Oven-Baked Chiles Rellenos
Description: This delightful dish comes from a cherished old family cookbook, lovingly handwritten with a dash of nostalgia. With no specific quantities for the ingredients, I’ve adapted the recipe to provide precise measurements. The result is a simple, flavorful, and comforting one-dish meal that combines cheese and peppers in a harmonious bake. Perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying and easy-to-make dish.
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Cheese, Peppers, Vegetable, < 60 Mins, Beginner Cook, Easy
Total Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 fresh chili peppers
- 8 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 5 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your dish cooks evenly and achieves that perfect golden top.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly spray an 8×10-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent your chiles from sticking and help with easy cleanup.
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Layer the Chiles: Arrange half of the fresh chili peppers in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure they are spread out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
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Add Cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses over the layer of chili peppers. The cheese adds a rich, creamy layer that melds perfectly with the peppers.
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Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whip the egg whites until they become frothy. Gradually incorporate the flour, salt, and black pepper into the whipped egg whites. Slowly mix in the evaporated milk until everything is well combined and smooth.
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Assemble the Layers: Pour half of the prepared egg mixture over the cheese and chili peppers in the baking dish. This mixture will help to bind the ingredients together and create a delightful custardy texture.
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Add Another Layer: Place the remaining chili peppers on top of the egg mixture. Follow with the remaining shredded cheeses, spreading them evenly.
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Top with Egg Mixture: Pour the remaining egg mixture over the cheese layer, ensuring all the cheese and peppers are covered. This will create a luscious, cheesy topping.
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Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is set.
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Add Tomato Sauce: After 25 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and pour the can of tomato sauce evenly over the top. This adds a tangy flavor that complements the rich cheeses.
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Final Baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This allows the tomato sauce to meld with the rest of the dish and enhances the overall flavor.
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Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This dish is best enjoyed hot, with its layers of melted cheese and tender peppers.
Servings: 10
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 251.2 kcal
- Fat: 16.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 10.1 g
- Cholesterol: 49.3 mg
- Sodium: 455.1 mg
- Carbohydrates: 11.4 g
- Fiber: 1.6 g
- Sugar: 5.9 g
- Protein: 16.2 g
Enjoy this classic, comforting dish with a side salad or as a standalone delight. Whether for a family dinner or a casual gathering, Oven-Baked Chiles Rellenos is sure to impress with its creamy, cheesy layers and hearty flavors. 🧀🌶️🍽️
