Cheese And Peppers: Poblano's Perfect Pair

There are many different types of cheese that can be used to stuff poblano peppers. Popular options include cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and queso fresco. Other cheeses that can be used are white cheddar, cream cheese, goat cheese, and provolone. The peppers can be grilled, baked, or cooked in an air fryer.

Roasting and stuffing poblano peppers

Poblano peppers are a popular choice for a fun and delicious meal. They are relatively mild in heat and a bit sweet, making them a perfect vessel for stuffing. Here is a guide on how to roast and stuff poblano peppers:

Roasting the Peppers

There are several ways to roast poblano peppers, including using a grill, oven, or open flame.

Grill:

Lightly oil the poblano peppers and place them on a preheated grill at medium-high heat. Close the lid and flip the peppers occasionally for even cooking. Grill for about 10 minutes, or until the skins are charred.

Oven:

Set your oven to broil. Slice the peppers in half lengthwise and place them on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Broil for 10-15 minutes, or until the skins char and loosen. Flip them halfway for even cooking.

Open Flame:

For the fastest method, simply hold the poblano peppers over an open flame and let the skins char and blacken. Turn the peppers frequently to ensure even cooking.

Preparing the Peppers for Stuffing:

Once the peppers are roasted, place them in a plastic bag or a sealed container to let them steam. This helps loosen the skins. After they have cooled, peel off the skins, make a slit down the length of the pepper, and carefully remove the seeds. Your peppers are now ready to be stuffed!

Stuffing the Peppers:

The stuffing options for poblano peppers are endless, but typically include a combination of meat, cheese, beans, and spices. Here is a simple recipe for inspiration:

Ingredients:

• 6 large poblano peppers
• 1 lb of ground beef or chorizo
• 1 cup of cooked long-grain white rice
• 1/2 cup of black beans, drained
• 1/2 cup of corn, drained
• 1 can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can of diced green chiles
• 1 cup of grated mozzarella or Mexican-blend cheese

Directions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a large baking sheet.
• Halve the poblano peppers and remove the seeds. Place them in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes.
• In a skillet, combine the ground beef, rice, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. Cook over medium heat for 5-8 minutes until the meat is browned.
• Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and green chiles. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Spoon the mixture into the roasted poblano peppers and sprinkle with cheese.
• Return the stuffed peppers to the oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the peppers are tender.

Feel free to get creative with your stuffing and add your favourite ingredients! Enjoy your delicious and flavourful roasted and stuffed poblano peppers!

Cheese suggestions

Poblano peppers are a fantastic vessel for all kinds of cheese. Their mild heat and subtle sweetness make them a versatile ingredient that pairs well with many different types of cheese. Here are some cheese suggestions to stuff your poblano peppers with:

Queso Fresco or Mozzarella

Try stuffing your poblano peppers with queso fresco or mozzarella cheese. These cheeses have a mild and creamy flavour that pairs well with the sweetness of the peppers. You can cut the cheese into strips and fill each pepper with a few strips, sprinkling some shredded mozzarella on top.

White Cheddar

White cheddar is a fantastic choice for stuffed poblano peppers. It has a sharp and tangy flavour that complements the sweetness of the peppers. White cheddar also melts well, making it perfect for stuffed peppers. You can combine it with other cheeses, such as cream cheese or Monterey Jack, for a creamy and flavourful filling.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is another excellent melting cheese that works wonderfully in stuffed poblano peppers. It has a creamy and mild flavour, and it pairs well with spicy Mexican dishes. It is a good choice if you want to add some spice to your peppers without making them too hot.

Cheddar and Mozzarella

For a classic combination, you can't go wrong with cheddar and mozzarella. These two cheeses complement each other perfectly and will result in a nice, gooey filling. You can shred them and mix them together before stuffing your peppers, or layer them inside for a fun presentation.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is a versatile choice for stuffed poblano peppers. It has a rich and creamy texture that melts beautifully. You can mix it with other cheeses, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, or use it as a base for adding other ingredients like garlic powder, chilli powder, cumin, and fresh herbs.

