Ultimate Jalapeño Popper Casserole

 

🌶️ Ultimate Jalapeño Popper Casserole: Creamy, Cheesy, and Perfectly Spicy

If you love jalapeño poppers but want a hearty, shareable dish, the Ultimate Jalapeño Popper Casserole is your new go-to recipe. This casserole takes all the bold, cheesy, and spicy flavors of classic jalapeño poppers and layers them into a rich, comforting bake that’s perfect for game day, dinner parties, or a cozy weeknight indulgence.

With a creamy filling, gooey melted cheese, and just the right kick of jalapeño, this dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser — one bite, and everyone will be asking for seconds.

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🌶️ Why You’ll Love It

• Cheesy and creamy: The blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella creates a luscious, melty base.

• Perfectly spicy: Fresh or pickled jalapeños give it that iconic popper heat without overwhelming the flavors.

• Simple to make: No deep-frying required — just assemble, bake, and enjoy!

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🥘 Ingredients

• 1 lb ground sausage (or ground beef for a milder flavor)

• 4–6 jalapeños, diced (remove seeds for less heat)

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup sour cream

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional: crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs for topping

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👩‍🍳 Directions

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Sausage:
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned. Drain excess fat and let cool slightly.

3. Mix the Filling:
   In a large bowl, combine cooked sausage, diced jalapeños, cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.

4. Assemble the Casserole:
   Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Optional: sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy finish.

5. Bake:
   Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is lightly golden.

6. Serve Hot:
   Garnish with chopped green onions or extra shredded cheese, if desired. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or warm bread.

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🌟 Tips & Variations

• Adjust the heat: Use more or fewer jalapeños depending on your spice tolerance.

• Extra cheesy: Add a layer of shredded cheese on top halfway through baking for an ooey-gooey crust.

• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or plant-based sausage.

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🔥 Shareable, Indulgent, Unforgettable

The Ultimate Jalapeño Popper Casserole is the perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and spicy. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for entertaining guests. Each bite delivers that satisfying jalapeño popper flavor in a hearty, comforting form — perfect for anyone who loves bold, cheesy, and spicy dishes.