Pepper Jack Potato Casserole – If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make casserole that will satisfy your craving for something cheesy and comforting, look no further than this Pepper Jack Potato Casserole. With a creamy and flavorful mixture of hash browns, cream of chicken soup, pepper jack cheese, and heavy whipping cream, this casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week. And with the added crunch of Ritz crackers and the salty goodness of bacon, it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time.
My husband and I love making this Pepper Jack Potato Casserole for our little family on chilly nights when we want something hearty and delicious. We first discovered this recipe when we were looking for a way to use up some leftover hash browns, and we’ve been making it ever since. The combination of creamy cheese and crispy toppings is irresistible, and we love how easy it is to customize this recipe to our tastes. Whether we’re serving it as a main dish or as a side, this casserole always gets rave reviews from our family and friends.
Why This Recipe Rocks?
- Cheesy and flavorful: The combination of pepper jack cheese, cream of chicken soup, and heavy whipping cream creates a creamy and delicious sauce that makes this casserole irresistible.
- Easy to customize: You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences by adding different spices or toppings, such as diced jalapeños or chopped green onions.
- Crunchy and savory: The Ritz crackers and bacon add a satisfying crunch and salty flavor that complement the cheesy potatoes perfectly.
- Simple to make: With just a few ingredients and a little bit of prep work, this casserole comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
Ingredients:
- 1,360 grams (30 oz) frozen hash browns
- 1 can (305 grams / 10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 226 grams (2 cups) grated pepper jack cheese
- 240 ml (1 cup) heavy whipping cream
- 113 grams (1/2 cup) melted butter
- 240 ml (1 cup) sour cream
- 113 grams (1 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
In a large bowl, stir together the hash browns, cream of chicken soup, pepper jack cheese, heavy whipping cream, melted butter, sour cream, 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt and pepper.
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan.
In a small bowl, stir together the crushed crackers, crumbled bacon, remaining grated Parmesan cheese, and paprika. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the potatoes.
Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes:
- If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare it up to the point of adding the cracker topping. Store the topping separately and sprinkle it on just before baking.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, simply substitute the cream of chicken soup with the cream of mushroom soup.
- You can also add some extra veggies to the casserole, such as chopped broccoli or peppers, for added nutrition and flavor.
Pepper Jack Potato Casserole is a perfect dish for any meal. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor that everyone in your family will love. This dish is easy to prepare and makes a great side dish for any occasion. The combination of hash browns, pepper jack cheese, and crispy bacon makes it a perfect comfort food. It’s a crowd-pleaser that you can easily customize to suit your taste.
FAQ
- Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
- Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Simply peel and shred them using a grater or food processor.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, you can use any type of cheese you prefer. However, keep in mind that the recipe was specifically designed to use pepper jack cheese, which adds a unique flavor to the dish.
- Can I substitute the heavy whipping cream?
- Yes, you can use whole milk or half-and-half as a substitute. However, the heavy cream provides a richer and creamier flavor and texture.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Can I freeze the casserole?
- Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake according to the recipe instructions.
Pepper Jack Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 1,360 grams 30 oz frozen hash browns
- 1 can 305 grams / 10.75 oz cream of chicken soup
- 226 grams 2 cups grated pepper jack cheese
- 240 ml 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 113 grams 1/2 cup melted butter
- 240 ml 1 cup sour cream
- 113 grams 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers crushed
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, stir together the hash browns, cream of chicken soup, pepper jack cheese, heavy whipping cream, melted butter, sour cream, 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt and pepper.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan.
- In a small bowl, stir together the crushed crackers, crumbled bacon, remaining grated Parmesan cheese, and paprika. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the potatoes.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
To make this recipe vegetarian, simply substitute the cream of chicken soup with the cream of mushroom soup.
You can also add some extra veggies to the casserole, such as chopped broccoli or peppers, for added nutrition and flavor.
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