Game Day Flavor: Mexican Food for Championship Weekend & the Big Game
Championship weekend and the season’s biggest professional football matchup are more than just must-watch events—they’re two of the largest eating days of the year. Friends gather, TVs turn up, and tables fill with food meant for sharing. Year after year, Mexican cuisine tops the list of game-day favorites, thanks to bold flavors, crowd-friendly portions, and dishes that feel both festive and comforting.
From salsas and chips to slow-simmered classics, Mexican food has a way of bringing people together—making it the perfect fit for championship Sunday and the championship game that follows.
One traditional dish that deserves a spot on your game-day menu (or your pre-game feast) is Chiles Rellenos.
Chiles Rellenos
A Traditional Mexican Dish
History & Tradition
Chiles Rellenos, meaning “stuffed chiles,” is one of Mexico’s most iconic and beloved dishes. Its origins trace back to Puebla, a city renowned for its rich culinary heritage. The dish dates to the 19th century, during the colonial era, when Spanish and indigenous ingredients blended to form what is now known as classic Mexican cuisine.
According to culinary tradition, Chiles Rellenos were popularized by convent kitchens, where nuns skillfully combined local poblano peppers with European techniques such as stuffing, battering, and frying. One well-known legend suggests the dish was prepared to celebrate Mexican independence, showcasing the colors of the Mexican flag:
- Green poblano chile
- White cheese and egg batter
- Red tomato sauce
Today, Chiles Rellenos are enjoyed throughout Mexico and beyond, commonly filled with cheese, picadillo (seasoned meat), or vegetables, and served during family gatherings, celebrations, and holidays.
Chiles Rellenos Recipe
Ingredients
For the chiles:
- 4 large poblano peppers — Shop Poblanos
- 8 oz Oaxaca cheese or Monterey Jack cheese — Oaxaca Cheese
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs, separated
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the tomato sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ cup white onion, finely chopped — White Onion Products
- 2 garlic cloves, minced — Garlic Products
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or blended fresh tomatoes — Tomato Sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano — Mexican Oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For garnish (optional):
- Crumbled queso fresco — Queso Fresco
- Fresh cilantro — Cilantro Products
Instructions
- Roast the poblanos over an open flame or under a broiler until skins are charred. Place in a covered bowl or plastic bag for 10 minutes to steam. Peel off skins, carefully slit one side, and remove seeds.
- Stuff the peppers with cheese and gently close, securing with toothpicks if needed.
- Prepare the batter: Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Lightly beat yolks with salt and baking powder, then gently fold into the whites.
- Lightly flour each stuffed pepper, then dip into the egg batter.
- Fry the peppers in hot oil over medium heat until golden on all sides. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the sauce: Sauté onion and garlic in oil until soft. Add tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve the Chiles Rellenos topped with warm tomato sauce and garnish with queso fresco and cilantro.
A Winning Dish for the Biggest Game Day
Whether you’re hosting friends for the championship matchup, feeding a hungry crowd, or planning a full spread for the season’s final game, Chiles Rellenos bring tradition, flavor, and celebration to the table. Pair them with rice, beans, chips, and salsa for a game-day menu that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Stock up on authentic Mexican ingredients at MexGrocer.com and make this game day one to remember—no matter which team takes the field.
Note: This post is not affiliated with or endorsed by the National Football League or any of its properties. “Super Bowl” is a registered trademark; we refer to the event generically as the big game.