Jalapeno Popper Potato Casserole Recipe

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Cook Time: 65 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 3 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
• 6 slices bacon, crisp-cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup coarsely chopped pickled jalapeo peppers
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• 1 (30-ounce) package shredded hash brown potatoes
• 1 fresh jalapeo pepper, thinly sliced

Directions

Step 1: Gather all the ingredients and prepare your workspace.

Step 2: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, sour cream, and melted butter until smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Stir in 2 cups of the shredded Cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped pickled jalapeo peppers, and sliced green onions. Mix everything together thoroughly.

Step 5: Add the shredded hash browns to the mixture and stir gently until all the ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 6: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 7: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.

Step 8: After 1 hour, remove the foil and top the casserole with the remaining 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese and fresh jalapeo slices.

Step 9: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly around the edges.

Step 10: Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Fact	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	375	-
Total Fat	29g	38%
Saturated Fat	12g	62%
Cholesterol	57mg	19%
Sodium	838mg	36%
Total Carbohydrate	19g	7%
Dietary Fiber	2g	6%
Total Sugars	2g	-
Protein	10g	20%
Vitamin C	5mg	6%
Calcium	197mg	15%
Iron	1mg	4%
Potassium	296mg	6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. This is based on available data.

The Story Behind Jalapeno Popper Potato Casserole

The Jalapeno Popper Potato Casserole is a modern twist on classic comfort food, merging the beloved American potato casserole with the zesty influence of jalapeo poppers. Its origin can be traced back to the southern United States, where casseroles are a staple at family gatherings and holiday meals. Inspired by the popularity of jalapeo poppersbite-sized appetizers stuffed with cheese and wrapped in baconhome cooks adapted the concept into a hearty, shareable dish that combines potatoes, creamy cheeses, and spicy peppers into a baked casserole.

Regional Variations

This casserole is particularly popular in the Southern and Southwestern regions of the U.S., where both potatoes and chili peppers feature prominently in everyday cuisine. In Texas, for example, recipes often include smoky bacon and sharp cheddar, while in New Mexico, cooks might add green chilies for an extra layer of heat. Some versions even incorporate local cheeses or switch hash browns for roasted potatoes, showcasing regional preferences and ingredients. Despite these variations, the core concept of creamy potatoes with a spicy, cheesy topping remains consistent.

Distinctive Characteristics Compared to Similar Dishes

While it shares some similarities with traditional potato casseroles or au gratins, the Jalapeno Popper Potato Casserole stands out for its combination of heat, creaminess, and texture. Unlike a standard potato au gratin, which typically uses only cheese and cream, this casserole integrates pickled jalapeos, fresh peppers, and bacon for added layers of flavor. The interplay between the creamy potatoes, melty cheese, and spicy jalapeos creates a distinctive taste profile that sets it apart from simpler side dishes.

Typical Serving Occasions

This casserole is most commonly served as a side dish during festive gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners. Its generous size and shareable nature make it ideal for holiday tables or weekend cookouts. Often, it accompanies grilled or roasted meats, adding both richness and spice to the meal. Its versatility also allows it to be served as a main dish for casual lunches, especially when paired with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.

Interesting Facts

• The dish draws its inspiration from jalapeo poppers, a popular appetizer dating back to the 1960s in the U.S., which were originally made with cream cheese and bacon.
• Pickled jalapeos are commonly used in this casserole to balance the creamy richness with tangy acidity.
• Despite being a relatively recent invention, it has quickly gained popularity in American comfort food culture, often appearing in social media recipes and cooking blogs.
• Some cooks experiment with toppings, adding crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs for an extra crispy layer, echoing Tex-Mex influences.
• Its flavor profilecreamy, cheesy, and mildly spicymakes it appealing to both adults and children, with the option to adjust heat according to preference.

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