Creamy Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Creamy comfort meets spicy excitement in this delectable pepper jack potato casserole that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine.

Hearty potatoes blend seamlessly with zesty cheese, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.

Sharp pepper jack adds an unexpected kick to classic comfort food.

Melted cheese forms golden, crispy edges that beckon you closer with each bubbling promise.

You will adore how simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing dish that delivers maximum satisfaction in every single bite.

You won’t believe how quickly this casserole becomes your new favorite go-to meal.

Ingredients For Pepper Jack Potato Casserole

Main Ingredients:

• Hash Browns: Convenient shredded potatoes for easy casserole base.

• Pepper Jack Cheese: Spicy and creamy cheese for a zesty kick.
• Heavy Cream: Rich and smooth dairy for luxurious texture.
• Sour Cream: Tangy addition for extra creaminess.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese for depth of flavor.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy base that adds richness and savory notes.
• Melted Butter: Provides richness and helps bind ingredients.
• Onion Powder: Subtle onion flavor without raw onion texture.
• Garlic Powder: Adds classic savory undertone.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.

• Crackers: Crunchy topping for textural contrast.
• Bacon: Crispy and smoky protein that adds deep flavor.
• Paprika: Mild spice with a warm color and slight heat.

Cooking Pepper Jack Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly coat a 9x13x2-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create The Potato Mixture

• Frozen hash browns
• Cream of chicken soup
• Pepper jack cheese
• Heavy cream
• Melted butter
• Sour cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir all ingredients until thoroughly blended and smoothly incorporated.

Step 3: Spread The Potato Base

Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a smooth surface.

Step 4: Prepare The Crunchy Topping

• Crushed crackers
• Crispy bacon bits
• Remaining Parmesan cheese
• Paprika

Sprinkle this zesty topping across the entire potato layer, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes.

Look for a bubbly texture and a golden-brown topping as indicators of doneness.

Step 6: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving, which helps the dish set and makes cutting easier.

Enjoy your creamy, cheesy potato delight!

Tips For A Creamy Potato Casserole

• Adjust pepper jack cheese quantity based on your spice tolerance, swapping with milder cheeses for a gentler flavor profile.
• Add extra heavy cream or sour cream if the mixture seems too thick, ensuring a creamy and moist casserole texture.
• Lightly toast cracker crumbs before sprinkling to enhance their golden color and add extra crispiness to the topping.
• Replace bacon with vegetarian bacon bits or smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor without meat.
• Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup and reduced-salt crackers to manage overall salt content for health-conscious diners.

Save And Warm Up Pepper Jack Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then bake at 350ºF for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Uncover last 5 minutes to restore crispy topping.
• Warm individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. Add splash of cream to maintain moisture if needed.

Pairings For Pepper Jack Potato Bake

• Elevate Protein Pairing: Grilled barbecue chicken or smoked brisket complements the casserole's rich, cheesy flavors, adding smoky depth and protein balance.
• Fire Up Fresh Contrast: Crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette cuts through the casserole's heaviness, providing refreshing acidity and light vegetable nutrition.
• Wine and Brew Match: Zesty white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or hoppy amber ale neutralizes the dish's creamy texture, creating a delightful taste experience.
• Cool Beverage Break: Tangy buttermilk or cold craft beer offers a smooth, refreshing counterpoint to the casserole's warm, hearty profile.

Creative Styles Of Pepper Jack Casserole

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Swap hash browns with cauliflower rice, replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom, and use vegetarian bacon bits or omit bacon for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free crackers for topping, substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade gluten-free version, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chilies, replace pepper jack with a blend of cheddar and jalapeño cheese, sprinkle chili powder instead of paprika, and top with fresh cilantro.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace hash browns with cauliflower florets, use low-fat cream cheese instead of heavy cream, and reduce Parmesan cheese quantity for a lighter option.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen hash browns for this recipe?

Yes, frozen hash browns work perfectly. Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

• Is pepper jack cheese very spicy?

Pepper jack has a mild to moderate heat level. It provides a gentle kick without being overwhelmingly spicy, making it suitable for most taste preferences.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

Cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup are excellent alternatives that will maintain the creamy texture and flavor profile of the dish.

What Makes Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Shine

• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Comfort: Creamy pepper jack cheese and rich ingredients create an incredibly indulgent potato casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Super Simple Preparation: Minimal chopping and one-bowl mixing make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with cheesy goodness and crispy bacon topping, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings.
• Versatile Side Dish Superstar: Works perfectly as a hearty accompaniment to grilled meats, roasted chicken, or can stand alone as a satisfying vegetarian main course with its robust flavors.

Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets excitement in this pepper jack potato casserole, where spicy cheese melts into creamy potatoes for an irresistible dish. Hearty layers of flavor promise a crowd-pleasing meal that you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (30 to 32 ounces) bag frozen shredded hash browns
• 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Dairy and Cream:

• 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream
• 0.5 cup butter, melted
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 1 (10.5 ounces) can unsalted cream of chicken soup

Seasonings and Toppings:

• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• 0.5 cup cooked chopped bacon
• 1 teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

1. Combine thawed hash browns with a creamy mixture of pepper jack cheese, tangy sour cream, and savory soup to create a rich potato base.
2. Whisk together heavy cream, melted butter, and seasonings like onion and garlic powder to enhance the flavor profile of the potato blend.
3. Thoroughly incorporate all ingredients in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of cheese and spices throughout the hash brown mixture.
4. Spread the potato mixture uniformly into a generously greased baking dish, creating a smooth, level surface.
5. Craft a crispy topping by blending crushed crackers with crumbled bacon, grated Parmesan, and a sprinkle of paprika for added texture and depth.
6. Scatter the crunchy topping evenly across the potato layer, covering the entire surface to ensure a consistent golden-brown finish.
7. Position the casserole in a preheated oven at 400ºF, allowing it to bake for 45-50 minutes until the edges bubble and the top transforms into a crisp, golden crust.
8. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes, allowing the filling to set and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

• Swap hash browns with diced fresh potatoes for a more rustic texture that adds homemade charm to the casserole.
• Reduce heavy cream and replace with milk to create a lighter, less calorie-dense version perfect for health-conscious eaters.
• Use gluten-free crackers and cream of chicken soup to transform this dish into a celiac-friendly recipe without compromising flavor.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar or smoked gouda to personalize the casserole’s taste profile and keep things exciting.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg