Chiles Rellenos (Mexican-Style Cheese-Stuffed Chiles)

Chiles rellenos—Mexican-style stuffed and fried peppers in a roasted-tomato salsa—was one of the first dishes I learned how to cook, using my dad's method. It mostly involved cans. Both my recipe and my technique have improved since those early days: I've experimented with various chile-roasting methods and dozens of batter recipes and techniques, and I've finally nailed that salsa. Here's what I've learned.

Baked Chile Rellenos with Corn and Crema

The smoky charred chiles were the perfect vessel for the filling, adding just enough spice to make your lips tingle. Instead of heavy and fatty, the corn adds natural sweetness to balance out the dairy. All told, if you're looking for an intro chile relleno recipe, this is an excellent place to start.

Cheesy Stuffed Mexican Peppers With Red Chile Sauce

These Tex-Mex peppers sport a cheesy, creamy beef-and-rice filling that's spiked with chili powder and cumin. They're topped with an enchilada-style sauce and gets its depth from ancho chile and unsweetened cocoa powders and its aromatics from cumin and lightly floral Mexican oregano.

Mexican Stuffed Peppers

That moment when you cut into these Mexican Stuffed Peppers and the cheesy Mexican flavoured beef and rice filling comes oozing out.....

Grilled Chorizo-Stuffed Poblano Peppers

These stuffed poblanos build upon the awesomeness chorizo with a mix of fresh, tangy, creamy, spicy, cheesy, meaty flavors.

Stuffed Roasted Poblano Peppers With Cashew-Chipotle Sauce

Smoky poblanos stuffed with rice flavored with raisins and capers in a creamy cashew-chipotle sauce.

Chilaquiles con Rajas

You can use store-bought tortilla chips and salsa verde for this dish, but I strongly recommend making your own.

Bean-Stuffed Deep-Fried Jalapeños With Salsa Roja

Yes, they're derivative of jalapeño poppers, but I love jalapeños, I love refried beans, and I really love golden brown and crunchy, so why not stick them all together?

Chilaquiles Rojos con Huevos (Red Chilaquiles with Eggs)

Chilaquiles rojos (red chilaquiles) is a traditional Mexican breakfast dish made with crispy corn tortillas cooked in red salsa, often served with eggs.

Tamales With Red Chili and Chicken Filling

A combo of guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles gives this red chili sauce its earthy, smoky, and spicy complexity. It's folded into an airy and flavorful tamale dough, then steamed in corn husks until light and tender.