Are you craving a spicy and savory dish? In that case, you have arrived at the ideal place. Keto Jalapeno Popper Casserole is a delicious keto-friendly meal with many flavors without all the carbs.
This casserole is loaded with protein and cheese, giving it an irresistible taste that will make your taste buds dance!
With just ten simple ingredients, this easy-to-make casserole can be on the table in 30 minutes or less – perfect for super busy weeknights!
What Is Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole?
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is a delightful twist on the traditional jalapeño popper appetizer, transformed into a satisfying weeknight meal. In this casserole, you’ll find all the classic ingredients of a jalapeño popper, such as jalapeño peppers, cheese filling, and bacon, but with added chicken.
The jalapeño peppers are sliced and combined with a cheesy filling, typically made with cream cheese and shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese to make the casserole. The chicken is usually cooked and shredded beforehand, and crispy bacon pieces are added.
Once all the ingredients are combined, the mixture is spread into a baking dish and baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the flavors have melded together. The result is a flavorful, slightly spicy, and creamy casserole that incorporates the essence of jalapeño poppers.
This casserole can be enjoyed as a main course, accompanied by side dishes like salads, vegetables, or low-carb options for a keto-friendly meal. It’s a popular choice for those seeking a comforting and satisfying dish with a kick of flavor from the jalapeños.
Keto Jalapeno Popper Casserole Without Chicken
I made a keto jalapeño popper casserole without chicken the other day, and it was a hit!
I started by preheating the oven to 375°F and greasing a baking dish.
For the base, I mixed together 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded cheddar, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of heavy cream, with salt and pepper. I then folded in 3 diced jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat) and 1/2 cup of crispy crumbled bacon. I spread this mixture into the prepared baking dish.
For the topping, I combined another 1/2 cup each of shredded cheddar and mozzarella and sprinkled it evenly over the base. I baked it for about 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Before serving, I garnished it with additional crumbled bacon and some chopped fresh parsley. It was the perfect spicy and creamy keto treat!
Keto Jalapeno Popper Casserole
Equipment
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Medium Bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Serving spoon for scooping
- Oven mitts or pot holders for removing from the oven
- Knife and cutting board for prepping ingredients optional
- Measuring cups and spoons for measuring ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish; then, set it aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks until it is no longer pink. Next, add the diced onions, garlic, and sauté for an additional minute. Be sure to drain off any excess grease before proceeding.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef mixture with all the remaining ingredients except the bacon bits. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined.
- Then, transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and spread it out into an even layer. Top with bacon bits if using.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm!
- Enjoy and make your day super duper!
Tips and Tricks for Keto Jalapeno Popper Casserole
1. Leave the seeds in the jalapenos when dicing them up for a spicier dish. Alternatively, you can also add more jalapeños or even some diced habaneros.
2. You are free to experiment with different types of cheese for this recipe – any cheese that melts well will suffice. Try using Monterey Jack or even a pepper jack for an extra kick!
3. If you haven’t access to bacon bits, try adding crumbled bacon pieces for some delicious crunchiness!
4. Doubling the batch and freezing half for future use is a breeze. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking it as instructed earlier.
5. Serve with a side salad and your favorite veggie for a complete meal!
You can enjoy this classic dish quickly with just ten simple ingredients and minimal effort! Keto Jalapeno Popper Casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or entertaining guests.
Is this Jalapeno Popper Casserole Spicy?
Yes, the jalapeño popper casserole can be spicy, but the level of spiciness can be adjusted according to your preference. You can make the dish milder by removing the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños or using pickled jalapeños instead of fresh ones.
On the other hand, if you want to increase the spice level, you can leave the seeds and membranes intact or add some cayenne pepper to the recipe. It’s all about tailoring the dish to your desired level of heat.
FAQs
Is it possible to prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this casserole beforehand! Simply follow the recipe until step 4, when all the ingredients have been added to the baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and store in the fridge overnight. Preheat your oven as directed when ready to bake, and remove the foil before baking.
Does this recipe have any dairy-free options?
To make a dairy-free version of this casserole, omit the cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese. Instead, use 1/2 cup of your favorite non-dairy milk alternatives, such as almond or oat milk. Add one or two tablespoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt for flavor and moisture.
Is this dish suitable for people on the keto diet?
Yes, this casserole is suitable for people on the keto diet as it contains no added sugars and is relatively low in carbs. It’s also high in protein and fat, making it an ideal meal option for people following a ketogenic lifestyle.
How is this casserole best served?
For optimum flavor and enjoyment, serve this casserole warm and fresh from the oven.
Enjoy a generous portion with a salad or your favorite roasted veggies for a complete meal! It also makes for fantastic leftovers that can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
Conclusion
This Jalapeno popper keto casserole is a delicious way to enjoy a spicy meal that won’t derail your diet goals! With just ten simple ingredients, this easy-to-make casserole can be on the table in 30 minutes or less – perfect for busy weeknights!
Moreover, it adheres to keto principles and is low in carbs, allowing you to enjoy it without guilt. Bon appetit!