Cheesy Hatch Green Chile Dip

when I share a dip recipe, you it’s gonna be easy

A complicated dip is a contradiction in terms…dips need to be last minute, effortless, and all about the good times you’ll have devouring them. Hatch green chile dip can be prepped ahead of time and popped in the oven about 30 minutes before you want to serve it. Needless to say this is the PERFECT game night starter, but I won’t tell if you just want to hoard it all for yourself. Grant and I have been known to have Hatch chile dip for dinner 🙂

what do Hatch green chiles taste like?

Roasted Hatch chiles are slightly sweet, and smokey! Hatch peppers typically have a mild to medium level of heat. They’re usually milder than jalapeño peppers but can still provide a slight kick. The heat is often described as manageable and not overpowering. If you don’t like heat you can buy mild Hatch chiles, no problem.

tips for making Hatch green chile dip

• Turn this dip into a meal by adding some cooked shredded or chopped chicken to the mixture before baking.
• Bake the dip in a shallow casserole or pie plate so it will cook quickly and evenly. There’s nothing worse than digging into a dip that’s lukewarm in the center.
• Hatch chiles come in a variety of heat levels, from mild to hot. You can customize the heat of this dip depending on whether you choose hot, mild or a combination of chiles. I chose a combo, and it had just the right amount of ‘kick’ without being overwhelming.
• Add sweet corn kernels to the dip for a touch of sweetness that balances the spiciness of the Hatch chiles. This works especially well when the corn is roasted or grilled.
• Chop ripe avocado and fold it into the dip for a creamy texture and a burst of freshness. Add some lime juice and chopped fresh cilantro.

good substitutes for Hatch chiles

So what if you can’t find Hatch chiles? No worries, here are some great subs~

1. Canned Green Chiles: If you want to use canned chiles, use a generic ‘green chile’, either mild or hot.
2. Anaheim Chiles: These chiles are similar in flavor and heat level to Hatch chiles. They are often used as a substitute in recipes that call for Hatch chiles.
3. Poblano Peppers: Poblanos are milder than Hatch chiles but still offer a nice flavor profile. Roasting them can enhance their smokiness and depth of flavor.
4. New Mexico Chiles: These chiles are related to Hatch chiles and offer a similar flavor. They can be a good substitute if you’re looking for that distinctive New Mexican chili taste.
5. Cubanelle Peppers: These peppers are mild and slightly sweet. While they are not a chili pepper, they can work in recipes that call for roasted chiles for a milder flavor.
6. Jalapeño Peppers: For heat and flavor, you can use jalapeños. However, they are generally spicier than Hatch chiles, so use them cautiously and adjust the quantity according to your desired heat level.

How to roast Hatch Chiles (or any chile!)

1. Preheat your oven to Broil. Place the oven rack in the highest position to ensure the chiles are close to the broiler.
2. Rinse the Hatch chiles under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This will make cleanup easier.
4. Place the Hatch chiles on the lined baking sheet, making sure they’re spread out and not touching each other.
5. Put the baking sheet with the chiles in the preheated oven on the top rack, directly under the broiler. Keep the oven door slightly ajar to monitor the chiles and prevent them from burning.
6. As the chiles start to blister and char, use tongs to rotate them so all sides get evenly roasted. This will take a few minutes.
7. Once the chiles are evenly charred, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the roasted chiles to a bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel to trap steam. Allow the chiles to steam for about 10-15 minutes. This will help loosen the skin.
8. After steaming, use your fingers to peel off the charred skin. Make a small slit down the side of each chile and gently remove the seeds and membranes if desired.
9. Your roasted chiles are ready to use!