Every now and then, it's just wonderful to shake things up a bit when it comes to family dinners. If you're looking to add a little pizzazz to your table, I've got just the thing: Green Chile Cheese Squares, a dish that's got its roots in the comforting blend of Southwest flavors, combining the gentle heat of green chiles with the melty goodness of cheese. This casserole isn't just delicious comfort food, it's also a crowd-pleaser and perfect for when you've got friends or family around. It's simple to make, utterly satisfying, and a surefire way to spice up your mealtime!
When serving up these scrumptious Green Chile Cheese Squares, I like to complement the meal with a simple side salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette, or perhaps some sweet cornbread. These squares also go great with a bowl of warm, hearty soup or, for an even more filling meal, a side of Spanish rice or refried beans.
Green Chile Cheese SquaresServings: 8-10 servings
Ingredients- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup milk
- 2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chiles, drained
Directions1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and take a moment to lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs until they're nice and frothy. You're starting with a good base of eggs to hold everything together.
3. To the eggs, stir in the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses until the mixture well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this to the cheesy egg mixture, folding it in gently. We don't want to lose that lovely lightness!
5. Now, pour in the melted butter and milk, stirring just until everything is moistened and you've got a batter that's looking friendly and inviting.
6. Fold in the green chiles with all the care of tucking in a little one at night—gently now, so each square will have a nice distribution of that tasty green chile.
7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared casserole dish, smoothing the top like you're patting down a freshly made bed.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 to 45 minutes, or until the squares are golden and set—just like the sun dipping down behind the cornfields.
9. Let it cool slightly, then cut into squares. Serve warm and watch them disappear faster than kids when it's time to do dishes!
Variations & Tips- For a little extra kick, feel free to mix in some crushed red pepper flakes or a minced jalapeño to give it a spicier touch.
- A meaty version can be had by adding cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham to the batter just before you fold in the green chiles.
- If you're accommodating a picky eater, you can reduce the amount of green chiles or serve some without chiles on one side of the dish.
- These squares are wonderfully freeze-friendly! Let them cool completely and then cut and freeze them for a quick future side or snack.
- Be sure to drain those canned chiles well to avoid adding extra moisture to the squares.
Nothing warms up a family dinner quite like sharing something homemade. And with these Green Chile Cheese Squares, you're serving not just a meal, but a labor of love. Enjoy every bite!
