🌶️🧀 Jalapeño Popper Casserole
Ingredients:
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6–8 slices bacon, chopped
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2–3 jalapeños, diced (remove seeds for less heat)
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup sour cream
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1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella
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2 cups cooked shredded chicken (optional if making it meaty)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Optional topping: crushed Ritz crackers or pork rinds for crunch
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Optional garnish: green onions or more sliced jalapeños
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven:
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Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook Bacon:
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In a skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Set aside.
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Reserve 1 tbsp bacon grease for extra flavor (optional).
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Mix the Base:
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In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half of the shredded cheeses.
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Stir in cooked chicken (if using), diced jalapeños, and half of the cooked bacon.
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Assemble Casserole:
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Spread the mixture into a greased 9×9 or 9×13 baking dish.
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Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon on top.
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Bake:
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
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Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for an extra crispy top.
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Add Crunch (Optional):
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Top with crushed crackers or pork rinds just before serving for a “popper” style crunch.
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Serve:
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Garnish with green onions or extra jalapeño slices. Serve warm.
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🔄 Variations:
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Low-carb/keto: Use pork rinds instead of crackers, and skip the chicken for a side dish.
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Add rice or pasta for a fuller, carb-heavy version.
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Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
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Use pickled jalapeños for tangy flavor instead of fresh.
Want a jalapeño popper dip, air fryer popper bites, or a vegetarian version next?
