Hatch Green Chili Egg Casserole

Why This Recipe is Perfect for You

• Breakfast, brunch, or anytime: This casserole thrives at any meal.

• Make-ahead magic: Prep tonight, bake tomorrow!

• No pork, bacon, wine, or alcohol: Just clean, bold flavor.

• Highly customizable: Add veggies, swap cheeses, or keep it simple.

• Gorgeous on camera: Ideal for food photography with its cheesy, green-yellow mosaic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Casserole

• 10 large eggs

• 1 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based)

• 2 cups roasted Hatch green chiles, chopped (fresh, frozen, or canned)

• 1½ cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or mix)

• 2 cups cubed day-old bread (sourdough or challah)

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• Salt & pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins

(Adjust or skip based on preference)

• 1 cup black beans or shredded chicken

• 1 diced bell pepper

• ½ cup corn kernels or spinach

• Sliced jalapeños for heat

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley or cilantro

• Sliced avocado

• Salsa verde or hot sauce

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Lime wedges

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Dish and Ingredients

Grease a 9×13″ casserole pan. Chop chiles, dice veggies, and cube bread. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure everything is fully combined and seasoning is balanced.

3. Add Solids

Fold in bread cubes, chopped chiles, cheese, onions, garlic, and any optional add-ins. Stir until evenly distributed. Let stand 5 minutes for bread to soak up moisture.

4. Let It Rest (Highly Recommended)

Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes to overnight. This helps flavors meld and ensures even custard texture.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection

Place uncovered in oven and bake 35–40 minutes. Edges should puff and turn golden; center should be set. A toothpick inserted will come out clean, not liquid.

6. Garnish and Serve

Let rest 5 minutes. Cut into squares or rectangles, garnish your way, and serve warm. Enjoy with sides like fruit salad or roasted potatoes.

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Why This Casserole Feels Like Magic

Hearty Protein

With 10 eggs plus fiber-rich bread and beans/meat optional, each slice is packed with lasting energy.

Taste That Pops

Roasted Hatch chiles offer smoky warmth; cheese adds indulgence; toasted bread brings comfort.

Prep Once, Enjoy Multiple Ways

Great for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack; perfect meal-prep option; freezes well.

Visually Inviting

Colorful flecks of green, yellow, and cheese make this dish a social media magnet.

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Customization Options

Vegetarian or Vegan

Omit dairy cheese and use vegan cheese + plant milk. Replace bread with cubes of potato or sweet potato.

Gluten-Free

Skip bread or use gluten-free bread. Still flavorful and satisfying.

Extra Protein

Add black beans, shredded chicken, or lean turkey to bulk up protein.

Veggie Boost

Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini.

Spice Options

Control heat by deseeding Hatch chiles or adding jalapeños, serranos, or hot sauce.

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Make-Ahead & Storage

• Overnight Prep: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

• Refrigerator: Keep leftovers covered for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Bake, cool, cut, wrap each square, and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in oven or microwave.

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Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving – 1 square, approx.)

Depends on cheese/bread. Beans/chicken add protein.

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Expert Tips

1. Use Day-Old Bread: Helps soak up custard without becoming soggy.

2. Rest for Custard Texture: Rest 30+ mins ensures even bake and creamy inside.

3. Try Plant-Based Add-Ins: Quinoa or tofu make it bulkier and vegan.

4. Balanced Heat: Adjust chile seeds for mild to medium spice.

5. Freeze Smartly: Let fully cool, wrap squares in foil + plastic, freeze flat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip bread?
Yes! Use extra veg or thin slices of fried potato. Texture remains great.

Meal prep next-day bake?
Absolutely—cover and refrigerate. Pull out 10 mins before baking.

Dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant milk (soy/oat), vegan cheese, or omit cheese with extra herbs and veggies for flavor.

How spicy is it?
Medium by default. Use mild Hatch chiles for less heat, keep seeds for medium.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner?
All of the above! Great for any time of day with sides like salads, fruit, or toast.

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Why This Will Go Viral

• Bright visuals (green chiles + melted cheese) catch attention.

• Simple prep + big payoff appeals to busy cooks.

• Diet adaptable – vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free versions.

• Perfect for photo/video — slice, garnish, dish out for great content.

• Meal prep trending — shareable content focused on easy weekly cooking.

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Chef Natali’s Final Thoughts

This Hatch Green Chili Egg Casserole has become my go-to crowd-zero effort food. It’s easy to assemble, incredible tasting, and adapts to your lifestyle. Whether you bake it fresh or save it for later, it delivers bold Southwest flavor and comforting familiarity.

Make a batch this weekend, and share your kitchen photos with #GreenChileBreakfast and @ChefNatali—I can’t wait to see your creations!