Cheesy Hatch Green Chili Cornbread Casserole
A comforting and flavorful casserole combining spicy Hatch green chilies, melty pepper jack cheese, and fluffy cornbread. Perfect as a side dish or hearty snack with a balance of spicy, cheesy, and sweet flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients
- 1 cup (150g) stone-ground yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for GF)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 can (4 oz/113g) diced Hatch green chilies, drained
- 1 cup (120g) shredded pepper jack cheese
- Optional: sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Optional: ¼ cup (60g) sour cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until evenly combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs, then add milk and melted butter. Whisk until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in shredded pepper jack cheese and drained Hatch green chilies. If using, fold in sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top evenly to about 1.5 inches thick.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and the cheese to settle.
Notes
Use room temperature eggs and milk for better batter texture. Do not overmix to keep cornbread light and fluffy. Drain Hatch chilies well to avoid sogginess. Grease baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. Let casserole rest after baking for best texture. Fresh Hatch chilies can be used for brighter flavor. For a crisper crust, bake in a cast iron skillet. Cheese can be substituted with Monterey Jack or sharp cheddar. Dairy-free and gluten-free adaptations are possible.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/6 of the cas
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 10
Keywords: cornbread casserole, Hatch green chilies, pepper jack cheese, cheesy casserole, Southwestern recipe, easy side dish, comfort food