Jalapeño Popper Casserole

Jalapeño Popper Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic jalapeño poppers, perfect for a hearty meal or a crowd-pleasing side dish. This dish combines crispy tater tots with creamy cheese, savory bacon, and a kick of spice from jalapeños, creating a comforting and flavorful casserole.

Topped with melted cheese and green onions, it’s a deliciously indulgent way to enjoy a fusion of flavors and textures. Ideal for family dinners or potlucks, this casserole is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Jalapeño Popper Casserole

Ingredients:

2 lbs tater tots

16 oz cream cheese, softened

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, shredded

1 cup sour cream

1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled

2 cups Mexican blend cheese

6 green onions, chopped

6 jalapeño peppers, deseeded and finely chopped

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it thoroughly.

Prepare Tater Tots: Arrange the tater tots evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes.

Cook Bacon: While the tater tots are baking, cook the bacon until crispy. Once done, crumble it into small pieces.

Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, three-quarters of the crumbled bacon, 1½ cups of the Mexican blend cheese, half of the chopped green onions, and the finely chopped jalapeño peppers. Stir until well blended.

Add Chicken: Gently fold the shredded chicken into the mixture.

Assemble Casserole: Spread the prepared mixture evenly over the baked tater tots. Sprinkle the remaining cheese, green onions, and bacon on top.

Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted.

Notes:

Tater Tots: Ensure they are evenly spaced in the baking dish for consistent baking. You can use frozen tater tots for convenience.

Cream Cheese: Softening the cream cheese beforehand makes it easier to mix with other ingredients. You can microwave it for a few seconds if needed.

Chicken: Shred the cooked chicken breasts thoroughly for even distribution throughout the casserole. You can use rotisserie chicken as a time-saving option.

Bacon: Cook the bacon until it is crispy to ensure it remains crunchy in the casserole. Crumbling the bacon into small pieces will distribute the flavor better.

Jalapeños: Adjust the amount of jalapeño peppers based on your heat preference. Removing the seeds can reduce the spiciness.

Cheese: The Mexican blend cheese adds a great flavor, but you can substitute with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any cheese you prefer.

Green Onions: Fresh green onions add a nice crunch and flavor. You can use them as a garnish or mix them into the casserole.

Baking Time: Keep an eye on the casserole as oven temperatures can vary. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Serving Suggestions: This casserole pairs well with a simple salad or can be served as a stand-alone dish. It’s also great for parties and potlucks.

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Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts.

Just make sure to cook them thoroughly before shredding them for the casserole.

What can I substitute for the tater tots?

If you prefer, you can substitute tater tots with hash browns or even a layer of cooked and seasoned potatoes.

The texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance.

Assemble it up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate.

Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

How spicy is this casserole?

The level of spiciness depends on the amount of jalapeños used.

If you prefer less heat, you can remove the seeds from the jalapeños or use fewer peppers.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely. You can substitute the Mexican blend cheese with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any cheese you prefer.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, you can use turkey bacon as a lower-fat alternative. Just make sure to cook it until crispy.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

If you need a substitute, you can use Greek yogurt or plain yogurt in place of sour cream for a similar tangy flavor and texture.

Can this recipe be made without chicken?

Yes, you can omit the chicken for a vegetarian version.

You might want to add extra cheese or other ingredients to maintain flavor and texture.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

To increase the spiciness, you can add more jalapeños, use a spicier cheese, or incorporate hot sauce into the mixture.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Assemble it, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Freeze for up to 2 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, and add extra baking time if necessary.