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–+ servings

Chile Relleno Casserole

A savory, baked casserole that captures the flavors of traditional chile rellenos, featuring layers of melted cheese and diced green chilies, bound together by a fluffy egg-and-milk custard base.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Casserole, Dinner
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Base and Layers:
  • Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: 2 cups
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: 2 cups
  • Diced tomatoes with green chilies undrained: 1 can (15 ounces)
  • Diced green chilies undrained: 1 can (4 ounces)
  • Corn tortilla chips crushed: 1 cup
  • For the Custard:
  • Large eggs: 6
  • Milk: 1 cup
  • Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
  • Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon optional

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Medium Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Prep Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses.
  3. First Layer: Spread half of the cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  4. Second Layer: In a separate bowl, mix the diced tomatoes with green chilies and the diced green chilies. Spoon this mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
  5. Make Custard: In the same bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  6. Pour Custard: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish.
  7. Top Layer: Sprinkle the remaining cheese mixture on top.
  8. Finish Top: Sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips over the cheese.
  9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
  10. Serve: Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Spicier Kick: Add sliced jalapeños to the layers before baking for extra heat.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the dairy cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Doneness Test: The casserole is set when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with sour cream, salsa, or avocado slices.

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