Zesty Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Recipe for Cheesy Comfort

Crafting a mouthwatering pepper jack potato casserole promises pure comfort on chilly evenings.

Creamy cheese and crisp potatoes create an irresistible combination that sparks instant hunger.

Layers of golden spuds mingle with zesty pepper jack, delivering bold flavor in every bite.

Melted cheese cascades through tender potato slices, forming a delectable network of deliciousness.

Sharp and smooth textures dance across your palate, making this dish a crowd-pleasing sensation.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings find their perfect match in this simple yet stunning casserole.

You’ll want to savor each rich, cheesy forkful and share this recipe with everyone you know.

Why Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Brings The Heat And Comfort

• Savor Cheesy Comfort: Indulge in a creamy, decadent potato casserole that delivers ultimate comfort food satisfaction with its rich, melted pepper jack cheese and perfectly seasoned potatoes.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe to your taste by swapping cheeses, adding bacon bits, or incorporating different herbs, making it a versatile dish for any preference.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for potlucks, family dinners, and holiday side dishes, this crowd-pleasing casserole feeds a hungry group with minimal preparation and maximum flavor.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Combine ingredients in one bowl, pour into a baking dish, and let the oven do the work, creating a delicious meal with minimal hands-on cooking time.

What You’ll Need For Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Goodness

• Potatoes: Hearty root vegetables that form the substantial base of this creamy casserole.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Spicy and melty cheese that provides a zesty flavor and golden, bubbling crust.
• Heavy Cream: Rich dairy ingredient that creates a luxurious and smooth texture throughout the dish.
• Sour Cream: Tangy dairy component that adds depth and richness to the potato mixture.

• Onions, Garlic: Flavor-enhancing ingredients that provide a savory and aromatic foundation for the casserole.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste profile.
• Butter: Adds rich, golden flavor and helps coat the potato mixture.
• Chives: Fresh herb that provides a vibrant green garnish with a subtle onion essence.

How To Bake Up Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Easily

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Heat the oven to 375°F and coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Veggie Base

Chop onions into small pieces and crush garlic cloves into tiny bits. These ingredients will create a delicious foundation for the potato dish.

Step 3: Cube Potatoes

Rinse potatoes thoroughly and cut them into consistent, bite-sized chunks. Uniform pieces ensure every portion cooks evenly and tastes perfect.

Step 4: Create Potato Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the potato cubes, chopped onions, and crushed garlic. Gently mix the ingredients to distribute flavors throughout.

Step 5: Add Buttery Goodness

Melt butter and pour it over the potato mixture. Toss the ingredients carefully so each potato piece gets a smooth, rich coating.

Step 6: Season The Blend

Sprinkle salt and black pepper across the potato mixture. These simple seasonings will enhance the overall taste of the casserole.

Step 7: First Cheese Layer

Scatter half of the pepper jack cheese over the seasoned potatoes. This initial cheese layer will start building incredible flavor.

Step 8: Pour Creamy Liquids

Drizzle heavy cream and sour cream evenly across the potato mixture. Allow these rich liquids to flow between the potato chunks.

Step 9: Final Cheese Topping

Cover the casserole with remaining pepper jack cheese. This top layer will create a golden, bubbly crust during baking.

Step 10: Bake The Casserole

Place the dish in the preheated oven and cook for 45-50 minutes. The potatoes should become tender and the cheese should turn golden and slightly crispy.

Step 11: Rest And Settle

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows flavors to blend and the dish to set perfectly.

Step 12: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped chives on top. These green herbs add a bright pop of color and subtle onion flavor to the finished dish.

Tips To Make Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Even Cheesier

• Perfectly Prep Potatoes: Cut potatoes into consistent, bite-sized cubes to guarantee even cooking and a uniform texture throughout the casserole.
• Boost Flavor Layers: Sauté onions and garlic before adding to the mixture to intensify their aromatic qualities and deepen the overall taste profile.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Use room temperature cheese for smoother melting and more even distribution across the potato casserole.
• Cream Control: Mix heavy cream and sour cream thoroughly to prevent separation and ensure a creamy, rich sauce that coats every potato piece.
• Fresh Finish Technique: Sprinkle fresh chives just before serving to add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy potato dish.

