relleno means “stuffed.” This dish is a roasted poblano chili stuffed with cheese or meat, covered with beaten egg and then fried. It’s increasingly becoming one of the most popular foods in Mexico!

What kind of peppers do you use for chiles rellenos?

Chiles rellenos are traditionally made with poblano chiles. Poblano chiles are thick, strong, heart-shaped and wide enough to stuff with a serving size of filling. Other types of peppers can be used, but are often not big enough or strong enough to hold a hearty amount of filling.

How to Make Chiles Rellenos

I Made Cheesy Chiles Rellenos—and You're DEFINITELY Going to Want This Recipe (1)Ericka Sanchez for Taste of Home

The traditional recipe uses roasted and peeled poblano chiles. Serve chile rellenos with Mexican rice and corn tortillas!

Ericka’s Tip: You can find this and other traditional Mexican recipes in my cookbook, ¡Buen Provecho!: Traditional Mexican Flavors from My Cocina to Yours.

Ingredients

  • 4 poblano chiles
  • 3-1/2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese
  • 1/2 small white onion
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup canola oil
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • Sliced red onion for garnish
  • Crumbled cotija cheese for garnish

For the Tomato Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 5 roma tomatoes, sliced in half
  • 1/2 small onion, sliced in strips
  • 1 large garlic clove, sliced in half
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano, crushed

Directions

Step 1: Roast poblano chiles

I Made Cheesy Chiles Rellenos—and You're DEFINITELY Going to Want This Recipe (2)Ericka Sanchez for Taste of Home

Rinse poblano chiles and wipe dry with a paper towel. Lightly cover with cooking oil (about 1/4 teaspoon per chile). Rub thoroughly and wipe off any excess.

Turn a gas stove burner on high. Using metal tongs, place 1 or 2 poblano chiles on burner, directly over the flame. You will begin to hear a crackling and popping sound. That’s a good thing! It means the chile skins are blistering and separating from the chile.

Using metal tongs, turn the chiles every 2-3 minutes. Allow the skin to blacken on all sides, but do not let the skin turn to ash.

Step 2: Steam poblano chiles

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Carefully remove the charred chiles with tongs and place them in a clean plastic bag. Seal the bag or fold the opening over, leaving some air inside. This will allow the chile to steam. Steam for at least 10 minutes.

Carefully open the plastic bag to release hot steam. When the chiles are cool enough to handle, remove them from the bag.

Step 3: Peel poblano chiles

I Made Cheesy Chiles Rellenos—and You're DEFINITELY Going to Want This Recipe (4)Ericka Sanchez for Taste of Home

Place steamed chiles on a cutting board. Holding the chile by the stem and using the back of a knife or edge of a spoon, scrape the charred skin away.

Step 4: Stuff poblano chiles

I Made Cheesy Chiles Rellenos—and You're DEFINITELY Going to Want This Recipe (5)Ericka Sanchez for Taste of Home

Make a vertical slit with a knife about half an inch from the bottom tip of each chile to half an inch from the stem. Using a small spoon, scrape and scoop out veins and as many seeds as you can. Do not remove stems.

Stuff about 3/4 cup shredded cheese and 3-4 onion strips in each chile. Pin closed with toothpicks if necessary.

Step 5: Prepare egg batter

I Made Cheesy Chiles Rellenos—and You're DEFINITELY Going to Want This Recipe (6)Ericka Sanchez for Taste of Home

Separate egg whites and egg yolks. Place yolks in a medium bowl and egg whites in a large mixing bowl. Add salt to egg whites. Beat egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until stiff peaks form. Beat yolks with a fork and fold into egg whites until well incorporated.

Step 6: Dredge chiles

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Place flour in a shallow bowl. One at a time, roll each chile in flour, covering all sides. Gently shake off excess flour. Dip chile into egg batter.

Step 7: Fry chiles

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Heat 1 cup canola oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat.

Holding by the stem, place chile in hot oil and carefully baste with spoonfuls of hot oil until golden brown. Remove from oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess oil. Repeat with remaining chiles.

Step 8: Make tomato sauce

I Made Cheesy Chiles Rellenos—and You're DEFINITELY Going to Want This Recipe (9)Ericka Sanchez for Taste of Home

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add tomato halves, onion srips and garlic. Cook for 10 minutes, turning ingredients frequently with tongs. Do not burn. Tomatoes should be soft and skins should begin to peel.

