Jalapeño Popper Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Jalapeño Popper Zucchini Casserole is a creamy, cheesy dish that brings bold flavors together with a crunchy topping. It’s perfect as a side or a comforting snack for those who love a little heat and savory goodness.

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 your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Wash and dry the zucchini, then remove the ends and slice into 1/4-inch slices. 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 cooked bacon.
6. Step 6: Crush the Ritz crackers into crumbs using a glass bottom or your fingers. Combine the cracker crumbs with melted butter and the remaining bacon pieces.
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 on the bottom of the dish.
9. Step 9: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the zucchini in an even layer.
10. Step 10: Top with the remaining zucchini slices, slightly overlapping to cover all the cream cheese mixture.
11. Step 11: Sprinkle the cracker and bacon mixture evenly over the top.
12. Step 12: Bake for 30 minutes or until the cream cheese mixture is bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture.
• Try substituting the cheddar with pepper jack cheese for a spicier twist.
• Use pork rinds instead of Ritz crackers for a low-carb version.
• Prepare ahead by assembling the casserole and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through. The topping will crisp back up nicely in the oven.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen zucchini for this casserole?

Fresh zucchini is best to avoid excess water in the dish. If using frozen, thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before assembling.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

The original recipe uses Ritz crackers, which contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free crackers or crushed pork rinds.

Jalapeño Popper Zucchini Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 727 reviews

This Jalapeño Popper Zucchini Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and crunchy baked dish inspired by classic jalapeño poppers. It combines fresh zucchini slices layered with a zesty cream cheese mixture, diced jalapeño, green onions, garlic, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. Perfect as a comforting side or a hearty appetizer, this casserole offers a flavorful kick with a satisfying crunchy topping.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Aromatics

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

Dairy and Creamy Components

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

Seasoning and Mixes

• 1 1/2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix (dry)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Bacon and Toppings

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (divided use)
• 1 sleeve Ritz Crackers (35 crackers)
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Other

• Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Prepare the zucchini: Wash and dry the zucchini, then remove the ends. Slice the zucchini into 1/4-inch thick slices and set aside for layering.
3. Mix the creamy base: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, Ranch Dressing Mix, and kosher salt until smooth and well incorporated.
4. Add aromatics and cheese: Stir in the diced jalapeño, green onions, and minced garlic into the cream cheese mixture. Then, mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the crumbled bacon, ensuring everything is evenly blended.
5. Prepare the topping: In a separate bowl, crush the Ritz crackers into crumbs using a heavy glass or your fingers. Add the melted butter and the remaining bacon pieces to the cracker crumbs and mix well to combine.
6. Prepare the baking dish: Spray a 9×9 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
7. Assemble the casserole: Place half of the sliced zucchini in an even layer covering the bottom of the baking dish. Spread the creamy jalapeño popper mixture evenly over the zucchini layer. Then, layer the remaining zucchini on top, overlapping the slices to fully cover the cream cheese mixture.
8. Add the topping and bake: Sprinkle the cracker and bacon crumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cream cheese mixture is bubbly and the cracker topping turns golden brown.

Notes

• You can adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the spice level according to your preference.
• For a milder version, remove all jalapeño seeds or substitute with milder peppers.
• Ensure bacon is cooked until crispy to add the perfect texture contrast.
• This casserole is best served warm and can be prepared a few hours ahead and baked before serving.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: jalapeño popper casserole, zucchini casserole, cheesy zucchini bake, jalapeño popper recipe, bacon and cheese casserole, baked zucchini dish