Fontina, Asiago, and Provolone

If you want to experiment with different cheeses, you can try using Fontina, Asiago, or Provolone. These cheeses have a slightly stronger flavour that can stand up to the mild heat of the poblano peppers. They melt well and will create a gooey and delicious filling.

Other ingredients to add

When it comes to stuffing poblano peppers, there are endless combinations of ingredients to experiment with. Here are some ideas for other ingredients to add to your stuffed poblano peppers:

Meat

Ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground lamb are all good options to add to your stuffed poblano peppers. You can also try chorizo, which is a popular choice for this dish. If you're looking for something a little more adventurous, you can use game meat. For a vegetarian option, try cooked white or brown rice, black beans, or pinto beans.

Cheese

While the type of cheese you use will depend on your personal preference and the specific recipe you are following, here are some popular choices for stuffed poblano peppers:

• Queso fresco
• Mozzarella
• White cheddar
• Cream cheese
• Monterey Jack
• Goat cheese
• Fontina
• Asiago
• Provolone
• Dubliner

Vegetables

Onions, garlic, tomatoes, and corn are all great additions to your stuffed poblano peppers. If you want to add some spice, try using jalapeños or chipotle peppers. For a fresh touch, add some cilantro or parsley.

Spices and Seasonings

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Cayenne pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Homemade Cajun seasoning
• Curry powder

Cooking Oils

Avocado oil, olive oil, or vegetable oil can be used for cooking your stuffed poblano peppers.

Sides and Toppings

• Mexican rice
• Refried beans
• Salsa
• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Arroz rojo

How to serve

There are many ways to serve cheese-stuffed poblano peppers. Here are some ideas:

As a Main Course

Stuffed poblano peppers can be served as the main course, with two per person. You can also add toppings such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

As a Side

These peppers can also be served as a side dish, accompanying grilled burgers or sandwiches. The cheese-stuffed poblano peppers add a flavorful spin to classic dishes.

As Part of a Larger Dish

Additionally, cheese-stuffed poblano peppers can be incorporated into larger dishes, such as burgers or sandwiches. They can be placed on top of grilled burgers or used as a filling for sandwiches, adding a burst of flavor.

With a Sauce

For a more complex dish, consider serving the peppers with a sauce. You can make a simple tomato sauce or get creative with a fire-roasted crushed tomato sauce seasoned with Mexican oregano. The sauce adds moisture and extra flavor to the dish.

With a Salad or Simple Side

When serving the peppers as a main course, pair them with a simple side dish or salad. This ensures that the peppers are the star of the meal, while the side complements and enhances the overall dining experience.

Storing and reheating

Stuffed poblano peppers are a versatile dish that can be made with various ingredients such as cheese, meat, grains, or vegetables. They are a great option for those who enjoy the flavour and spice of jalapeños but want the versatility of a bell pepper. While poblano peppers have a hint of spice, they are milder than jalapeños, making them ideal for those who want to add a touch of spice to their dishes.

Stuffed poblano peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To store them, allow the peppers to cool and then place them in an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat and serve! Here are some methods for reheating:

• Oven: Place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet facing upside down without stacking or crowding. Cover with a lid or aluminium foil and bake at 350°F for 10 to 25 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: Place the stuffed peppers in a microwave-safe bowl or plate and cover with a lid or damp kitchen towel. Microwave for 2 minutes, then reheat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place a deep skillet on medium heat and add about an inch of water to the pan. Place a trivet or steamer in the skillet and bring the water to a boil. Place the stuffed peppers on the trivet, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the centre is warm.
• Air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and arrange the stuffed peppers in a single layer, facing upside down. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the centre is warm.
• Instant Pot: Pour one cup of water into the Instant Pot and place a trivet inside. Arrange the stuffed peppers over the trivet, ensuring they do not touch the sides. Close the lid and set the pressure valve to sealing. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 5 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure. Check that the centre is warm before serving.

It is not recommended to freeze stuffed poblano peppers as the peppers tend to break down during the freezing and defrosting process. However, you can freeze the peppers themselves or other components of the dish separately. For example, you can freeze sliced poblano peppers by rinsing and drying them, removing the stems and seeds, slicing them into sticks, flash-freezing the slices, and then storing them in freezer bags for up to a year.

Frequently asked questions