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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it thoroughly for optimal potato casserole performance.
- 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.
- Gently fold sliced potatoes into the spicy cream mixture, ensuring each potato slice is evenly coated with the zesty seasoning blend.
- Construct the first layer of the casserole by spreading half of the seasoned potato slices across the prepared baking dish.
- Distribute half of the crispy bacon pieces and sprinkle a generous layer of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the potato layer.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining potato slices, bacon, and cheese to create a robust and flavorful casserole structure.
- 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.
- Uncover the dish and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
- 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