Keto Jalapeño Popper Casserole

Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with smoky bacon, this Keto Jalapeño Popper Casserole is everything you love about jalapeño poppers — transformed into a hearty, low-carb dinner. Packed with flavor and just the right amount of spice, it’s the ultimate comfort food for keto eaters (and everyone else at the table).

📝 Recipe Card

Servings & Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Dietary Badges
✅ Keto-Friendly
✅ Gluten-Free
✅ High-Protein
✅ Low-Carb Comfort Food

Ingredients

4 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4–5 fresh jalapeños, sliced (seeds removed if less heat desired)
6 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9 baking dish.
Prepare Base: Spread shredded chicken evenly in the dish.
Make Creamy Mixture: In a bowl, stir together cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble: Spread creamy mixture over chicken. Top with cheddar, mozzarella, and jalapeño slices.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finish with Bacon: Remove from oven, sprinkle bacon crumbles on top, and serve hot.

Notes

For more spice, leave jalapeño seeds in.
Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
Serve with a side salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal.

Introduction

This casserole is comfort food with a kick — gooey cheese, smoky bacon, creamy chicken, and the zesty bite of jalapeños. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game day spreads, or meal prep. Best of all, it’s low-carb and keto-friendly, so you can indulge without guilt.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Build the Base

Shredded or diced chicken forms a hearty layer in the baking dish.

2. Mix the Creamy Filling

Blend cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, and spices until silky smooth.

3. Layer & Bake

Spread creamy mixture over chicken, top with cheese and jalapeños, then bake until golden and bubbly.

4. Finish Strong

Bacon crumbles add the final smoky, salty crunch.

🧾 Ingredient Details & Substitutions

Chicken → Use thighs for juicier texture; turkey works too.
Cheeses → Cheddar for sharpness, mozzarella for melt — swap in Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor.
Jalapeños → Swap with poblano or banana peppers for milder spice.
Bacon → Turkey bacon or pancetta are great alternatives.

🍽 Variations & Serving Ideas

Buffalo Twist → Add ¼ cup buffalo sauce to the creamy mixture.
Extra Cheesy → Mix Parmesan or creamier cheeses like Fontina into the topping.
Loaded Casserole → Add chopped spinach or cauliflower rice for more veggies.

Serving Suggestions

With a fresh green salad.
Over cauliflower rice for a full keto dinner.
Alongside roasted zucchini or asparagus.

🥡 Storage & Make-Ahead

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in airtight containers up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooked casserole (without bacon topping) up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat.
Meal-Prep: Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, then bake when ready.

⚖️ Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

Calories: ~410 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Carbs: 4 g (net)
Fat: 31 g

✅ Low-carb
✅ Protein-rich
✅ Satisfying & indulgent

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I make it spicier?
A: Yes — keep jalapeño seeds in or add hot sauce to the creamy base.

Q: Can I use canned jalapeños?
A: Fresh gives the best flavor, but canned works in a pinch.

Q: Is this meal-prep friendly?
A: Definitely — it reheats beautifully for lunches or dinners.

💬 Personal Note

This casserole has become one of my go-to keto comfort meals. It’s hearty, cheesy, and just the right level of spicy. The best part? It’s a total crowd-pleaser — even non-keto eaters love it.

Author
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Rabia

Chef & Food Blogger at menuatthetable.com

Rabia has been a chef in Dubai for over eight years and loves exploring different types of food. Through the blog Menu at the Table, Rabia shares the best places to eat in Dubai for every cuisine. Whether you want street food or a fancy restaurant, Rabia helps you find the perfect spot to enjoy delicious meals.