Step 9: Blend ingredients

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Add sauteed tomatoes, onion and garlic to a blender. Add 2 cups water and puree until smooth.

Step 10: Cook tomato sauce

I Made Cheesy Chiles Rellenos—and You're DEFINITELY Going to Want This Recipe (11)Ericka Sanchez for Taste of Home

Transfer blended mixture back to pan and heat over high heat. Season with salt and oregano. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 5 minutes. Set aside and keep warm.

Step 11: Plate It Up

I Made Cheesy Chiles Rellenos—and You're DEFINITELY Going to Want This Recipe (12)Ericka Sanchez for Taste of Home

To serve, divide tomato sauce between 4 shallow plates. Top with onion slices. Place chiles on tomato sauce and onion slices. Garnish with oregano leaves and a sprinkle of cotija cheese.

Mexican Desserts to Finish the Meal

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I Made Cheesy Chiles Rellenos—and You're DEFINITELY Going to Want This Recipe (13)

Creamy Caramel FlanJust a small slice of this impressively rich and creamy caramel flan goes a long way—and it couldn't be simpler to make! The luscious vanilla custard comes together in a flash, and it's baked in a water bath on top of a quick-and-easy caramel sauce. In fact, the hardest part about making this flan is waiting for it to be ready to eat.Go to RecipeCheck out these other desserts from around the world.

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Classic Tres Leches CakeTres leches means "three milks." This cake gets its name because it uses three kinds of milk—cream, evaporated milk and condensed milk. This cake's light and airy texture has made it a classic in Mexican kitchens for generations. For an extra-special adult spin, add a splash of dark rum or sweet liqueur to the milk mix before pouring it over the cake.

Fresas con CremaThis refreshing fresas con crema recipe is wonderful with fresh strawberries, but it can be enjoyed with any type of fruit that's in season. Look for media crema, a rich and unsweetened cream, in the baking aisle or ethnic food section of the grocery store. It's similar to creme fraiche and sour cream, although sour cream is a bit tangier.

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ConchasConcha (Mexican sweet bread) is a breakfast or snack pastry found all over Mexico. It has a fluffy brioche-like dough with a crispy streusel topping, scored to resemble a shell. The pastry can come in a variety of colors and shapes. This recipe offers two different toppings—a plain brown sugar streusel, and a chocolate-tinged streusel—and we think you'll find it impossible to choose a favorite!

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Mexican Cinnamon CookiesMost of the cookie recipes you're used to probably start with butter or shortening. These traditional cinnamon cookies, known in Mexico as reganadas, are made with lard, which gives them a crumbly texture. You can use butter if you have trouble finding lard in your local market, but for the most authentic Mexican desserts, using lard really does make all the difference.

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Homemade ChurrosThese fried cinnamon-sugar goodies are best when fresh and hot. Pair them with a cup of coffee or a luscious mug of hot chocolate. If (by some miracle) you have leftover churros, freeze them on a sheet pan like doughnuts, then pack in airtight freezer bags once solid. To reheat, pop them in the toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes until hot and crispy.

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I Made Cheesy Chiles Rellenos—and You're DEFINITELY Going to Want This Recipe (19)ERICKA SANCHEZ FOR TASTE OF HOME

Strawberry, Basil and Honey Paletas

South of the border, people beat the heat with cool, refreshing paletas. Think of them as Mexico's answer to popsicles recipes, but made with fresh fruit instead of juice or flavored water. Use this helpful guide to learn how to make paletas step by step.

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Mexican Wedding CakesThese "cakes" are actually cookies! If you bake regularly, there's an excellent chance you already have the five ingredients for this recipe in your pantry. If you don't keep pecans on hand, replace them with other finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or almonds.

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SopaipillasSopaipillas are crispy pillows of fried dough. They're a sweet way to round out a spicy Mexican meal. To sweeten your sopaipillas, dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey when they're hot out of the fryer. You can also sprinkle on your favorite dessert spices, like cinnamon, ginger or homemade pumpkin pie spice.

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Mexican Hot ChocolateThis delicious, not-too-sweet Mexican hot chocolate is richly flavored with cocoa and delicately seasoned with spices. The whole-stick cinnamon stirrers come in handy, as the old-fashioned chocolate mixture settles if not stirred before drinking. Real Mexican hot chocolate is beaten with a molinillo (wooden whisk) until it's light and frothy; to replicate that authentic experience, hit your hot chocolate with a handheld milk frother for 15-30 seconds.

