Anaheim peppers, with their mild heat and sweet, vibrant flavor, are a versatile ingredient that can transform any casserole dish into a memorable meal. Originating from New Mexico and named after the California city of Anaheim, these peppers can be used in a variety of culinary dishes, including casseroles, which are beloved for their comforting and hearty qualities. In this article, we’ll explore a few delicious Anaheim pepper casserole recipes that are sure to become favorites at your dinner table.
Cheesy Anaheim Chicken Casserole
This casserole combines the mild heat of Anaheim peppers with the creaminess of cheese and the succulent texture of chicken. It’s a perfect dish for those who appreciate a little spice without overpowering heat.
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups of shredded cheese (a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack works well)
4 Anaheim peppers, seeded and sliced
1 onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup of sour cream
1 can of cream of chicken soup
1 cup of chicken broth
1 teaspoon of cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 cup of crushed tortilla chips (for topping)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides and no longer pink in the middle. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the onions, garlic, and Anaheim peppers. Sauté until the vegetables are soft.
Cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet. Add the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, followed by the crushed tortilla chips.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Vegetarian Anaheim Pepper and Quinoa Casserole
For a vegetarian option that doesn’t skimp on flavor or substance, try this quinoa and Anaheim pepper casserole. It’s packed with protein, making it a satisfying meal for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Ingredients:
1 cup of quinoa, rinsed
2 cups of vegetable broth
4 Anaheim peppers, seeded and chopped
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can of corn, drained
1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
1 onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of chili powder
1 teaspoon of cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a saucepan, combine the quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and Anaheim peppers.
Cook until the vegetables are soft.
In a large bowl, mix the cooked quinoa, sautéed vegetables, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle the cheese on top.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
These Anaheim pepper casserole recipes offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures that are sure to please any palate. Whether you prefer the hearty, meaty option or a plant-based dish, incorporating Anaheim peppers into your casserole recipes will bring a touch of mild heat and a lot of flavors to your table.
Creamy Anaheim Potato Casserole
A comforting and creamy dish, this casserole uses Anaheim peppers to add a mild kick to the classic combination of potatoes and cheese. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or as a side dish at a gathering.
Ingredients:
2 pounds of potatoes, thinly sliced
4 Anaheim peppers, seeded and thinly sliced
1 cup of heavy cream
1 cup of milk
2 cups of shredded cheese (a mix of cheddar and Gouda works well)
1 onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons of butter
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion, cooking until soft and fragrant.
Add the heavy cream, milk, paprika, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Bring to a simmer and then remove from heat.
Arrange a layer of potato slices at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with a layer of Anaheim peppers and then sprinkle a layer of cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
Pour the cream mixture over the casserole, ensuring it seeps into the layers.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.
Spicy Anaheim Breakfast Casserole
Start your day with a bit of zest with this breakfast casserole, featuring Anaheim peppers, eggs, and sausage. It’s a filling and flavorful way to kick off any morning.
Ingredients:
6 large eggs
1 pound of breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
4 Anaheim peppers, seeded and diced
1 cup of milk
2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar works well)
1 bag of frozen hash browns, thawed
1 onion, diced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon of olive oil
Fresh chives, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced Anaheim peppers and onion, cooking until soft.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
Add the cooked sausage, sautéed peppers and onion, thawed hash browns, and 1 ½ cups of cheese to the egg mixture. Stir to combine.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
Garnish with fresh chives before serving.
Each of these Anaheim pepper casserole recipes brings its unique twist to the table, from the hearty and savory to the light and spicy. By incorporating these versatile peppers into your cooking, you can add depth and flavor to any meal, making even the simplest of dishes something special. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these casseroles are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.
