IHOP Poblano Cream Sauce Recipe

Cooking up a delicious IHOP Poblano Cream Sauce at home is something I’m gonna make super easy for you!

To start, here’s just a few tips…

Roasting the poblano peppers until they’re perfectly charred gives the sauce its smoky depth.

Remember to peel and de-seed the peppers after roasting to get a smooth consistency.

Blending the roasted poblanos with sour cream, garlic, and a touch of lime juice brings all the flavors together beautifully.

How to Make IHOP Poblano Cream Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 Poblano Peppers
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/2 Onion (chopped)
• 2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
• 1 cup Chicken Broth
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Slice the poblano peppers in half lengthwise.

Remove the seeds and stems.

Place the peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 20-30 minutes, until the skins char and bubble.

Step 2:

While the peppers are roasting, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

Add chopped onion and garlic.

Cook until the onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant.

Step 3:

Once the peppers are done, let them cool slightly.

Peel off the charred skins.

Step 4:

Add the roasted peppers, cooked onion, and garlic to a blender.

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.

Blend until smooth.

Step 5:

Pour the blender mixture back into the pan on medium-low heat.

Stir in sour cream, cumin, salt, and black pepper.

Continue to stir until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Roasting Peppers

Roasting poblano peppers until the skins are well charred makes peeling them easier.

Use gloves when peeling to avoid irritating your skin.

Getting the Right Consistency

If your sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth.

For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce more.

Flavor Enhancements

Feel free to add a splash of lime juice for a tangy twist.

A handful of fresh cilantro can brighten up the flavor.

Storage

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Reheat gently on the stove to avoid separating the cream.

Alternative Ideas

Try using this sauce as a base for soups or as a creamy topping for baked potatoes.

What to Serve with IHOP Poblano Cream Sauce

Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken is a fantastic option to serve with Poblano Cream Sauce.

The smokiness of the grilled chicken perfectly complements the creamy and mildly spicy sauce.

You can drizzle the sauce over the chicken or serve it on the side for dipping.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots pair well with this sauce.

The natural sweetness of the vegetables balances the creamy and spicy notes of the poblano sauce.

It’s a healthy and delicious side that brings out the flavors of the sauce.

Rice Pilaf

Serving Poblano Cream Sauce over a bed of rice pilaf is delightful.

The rice absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce, making each bite a tasty experience.

You can use white rice or opt for a more flavorful rice pilaf with herbs and spices.

Sweet Potato Fries

For a unique and tasty side, try serving sweet potato fries with Poblano Cream Sauce.

The sweetness of the fries contrasts nicely with the rich and savory sauce.

It’s an unexpected pairing that will bring a smile to your face with every bite.

Cornbread

Cornbread is another amazing side dish that goes wonderfully with this sauce.

The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of the cornbread complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

You can serve warm cornbread with a generous drizzle of Poblano Cream Sauce for a satisfying meal.

Variations and Substitutions

You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.

Swap out chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.

If you like extra heat, add a whole jalapeño instead of just half.

A bit of smoked paprika can give a nice smoky depth to your sauce.

Flavor Adjustments

Cumin and chili powder add warmth; feel free to adjust these to your taste.

Green onions offer a milder onion flavor if red onions are too strong for you.

Thickness Adjustments

For a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of broth slightly or let it cook down more.

Adding extra sour cream during blending can also thicken it up.

How to Store Leftover IHOP Poblano Cream Sauce

Refrigeration

Transfer the leftover poblano cream sauce to an airtight container.

Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.

Store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to five days.

Freezing

If you want to store the sauce for a longer period, freezing is a great option.

Pour the sauce into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion.

Seal the container tightly and label it with the date before placing it in the freezer.

The sauce will remain good for up to three months in the freezer.

Thawing

When you are ready to use the frozen sauce, move it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight.

Use a spoon to give it a good stir to restore any separated ingredients.

You might need to recombine the sauce if it has separated, which is completely normal after freezing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Unpeeled Poblano Peppers

One common mistake is to leave the skin on the poblano peppers.

The skin can be tough and bitter, which can ruin the texture and taste.

Make sure to peel the peppers after roasting them for a smoother sauce.

Not Blending Thoroughly

Another mistake is not blending the sauce enough.

If the sauce isn’t blended well, it can end up grainy and uneven.

Use a high-speed blender or food processor to get a creamy consistency.

Over-Seasoning

It’s easy to get carried away with spices and seasonings.

Too much seasoning can overpower the natural flavors of the poblanos.

Start by adding a small amount of salt, pepper, and cumin, then adjust to taste.