Jambalaya Casserole – A Flavor-Packed Creole Bake that Brings the Bold Tastes of Louisiana Straight

If you’re craving the rich, bold, and unmistakable flavors of jambalaya but want a hassle-free, casserole-style dish, this Jambalaya Casserole is about to become your new favorite meal. It combines the savory goodness of andouille sausage, tender chicken, perfectly spiced vegetables, and creamy melted cheese for an irresistible, comforting, and mouthwatering dinner.

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind This Flavorful Jambalaya Casserole

Jambalaya is a dish that needs no introduction in Creole and Cajun cuisine—it’s a vibrant medley of meats, vegetables, rice, and plenty of spices that has become synonymous with Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage. But what if you could take all those elements and make them even easier to prepare? That’s where this Jambalaya Casserole comes in. By transforming a classic jambalaya into a simple, bake-friendly meal, we preserve all the rich, spicy flavors while giving you the convenience of a one-pan dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The combination of andouille sausage, chicken, and Creole-seasoned vegetables, all topped with melted cheddar jack cheese, brings an explosion of flavors to each bite.

Why You’ll Love This Jambalaya Casserole

This Jambalaya Casserole takes the hard work out of a traditional jambalaya without sacrificing any of the bold flavors that make the dish so iconic. Not only is it packed with juicy sausage and chicken, but the addition of Creole seasoning and sautéed vegetables ensures that every forkful is loaded with taste. Plus, with melted cheese on top and a bubbly, tomato-saucy base, this casserole will quickly become a go-to favorite for anyone who enjoys Southern flavors.

It’s also a great way to introduce younger or pickier eaters to the flavors of jambalaya. The casserole format gives it a comforting, familiar feel while keeping it less intimidating than a traditional stovetop jambalaya.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Fat: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 36g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fiber: 3g

The Casserole That’s Great for Any Occasion

Whether you’re cooking for a special family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just want something that’s hearty, flavorful, and full of that Creole spirit, this Jambalaya Casserole is perfect for any occasion. It’s also a great dish to bring to potlucks, as it can be prepared ahead of time and reheated when needed—plus, who can resist a cheesy, spicy, sausage-packed casserole?

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

While this casserole is hearty and satisfying on its own, you can pair it with a few simple sides to round out your meal. For a traditional Southern twist, serve it with a slice of warm cornbread, a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, or roasted okra for a bit of crunch. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a cold glass of sweet tea or lemonade will balance out the spice of the dish, while a light dessert like a citrus-flavored sorbet or vanilla bean ice cream can provide a refreshing finish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Jambalaya Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If you’re planning to freeze it, allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven before serving.

Fun Fact: The Origins of Jambalaya

Jambalaya, a dish that has its roots in the Spanish paella and French influence in Louisiana, originally began as a simple way to feed large groups with whatever ingredients were available. This led to the evolution of a dish that could be endlessly customized—spicy, flavorful, and filling, jambalaya remains a beloved staple in Creole and Cajun cooking.

Cooking Tips for the Perfect Jambalaya Casserole

• Kick Up the Heat: Love your food extra spicy? Increase the amount of Creole seasoning or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the chicken and vegetable mix for a real fiery kick.
• Customize Your Cheese: While this recipe calls for cheddar jack, you can easily switch it up with pepper jack for more heat, or sharp cheddar for a bolder cheese flavor.
• For a Crispier Top: If you like an extra crispy cheese layer, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.

Optional Variations

• Seafood Jambalaya Casserole: Swap out the chicken for shrimp and add a handful of crawfish or crab meat for a more traditional seafood jambalaya twist.
• Vegetarian Jambalaya: Omit the meat and add diced zucchini, squash, and kidney beans for a hearty vegetarian version of this dish. Use a vegetarian-friendly Creole seasoning to keep it authentic.
• Extra Cheesy Jambalaya: Love cheese? Feel free to mix some extra cheese into the casserole before baking or add more to the top during the last few minutes for a super cheesy finish.

Jambalaya Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 13.5-ounce package andouille sausage, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1-2 tablespoons Creole seasoning (depending on your preferred spice level)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup white rice, prepared
• 8-ounce can tomato sauce
• 2 cups cheddar jack cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Brown the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the andouille sausage until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the chicken and vegetables: Add vegetable oil to the same skillet and deglaze the pan. Then, add the diced chicken, bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Season with Creole seasoning, and sauté until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are softened, about 7-10 minutes.
4. Combine everything: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, and half of the cheddar jack cheese. Mix everything well until fully combined.
5. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar jack cheese on top.
6. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and the casserole is bubbly.
7. Serve: Once the casserole is out of the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy!

Final Thoughts

This Jambalaya Casserole is the perfect marriage of bold, spicy jambalaya flavors with the ease and comfort of a baked casserole. Packed with seasoned chicken, smoky sausage, and melted cheese, it’s a dish that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re a jambalaya lover or just in search of a hearty, satisfying dinner, this casserole is bound to become a household favorite.