Baked Chili Rellanos

When it comes to authentic Mexican cuisine, few dishes evoke the same warmth, spice, and satisfaction as baked chili rellenos. With their perfectly roasted chilies stuffed with a savory blend of cheeses and drenched in a bold, homemade sauce, chili rellenos deliver bold flavors in every bite. In this comprehensive guide, we take you through a step-by-step process to prepare a restaurant-quality baked chili relleno at home using fresh ingredients and traditional techniques. Let’s dive into this rich culinary experience.
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🧀 Ingredients You’ll Need for Baked Chili Rellenos
Below is a breakdown of the ingredients required for both the stuffed chilies and the homemade sauce that elevates this dish to gourmet status.
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Ingredient | Quantity |
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Anaheim or Pasilla Chilies | 4 large |
Cheese Blend (Cheddar, Jack, Cotija) | 2 cups (shredded) |
FOR THE SAUCE: | |
Crushed Tomatoes | ½ cup |
Diced Green Chilies (canned) | 1 can (4 oz) |
Chicken Broth | ¼ cup |
Oregano | 1 tablespoon |
Garlic (fresh, crushed and minced) | 2 cloves |
Garlic Powder | ½ teaspoon |
Onion (finely diced) | ½ cup |
Step 1: Roasting the Chilies
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Roasting the chilies is essential to develop their smoky flavor and ensure a soft texture for stuffing. You can do this on a gas stovetop, grill, or broiler:
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Gas Stove Method: Place chilies directly over the flame, turning occasionally until charred and blistered on all sides.
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Broiler Method: Set oven to broil. Place chilies on a baking sheet and broil, turning every few minutes until blackened and bubbling.
Step 2: Removing the Skins
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Once roasted, place the chilies in a sealed plastic bag or cover them with a towel for 10 minutes to steam. This loosens the skins.
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Peel away the skins gently. Avoid tearing the flesh.
Step 3: Slicing and Stuffing
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Slice each chili down one side, lengthwise.
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Gently open them and remove the seeds and membranes.
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Fill each chili with a generous amount of the cheese blend, reserving some for topping.
🍅 Making the Perfect Chili Relleno Sauce
A rich, flavorful sauce is the soul of any great chili relleno. Here’s how to make it:
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Sauté Aromatics: In a small saucepan, heat a tablespoon of oil. Add the diced onions and cook until translucent.
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Add Garlic: Add both the fresh garlic and garlic powder. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Combine Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced green chilies, chicken broth, and oregano.
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Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
🧑🍳 Baking the Chili Rellenos to Perfection
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Arrange Chilies: Place the stuffed chilies in a baking dish, stuffed side down to help retain the cheese.
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Pour the Sauce: Evenly pour the prepared sauce over the chilies.
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Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
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Bake: Bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.