Pin it
You haven't truly experienced comfort food until you've tried my Pepper Jack Potato Casserole! I created this recipe when I wanted to give classic potato casserole a spicy upgrade. The combination of creamy potatoes, melty pepper jack, and that irresistible bacon-cracker topping has made this dish the star of countless family gatherings.
What Makes This Extra Special
The magic happens when that pepper jack cheese melts into every layer while the top gets perfectly crispy from the buttery crackers and bacon. I love how versatile it is too. Whether I'm serving it with Sunday roast or bringing it to a potluck, it always gets rave reviews.
What You'll Need
- Hash Browns: I use frozen shredded ones for convenience.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Get the unsalted kind for better flavor control.
- Pepper Jack: This cheese brings the perfect amount of heat.
- Heavy Cream and Sour Cream: For that ultimate creamy texture.
- Butter: Because everything's better with butter.
- Ritz Crackers: They make the most amazing crispy topping.
- Bacon: Crispy bits add such amazing flavor.
- Parmesan: Adds a nice salty kick.
- Seasonings: Onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika bring it all together.
Pin it
Let's Get Cooking
- Get Started
- Heat your oven to 400ºF and grab a 9x13 baking dish, give it a quick spray.
- Mix It Up
- Combine your potatoes, soups, cheeses, creams, butter, and seasonings in a big bowl until everything's well mixed.
- Layer It In
- Spread that gorgeous mixture into your baking dish.
- Top It Off
- Mix up your crushed crackers, bacon, parmesan, and paprika, then sprinkle over the top.
- Bake Time
- Pop it in the oven for about 45 minutes until it's golden and bubbly.
- The Finish Line
- Let it rest for 5 minutes, then add some fresh herbs if you're feeling fancy.
My Best Tips
Splurge on good pepper jack cheese; it really makes a difference. If you want less heat, regular Monterey Jack works great too. I love toasting my crackers before adding them on top for extra crunch. Always let it rest before serving; it'll hold together better.
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I toss in some shredded chicken or diced ham to make it a meal. Sweet potatoes work beautifully instead of regular ones, and adding some veggies makes it even better. I often make two and freeze one for busy weeknights.
Quick Answers
Feel free to use milder cheese if pepper jack is too spicy. Yes, it freezes beautifully—just wrap it well! For gluten-free friends, just swap in gluten-free crackers and soup. We love it with grilled chicken or a big salad. To reheat leftovers, pop them in the oven covered with foil or microwave individual portions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this less spicy?
Yes, substitute pepper jack with regular Monterey Jack or mild cheddar cheese.
- → Can I prepare this ahead?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate or freeze before baking. Thaw overnight if frozen.
- → How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and crackers.
- → Can I turn this into a main dish?
Yes, add cooked chicken, ground beef, or ham to make it heartier.
- → How long do leftovers keep?
Store in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or microwave.