Fun Flavor Twists For Pepper Jack Potato Casserole

• Spicy Southwestern Potato Casserole: Replace pepper jack with spicy chorizo sausage and add diced green chilies for extra heat and regional flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to create a keto-friendly version while maintaining the creamy cheese texture.
• Vegetarian Herb Infusion: Use plant-based butter, swap cheese with dairy-free alternatives, and incorporate roasted vegetable medley like zucchini and bell peppers for added nutrition.
• Mediterranean Inspired Remix: Include crumbled feta cheese, chopped spinach, and sprinkle dried oregano to transform the classic potato casserole into a Greek-inspired comfort dish.

Tasty Pairings With Pepper Jack Potato Casserole

• Crisp Beer Companion: Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale that cuts through the creamy richness and matches the pepper jack's spicy kick, creating a perfect flavor harmony.
• Grilled Protein Partner: Serve alongside smoky barbecue chicken or peppered steak to complement the casserole's creamy texture and enhance the overall meal experience.
• Fresh Salad Balance: Add a light, tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast against the heavy, cheesy potato dish, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Chilled White Wine Option: Choose a crisp sauvignon blanc or unoaked chardonnay that offers bright acidity to counter the casserole's rich, creamy profile and pepper jack heat.

How To Store Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Without Drying Out

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning. Warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through, removing foil during the last 5 minutes to restore cheese crispiness.
• Place a single portion on a microwave-safe plate.

Top Questions About Pepper Jack Potato Casserole

• Are pepper jack potatoes spicy?

Pepper jack cheese adds a mild to moderate kick of heat, creating a zesty flavor profile without overwhelming spiciness. The cheese provides a subtle warmth that most people find enjoyable and not too intense.

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Cheddar, monterey jack, or a blend of cheeses work great as substitutes. Each cheese will bring its own unique flavor and melting characteristics to the dish.

• What makes this potato casserole different from others?

The combination of pepper jack cheese, heavy cream, and sour cream creates a rich, creamy texture with a slightly tangy and spicy twist that sets it apart from traditional potato casseroles.

• Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, this potato casserole is vegetarian-friendly. It contains no meat and can be easily enjoyed by those following a vegetarian diet.

Pepper Jack Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 65-70 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Pepper jack potato casserole brings bold southwestern spice to classic comfort food. Creamy, cheesy layers meld with zesty pepper jack, creating a mouthwatering dish perfect for family gatherings or weekend dinners you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups potatoes, diced
• 2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup heavy cream

Side Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Garnish:

• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup sour cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Finely dice the onions and mince the garlic, releasing their aromatic flavors and preparing them for layering.
3. Thoroughly wash and cube the potatoes into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine diced potatoes, chopped onions, and minced garlic, creating a flavorful base for the casserole.
5. Drizzle melted butter over the potato mixture, tossing gently to coat each piece with rich, golden flavor.
6. Season the potato blend with salt and black pepper, ensuring a balanced and savory profile throughout the dish.
7. Sprinkle half of the shredded pepper jack cheese over the seasoned potatoes, creating a tantalizing initial cheese layer.
8. Pour heavy cream and sour cream evenly across the potato mixture, allowing the liquids to seep between the potato cubes.
9. Top the casserole with the remaining pepper jack cheese, creating a golden, bubbling crust during baking.
10. Transfer the prepared casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is melted and slightly crispy.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and casserole to set.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped chives, adding a vibrant green touch and subtle onion essence to the finished dish.

Notes

• Customize cheese selection by swapping pepper jack with mild cheddar, mozzarella, or smoked gouda for different flavor profiles.
• Boost nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, crispy bacon bits, or chopped spinach to the potato mixture for extra texture and vitamins.
• Create a lighter version using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reducing butter quantity to cut down on calories without sacrificing creamy texture.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, making it perfect for meal prep and busy weeknight dinners.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg