Green chile is a cornerstone of Southwestern cuisine, celebrated for its vibrant flavor and versatility. From enchiladas to salsas, green chiles add a unique kick that can elevate any dish.
One dish that perfectly showcases this ingredient is Bacon-Wrapped Chile Rellenos. This recipe takes the classic chile relleno—a stuffed pepper typically filled with cheese or meat—and adds a delicious twist by wrapping it in crispy bacon.
Combining smoky bacon and spicy green chiles creates an irresistible dish perfect as an appetizer or a main course.
Ingredients of Bacon Wrapped Chile Rellenos
Essential Ingredients for Bacon Wrapped Chile Rellenos
- 4 large poblano peppers
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 slices of bacon
- Olive oil spray (for greasing)
Optional Add-Ons for Flavor Variations
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Jalapeños (for added heat)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Salsa verde or your favorite salsa
- Avocado slices
Some Key Notes:
- Course: Appetizer/Main Dish
- Cuisine: Southwestern
- Keyword: Bacon Wrapped Chile Rellenos, stuffed peppers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
- Roast the Poblano Peppers: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the poblano peppers on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skins are blistered and charred.
- Steam the Peppers: Once roasted, place the peppers in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let them steam for about 10 minutes. This makes peeling easier.
- Peel and Core: After steaming, carefully peel off the charred skin, cut a slit down one side of each pepper, and remove the seeds and membranes.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix together the shredded cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Fill the Peppers: Stuff each poblano pepper with the cheese mixture, being careful not to overfill them.
Step 3: Wrap in Bacon
- Wrap the Peppers: Take two slices of bacon and wrap them around each stuffed pepper, overlapping slightly. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Grease the Baking Sheet: Lightly spray a baking sheet with olive oil and place the bacon-wrapped peppers on it.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the Peppers: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Cooking Tips
- Best Practices for Roasting: If you’re new to roasting peppers, make sure to rotate them regularly so that the skin blisters evenly. If you’re using a grill, turning the peppers with tongs helps achieve that perfect char.
- Bacon Crispiness: The key to getting perfectly crispy bacon is ensuring the oven is preheated to the correct temperature. If the temperature is too low, the bacon may cook too slowly and become soggy. Conversely, if it’s too high, the bacon may burn before the cheese is fully melted.
- Filling Variations: For a creamier filling, you can add sour cream or even a bit of mayonnaise to the cheese mixture. These ingredients not only make the filling richer but also enhance its smooth texture.
- Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier kick, add finely chopped jalapeños, serrano peppers, or even a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling. You can also swap out the mild poblano peppers for spicier varieties like Anaheim or even habaneros if you’re feeling adventurous.
Serving Suggestions
Bacon-Wrapped Chile Rellenos are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with various sides and sauces:
Sauces:
- Salsa Verde: A tangy, green tomatillo salsa pairs perfectly with the smoky and spicy elements of the dish.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of creamy sour cream will balance out the heat from the chiles and bacon.
- Guacamole: Fresh guacamole made with ripe avocados, lime juice, and cilantro adds a creamy texture and additional flavor.
Sides:
- Mexican Rice: A serving of fluffy Mexican rice complements the savory bacon-wrapped peppers and provides a well-rounded meal.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans, whether made from pinto or black beans, add richness to the plate.
- Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the peppers.
Creative Serving Ideas:
- Breakfast Option: Serve the bacon-wrapped chile rellenos alongside scrambled eggs and sautéed potatoes for a hearty breakfast.
- Appetizer: These peppers make an impressive appetizer for a dinner party. Slice them into smaller pieces and serve with toothpicks for easy bite-sized portions.
Variations and Customizations
Bacon-Wrapped Chile Rellenos are incredibly versatile, allowing you to play with flavors and ingredients to create a dish that suits your tastes and dietary preferences. Here are 10 detailed variations to inspire your culinary creativity:
Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Style:
- Ingredients: Substitute half of the cheese filling with cream cheese and add finely chopped jalapeños for a spicier kick.
- Preparation: Mix the chopped jalapeños directly into the cheese filling. This adds heat and flavor, making the peppers reminiscent of jalapeño poppers.
Smoky BBQ Bacon Rellenos:
- Ingredients: Brush the bacon-wrapped peppers with your favorite BBQ sauce before baking.
- Preparation: This adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the smoky bacon and spicy peppers beautifully. You can use a store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own for a personalized touch.
Mediterranean Twist:
- Ingredients: Use feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and kalamata olives in the filling.
- Preparation: Mix crumbled feta with chopped sun-dried tomatoes and olives to create a Mediterranean-inspired filling. This unique combination adds a burst of flavor and a touch of the Mediterranean to your dish.
Southwestern Black Bean and Corn:
- Ingredients: Add black beans and corn to the cheese filling.
- Preparation: Combine 1/2 cup of canned black beans (drained and rinsed) and 1/2 cup of corn with the cheese mixture. This variation adds texture, fiber, and extra nutrition, making the dish heartier.
Buffalo Chicken Rellenos:
- Ingredients: Mix shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce and cheese for a spicy filling.
- Preparation: Combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and cheese. Fill the poblanos with this mixture before wrapping in bacon. This gives the dish a bold, spicy flavor reminiscent of buffalo wings.
Vegetarian Quinoa Stuffing:
- Ingredients: Substitute the meat with cooked quinoa and add vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
- Preparation: Cook quinoa according to package instructions, then mix with sautéed diced zucchini, bell peppers, and cheese. This makes for a nutritious, protein-packed vegetarian option.
Crispy Parmesan Crust:
- Ingredients: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the bacon before wrapping the peppers.
- Preparation: Before wrapping the bacon around the peppers, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on the bacon slices. This will create a crispy, cheesy crust as it bakes.
Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Filling:
- Ingredients: Incorporate crushed pineapple and diced red bell pepper into the cheese mixture.
- Preparation: Mix in 1/4 cup of crushed pineapple and 1/4 cup of diced red bell pepper into the cheese filling for a sweet and savory profile that balances the spice of the peppers.
Creamy Avocado Sauce:
- Ingredients: Serve with a homemade avocado sauce instead of traditional toppings.
- Preparation: Blend ripe avocados with Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt to create a creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with the bacon-wrapped rellenos. This adds a fresh touch and creaminess to the dish.
Keto-Friendly Rellenos:
- Ingredients: Use a low-carb cheese blend and wrap the peppers in turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
- Preparation: Opt for a blend of low-carb cheeses like mozzarella chees and cheddar, and use turkey bacon for a lighter option. This variation is perfect for those following a ketogenic diet while still enjoying the delicious flavors of bacon-wrapped chile rellenos.
Conclusion
Bacon-Wrapped Chile Rellenos are a delightful twist on a classic dish, combining the rich flavors of bacon and cheesy green chiles. This recipe not only showcases the versatility of green chile but also makes for a memorable dish that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a main course, or a breakfast treat, these stuffed peppers are bound to become a favorite. So, roll up your sleeves, fire up the oven, and give this Southwestern delight a try! You won’t regret it!