Jalapeño Popper Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Jalapeño Popper Zucchini Casserole combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a spicy kick and crispy bacon topping. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for a family dinner or potluck. Easy to prepare and packed with fresh ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 3 medium zucchini
• 1 jalapeño (seeds and membranes removed, diced)
• 1/2 cup diced green onion
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix (dry)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 oz cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled – divided use)
• 1 sleeve Ritz Crackers (35 crackers)
• 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
• Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Wash and dry the zucchini, then remove the ends. Slice them into 1/4-inch thick slices and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, and kosher salt until smooth.
4. Step 4: Stir in the diced jalapeño, green onions, and minced garlic into the cream cheese mixture.
5. Step 5: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the crumbled bacon.
6. Step 6: In a separate bowl, crush the Ritz crackers into crumbs using a glass bottom or your fingers. Add the melted butter and the remaining bacon, then mix to combine evenly.
7. Step 7: Spray a 9×9 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
8. Step 8: Layer half of the zucchini slices evenly across the bottom of the dish.
9. Step 9: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the zucchini in an even layer, then top with the remaining zucchini slices, overlapping to cover all of the cream cheese mixture.
10. Step 10: Sprinkle the cracker and bacon crumb mixture evenly over the top.
11. Step 11: Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cream cheese mixture is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder dish, reduce the jalapeño amount or remove all seeds.
• Try substituting cheddar with pepper jack for extra spice.
• Use gluten-free crackers if you need a gluten-free option.
• Leftover casserole can be garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to keep the topping crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it uncovered for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I freeze the casserole?

It’s best to freeze before baking. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Jalapeño Popper Zucchini Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 80 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Jalapeño Popper Zucchini Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy baked dish that combines fresh zucchini slices with a rich jalapeño-infused cream cheese mixture, topped with a crispy Ritz cracker and bacon crumble. Perfect as a flavorful side dish or a comforting vegetarian-friendly entrée with a hint of smoky bacon.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 3 medium zucchini
• 1 jalapeño, seeds and membranes removed, diced
• 1/2 cup diced green onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Dairy

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded

Others

• 1 1/2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix (dry)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (divided use)
• 1 sleeve Ritz Crackers (about 35 crackers)
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• Non-stick cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Prepare Zucchini: Wash and dry the zucchini thoroughly. Cut off the ends and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Set these slices aside.
3. Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, dry ranch dressing mix, and kosher salt until smooth and well incorporated.
4. Add Veggies and Flavor: Stir the diced jalapeño, green onions, and minced garlic into the cream cheese mixture.
5. Incorporate Cheese and Bacon: Mix the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the cooked, crumbled bacon into the cream cheese blend evenly.
6. Prepare Cracker Topping: In a separate bowl, crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs using the bottom of a glass or your fingers. Add the melted butter and the remaining crumbled bacon, then mix until combined.
7. Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9×9 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and prepare for layering.
8. Layer Zucchini: Arrange half of the sliced zucchini evenly as the first layer covering the bottom of the baking dish.
9. Spread Cream Cheese Mixture: Evenly spread the prepared cream cheese and jalapeño mixture over the zucchini layer.
10. Add Second Zucchini Layer: Top the cream cheese mixture with the remaining zucchini slices, overlapping to ensure complete coverage.
11. Top with Cracker Mixture: Evenly sprinkle the cracker and bacon topping over the final zucchini layer.
12. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cream cheese mixture is bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown and crisp.

Notes

• For less spiciness, reduce the amount of jalapeño or omit the seeds entirely.
• Double bacon topping for an extra smoky flavor and crunch.
• This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated, then baked before serving.
• Use gluten-free crackers to make this dish gluten-free.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: jalapeño popper, zucchini casserole, baked casserole, cheesy zucchini, jalapeño cream cheese, bacon topping, ranch dressing mix