From cheesy mac and cheese to zesty compound butter, these dishes celebrate the bold flavors of Hatch chiles, celebrating their unique flavor and short growing season!

If you’ve never tasted a Hatch green chile, you’re in for a treat! These unique chiles hail from the Hatch Valley in New Mexico, a region celebrated for its rich soil and perfect climate that give these chiles their distinctive flavor. Every year, chile enthusiasts eagerly await the harvest, which typically begins in August and runs through September.

About Hatch Green Chiles

So, what exactly are Hatch green chiles? They are a variety of New Mexico chile pepper, renowned for their versatile flavor that ranges from mild to extra hot. Their taste is unlike any other chile, a unique mix of smoky, sweet, and earthy. Hatch green chiles are incredibly popular in Southwestern cuisine and can be used in a huge variety dishes! Think green chile stew, enchiladas, burgers, and even pizza! They add a lovely kick to salsas, dips, and sauces, making them a staple in many kitchens.

Now, here’s a fun fact: when Hatch green chiles are ripened, they turn from vibrant green to red. This ripening process not only changes their color but also enhances their sweetness while maintaining that signature heat. These ripened red chiles are often dried and ground into a powder, known as red chile powder, which is a key ingredient in traditional New Mexican red chile sauce.

The excitement around Hatch green chiles isn’t just about their flavor, though. It’s also about the experience. Roasting these chiles is a cherished tradition and brings out their wonderful flavor.

Whether you’re picking up a freshly roasted batch at a local market or roasting them yourself at home, the process is both satisfying and delicious.

The next time you see Hatch green chiles in the grocery store, grab a bunch and get ready to add flavor to your meals with the recipes below. Happy cooking!

Hatch Chile Salsa

Hatch Green Chile Salsa Verde
Image Credit: Michelle Goth/ blackberrybabe.com

My first thought for using up hatch chilies to to make hatch chile salsa! This salsa verde recipe is a flavorful blend of roasted hatch chiles, tomatillos, onions, lime and spices, perfect for adding a kick to your chips or tacos, or topping your enchiladas! It’s a Southwest-style salsa that everyone will love!

To learn more: Hatch Chile Salsa Verde.

Hatch Chile Chilaquiles

a photo of hatch chilaquiles verdes
Image Credit: orwhateveryoudo.com

Get ready to spice up your brunch game with this Hatch Chile Chilaquiles recipe! Crispy tortilla chips smothered in tangy salsa verde made with hatch chiles. Chilaquiles are a great way to use stale tortilla chips! They’re like delicious breakfast nachos.

To learn more: Hatch Chile Chilaquiles

Hatch Chile Queso

Image Credit: Casual Epicure

Looking for a tasty dip? Try this Hatch queso recipe from Casual Epicure for a cheesy, spicy delight that’s perfect for parties or snacking!

To learn more: Hatch Chile Queso

Pork and Hatch Green Chile Stew

Image Credit: Beyond Mere Sustenance

This recipe for Beyond Mere Sustenance is all about creating a flavorful and easy meal using simple ingredients. Just throw everything in the slow cooker, and you’ll have a tasty dish that’s perfect for busy days!

To learn more: Pork and Hatch Green Chile Stew

Homemade Green Enchilada Sauce

Image Credit: Pinch and Swirl

This Green Enchilada Sauce recipe from Pinch and Swirl is a simple and flavorful way to elevate your enchiladas. With fresh ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delicious homemade sauce that’s far better than store-bought.

To learn more: Hatch Chile Enchilada Sauce

Hatch Chile Rellenos Casserole

Image Credit: Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen

This Chile Rellenos Casserole with Hatch Green Chiles is a tasty and easy way to enjoy the classic dish without all the fuss. Just layer the ingredients, bake, and you’ll have a comforting meal that’s perfect for any night.

To learn more: Hatch Chile Rellenos Casserole

Four Cheese Mac and Cheese with Hatch Chiles

Image Credit: Christina’s Cucina

This Four Cheese Mac and Cheese with Hatch Chiles from Christina’s Cucina is a creamy, cheesy delight with a spicy kick. It’s an easy recipe that brings comfort food to a whole new level with the addition of flavorful Hatch chiles.

To learn more: Four Cheese Mac and Cheese with Hatch Chiles

Hatch Green Chile Creamed Corn

Image Credit: Three Olives Branch

This Hatch Green Chile Creamed Corn recipe from Three Olives Branch combines the sweetness of corn with the spicy kick of Hatch chiles. It’s a unique, creamy side dish for summer!

To learn more: Hatch Green Chile Creamed Corn

Roasted Hatch Chile Butter

Image Credit: Cooking on the Weekends

This Roasted Hatch Chile Compound Butter from Cooking on the Weekends recipe blends zesty citrus with the mild heat of Hatch chiles, creating a flavorful spread perfect for enhancing dishes. Can you image how good this butter would be on grilled corn?

To learn more: Roasted Hatch Chile Butter

Pickled Hatch Green Chiles and ONions

Image Credit: Craving Something Healthy

I’m always sad when hatch chile season is over, but luckily I can preserve the wonderful flavor of hatch chiles through pickling! This Pickled Hatch Chiles and Sweet Onions recipe from Craving Something Health offers offers a straightforward, easy method to preserve the flavor of hatch chile peppers!

To learn more: Pickled Hatch Chiles and Onions

I hope that these10 mouthwatering Hatch chile recipes spice up your kitchen this summer! From cheesy mac and cheese to zesty compound butter, these dishes celebrate the bold flavors of Hatch chiles, guaranteed to add a kick to your cooking routine.