Trader Joe's Chile Relleno con Queso features two whole poblano peppers stuffed generously with cheese and paired with a mild tomato-based sauce, packaged separately so nothing gets soggy before you're ready. Priced affordably at $5.99 and sold in the frozen section, this version stands out from the various chile relleno offerings they've rotated over the years.
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Review
Trader Joe's has flirted with chile relleno before, but this one? This one finally gets it right.
The biggest win is the texture. It somehow manages to crisp up while baking, which is unheard of when it comes to a pre-packaged chile relleno. Most versions end up a soggy mess, but this one had edges that got golden and crispy before the cooking was even finished. That alone would've earned it points, but then you get to the inside: ooey, gooey cheesy goodness that's flavorful without being overpowering.
The peppers themselves have a super mild heat. We're talking more flavorful than spicy, which works here. It keeps things accessible without feeling bland. The sauce is tomato-forward, lightly seasoned, and a nice bonus, it complements the pepper without stealing the spotlight.
Would I have loved a touch more seasoning or a hit of something smoky? Sure. But in the frozen and pre-prepped world of chile rellenos, this is easily one of the best Trader Joe's has offered. Serve it as a side, turn it into a meal with some beans and rice, or get wild and chop it up for tacos. Either way, it's worth trying while it's still in stores.
How to Serve
- Pair with avocado or sour cream if you want to mellow it out more.
- Bake it according to the instructions to get the edges crisp.
- Plate with a side of refried beans and rice for a full meal.
- Slice it and stuff it into a warm tortilla for a smoky, cheesy taco.
Creative Uses
- Chile Relleno Breakfast Hash: Chop it up and toss with diced potatoes and scrambled eggs.
- Southwest Quesadilla Filler: Layer it between tortillas with extra cheese and grill it up.
- Stuffed Pepper Nachos: Cut into bite-sized pieces, bake, and load onto chips with all the fixings.
FAQs about Trader Joe's Chiles Rellenos con Queso
The following are commonly asked questions about this product:
Not really. It's more about the roasted pepper flavor than heat. Most people would consider it mild.
There are two stuffed peppers, and depending on your appetite, it could be one or two servings.
Surprisingly, no. It's one of the few frozen chile rellenos that actually gets crispy edges when baked.
Final Thoughts
If you've tried previous iterations and felt let down, this one might just redeem the whole category for you. It's flavorful, cheesy, and most importantly, crispy. For a quick, satisfying vegetarian option that doesn't feel like a compromise, Trader Joe's Chile Relleno con Queso is absolutely worth grabbing.
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Trader Joe's Chiles Rellenos con Queso
Product Name: Trader Joe's Chiles Rellenos con Queso
Product Description: Trader Joe’s Chile Relleno con Queso delivers crisp edges, melty cheese, and mild heat in a frozen meal that finally gets it right.
Price: $5.99
Currency: USD
Availability: InStoreOnly
Summary
Trader Joe’s Chile Relleno con Queso delivers crisp edges, melty cheese, and mild heat in a frozen meal that finally gets it right.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Boldly crispy – Actually gets crisp in the oven, which is a rare win in this category
- Cheesy filling – Melty, flavorful cheese that hits the right notes
- Mild heat – Great for those who like flavor without fire
Cons
- Great value – Two generous servings at a solid price
- Mild sauce – Tasty, but could use a bit more punch for those who like spice
RossC says
I, frequently have chile relleno at the local Mexican restaurants here so I thought I'd try these.. While I didn't dislike the chile relleno, it didn't move me to make it a staple in my list of TJ's Mexican food offerings..
For the price and ease of fixing, I rate these as 'OK'..
becomebetty says
That's how I felt about them too. Thanks for sharing!
Tim says
I think TJ's chili relleno is one of their better ready meal mexican dishes. Also, I like TJ's cheese enchiladas. Why, you ask? Well, I feel microwaves destroy flavors, textures and quality of most ready meals, therefore, these dishes and other TJ's frozen items, such as their Indian entrees, produce a better product using a conventional oven. Although I have only read a few of your TJ 's frozen product reviews, I didn't see a micro vs conv. oven taste comparison. Lastly, I am a working chef and can produce a better product, yet, most average Joe or Jane America do not consider prepare an extra uncooked homemade entree or 2 to freeze for later, which I recommend, when making meals you often crave.
becomebetty says
Hey Tim! Valid points well taken. I say how I made it to trouble shoot it. And because I actually eat it, I tend to not make 2 at the same time. If they look like they can go to work, I lean on the microwave because as much as I would love to take 20-40 minutes to bake a meal, I don't have access at work (and I have a short lunch break). However, this is the beauty of the comments section where people are free to say which way they prefer. This is actually one of my older reviews, so it is probably time I revisit this review. Your points as well taken and over the summer I'm going to revisit some of these other reviews. Thanks so much for sharing your honest thoughts on this and your thoughts and experiences are welcome here 🙂
Billie says
The Trader Joe’s Chile Rellenos are pretty good using the air fryer. I usually buy these at Ralph’s Market and they are made by Goya. They cost $2.00
More than Trader Joe’s, but the chile is a little more spicy.
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing!