If you are searching for a comforting, cheesy, and slightly spicy dish to brighten up your dinner table, this Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender shredded potatoes mingling with the zesty warmth of Pepper Jack cheese, all wrapped in a creamy, savory blend that will have everyone asking for seconds. This casserole is not only packed with flavor but also comes together with simple ingredients you likely have on hand, making it an effortless crowd-pleaser perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or any day you crave a little comfort food magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and crunch. The harmony of flavors and textures comes from combining fresh produce, creamy elements, and a crunchy topping that makes every bite a delight.
- Shredded potatoes: Use 4 cups of hash browns or freshly grated potatoes for the ideal base texture.
- Pepper Jack cheese: 2 cups provide a creamy, spicy kick that defines the casserole’s signature flavor.
- Sour cream: Adds richness and a slight tang to deepen the creaminess.
- Cream of chicken soup: A 10.5-ounce can gives the dish a smooth, savory base and helps bind everything together.
- Chopped green onions: Half a cup adds a fresh, mild onion flavor with a touch of color.
- Garlic powder: Half a teaspoon for a subtle hint of savory warmth.
- Onion powder: Half a teaspoon to complement the green onions and add depth.
- Salt and black pepper: Each at half a teaspoon to enhance and balance the flavors.
- Melted butter: A quarter cup combines with the topping to provide a golden, crispy finish.
- Crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs: Half a cup forms a crunchy, flavorful crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
- Chopped parsley (optional): For a fresh pop of color when serving.
How to Make Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the perfect temperature to allow the casserole to cook evenly and develop that irresistible golden crust. Meanwhile, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so your casserole won’t stick and comes out perfectly formed.
Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded potatoes, Pepper Jack cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to make sure all ingredients are evenly distributed, blending every bite with creamy, spicy, and savory notes.
Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish
Once mixed, spread the potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Distributing it properly helps the casserole cook uniformly and ensures that every slice holds its shape without tipping or breaking apart.
Step 4: Prepare and Add Topping
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs. This topping adds a fantastic crunch and buttery flavor that contrasts delightfully with the creamy casserole beneath. Sprinkle it evenly over the top.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns golden brown and the casserole is bubbling up around the edges. This signals that the interior is perfectly cooked and the flavors have melded beautifully.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Allow your Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Recipe to rest for 5 to 10 minutes once it’s out of the oven. Resting helps everything set, making it easier to serve. If you like, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top for an inviting touch of color and fresh aroma.
How to Serve Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While the casserole is delicious on its own, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or sliced green onions adds a bright contrast in both flavor and appearance. For a little extra kick, adding thin slices of jalapeños on top before baking can elevate the spice profile.
Side Dishes
This Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with a range of dishes. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or your favorite grilled proteins like chicken or steak. It also shines as a hearty breakfast side when paired with eggs and crispy bacon.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, consider serving the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. You can also turn leftovers into loaded potato cakes by forming small patties and pan-frying them until crispy. These creative presentations make the dish feel special and are perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Recipe, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When stored properly, the casserole’s flavors deepen, making the reheated portions just as satisfying as freshly baked.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. For freezing baked leftovers, portion them into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the topping is crispy again, about 20 to 25 minutes. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave, although the topping may lose some of its crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in the Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While Pepper Jack cheese adds a lovely spicy kick, you can substitute with Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses for a milder flavor or different taste profile.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup to make this casserole suitable for vegetarians without sacrificing flavor and creaminess.
How spicy is the Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Recipe?
The spice level is moderate due to the Pepper Jack cheese. If you prefer more heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños or using a hotter Pepper Jack variety. For less spice, use milder cheeses.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add extra baking time if baking directly from cold.
What’s the best way to achieve a crispy topping on this casserole?
Using crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter ensures the topping crisps up beautifully during baking. Baking uncovered at 350°F helps create that golden crust.
Final Thoughts
This Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Recipe holds a special place in the heart of anyone who loves comfort food with a little spice. Its easy preparation and irresistible flavor make it an ideal go-to dish for busy weeknights or special occasions. I wholeheartedly encourage you to bring this casserole into your kitchen – it’s sure to become a cherished classic that your friends and family will request again and again.
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Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pepper Jack Potato Casserole is a deliciously cheesy and spicy baked side dish that combines shredded potatoes with creamy Pepper Jack cheese, sour cream, and a touch of garlic and onion powders for a flavorful comfort food perfect for any holiday or family dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded potatoes (hash browns or freshly grated)
- 2 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Mix the casserole ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded potatoes, Pepper Jack cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly until well mixed, ensuring that the cheese and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the potatoes.
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then transfer your potato mixture into it, spreading the mixture out evenly for consistent cooking and browning.
- Make the topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs. This mixture will add a crunchy, flavorful crust to your casserole.
- Add the topping and bake: Evenly sprinkle the butter and cracker mixture over the casserole’s top. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Rest and garnish: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow it to set for easier serving. If desired, garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh and colorful finish before serving.
Notes
- For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños or use hot Pepper Jack cheese instead of the mild version.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup to make the casserole vegetarian, or use cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a great side dish for breakfast or dinner.
