When I first tried making Rajas con Crema, it was during one of those chaotic weeks where I had zero brainspace to think up meals. The kids were tired from school, my partner was traveling, and the pantry was looking pretty bare. Somehow, a craving for something comforting and quick pushed me to peek into the roasted chile strips tucked in my fridge—poblano peppers I’d roasted earlier. I remembered hearing about Rajas con Crema, a classic Mexican cream sauce dish that promised warmth and satisfaction. I decided to give it a go, hoping it would hit the spot without turning my kitchen upside down again.
What really blew me away wasn’t just how easy it was to pull off but how instantly it brought that cozy, comforting vibe to our dinner table. The smoky poblano peppers in this creamy pepper sauce felt like a warm hug after a long day. Even my pickiest kid gave it a thumbs-up, which was a total surprise! Since then, Rajas con Crema has become a centerpiece for many family meals, a quick comfort food lifeline when the usual playlist of dinners gets dull. This Mexican side dish balances flavors beautifully, and the luscious Mexican cream sauce makes everything feel a little more special without the fuss.
If you’re a mom juggling the daily dinner scramble, I get you. Rajas con Crema brings a simple comfort that feels homemade and heartfelt but won’t wear you out. It fits perfectly in my cooking journey, meeting that sweet spot between flavor and sanity-saving comfort food. I’m so excited to share everything I’ve learned about making this creamy pepper sauce a regular win for your family, too. Whether you’re new to roasted chile strips or already a fan, stick with me, and I promise this Rajas con Crema will be a delicious part of your cozy chaos.
Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a simple list to get your Rajas con Crema ready without fuss. Trust me, this Rajas con Crema ingredient lineup is built for busy moms craving comfort without complication!
- 4 large poblano peppers (roasted, peeled, and sliced into strips) – The smoky base of your creamy pepper sauce. If poblano peppers are hard to find, you can substitute with Anaheim peppers for a milder touch.
- 1 cup Mexican cream (crema mexicana) – This is the star for that authentic Mexican cream sauce flavor. No worries if you don’t have it; sour cream mixed with a little whole milk works beautifully for a creamy texture.
- 1 small white onion, thinly sliced – Adds sweetness and crunch.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – For that warm, cozy punch.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (like Oaxaca or mozzarella) – Melts beautifully in the creamy pepper sauce and adds a luscious stretch.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter – For sautéing onions and garlic to bring out their flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Quick tip: You can find all these ingredients at your regular grocery store. If you’re near a Latin market, they usually have fresh Mexican cream, which adds a nice touch. On a budget? This Rajas con Crema proves delicious doesn’t have to mean expensive—cream can be swapped with milder, budget-friendly dairy without losing much comfort.
For busy days, I sometimes use pre-roasted poblano peppers from the deli section—it’s a total time saver! My family gets extra comfort when I toss in a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of lime juice at the end. It lifts the creamy pepper sauce nicely.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Here’s the plan to whip up Rajas con Crema that’ll leave your family happy and your kitchen calm. I usually need about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those sanity-saving dinners.
- Roast your poblano peppers over an open flame or under a broiler until the skins are charred and blistered on all sides. Pop them into a sealed plastic bag or bowl covered for 10 minutes—this makes peeling a breeze. Don’t skip this step! The smoky flavor from the roasted chile strips is what makes Rajas con Crema stand out.
- Peel off the charred skins gently, then slice the poblano peppers into thin strips (rajas). Your kitchen will already start smelling amazing here!
- Heat your oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sliced onion and sauté until soft and translucent—about 5 minutes. This soft sweetness is a comforting contrast in your creamy pepper sauce.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. If you smell the garlic dancing with the onions, you’re on the right track.
- Stir in the roasted poblano strips and cook everything together for 2-3 minutes to let those flavors mingle.
- Lower the heat and pour in the Mexican cream (or your sour cream-milk mix). Stir gently to coat those roasted chile strips well. Your Rajas con Crema should begin to look like a dreamy creamy pepper sauce.
- Add shredded cheese and stir until melted and smooth. This step takes your dish from simple to soul-satisfying.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to taste and adjust—a little tweak can win over even the most demanding family member.
While your Rajas con Crema is bubbling away, it’s a perfect moment to prep a quick side salad or pack tomorrow’s school lunches (two birds, one happy kitchen). Don’t worry if it looks a bit runnier than you expect; the cream thickens as it cools and the roasted chile strips soak up that yummy sauce.
Here’s where I used to trip up: peeling those poblano peppers took forever! Using that steam under the towel trick saves so much time. Another comfort food lesson? Cook your onions low and slow—they bring sweetness that balances the smoky peppers perfectly.
How We Love to Eat This!

