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Creamy Jalapeño Popper Corn Casserole with Crispy Bacon

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This creamy jalapeño popper corn casserole combines sweet corn, spicy jalapeños, tangy cream cheese, and crispy bacon for a crowd-pleasing holiday side dish. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) whole kernel corn, drained (or 3 cups frozen corn, thawed and patted dry)
  • 1 can (14.75 oz) cream-style corn
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (optional)
  • 3–4 medium fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 6–8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives or green onions, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Cook bacon in a cold skillet over medium heat, turning frequently, until crisp (about 8-10 minutes). Drain on paper towels and crumble.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth.
  4. Add diced jalapeños, shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
  5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
  6. In a medium bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and half the crumbled bacon. Stir until breadcrumbs are coated.
  7. Sprinkle the breadcrumb/bacon mixture evenly over the casserole. Scatter the remaining bacon on top. Add chopped chives or green onions if desired.
  8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling. If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  9. Let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow it to thicken.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky flavor. Use gluten-free panko or crushed rice cereal for a gluten-free adaptation. Prep the creamy base a day ahead for easy holiday mornings. Adjust jalapeños for desired spice level. Shred your own cheese for best melt. If casserole seems loose, add 2 tbsp flour or cornstarch to the base.

Nutrition

Keywords: corn casserole, jalapeño popper, bacon, holiday side, cheesy casserole, comfort food, Thanksgiving, Christmas, potluck, easy recipe

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/creamy-jalape-n-o-popper-corn-casserole-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-easy-holiday-side/