Hatch Green Chile Meatballs with Cheddar Cheese Dipping Sauce
Looking for a bold, flavorful appetizer or a hearty main dish? These Hatch Green Chile Meatballs are the perfect blend of spice, cheese, and savory goodness. Paired with a creamy cheddar cheese dipping sauce, they’re a guaranteed hit for family dinners, parties, or game-day spreads.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- ½ cup minced roasted green chilies (Hatch chilies for authentic flavor)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ minced yellow onion
- 2 cups crushed cheese-flavored crackers (like Cheez-Its or Goldfish)
For the Cheese Dipping Sauce:
- 1½ cups shredded extra-sharp white cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Instructions
🧅 1. Prepare the Onion
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced yellow onion and cook for about 5 minutes until golden and soft.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
🍖 2. Make the Meatball Mixture
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- The cooled cooked onion
- Ground beef
- Minced roasted green chilies
- Crushed cheese-flavored crackers
- Egg
- Using your hands, gently mix everything together until well combined, but be careful not to over-mix as it can make the meatballs dense.
🍲 3. Shape the Meatballs
- Divide the mixture into 48 small meatballs (about 1-inch diameter each).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the meatballs in a single layer.
🔥 4. Bake the Meatballs
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the meatballs are browned and fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
How to Make the Cheddar Cheese Dipping Sauce
🧈 1. Make a Roux
- In a saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add 1 tablespoon of flour and stir continuously for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture is golden and has a slightly nutty aroma.
🥛 2. Add the Milk
- Slowly pour in 1 cup of milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Continue to whisk for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency.
🧀 3. Melt the Cheese
- Turn off the heat and add the shredded extra-sharp white cheddar cheese.
- Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is velvety smooth.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of milk to adjust the consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the hot, golden-brown Hatch Green Chile Meatballs with a bowl of warm, gooey Cheddar Cheese Dipping Sauce on the side. For a complete experience, try these serving ideas:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for extra color and freshness.
- Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy dipping.
- Enjoy them as a main course with sides like Spanish rice, cornbread, or a crisp garden salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Spicy, Cheesy, and Savory: The roasted green chilies add a mild heat, while the cheese-flavored cracker crumbs add a hint of sharp cheese flavor.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game day, potlucks, or any party where finger foods are a must.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Form the meatballs in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready. The cheese sauce can also be prepped ahead and reheated.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix: Over-mixing the meatball mixture can result in dense, tough meatballs. Mix just until combined.
- Don’t Skip the Parchment: Lining the baking sheet prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Keep the Sauce Warm: Cheese sauce tends to thicken as it cools. Keep it warm on low heat or use a small slow cooker.
These Hatch Green Chile Meatballs are the perfect combination of spicy, cheesy, and savory flavors. Whether you’re feeding a party crowd or looking for a delicious family dinner, this recipe will not disappoint. Enjoy! 🌶️🧀🍖