What size casserole dish works best for Jalapeno Popper Casserole?

A 13x9-inch casserole dish is ideal for Jalapeno Popper Casserole, providing enough space for even cooking and layering. You can also use a slightly smaller dish if you want a thicker casserole, but cooking times may need to be adjusted slightly. Using this size helps achieve a good balance between the cheesy filling and crispy topping.

Can I add chicken or ground beef to Jalapeno Popper Casserole for a heartier meal?

Yes, adding 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken or browned ground beef works well to make the dish more filling. Incorporate the cooked meat into the mixture before baking. This variation transforms the casserole into a complete meal that pairs nicely with a fresh side salad.

How do I store or freeze Jalapeno Popper Casserole for leftovers?

You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. If frozen uncooked, thaw it in the refrigerator before baking or cook it from frozen—cover with foil to prevent the top from burning, removing it once mostly heated through. Expect 30-45 minutes of extra cooking time when baking from frozen.

Is it possible to make Jalapeno Popper Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dip mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the casserole with the tater tots just before baking. This makes serving on the day easier without sacrificing freshness or flavor.

Does removing seeds from jalapenos reduce the spiciness of the casserole?

Yes, removing the seeds and membranes from jalapenos significantly reduces the heat, making the casserole milder. If you prefer less spice but still want the jalapeno flavor, deseed them before adding to the recipe. For a softer texture, pickled jalapenos can also be used.

Jalapeno Popper Casserole Recipe With Bacon And Cheese

Name: Jalapeno Popper Casserole
Prep time: 50 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 16 ounces (about 450 grams) of softened cream cheese; – 1 cup (240 ml) of sour cream; – 2 cups (approximately 200 grams) of Mexican Cheddar Jack shredded cheese, divided; – 1 pound (about 450 grams) of cooked and crumbled bacon; – 6 deseeded and diced jalapeno peppers; – 1 2-pound (900 grams) bag of tater tots; – 6 thinly sliced green onions

Description

🌶️ Enjoy the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors with the Jalapeno Popper Tater Tot Casserole.
🧀 This dish combines crispy tater tots, savory bacon, and spicy jalapenos for a comforting and flavorful meal or appetizer.

Ingredients

– 16 ounces (about 450 grams) of softened cream cheese

– 1 cup (240 ml) of sour cream

– 2 cups (approximately 200 grams) of Mexican Cheddar Jack shredded cheese, divided

– 1 pound (about 450 grams) of cooked and crumbled bacon

– 6 deseeded and diced jalapeno peppers

– 1 2-pound (900 grams) bag of tater tots

– 6 thinly sliced green onions

Instructions

1-Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure even baking.

2-Bake the Tater Tots: First, spread the tater tots evenly in a casserole dish and bake them for 15 minutes to get that crispy base.

3-Prepare the Mix-ins: While they bake, take time to cook and crumble the bacon, dice the jalapenos after removing the seeds for less heat, and slice the green onions.

4-Mix the Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, 1.5 cups of the shredded cheese, most of the bacon, jalapenos, and green onions until well combined.

5-Assemble the Casserole: Once the tater tots are partially baked, spread the cheese mixture over them evenly. Top it off with the remaining 0.5 cup of cheese, along with the reserved bacon and green onions for extra flavor.

6-Bake Again: Pop it back in the oven at 425°F for another 20 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden.

7-Cool before Serving: Let it cool a bit before serving to enjoy that warm, melty goodness.

Notes

🌟 Salt and pepper the tater tots before adding topping for enhanced flavor.
🍗 Add cooked chicken or browned hamburger to make the dish heartier.
❄️ Make ahead and freeze or halve the recipe without changing cooking time.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Dish, Casserole, Appetizer
Method: Baking, Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: Jalapeno Popper Casserole, Tater Tot Casserole, Creamy Cheese Bacon, Spicy Appetizer