Creamy, cheesy and full of bacon, this Jalapeno Popper Tater Tot Casserole is perfection. It takes all the best parts of what makes a great Jalapeno popper and puts it into a casserole dish.

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I feel casserole recipes are a year round meal you can serve to your family. Weeknight meals are the perfect time for this recipe.

Just layer everything in the casserole dish and you're good to go. A great one pot dish.

What makes this recipe so yummy

• It literally tastes just like you're eating jalapeno poppers off the grill.
• The added tater tots and shredded chicken turn this recipe into a one-pot meal.
• This is a great Game Day dish.

Groceries you'll need: Ingredients

• Tater Tots
• Soft Cream Cheese
• Sour Cream
• Milk
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Salt and Black Pepper
• Colby Jack Cheese
• Green Onions
• Fresh Jalapeños
• Bacon
• Shredded Rotisserie Chicken

See recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.

Recipe walkthrough: Instructions

This is an overview of the recipe steps. For more detailed instructions visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Step 1: Layer the tater tots in the bottom of your casserole dish and bake in a preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then season with salt and pepper.
• Step 2: In the meantime, toast the jalapeno peppers.
• Step 3: Add the cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to the bowl of a stand mixer and mix with the paddle attachment for 2 minutes.
• Step 4: Add half of the shredded cheese, bacon and green onions and the diced toasted jalapeno peppers.

• Step 5: Add 3 cups of shredded chicken on top of the crispy tater tots.
• Step 6: Spread the cream cheese mixture on top of the chicken.
• Step 7: Sprinkle cheese (remaining) on top.
• Step 8: Decorate with the remaining bacon, green onions and some jalapeno slices - then bake for 20-25 minutes.

Hint: The cream cheese layer is going to be the key to the flavor of your casserole. Taste the cream cheese first, before layering, to make sure you're happy with the seasoning.

Recipe variations and substitute ideas

• Cheddar Cheese- instead of Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend.
• Garlic Salt - instead of salt and garlic powder.
• Chicken Thighs - you could add this instead, chopped.
• Chicken Stock - instead of the milk.
• Taco Seasonings - this could add a slightly more Mexican flavor.

Necessary gear: Equipment

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I like to use my stand mixer for dishes where I have to mix ingredients. It takes the effort out of it. If you don't have one though, you could mix by hand - with a little elbow grease.

You'll also need a 9x13" Casserole dish and a large skillet.

More casserole recipes I think you'll love

• John Wayne Casserole
• Hobo Casserole
• Chicken and Waffle Casserole
• Big Mac Casserole
• Eggplant Casserole
• Bisquick Breakfast Bake
• Hamburger Potato Casserole

How to store leftovers

Once the Jalapeno Popper Tater Tot Casserole has cooled completely, cover with aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Or you could decant to an airtight container, but that could end up a mess.

Mel's kitchen notes

Don't skip toasting the jalapenos. It gives the jalapenos a much needed toasty flavor that you might get when grilling them and really adds to the whole 'Jalapeño Poppers' theme.

Frequently asked questions: FAQs

If you’ve tried this Jalapeno Popper Tater Tot Casserole Recipe or any other great recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section below, how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers!

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