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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Finely dice the onions and mince the garlic, releasing their aromatic flavors and preparing them for layering.
- Thoroughly wash and cube the potatoes into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine diced potatoes, chopped onions, and minced garlic, creating a flavorful base for the casserole.
- Drizzle melted butter over the potato mixture, tossing gently to coat each piece with rich, golden flavor.
- Season the potato blend with salt and black pepper, ensuring a balanced and savory profile throughout the dish.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded pepper jack cheese over the seasoned potatoes, creating a tantalizing initial cheese layer.
- Pour heavy cream and sour cream evenly across the potato mixture, allowing the liquids to seep between the potato cubes.
- Top the casserole with the remaining pepper jack cheese, creating a golden, bubbling crust during baking.
- 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.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and casserole to set.
- 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