Ingredients:

Puff Pastry sheets

Cheddar Cheese

Green Chile

Instructions:

Puff pastry (2 sheets per package)

thaw and roll out sheet to roughly increase sheet by two.

Place Hunks of Cheddar (I love Coastal Cheddar from Costco)

Put a dollop of diced green Chile on each hunk of cheese.

Brush butter or olive oil between all rows and edge.

Cover with 2nd sheet and push to seal between rows and columns.

Place in a 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes until golden brown and serve.

Notes:

Puff Pastry Preparation:

Thawing: Ensure the puff pastry sheets are completely thawed before using. This prevents them from tearing or cracking during rolling.

Rolling Out: Roll out the sheets on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Aim for an even thickness to ensure consistent baking.

Cheese Selection:

Cheddar Variety: Coastal Cheddar is a great choice for its sharp flavor, but other types of cheddar or even Monterey Jack can be used based on personal preference. Ensure the cheese is cut into appropriately sized hunks to melt well.

Green Chile:

Preparation: If using canned green chile, drain it well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the puff pastry soggy.

Dicing: Dice the green chile into small pieces to evenly distribute the flavor and ensure it doesn’t overwhelm the cheese.

Assembly Tips:

Sealing Edges: When sealing the puff pastry, press down firmly between the rows and columns to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

Butter/Oil: Brushing with butter or olive oil not only helps seal the edges but also adds a nice golden color and flavor. Make sure to brush the edges thoroughly.

Baking Instructions:

Preheating: Ensure the oven is fully preheated to 350°F before placing the puffs inside to achieve even baking.

Baking Time: Bake until golden brown. Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking a few minutes before the suggested time to avoid over-baking.

Serving Suggestions:

Serving Warm: Chile Relleno Puffs are best served warm. They can be reheated briefly in the oven to restore crispness if they have cooled down.

Make-Ahead and Storage:

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the puffs ahead of time and freeze them before baking. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Storage: Store leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain their crispiness.

Variations:

Spice Level: For more heat, use a spicier variety of green chile or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Additional Fillings: Consider adding other fillings like cooked ground beef or black beans for a heartier option.

Dietary Considerations:

Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free puff pastry alternatives available in stores.

Cheese Alternatives: For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cheese and ensure the puff pastry is dairy-free.

Presentation:

Garnishing: Garnish with fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of extra cheese before serving for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve with salsa or sour cream on the side for dipping.