If you are craving a dish that combines creamy, cheesy, and just the right hint of spice, this Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Recipe is the answer you’ve been waiting for. Imagine layers of tender, thinly sliced russet potatoes mingling with luscious sour cream and melted butter, all enriched by the bold, flavorful zing of Pepper Jack cheese. This casserole is a celebration of comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners or making every family gathering a little more special. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight yet impressive enough to bring to your next potluck.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Recipe plays a crucial role, coming together in a harmony of textures and flavors. From the velvety sour cream that creates a creamy base to the sharp and spicy Pepper Jack cheese that adds character, every component enhances the final dish.
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: These provide the hearty, starchy foundation that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese: The star ingredient, bringing creamy meltiness with a gentle kick.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tang and richness to balance the spice and create a luscious sauce.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the sauce, ensuring it’s smooth without being heavy.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Infuses a subtle buttery flavor and helps bind the ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A warm, mellow depth of taste that never overwhelms.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds savory notes to complement the potatoes and cheese.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle heat that balances the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): Brings smoky complexity and a beautifully warm color.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish): These lend fresh, mild onion flavor and add a lovely pop of green.
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing: Prevents sticking and helps achieve a golden crust.
How to Make Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick, setting the stage for easy serving and cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Stir in the chopped green onions and half of the shredded Pepper Jack cheese. This sauce is where the magic begins—each flavor melds perfectly to coat the potatoes with luscious creaminess and a bit of spice.
Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Sauce
Arrange half of your thin potato slices in the baking dish, slightly overlapping them like puzzle pieces. Pour half of the cream mixture evenly over the potatoes and spread it gently. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce, creating a layered masterpiece. Finish by sprinkling the remaining Pepper Jack cheese on top for that irresistible cheesy crust.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Tender
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. This steams the potatoes to tender perfection. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes to brown the top beautifully and caramelize the cheese. When a fork slides in easily through the potatoes, your casserole is ready. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the casserole to firm up slightly.
How to Serve Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a fresh sprinkle of chopped green onions on top after baking not only enhances the visual appeal but also offers a mild, zesty bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy casserole. You might also try a handful of crispy bacon bits for a smoky crunch or a dollop of sour cream on the side for extra richness.
Side Dishes
This Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a crisp garden salad, or grilled meats like chicken and steak. The casserole’s bold cheese and spice flavors complement lighter sides and help create a well-rounded meal that satisfies without overwhelming.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions that look inviting and elegant. You could also turn it into a brunch star by topping with a fried egg or sausage. This dish is versatile enough to fit any meal occasion with a little creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it a fantastic option for next-day meals or quick reheats.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the dish as instructed but do not bake. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed, adding extra baking time if needed to ensure even cooking.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the cheese is melted again. This helps maintain the lovely texture much better than microwaving, preserving that creamy, slightly crisp-topped goodness everyone loves.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Russet potatoes are ideal for this casserole due to their starchy texture which becomes wonderfully tender while holding shape. However, Yukon Gold can also work if you prefer a creamier consistency, though the dish may be a bit less fluffy.
How spicy is this Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Recipe?
The spice level is gentle and approachable, mostly coming from the Pepper Jack cheese’s natural peppery notes. You can easily adjust the heat by adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper if you like a bolder kick.
Can I make this casserole vegan or dairy-free?
While the traditional recipe relies on dairy for its richness, you can experiment with vegan sour cream, plant-based milk, and dairy-free pepper jack-style cheese alternatives. Just keep in mind texture and flavor might shift slightly.
Is it possible to prepare this dish the day before a dinner party?
Absolutely! Assembling the casserole ahead and refrigerating it overnight helps meld the flavors beautifully. Just remove from the fridge while your oven preheats to bring it to room temperature, then bake as usual.
What can I add to make it more of a main dish?
Consider stirring cooked and crumbled sausage, diced ham, or sautéed mushrooms into the sour cream mixture before layering. This adds protein and makes the casserole more substantial for a full meal.
Final Thoughts
This Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress, whether for a family dinner or special occasion. Its creamy texture combined with that perfect touch of heat and golden cheese crust will have everyone asking for seconds. Give this recipe a try and enjoy all the cozy, cheesy comfort it brings to your table.
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Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pepper Jack Potato Casserole is a creamy, cheesy side dish featuring thinly sliced russet potatoes layered with a flavorful mixture of sour cream, melted butter, and spices, all topped with spicy Pepper Jack cheese. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a comforting blend of heat and richness, perfect for any meal or make-ahead gathering.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Cheese and Dairy
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
Other
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Mix sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until well combined. Stir in the chopped green onions and half of the shredded Pepper Jack cheese to incorporate evenly.
- First layer: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping them to cover the surface.
- Add sauce: Pour half of the sour cream mixture over the potato layer, spreading it evenly to ensure all potatoes are covered.
- Second layer: Repeat with the remaining sliced potatoes, followed by the remaining sour cream mixture spread evenly over the top.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining half of the Pepper Jack cheese evenly across the top layer of potatoes and sauce.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes to cook the potatoes through and meld flavors.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Rest and garnish: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with additional chopped green onions before serving for a fresh touch.
Notes
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sour cream sauce mixture.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking to save time.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a delicious side for breakfast or dinner dishes.
