The whole dish lives or dies on the poblanos: char them hard so the skins blister and slip off, and stuff them with cheese that actually melts. The technique that matters is the batter — whip the whites to stiff peaks, fold the yolks in, and the coating puffs instead of turning to a greasy shell.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep40 min
Cook20 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineMexican
Cost$
Vegetarian
Contains dairy · eggs · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for4servings
Poblano chiles
The whole point; roast until the skin blisters black so it peels and the flesh softens.
4 large
Local / market
Oaxaca cheese
Stringy melting cheese that holds together when it hits the hot oil.
RoastChar the poblanos directly over a flame or under a broiler until the skin is blackened all over, about 8 minutes, then steam in a covered bowl 10 minutes and peel.
StuffSlit each chile, remove the seeds, and pack with cheese; secure with a toothpick if needed.
BatterBeat egg whites to stiff peaks, fold in the yolks, dust the chiles with flour, and coat in the batter.
FryFry in 350F oil, spooning oil over the top, until golden and puffed, about 2 minutes per side.
SauceSimmer blended tomato and onion 10 minutes, then serve the rellenos in the warm caldillo.
Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.
Can you freeze Chile Relleno? — Not ideal
Not really — the cream, custard, or emulsion turns grainy or splits once thawed. This one is best kept fresh in the fridge.
Can you make Chile Relleno ahead of time? — Prep ahead
Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.
Is Chile Relleno gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
Is Chile Relleno vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Community Notes
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