Cheesy Chile Relleno Quesadilla Recipe

Sizzling Chile Relleno Quesadilla Recipe: Cheesy Fiesta On A Plate

Stuffed with melted cheese and zesty chile relleno quesadilla recipe magic, this dish brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine straight to your kitchen.

Roasted poblano peppers nestle between crispy tortillas, creating a mouthwatering fusion of textures and tastes.

The combination of smoky chiles, gooey cheese, and golden-brown tortillas promises an irresistible culinary adventure.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of spice and richness that will make your taste buds dance.

Authentic ingredients blend seamlessly to craft a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

Spice lovers and cheese enthusiasts unite – this recipe turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Get ready to savor every delicious moment of this crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a new favorite.

How to Make a Tasty Chile Relleno Quesadilla

Pepper Paradise Quesadilla

  • Pepper Preparation

Grab a fresh poblano pepper and transform it into a flavor powerhouse. Carefully char the pepper under the broiler, watching it turn beautifully black and blistered. Pop the roasted pepper into a sealed bag to steam, which helps remove its tough skin easily.

  • Pepper Transformation

Gently peel away the charred skin, revealing the pepper’s vibrant green flesh. Remove the stem and seeds, then slice the pepper into delicate strips that will become the heart of your quesadilla.

  • Cheesy Canvas

Warm a skillet and create a golden stage for your culinary masterpiece. Melt a touch of butter and place a soft tortilla in the pan. Sprinkle a generous layer of cheese across the tortilla, creating a melty foundation.

  • Flavor Symphony

Arrange the roasted pepper slices artfully over the cheese. Dust with a whisper of garlic powder and scatter fresh cilantro for an extra flavor boost.

  • Golden Perfection

Fold the tortilla into a delightful half-moon shape. Cook until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown, crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.

  • Delicious Finale

Let the quesadilla rest briefly, allowing the cheese to set perfectly. Slice into triangular wedges and serve with a dollop of cool sour cream or your favorite zesty sauce.

Flavor Adjustments for Chile Relleno Quesadilla Fans

  • Pepper Power Tip: Select fresh, firm poblano peppers with smooth, glossy skin for the best roasting results. Avoid peppers with soft spots or wrinkles that might indicate aging.
  • Cheese Melt Magic: Use a blend of monterey jack and cheddar for a richer, more complex flavor profile. Shredded cheese melts more evenly and creates that perfect stretchy texture.
  • Spice It Up: Elevate the quesadilla by adding sliced jalapeños, green onions, or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat. Fresh herbs like oregano or thyme can introduce unexpected flavor dimensions.
  • Sauce Companions: Pair with homemade salsa verde, smoky chipotle crema, or tangy pico de gallo. These sauces complement the roasted pepper's deep, charred notes and add bright, fresh elements to the dish.

Serve Chile Relleno Quesadilla Fresh Off the Pan

  • Fiesta Flavor Boost: Pair this chile relleno quesadilla with a zesty homemade salsa that combines fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and lime juice for an explosion of vibrant Mexican flavors.
  • Creamy Companion: Whip up a quick avocado crema by blending ripe avocados, sour cream, cilantro, and a splash of lime juice to create a silky, cooling dip that complements the quesadilla's spicy warmth.
  • Fresh Side Kick: Prepare a crisp cabbage slaw with shredded green and red cabbage, tossed with a light vinaigrette of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of cumin to add refreshing crunch and balance the rich quesadilla.
  • Quick Garnish Magic: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and a few crumbles of queso fresco on top of the quesadilla just before serving to elevate the presentation and add bright, tangy notes to each bite.

Store Chile Relleno Quesadilla to Keep the Texture Crisp

  • Refrigeration Tactics: Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stack them with parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking and maintain crispy texture.
  • Quick Reheat Strategy: Revive cold quesadillas by using a skillet over medium heat. Add a touch of butter to restore crispiness and ensure even warming without soggy edges.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap individual quesadillas tightly in aluminum foil, then place in freezer bags. These can be stored frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Prep-Ahead Wisdom: Roast poblano peppers and shred cheese in advance. Keep ingredients separated in sealed containers, reducing total cooking time when ready to assemble quesadillas.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5-6 minutes

Total Time: 15-16 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 2

Chile Relleno Quesadilla Ingredient Essentials

For Base and Filling:
  • Flour Tortilla: The canvas for this cheesy delight, providing a crispy and soft foundation for the quesadilla.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds rich, golden crispness and prevents sticking during cooking.
  • Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a creamy and stretchy interior with mild, buttery flavor.
  • Mozzarella: A smooth alternative that offers excellent melting properties and delicate taste.
  • Pepper Jack Cheese: Introduces a spicy kick for those craving extra heat.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Poblano Pepper: Roasted and peeled pepper bringing smoky, mild heat and authentic Mexican character.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds depth and aromatic warmth without fresh garlic's intensity.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Optional herb that delivers bright, fresh notes and traditional Mexican essence.

Tools That Simplify Chile Relleno Quesadilla Cooking

  • Large Nonstick Skillet: Essential for even cooking and easy flipping of the quesadilla.
  • Spatula: Perfect for folding the tortilla and flipping the quesadilla without sticking.
  • Cutting Board: Helps rest and slice the quesadilla after cooking.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed to slice roasted poblano peppers and cut quesadilla into triangles.
  • Sealed Bag or Container: Used to steam and peel roasted poblano peppers.
  • Oven with Broil Setting: Required for roasting poblano peppers until skin blisters.
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Cheesy Chile Relleno Quesadilla Recipe

Cheesy Chile Relleno Quesadilla Recipe


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4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 15-16 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Mexican chile relleno quesadilla blends traditional poblano peppers with melted cheese in a crispy tortilla. Spicy, cheesy layers create a mouthwatering fusion you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large flour tortilla
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or mozzarella, or pepper jack)
  • ½ roasted and peeled poblano pepper
  • ½ tbsp (7.5 ml) unsalted butter
  • ⅙ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tbsp (7.5 ml) fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Roasting Poblano: Position the oven rack near the top and preheat the broiler, leaving the door slightly ajar. Place the whole poblano pepper on a baking sheet, rotating periodically to achieve uniform charring until the skin blisters and turns deep black.
  2. Pepper Preparation: Transfer the roasted pepper to a sealed container to steam, then carefully peel away the charred skin. Remove the stem and seeds, slicing the pepper into thin, uniform strips.
  3. Quesadilla Assembly: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat, melting butter to create a golden cooking surface. Place the tortilla flat, ensuring full contact with the buttered pan. Generously layer shredded cheese across the entire tortilla.
  4. Flavor Layering: Distribute roasted poblano strips over the melting cheese. Sprinkle garlic powder and fresh cilantro for an aromatic enhancement.
  5. Cooking and Finishing: When the cheese becomes stretchy, fold the tortilla in half. Cook each side until achieving a golden, crispy exterior. Rest briefly on a cutting board to allow cheese to set, then slice into triangular wedges. Serve immediately with sour cream or preferred accompaniment.

Notes

  • Pepper Roasting Technique: Broil poblano directly under high heat, rotating periodically to achieve uniform charring without burning.
  • Steam Softening Trick: Immediately seal roasted pepper in container to help skin separate easily and retain moisture.
  • Cheese Melting Secret: Use medium heat and ensure complete cheese coverage for perfect stretchy, gooey texture.
  • Crispy Exterior Hack: Allow butter to create golden base and cook quesadilla until edges turn crunchy and deep golden brown.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5-6 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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