Pepper Jack Potato Casserole
Enjoy the comforting and flavorful Pepper Jack Potato Casserole, a creamy and spicy dish featuring tender Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes blended with melted Pepper Jack cheese. This easy-to-make casserole offers a perfect balance of heat and creaminess, making it ideal as a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish for any occasion.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Potatoes
- 4 cups Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
Dairy & Dairy Alternatives
- 2 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese, divided
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
Seasonings & Vegetables
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into roughly one-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Boil them in salted water until tender but not mushy, about 10-15 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
- Mix the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, sour cream, milk or cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well blended, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce.
- Combine Potatoes and Cheese: Gently fold the cooked potatoes and chopped green onions into the creamy mixture. Add most of the shredded Pepper Jack cheese, reserving some for topping the casserole later.
- Transfer to Baking Dish and Top: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and if desired, add a layer of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for crunch.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until the top is golden, bubbly, and irresistibly melty.
Notes
- Choose the right potato: Yukon Gold chunks hold their shape while becoming creamy, avoiding a mushy dish.
- Don’t skip draining: Removing excess water from boiled potatoes prevents a runny casserole.
- Grate your cheese fresh: It melts better and blends more evenly than pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents.
- Let it rest: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to help it set and slice neatly.
- Customize the spice: Sample the mixture before baking and adjust heat by adding more Pepper Jack or spices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: Pepper Jack, Potato Casserole, Spicy Cheese, Comfort Food, Easy Casserole