People keep talking about Keto but it’s not а fad diet it changes your whole flavor game . You end up eating more fats and less carbs and that just works for some . Among the recipes that got me hooked is this Keto Jalapeño Popper Casserole . It's cheesy , spicy and kinda cozy .
The Keto Jalapeño Popper Casserole is a mash up of jalapeño poppers and a cozy bake . You get a cheesy mix that wіll fill you up fast , and you can toss in stuff like cooked chicken or bacon if you want more protein . It hits that spot when you crave gooey cheese and a kick of pepper . Plus it keeps carbs super low so you stay in ketosis and dont feel bad .
This dish might be your new best comfort meal whether you serve it at a party or gobble it alone after school . It tastes so good you almost forget you’re on a diet .
What is a Keto Jalapeño Popper Casserole ?
This casserole turns classic poppers into a warm, melty dish that feels like a hug . It’s made with cream cheese , shredded cheddar , spicy jalapeños and you can add bacon or chicken if you like . All that gooey cheese and pepper makes it taste like it took hours to make but really it’s pretty simple . And since it’s low carb you don’t wreck your Keto goals .
Ingredients for Keto Jalapeño Popper Casserole
You’ll need:
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup crumbled bacon or cooked chicken (optional)
- 4–6 fresh jalapeños
- ½ cup diced green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional toppings like sour cream or cilantro
That cream cheese and cheddar give you all the fat you need on Keto , while jalapeños add flavor without carbs . Bacon or chicken makes it more filling so you’re not starving after .
Health Benefits of Jalapeños and Other Ingredients
Jalapeños are packed with vitamins A and C , and the capsaicin in them might even help burn calories and curb hunger . Cream cheese and cheddar give you calcium for strong bones , and they’re high in fat which keeps your energy up on Keto . Cheese also helps keep muscle mass during a diet .
If you add bacon or chicken you get more protein , which repairs muscles and keeps you full longer . A low-carb diet can help control blood sugar and support heart health too , so this casserole isn’t just tasty—it’s smart .
Directions to Prepare Keto Jalapeño Popper Casserole
Follow these steps :
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) .
- In a bowl, blend cream cheese until smooth .
- Stir in shredded cheddar , bacon or chicken , sliced jalapeños , green onions and spices .
- Spread mixture in a greased baking dish .
- Bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top .
- Let cool a few minutes then top with sour cream or cilantro if you want .
- Pick firm jalapeños with smooth skin so they taste fresh .
- Let cream cheese sit at room temp for easier mixing .
- For a twist, use vegan cream cheese or swap chicken for ground turkey or sausage .
Keto Jalapeño Popper Casserole
Equipment
- 1 9x13 inch casserole dish
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 skillet
- 1 oven
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or sausage
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3-4 medium jalapeños diced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, heavy cream, and eggs. Whisk them together until smooth.
- Add the diced jalapeños, minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Stir in the cooked ground meat, followed by ½ cup of the cheddar cheese and ½ cup of the mozzarella cheese.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Spread it evenly.
- Top the casserole with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