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Mayan Chocolate BiscottiThese biscotti use ground cinnamon, cacao dark baking chocolate and ground ancho chile pepper for a sweet and spicy flavor. They’re the perfect size to dunk into your morning coffee or hot chocolate.

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Margarita Tres Leches CakeThis drink is inspired by a favorite Mexican drink—margaritas. Adding key lime juice and tequila to the authentic dessert, this sponge cake is light and refreshing. It's sure to be the talk of the party at your next summer cookout.

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Mole New Mexican Wedding CookiesThese traditional Mexican cookies get a flavor upgrade thanks to chili powder and chocolate chips. You'll love the heat and sweet flavor combination and tender crumb.

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Dulce de Leche Banana Cream PieA Mexican twist on banana cream pie, this dessert uses sweetened condensed milk and half-and-half cream for a take on tres leches cake. Add in vanilla extract and bananas and you’ve combined two beloved desserts! Easily whip up this dessert by using a store-bought crust and dulce de leche product.

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Almond Coconut FlansCreate a unique and sweetened version of the traditional flan with these miniature ones. Slivered almonds, sweetened shredded coconuts and a chocolate drizzle top this creamy, custard Mexican dessert. The individual-sized servings make for a great dessert to pass out during special events.

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Pumpkin Cheesecake EmpanadasEmpanadas are a breaded turnover that are typically filled with meat or fish. This Mexican dessert version uses pumpkin pie mix, cream cheese and pecans for a sweet filling, turning the typical savory dish into a delicious treat.

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Easy Mexican BrowniesTransform normal brownies into a Mexican-inspired dessert by adding ground ancho chile pepper into a box of brownie mix. Ancho chile pepper is a mild spice and smoky flavor. They’re commonly used in Mexican dishes and make these brownies have a little added heat to them. You won’t be able to stop at just one!

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Cherry BiscochitosPopular in New Mexico, this Mexican dessert is a crisp, buttery cookie that gets its flavor from anise extract, maraschino cherries and fresh cranberries. This fruit version is perfect to make during the warmer days and adjust as fruits come in-season.

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Chocolate Mexican Wedding CakesTake a yummy twist on the authentic Mexican dessert by adding a pinch of spice. This version adds baking cocoa for that added sweetness and ground cinnamon for a little kick. For chocolate lovers, add mini chocolate chips to the dough to satisfy that sweet tooth. Looking for more recipes? Try Mexican buñuelos which are a sweet and crispy treat usually enjoyed around Christmas.

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Mexican Tea CookiesMexican tea cookies are crispy, buttery rounds accented with a touch of cinnamon and finely chopped pecans. This recipe takes things up a notch, topping them with a simple buttercream frosting made with dulce de leche.

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Taste of Home

Shortcut Tres Leches CakeCan't wait to dig into a craveable tres leches cake? We've all been there! Try this recipe, which uses yellow cake mix to bring this creamy cake to the table much faster. For something a little different, make tres leches cake with different flavors of cake mix, like chocolate, lemon or even Funfetti.

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Arroz Con Leche (Rice Pudding)Arroz con leche is a Spanish version of rice pudding. The milk and rice are sweetened, cooked and flavored, creating a thick dish. This simple five-ingredient Mexican dessert calls for raisins to be added to the mix, but if you're not a fan, substitute another dried fruit or toasted nuts instead, or leave them out entirely.

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No-Fry Fried Ice CreamLove the fried ice cream at your favorite Mexican restaurant but hate deep-frying at home? By using spiced, toasted corn flakes, this recipe replicates the flavor and texture of fried ice cream almost perfectly, without the need for hot oil.

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Sopaipilla StarsMake classic sopaipillas more special by cutting the dough into star shapes before frying them. Because they're bite-sized, these sopaipillas are wonderful served with an array of sweet dessert sauces for dipping. Set them out with small bowls of salted caramel, hot fudge, lemon curd or anything else your sweet tooth is in the mood for.

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Pastelitos De BodaIn Mexico, these rich cookies are called "Little Wedding Cakes" and usually are served with hot chocolate. Make sure you let the dough rest overnight, it makes all the difference.

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I Made Cheesy Chiles Rellenos—and You're DEFINITELY Going to Want This Recipe (2024)
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