The Versatile Frozen Hot Peppers We Don't Leave Costco Without

Home chefs are encouraged to avoid falling for common frozen food myths, including misinformation regarding lack of nutrition or diminished quality. The fact is that frozen food can be just as tasty and nutritious as fresh items, while also being amazingly convenient, as illustrated by Daily Meal's list of hidden treasures found in Costco's frozen food section. Among the many great selections are the New Mexico Select Hot Green Chile Peppers, which come in a sizable 5-pound bag.

These green peppers introduce a pleasant bit of heat to recipes, but they also add a little smokiness thanks to fire roasting. And as a non-GMO product, you won't need to worry about the potentially harmful effects on health, which are not fully understood at this time. Costco's green chiles also come chopped, which makes for easy prep when adding them to recipes. Prices are likely to vary from location to location, but you can't deny that these peppers are a great buy when bulk foods are concerned. This is especially true for households that use green chiles in a variety of preparations.

Green chiles are a versatile ingredient to be sure, which makes Costco's whopping 5-pound bag an excellent addition to most freezers. These peppers can be incorporated into a variety of recipes, including appetizers and snacks. Use them to whip up a tasty batch of green chile slow cooker queso, which can be enjoyed with breadsticks. They also make a delicious addition to loaded nachos when combined with ingredients like shredded chicken, red onion, avocado, and other tasty items.

As for breakfast or brunch options, an omelet featuring green peppers, feta cheese, and onions is sure to hit the spot. Costco also has dinner covered, as these green chiles work beautifully when added to soups, stews, enchiladas, and even mac and cheese dishes. While excellent from a meal-planning perspective, this Costco product will only be a smart buy if you're able to use up the bag before spoilage becomes an issue. Fortunately, proper storage can maintain the quality of your chiles for months.

When it comes to storage of frozen vegetables, such as Costco's green chiles, there are certain best practices to follow. Transferring the peppers from their original packaging to a freezer bag or container capable of preventing air exposure is key to maintaining quality. Also, it's a good idea to check the temperature setting on your freezer to ensure it's at least 0 degrees Fahrenheit, if not lower. When stored correctly, frozen green chiles can last as long as 18 months before concerns about quality arise.

When you want to add hot green peppers to your recipes, the USDA recommends three safe thawing methods. If you have some time, relocate the peppers from the freezer to the refrigerator. This method can thaw the green chiles overnight in most cases. When it comes to time sensitive situations, you can thaw the veggies by placing an airtight bag in cold water or using the microwave to defrost the peppers quickly. Using the recommended thawing methods ensures that your Costco green chiles will be a tasty – and safe – addition to all sorts of recipes.