Spice up your dinner routine with our tantalizing Jalapeno Popper Casserole recipe! Packed with crispy tater tots, creamy cheese, savory bacon, and a kick of jalapeno heat, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 lb Tater tots
- 16 oz Cream cheese, softened
- 2 Chicken breasts, Boneless, skinless, shredded
- 1 cup Sour cream
- 1 lb Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups Mexican blend cheese
- 6 Green onions, chopped
- 6 Jalapeno peppers, deseeded and finely chopped
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Casserole:
Preparing the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, and grease a 9×13 baking dish thoroughly.
- Layer the tater tots into the bottom of the casserole dish and bake for 15 minutes, allowing them to crisp up slightly.
Preparing the Filling:
- While the tater tots are baking, cook the bacon until crispy and crumble it into pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, three-quarters of the bacon pieces, 1 ½ cups of the Mexican blend cheese, half of the chopped green onions, and the finely chopped jalapeno peppers. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Fold the shredded chicken breasts into the mixture, ensuring they are well coated with the creamy filling.
Assembling and Baking:
- Once the tater tots are partially baked, spread the creamy mixture evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese, green onions, and bacon pieces over the top of the casserole, creating a deliciously cheesy and flavorful topping.
- Bake the casserole for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
4. FAQs:
Q1: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q2: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and bacon, and add extra veggies or meat substitutes to the creamy filling for a delicious vegetarian version.
Q3: Can I adjust the spice level of this casserole?
Certainly! Feel free to adjust the amount of jalapeno peppers to suit your taste preferences. You can also remove the seeds for a milder flavor.
Q4: Can I use frozen tater tots for this recipe?
Yes, frozen tater tots will work just fine. Simply follow the baking instructions on the package before assembling the casserole.
Q5: How should I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before enjoying.
Get ready to impress your taste buds with this irresistible Jalapeno Popper Casserole! Packed with flavor and easy to make, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion.
Leave a Reply