Description
This Chile Relleno recipe brings authentic Mexican comfort food to your table. Roasted poblano peppers are stuffed with gooey cheese, dipped in a fluffy egg batter, and fried until golden, then served with a rich tomato sauce. Whether you prefer the classic fried version or a lighter baked or air-fried option, this traditional dish is satisfying, flavorful, and perfect for any dinner rotation.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chiles Rellenos:
- 4 large poblano peppers
- 8 oz Monterey Jack or Oaxaca cheese, cut into strips
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup flour (for coating)
- Oil for frying (avocado or vegetable)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Pinch of sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Roast peppers: Place poblanos on a baking sheet and broil for 10–15 minutes, turning until skins are blistered. Steam in a covered bowl, then peel skins.
- Prepare filling: Make a slit in each pepper, remove seeds, and stuff with cheese strips.
- Cook sauce: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add tomatoes, oregano, cumin, salt, and sugar. Simmer 10 minutes, then blend until smooth.
- Make batter: Beat egg whites with salt until stiff peaks form. Whisk yolks, fold into whites with 1 tbsp flour.
- Dredge & fry: Lightly coat peppers in flour, dip in egg batter, and fry in hot oil until golden brown, 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Top rellenos with warm tomato sauce and garnish with fresh herbs or crumbled cheese.
Notes
- Roast poblanos until blistered for the best smoky flavor.
- Don’t overstuff peppers — they may tear during frying.
- Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form for a fluffy coating.
- For a lighter version, bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes or air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Mexican Recipes
- Method: Fried, Baked, Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
Keywords: Chile Relleno, Stuffed Poblano Peppers, Authentic Chile Relleno Recipe, Mexican Rellenos Recipe, Chili Poblano Recipes, Classic Mexican Dinner