Description
This Pepper Jack Potato Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish featuring shredded hash browns mixed with pepper jack cheese, cream of chicken soup, and a rich blend of heavy cream, butter, and sour cream. Topped with a crispy bacon and Ritz cracker crust, it’s baked to bubbly perfection, making it a perfect side for any meal or a hearty main.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 (30 to 32-oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- ½ cup cooked chopped bacon
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 400ºF. Lightly spray a 9x13x2-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix the potato base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen shredded hash browns, unsalted cream of chicken soup, shredded pepper jack cheese, heavy whipping cream, melted butter, sour cream, ¼ cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir all ingredients together until evenly blended.
- Transfer mixture to baking dish: Spoon the potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out for uniform baking.
- Prepare the topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers, cooked chopped bacon, the remaining ¾ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and paprika. This topping adds a satisfying crunch and smoky flavor to the casserole.
- Assemble and bake: Sprinkle the cracker and bacon topping evenly over the potato mixture in the baking dish. Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the potato mixture.
- You can substitute bacon with cooked sausage or omit it for a vegetarian option.
- Ensure the hash browns are well thawed to avoid excess water in the casserole.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
