Hatch is Back! Our Annual Hatch Chile Festival Returns
We're bringing the Southwest heat to Sunset Foods! It’s the flavor our customers wait for all year, and we are excited to announce that our annual Hatch Chile Festival is back by popular demand. From August 6th through August 19th, we are bringing the authentic taste of New Mexico to the Chicago suburbs. This limited-time event is a celebration of the unique, smoky flavor of the world-famous Hatch chile pepper, a regional New Mexican specialty available for only a short time each year.
Live Roasting Events
The heart of the festival is the incredible aroma & the sounds of sizzling pops of the chiles roasting on site. Stop by to see and smell the chiles roasting, try samples of our Hatch-infused products, and pick up a bag, or a bushel, of freshly roasted peppers to enjoy all year long. Pre-orders are highly recommended!
Roasting Schedule (All events 11am - 2pm)
Click on your store location below to see the event details and add it to your calendar!
- Friday, August 8th: Libertyville
- Saturday, August 9th: Highland Park & Long Grove
- Friday, August 15th: Lake Forest & Grand Foods Glencoe
- Saturday, August 16th: Northbrook & Grand Foods Winnetka
In-Store Sampling Event
During our live roasting events, you can sample a wide variety of delicious Hatch chile creations made right in our kitchens, including:
- Hatch Chile & Cheese Quesadillas
- Hatch Chile Pimento Cheese
- Hatch Chile Macaroni & Cheese
- Hatch Chile Salsa
- Hatch Chile Cheddar Pan Bread & Biscuits
- Hatch Chile Gouda Cheese
You can also find a selection of exclusive Hatch-themed items throughout the store, like our handmade Hatch Chile Pub Burger Patties and Johnsonville Hatch Chile Sausage, and even Hatch-seasoned popcorn. New in our bakery this year, try a Hatch Chile Croissant, freshly baked daily!
Stop by our Grills for a Hatch Themed Meal
For a hot and ready meal, stop by our Northbrook Grill or Sandwich Werks in Libertyville where we will be serving Hatch Chile Smash Burgers & Chicken and Hatch Chile Pinsa Roman Style Pizzas for lunch & dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Hatch chile pepper?
A Hatch chile is a unique variety of green chile grown exclusively in the Hatch Valley of New Mexico. The unique soil and climate of the region give the peppers their distinct smoky and earthy flavor.
How hot are they?
Hatch chiles have a pleasant, mild-to-medium heat that is more flavorful than spicy. To give you some context on the Scoville scale (a measure of pepper heat): a mild Hatch chile is similar to a Poblano pepper (1,000-2,000 units), while a hot Hatch can be similar to a Jalapeño (2,500-8,000 units). For reference, a Habanero can be over 100,000 units!
What can I make with them?
Roasted Hatch chiles are incredibly versatile! Use them in salsas, stews, mac and cheese, cornbread, burritos, tacos, or as a topping for burgers and sandwiches. Traditional New Mexican breakfasts even include Hatch chiles in breakfast sandwiches & breakfast burritos. Check out our Hatch themed recipes on Sunset's Recipe Rack below.
Recipes
Hatch Chile Hot Wings
If you like spicy wings, you're gonna love these. Succulent, spicy and smoky at the same time! Elevate your tailgate! Try them with our Miller Amish Poultry Chicken Wings, which are air-chilled for better flavor & texture.
Hatch Green Chili Bread
For those who love to make bread, this recipe is sweet with a subtle heat - great with chili, for a snack, for breakfast, or brunch.
Hatch Chile Breakfast Strata
Hatch chiles are great for breakfast too, the edges of this casserole bake up to a crispy finish while the interior is soft and pillowy. The chiles add a mild tingle and the cheesy topping is irresistible.
Spicy Hatch Green Chili
This recipe celebrates the rich and spiciness of these peppers. Save this recipe for the winter and use your frozen Hatch chiles to make this delicious warming chili!
How long can I store fresh roasted peppers?
If you want to enjoy Hatch chiles all year round, we recommend ordering ahead and freezing them. They will keep in the freezer for up to a year, allowing you to bring that smoky, summer flavor to your meals anytime.
