Creamy Pepper Jack and Crispy Bacon Potato Casserole – A Cheesy, Comforting Classic

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, this Pepper Jack Potato Casserole is the answer! With crispy hash browns, creamy cheese sauce, smoky bacon, and a crunchy cracker topping, this dish is the perfect balance of rich, cheesy, and indulgent flavors.

Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, potluck, holiday gathering, or even a weekend brunch, this cheesy, savory, and slightly spicy casserole is always a crowd-pleaser. The pepper jack cheese adds just the right amount of heat, while the buttery Ritz cracker topping creates the perfect crunch.

And the best part? It’s super easy to make! Just mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and in under an hour, you’ll have a dish that’s golden, bubbly, and irresistibly delicious.

Let’s get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this rich and flavorful potato casserole:

For the Casserole Base:

✔️ 1 (30 to 32-oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns – The perfect base for a creamy, cheesy bake.
✔️ 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup – Adds depth and creaminess.
✔️ 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese – For a spicy, cheesy kick.
✔️ 1½ cups heavy whipping cream – Makes the casserole extra rich and creamy.
✔️ ½ cup butter, melted – Adds richness and buttery flavor.
✔️ ½ cup sour cream – Adds tanginess and extra creaminess.
✔️ 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided – A sharp, salty cheese that enhances flavor.
✔️ ½ tsp onion powder – Adds a hint of savory depth.
✔️ ¼ tsp garlic powder – Complements the creamy, cheesy flavors.
✔️ Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning.

For the Crunchy Topping:

✔️ 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed – Buttery and crispy for the perfect crunchy topping.
✔️ ½ cup cooked chopped bacon – Adds a smoky, salty bite.
✔️ ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (from the 1 cup total) – Blends into the topping for extra cheesiness.
✔️ 1 tsp paprika – Gives a warm, slightly smoky flavor and a golden color.

Quick Prep & Cooking Time

⏳ Total Time: 55 minutes (10 min prep + 45 min bake)
🍽 Servings: 10

Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prep the Baking Dish

Before you start mixing everything together, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13×2-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier!

💡 Pro Tip: If you like an extra crispy bottom layer, you can lightly toast the hash browns in the oven for about 10 minutes before mixing them into the casserole.

Step 2: Mix the Casserole Base

Now, let’s get all that cheesy, creamy goodness mixed together!

1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, combine:
✔️ Frozen hash browns (no need to thaw)
✔️ Cream of chicken soup
✔️ Shredded pepper jack cheese
✔️ Heavy whipping cream
✔️ Melted butter
✔️ Sour cream
✔️ ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (reserve the rest for the topping)
✔️ Onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper

2️⃣ Stir everything together until the hash browns are evenly coated in the creamy cheese mixture.

💡 Pro Tip: If you like an extra cheesy casserole, feel free to add an extra ½ cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella for even more gooeyness!

Now that we’ve mixed together our creamy, cheesy potato base, it’s time to layer everything in the baking dish, add the crunchy topping, and bake it to golden perfection. With its gooey pepper jack cheese, crispy bacon, and buttery Ritz cracker crust, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food!

Let’s keep going and finish making this irresistible dish!

Step 3: Transfer the Mixture to the Baking Dish

1️⃣ Take your greased 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the creamy hash brown mixture.
2️⃣ Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, making sure the entire dish is covered in that delicious, cheesy mixture.

💡 Pro Tip: If you love a crispier texture, you can press the mixture down slightly to create a firm, even layer before baking.

Step 4: Make the Crispy Bacon-Cracker Topping

Now, let’s add the buttery, crunchy topping that makes this casserole extra special!

1️⃣ In a small bowl, combine:
✔️ 1 sleeve of crushed Ritz crackers – Adds a perfect buttery crunch.
✔️ ½ cup cooked chopped bacon – Gives the casserole a smoky, salty bite.
✔️ ¼ cup of the reserved Parmesan cheese – Blends into the topping for extra cheesiness.
✔️ 1 teaspoon paprika – Enhances the color and adds a touch of warmth.

2️⃣ Mix well until the cracker crumbs are evenly coated with bacon and Parmesan.
3️⃣ Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole, making sure to cover the entire surface for maximum crunch.

💡 Pro Tip: If you like extra crispy bacon, reserve a little and sprinkle it over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking!

Step 5: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly

1️⃣ Place the casserole into your preheated 400°F (200°C) oven.
2️⃣ Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top.
3️⃣ If you want a crispier crust, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!

💡 Pro Tip: To check if the casserole is done, insert a knife into the center—if it comes out hot and steamy, you’re good to go!

Step 6: Let It Rest & Serve

1️⃣ Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
2️⃣ This helps the cheese set and makes slicing easier!
3️⃣ Serve hot and enjoy the melty, cheesy goodness with a crispy, golden topping!

🔥 Serving Ideas:
✔️ Pair with grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal.
✔️ Serve alongside a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
✔️ Add a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce for extra flavor!

Your Pepper Jack Potato Casserole is out of the oven, bubbling hot, with that golden, crispy cracker topping and gooey, melted cheese inside. The rich combination of spicy pepper jack, smoky bacon, and creamy potatoes makes this dish an instant family favorite.

Before we dig in, let’s go over some frequently asked questions about making this casserole ahead of time, storing leftovers, and customizing it to fit your taste!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and bake it later. Here’s how:
✔️ Assemble the casserole (without the cracker topping), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
✔️ When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes, then add the topping and bake as directed.

💡 Pro Tip: If baking straight from the fridge, add 5-10 extra minutes to ensure it heats through evenly.

2. How do I store leftovers?

✔️ Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
✔️ Freezer: Freeze in portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

💡 Pro Tip: To prevent the topping from getting soggy, store the casserole and topping separately if you plan to freeze it.

3. How do I reheat this casserole?

✔️ Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
✔️ Microwave: Heat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.
✔️ Air Fryer: For a crispy topping, reheat at 375°F for 5 minutes.

💡 Pro Tip: Add a splash of heavy cream or milk before reheating to keep it creamy!

4. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes! Swap the frozen hash browns for:
✔️ 3-4 medium russet potatoes, shredded (squeeze out excess moisture).
✔️ 3 cups diced potatoes for a chunkier texture.

💡 Pro Tip: If using fresh potatoes, parboil them for 5 minutes before mixing to ensure they cook through.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Try these delicious swaps:
✔️ Cheddar cheese – A sharp, classic choice.
✔️ Gouda or smoked cheddar – For a smoky twist.
✔️ Monterey Jack – A milder alternative to pepper jack.

💡 Pro Tip: Mix two cheeses for extra depth of flavor!

6. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply leave out the bacon or swap it for:
✔️ Sautéed mushrooms – Adds a rich, umami flavor.
✔️ Roasted bell peppers – Brings a slightly sweet contrast.
✔️ Crispy fried onions – Adds crunch without meat.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Casserole

This Pepper Jack Potato Casserole is the ultimate cheesy, creamy, and comforting dish. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, potluck, or holiday gathering, it’s a no-fail, crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

✔️ Easy to make – Simple prep, mix, and bake!
✔️ Creamy & cheesy – Loaded with pepper jack, Parmesan, and sour cream.
✔️ Crispy, buttery topping – The Ritz crackers and bacon take it to the next level.
✔️ Customizable – Swap out ingredients to fit your taste!

So what are you waiting for? Try this recipe today and let me know how it turned out! Did you stick with the classic version, or did you add your own twist? Drop a comment below and share your delicious creations!

Happy cooking! 🥔🧀🥓

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