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If you love Chiles Rellenos, but don’t want to deal with frying whole peppers, these Mini Chiles Rellenos Bites are the perfect solution! Cheesy, slightly spicy, and packed with bold Mexican flavors, these bite-sized treats are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and ridiculously easy to make.
Perfect for parties, game day, or a fun appetizer, these mini stuffed peppers deliver all the deliciousness of traditional Chiles Rellenos—without the hassle!
🌶️ What You’ll Need
👉 For the Bites:
- 8 mini bell peppers or jalapeños, halved and deseeded
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Oaxaca cheese
- ½ cup crumbled queso fresco
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
👉 For the Crispy Coating:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Cooking spray or oil (for baking/frying)
👉 For Dipping (Optional but Delicious!):
- Salsa roja or salsa verde
- Sour cream or Mexican crema
- Guacamole
🔥 How to Make Mini Chiles Rellenos Bites
1️⃣ Prep the Peppers – Slice mini bell peppers or jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
2️⃣ Make the Filling – In a bowl, mix shredded cheese, queso fresco, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and cilantro.
3️⃣ Stuff & Coat – Fill each pepper half with the cheese mixture. Dredge in flour, dip into beaten eggs, then coat with seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
4️⃣ Bake or Fry:
- Oven Method: Place on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Air Fryer Method: Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Frying Method: Heat oil in a skillet and fry until crispy, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy! – Serve warm with your favorite dips and watch them disappear!
✨ Easy Variations & Tips
🧀 Extra Cheese? Swap in pepper jack, cheddar, or cotija for different flavors.
🌮 Want a Meaty Version? Add cooked chorizo or shredded chicken to the filling.
🔥 Love It Spicy? Use serrano peppers for an extra kick!
❄️ Make Ahead? Prep and freeze before baking, then cook when ready!
💡 What to Serve Them With?
- A refreshing margarita or agua fresca 🍹
- Mexican street corn (Elote) on the side 🌽
- A scoop of guacamole for dipping 🥑
These Mini Chiles Rellenos Bites are crispy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors, making them the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a Cinco de Mayo party, a game night, or just want a spicy snack, these bites are a guaranteed hit!
