If there’s one dish that instantly brings comfort to the table, it’s a hot, bubbling casserole filled with creamy potatoes and gooey cheese. This Pepper Jack Potato Casserole is that kind of dish — hearty, satisfying, and loaded with bold flavor. It’s a twist on the traditional hash brown casserole, elevated with pepper jack cheese for a hint of heat and crispy bacon for that irresistible crunch.

Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a potluck, or a holiday gathering, this cheesy potato casserole is guaranteed to steal the show. 🥔✨

💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are hundreds of potato casseroles out there, but this one has become a favorite for good reason. It’s:

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Ultra creamy and cheesy: A luscious blend of heavy cream, melted butter, and sour cream makes every bite melt in your mouth.
Packed with flavor: Pepper jack cheese gives it a gentle kick, while Parmesan adds that nutty, salty depth.
Crispy and golden: The Ritz cracker topping bakes into a crunchy, buttery crust that perfectly balances the creamy filling.
Make-ahead friendly: You can prep this casserole a day in advance and simply bake it before serving — perfect for busy holidays!
A guaranteed crowd-pleaser: There’s something about cheesy potatoes that makes everyone go back for seconds. 😋

🥔 Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this Pepper Jack Potato Casserole so irresistibly delicious:

1 (30–32 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns – These are the base of your casserole. No need to thaw them completely; slightly thawed works best for even mixing.
1 (10.5 oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup – Adds creamy texture and flavor. The unsalted version allows you to control the seasoning.
2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese 🧀 – The star ingredient! Brings a mild heat and creamy melt to the dish.
1½ cups heavy whipping cream – Gives the casserole that luxurious, velvety consistency.
½ cup butter, melted – Butter enhances flavor and adds richness.
½ cup sour cream – Adds tanginess that balances the richness of the cheese and cream.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided – Part goes in the mix, part goes on top for a golden, crispy finish.
½ tsp onion powder & ¼ tsp garlic powder – These subtle seasonings round out the flavor without overpowering the dish.
Salt and pepper, to taste – Adjust to your preference; remember the cheeses already bring some saltiness.
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed – For that perfect buttery crunch on top.
½ cup cooked, chopped bacon 🥓 – Because bacon makes everything better! Adds smoky, savory flavor.
1 tsp paprika – Adds color and a touch of earthy spice to the topping.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9x13x2-inch baking dish. A glass or ceramic casserole dish works best for even heating.

Step 2: Mix the Casserole Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

Hash browns
Cream of chicken soup
Pepper jack cheese
Heavy whipping cream
Melted butter
Sour cream
¼ cup of Parmesan cheese
Onion and garlic powder
Salt and pepper

Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed. You’ll notice it starts to look creamy and thick — that’s exactly what you want. 😍

Step 3: Spread It Out

Transfer the mixture into your greased baking dish, using a spatula to spread it out evenly. Make sure it’s smooth across the top so your crust bakes up evenly.

Step 4: Make the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, mix together:

Crushed Ritz crackers
Chopped bacon
Remaining Parmesan cheese
Paprika

Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. It should form a generous layer that will turn beautifully golden in the oven.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells like cheesy heaven.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. This helps it firm up a bit, making it easier to scoop.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This Pepper Jack Potato Casserole pairs perfectly with just about anything — it’s one of those versatile dishes that fits right in, whether you’re serving breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

Here are some serving ideas:

Breakfast or Brunch: Serve with scrambled eggs, sausage links, or a simple fruit salad.
Dinner: Pair with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pork chops.
Holiday Feasts: This casserole is a hit at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. It complements ham and turkey beautifully.

🔁 Make-Ahead Tips

This recipe is fantastic for planning ahead. Here’s how:

Assemble ahead: You can mix the casserole ingredients and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Add the topping right before baking.
Freeze it: Assemble the casserole, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheat leftovers: Simply reheat portions in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or in the microwave until hot.

🌶️ Recipe Variations

One of the best things about casseroles is how easy they are to customize. Here are a few tasty variations:

Add vegetables: Stir in diced bell peppers, green chiles, or onions for extra texture and flavor.
Switch up the cheese: Try Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a mix of cheeses for different flavor profiles.
Go meat-free: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup for a vegetarian version.
Add protein: Mix in shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked sausage for a heartier meal.

🧄 Pro Tips for the Best Results

Don’t overmix — gently combine ingredients to avoid breaking down the hash browns.
Use freshly grated cheese — pre-shredded cheese can have anti-caking agents that affect melting.
Adjust spice level — if you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra paprika.
Let it rest — give it 10 minutes after baking so it sets up nicely before serving.

🧊 Storing and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in single portions for quick reheatable meals later.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F or microwave until hot and creamy again.

❤️ Why This Recipe is So Loved

This casserole is beloved by families everywhere because it’s:

Comfort food at its best — cheesy, creamy, and satisfying.
Easy to make — no complicated steps or fancy ingredients.
Perfect for feeding a crowd — it makes a large batch that keeps everyone happy.

Once you try this Pepper Jack Potato Casserole, it’s bound to become a regular in your rotation. People often describe it as “the dish everyone asks for seconds of.”