Zesty Spicy Baked Potato Casserole Recipe for Comfort Lovers

Craving a mouthwatering spicy baked potato casserole that packs a serious flavor punch?

Layers of crispy potatoes meld beautifully with zesty seasonings and creamy cheese.

Bold spices dance through each comforting bite, promising a memorable meal.

Jalapeños and sharp cheddar create an irresistible combination that kicks traditional side dishes to the curb.

Hearty and satisfying, this casserole brings excitement to your dinner table without complicated techniques.

Cheese lovers and heat seekers will absolutely adore this simple yet spectacular dish.

You won’t be able to resist going back for seconds of this crowd-pleasing comfort food.

Spicy Baked Potato Casserole with Bold Flavors

• Spice Up Your Comfort Food: Elevate classic potato dishes with a bold, zesty twist that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Quick and Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Prepare a hearty casserole that brings everyone together, perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings with minimal prep work.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily adjust spice levels and ingredients to suit personal tastes, making this recipe adaptable for different palates and dietary preferences.
• Loaded with Cheesy Goodness: Indulge in a decadent combination of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses that create a rich, creamy texture everyone will love.

Ingredients to Make Spicy Baked Potato Casserole

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that form the hearty base of this creamy casserole.
• Sour Cream: Adds rich, tangy creaminess to the dish.
• Cream Cheese: Provides extra smoothness and depth of flavor.

• Butter: Brings richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Melty cheeses that add sharp and mild flavor complexity.

• Jalapenos, Hot Sauce: Provide spicy kick and heat to the casserole.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Chili Powder: Create a robust and zesty seasoning blend.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor.

• Bacon: Adds smoky, crispy texture and rich flavor.
• Green Onions, Parsley: Fresh herbs that bring brightness and color.
• Paprika: Optional spice for additional garnish and mild warmth.

Baking Instructions for Spicy Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 375°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light grease coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Creamy Flavor Explosion

• Sour cream
• Cream cheese
• Melted butter
• Milk
• Chopped jalapenos
• Hot sauce
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Coat Potato Slices

Drop sliced potatoes into the creamy mixture.

Gently toss to ensure each potato slice gets completely covered in the spicy sauce.

Step 4: Create First Potato Layer

Spread half the saucy potato slices across the greased baking dish.

• Crispy bacon bits
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese

Step 5: Build Second Potato Layer

Repeat the layering process with remaining potato slices and cheese toppings.

Step 6: Initial Baking

Cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes until potatoes become fork-tender.

Step 7: Final Crispy Cheese Topping

Remove foil and return to oven for another 10 minutes.

Watch the cheese transform into a bubbly golden-brown blanket.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions, a dash of paprika, and parsley over the top.

Serve piping hot and enjoy the spicy, cheesy goodness.

Pro Tips for Perfectly Spiced Potato Casserole

• Opt for reduced-sodium bacon to control salt levels without losing flavor intensity.
• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform potato slices, ensuring consistent cooking and texture throughout the casserole.
• Adjust jalapenos and hot sauce based on personal heat tolerance, removing seeds for milder taste or adding extra for more kick.
• Prepare the casserole up to a day in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator and baking just before serving to save time.
• Substitute sour cream and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt and vegan cream cheese for lactose-intolerant guests.

Flavor Twists for Spicy Baked Potato Casserole

• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or crispy tofu bits for a meat-free protein alternative.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to create a lower-carbohydrate and keto-friendly option.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream, dairy-free cream cheese, and plant-based cheese alternatives to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta cheese for a Greek-style flavor profile with Mediterranean herbs like oregano and thyme.

Serving Suggestions for Spicy Baked Potato Casserole

• Fiery Feast Companions: Pair this spicy potato casserole with a crisp, cool coleslaw to balance the heat and add refreshing crunch.
• Protein Power-Up: Serve alongside grilled chicken, smoked sausage, or rotisserie chicken for a complete and satisfying meal that complements the rich, cheesy potatoes.
• Fresh Green Sidekick: Add a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's richness and provide a fresh contrast to the creamy, spicy dish.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform this recipe into a weekend brunch star by topping with a fried egg and serving with toasted sourdough bread for a hearty morning feast.

Storage Tips for Leftover Spicy Potato Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Remove from refrigerator, let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying, bake 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.

FAQs

• How spicy is this casserole?

The heat level depends on the jalapeños and hot sauce you use. For milder flavor, remove jalapeño seeds or reduce hot sauce. For extra kick, add more jalapeños or use a spicier hot sauce like habanero.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the bacon and replace with vegetarian bacon bits or add more cheese. You can also include diced bell peppers or mushrooms for additional texture and flavor.

• What type of potatoes work best?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this recipe. They hold their shape well and have a creamy texture when baked. Slice them uniformly for even cooking.

Spicy Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty spicy baked potato casserole combines classic comfort with zesty southwestern flavors. Sharp cheddar, jalapeños, and crispy bacon create a mouthwatering dish you’ll crave during chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream

Seasoning and Spices:

• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
• 2 jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) hot sauce
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it thoroughly for optimal potato casserole performance.
2. Create a creamy flavor base by whisking together sour cream, cream cheese, melted butter, milk, chopped jalapenos, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
3. Gently fold sliced potatoes into the spicy cream mixture, ensuring each potato slice is evenly coated with the zesty seasoning blend.
4. Construct the first layer of the casserole by spreading half of the seasoned potato slices across the prepared baking dish.
5. Distribute half of the crispy bacon pieces and sprinkle a generous layer of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the potato layer.
6. Repeat the layering process with the remaining potato slices, bacon, and cheese to create a robust and flavorful casserole structure.
7. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake at 375F (190C) for 45 minutes, allowing the potatoes to become tender and absorb the rich, spicy flavors.
8. Uncover the dish and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
9. Elevate the presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped green onions, a dusting of paprika, and scattered parsley before serving the piping hot casserole.

Notes

• Select starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best creamy texture and even cooking.
• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and prevent uneven softness in the casserole.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or removing jalapenos and hot sauce for a milder version suitable for sensitive palates.
• Consider low-fat dairy alternatives like Greek yogurt and reduced-fat cheeses to create a lighter, healthier rendition of the dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg