A chile relleno is traditionally made from a whole roasted green chile stuffed with cheese.
Chile relleno means “stuffed chile” in Spanish. The pepper is commonly a poblano, although other chiles may be used. After roasting and peeling, the chile is filled, often with cheese, coated in an egg batter, and fried. It may be served with tomato sauce or another savory sauce.
Tex-Mex restaurants often include chile relleno alongside enchiladas, tacos, and other Mexican-American specialties. The dish has regional variations, including versions filled with meat or vegetables rather than cheese.
A chile relleno is not the same as chile con queso. Chile con queso is a cheese-based dip or sauce, while chile relleno is a stuffed whole pepper. A quesadilla uses cheese enclosed between tortillas.