Rajas con Crema is a family favorite that my kids request over and over. We love serving it with fluffy white rice or warm handmade tortillas for scooping up every bit—because who likes to waste that creamy pepper sauce? If your kiddos enjoy cheesy flavors, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top when serving—it makes the dish instantly appealing.
This Mexican side dish shines on busy weeknights when we want warmth without hassle, but it also stars in celebratory meals. For parties, I spread Rajas con Crema on rustic bread slices for a quick and tasty appetizer—guests always ask for the recipe! Speaking of tortillas, I once tried pairing this creamy pepper sauce recipe with homemade tortillas—talk about comfort overload! You can find some lovely Rajas con crema recipe with handmade tortillas here.
Leftovers? They reheat beautifully and turn into a filling taco topping the next day. I even fold leftover Rajas con Crema into scrambled eggs for a creamy, smoky breakfast twist.
Seasonal comfort popup: In cooler months, I sometimes add sautéed corn or mushrooms for extra texture, upping the cozy factor. No matter how we serve it, Rajas con Crema never fails to bring the family together around the table.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Is this Rajas con Crema really filling enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! The creamy pepper sauce combined with cheese and poblano peppers has great flavor and enough substance to satisfy growing appetites. I pair it with rice or tortillas, which rounds it into a complete meal. My kids always come back for seconds.
What if my picky eater won’t try this Rajas con Crema?
One trick I’ve learned is to introduce the creamy pepper sauce as a quesadilla filling first—melty cheese plus mild flavors make it more approachable. Starting small helps! You can also tone down the peppers’ heat by roasting and peeling them carefully, reducing any bitterness that might throw them off.
Can I meal prep this Rajas con Crema for busy weeks ahead?
You can! It reheats wonderfully and even tastes better the next day when flavors have mingled more. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freezing works, but the texture shifts slightly—still tasty though!
Can I use a different type of pepper instead of poblano peppers?
If poblano peppers are tough to find, Anaheim peppers or even mild green bell peppers work for a softer, less smoky taste. Just roast them the same way to keep that roasted chile strips vibe.
What’s the best way to roast poblano peppers quickly?
I use a gas stove flame when possible—it chars the skin quickly and unevenly, which you want. Then sealing them in a bowl with plastic wrap traps steam for easy peeling later. No flame? Use a broiler, turning regularly.
Is Mexican cream sauce the same as sour cream?
Mexican cream has a thinner, richer texture with a little tang—it really makes the flavors pop in Rajas con Crema. Sour cream mixed with a bit of milk is a solid substitute if you don’t have crema mexicana on hand.
Any tips for making this vegan-friendly?
Yes! Swap Mexican cream sauce for coconut cream or any plant-based cream. Cheese can be replaced with vegan shredded cheese or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
For more cooking ideas, I love checking cozy Rajas Con Crema (Roasted Poblanos in a creamy sauce) inspiration or seeing how other families serve this Mexican side dish on Rajas poblanas, or rajas con crema.
Final Thoughts:
Rajas con Crema makes dinner feel like a warm family gathering, even on hectic nights. My Rajas con Crema Comfort Hacks are:
- Roasting poblano peppers ahead and freezing rajas for quick access.
- Using crema mexicana blended with a touch of sour cream for rich texture.
- Adding shredded cheese for melty, irresistible depth.
My family loves switching it up with these variations: some prefer it extra cheesy, others like it with a squeeze of fresh lime for brightness, and occasionally I stir in roasted corn for heartier comfort.
My teenage son calls it “the perfect creamy pepper sauce,” and my little one thinks it’s “yummy, like magic.” That’s enough to keep me making it over and over. You can make this Mexican side dish your own by adjusting the spices or cheese levels—it’s all about what feels right at your table.
I hope as you try this Rajas con Crema, your family finds those dinnertime wins that bring smiles all around. Remember, comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated—Rajas con Crema is proof! For more cozy ideas, check out this Bomboloni alla crema delicious Italian dessert to sweeten your kitchen adventures. Cooking together through the busy days makes the moments special.
Rajas con Crema
Rajas con Crema is a classic Mexican dish featuring roasted poblano pepper strips cooked in a creamy sauce with onions and corn, delivering a perfect blend of smoky and rich flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 4 large poblano peppers
- 1 medium white onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (or canned)
- 1 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Roast the poblano peppers over an open flame or under the broiler until charred all over.
- Place roasted peppers in a sealed plastic bag or covered bowl to steam for 10 minutes.
- Peel off the charred skin, remove seeds, and slice the peppers into thin strips (rajas).
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat; add sliced onions and sauté until translucent.
- Add the corn kernels and cooked poblano strips to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Pour in the Mexican crema and mix well; cook for 5 minutes until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Optionally, sprinkle shredded cheese on top and allow it to melt before serving.
Notes
Serve Rajas con Crema as a side dish with warm tortillas or use as a filling for quesadillas and tacos for an extra creamy variation.

