Description
This Pepper Jack Potato Casserole is a creamy, cheesy side dish featuring thinly sliced russet potatoes layered with a flavorful mixture of sour cream, melted butter, and spices, all topped with spicy Pepper Jack cheese. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a comforting blend of heat and richness, perfect for any meal or make-ahead gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Cheese and Dairy
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
Other
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Mix sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until well combined. Stir in the chopped green onions and half of the shredded Pepper Jack cheese to incorporate evenly.
- First layer: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping them to cover the surface.
- Add sauce: Pour half of the sour cream mixture over the potato layer, spreading it evenly to ensure all potatoes are covered.
- Second layer: Repeat with the remaining sliced potatoes, followed by the remaining sour cream mixture spread evenly over the top.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining half of the Pepper Jack cheese evenly across the top layer of potatoes and sauce.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes to cook the potatoes through and meld flavors.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Rest and garnish: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with additional chopped green onions before serving for a fresh touch.
Notes
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sour cream sauce mixture.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking to save time.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a delicious side for breakfast or dinner dishes.
