Chile Relleno Soup
If you’re craving comfort in a bowl with a bold kick of flavor, Chile Relleno Soup is your ticket to cozy bliss. Inspired by the classic Mexican chile relleno dish, this soup version delivers all the roasted poblano pepper goodness, cheesy richness, and creamy texture in one spoonful. It wraps you in warmth with just enough spice to keep things interesting.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty lunch or a cozy dinner option, this soup checks every box. It’s a creamy, cheesy escape into a bowl of flavors that will remind you of a roasted chile relleno without the need to fire up the fryer. One taste and you’ll want to add this to your regular meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Chile Relleno Soup
Chile Relleno Soup brings the best of Mexican comfort food to your table. It offers layers of roasted pepper flavor, creamy broth, and gooey cheese all blended into a silky soup that doesn’t skimp on heartiness. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner and special enough to serve guests with some crusty bread or tortilla chips.
What Kind of Peppers Should I Use?
Poblano peppers are the gold standard for this soup. They have a rich, earthy flavor with mild heat and roast beautifully to bring out their depth. If you want a little more spice, you can add in jalapeños or even a dash of hot sauce, but poblanos keep it classic and approachable.
Ingredients for the Chile Relleno Soup
Roasting your peppers is the first step to layering in flavor, and each ingredient plays its part in creating that irresistible texture and taste.
- Poblano peppers: The base of the soup, roasted until charred to bring out their smoky flavor.
- Onion: Adds aromatic depth and subtle sweetness when sautéed.
- Garlic: Sharpens the flavor and complements the peppers perfectly.
- Butter: Used to sauté the aromatics and adds richness.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup and gives it that luscious texture.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Forms the flavorful base of the soup.
- Heavy cream: Brings the creamy element and enhances the indulgent feel.
- Monterey Jack cheese: Melts smoothly into the soup, making it cheesy and delicious.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.

How To Make the Chile Relleno Soup
Step 1: Roast the Peppers
Place your poblano peppers under the broiler or over an open flame until the skins are blackened and blistered. Let them steam in a covered bowl, then peel, seed, and dice them.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, melt the butter and cook the diced onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Base
Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the broth to avoid lumps, and let it simmer to thicken.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Peppers
Stir in the heavy cream and roasted poblano peppers. Let everything simmer together so the flavors meld.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese
Reduce the heat and slowly stir in the Monterey Jack cheese until melted and the soup is creamy.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Serving and Storing Chile Relleno Soup
This recipe makes about 4 to 6 servings, perfect for a small family dinner or a week of cozy lunches. Serve it hot with toppings like avocado slices, crushed tortilla chips, or a squeeze of lime for brightness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling, as the dairy can separate.
What to Serve With Chile Relleno Soup?
Crusty Bread
Perfect for soaking up the cheesy broth.
Cilantro Lime Rice
A fresh, tangy side that complements the rich soup.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Sweet and spicy corn adds great texture and flavor.
Chopped Salad with Avocado
Something crisp and fresh to balance the creaminess.
Grilled Cheese Quesadillas
An extra cheesy side to double down on comfort.
Tortilla Chips with Salsa
A crunchy, spicy starter that sets the tone.
Refried Beans
A simple and satisfying classic on the side.
Sweet Plantains
A little sweet contrast to the savory soup.
Want More Soup Ideas?
If this soup warmed your soul, you might also love diving into these cozy favorites:
- Try this creamy and hearty Cajun Potato Soup for a Southern twist.
- Craving more Tex-Mex vibes? Check out the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for a pasta fusion fix.
- For a light and veggie-packed option, the Creamy Chicken and Broccoli hits the spot.
- The spicy comfort of Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup is a game changer.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can find it anytime you need some comfort in a bowl.
Let me know in the comments how you customized your Chile Relleno Soup. Did you add extra heat or keep it mellow? Maybe you added chicken or extra veggies? I’d love to hear how you made it yours.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and comfort meals on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and find your next obsession.
Conclusion
Chile Relleno Soup is everything you love about the classic dish, simplified into a creamy, cheesy, roasted pepper-filled soup. It’s bold yet cozy, satisfying but not too heavy. Whether it’s a chilly night or you’re just looking for a soul-hugging meal, this soup brings warmth and joy to the table.

Chile Relleno Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Description
This rich and creamy Chile Relleno Soup combines roasted poblano peppers, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and a velvety broth into a cozy bowl of comfort. Perfect for chilly nights or anytime you crave bold Mexican flavors. Great for meal prep, family dinners, or a spicy twist on classic soups.
Ingredients
4 poblano peppers
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Roast the poblano peppers under a broiler or over an open flame until the skins are blistered. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and let steam for 10 minutes. Peel off skins, remove seeds, and dice.
2. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir constantly to create a roux.
4. Slowly whisk in the broth until smooth and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken.
5. Add diced roasted poblanos and heavy cream. Simmer another 5–7 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheese until fully melted and the soup is creamy.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with toppings of choice.
Notes
Peeling the peppers after steaming enhances the smoothness of the soup.
Don’t boil the soup after adding cream or cheese to prevent separation.
You can blend part of the soup for an ultra-smooth texture, but leave some chunks for character.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 65mg


