If you’re a fan of creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy comfort food, then this Pepper Jack Potato Casserole is about to become your new favorite dish. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or as a side for dinner, this casserole is packed with everything delicious—melty pepper jack cheese, crispy turkey bacon, buttery Ritz cracker topping, and, of course, plenty of potatoes.

It’s hearty, indulgent, and incredibly easy to put together. Best of all? It’s a total crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re making this for a family gathering, potluck, or a cozy weekend meal, get ready for everyone to be asking for seconds (and the recipe).

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

✅ Cheesy & Creamy: A rich combination of pepper jack, Parmesan, and sour cream creates an irresistibly creamy texture.
✅ Crispy Topping: Buttery Ritz crackers and turkey bacon add the perfect crunch.
✅ Perfect for Any Meal: Great for breakfast, brunch, or as a dinner side.
✅ Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and easy steps make this stress-free to prepare.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get started, here’s everything you need to make this cheesy, crispy, flavor-packed casserole.

For the Casserole:

🧀 1 (30-32 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns – No need to thaw!
🥣 1 (10.5 oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup – Adds creaminess and flavor.
🧀 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese – The star ingredient!
🥛 1½ cups heavy whipping cream – Ensures a rich, creamy texture.
🧈 ½ cup butter, melted – Because butter makes everything better.
🥄 ½ cup sour cream – Adds tanginess and creaminess.
🧀 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided) – Adds a salty, nutty depth of flavor.
🧅 ½ tsp onion powder – Enhances the flavor without adding chunks of onion.
🧄 ¼ tsp garlic powder – Just enough to boost the savoriness.
🧂 Salt & pepper to taste – To bring all the flavors together.

For the Crispy Topping:

🥓 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed – The secret to a buttery, crunchy top.
🥓 ½ cup cooked, chopped turkey bacon – Because turkey bacon makes everything better.
🌶️ 1 tsp paprika – For a hint of smokiness.
🧀 Remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese – More cheese? Yes, please!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Casserole Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
✅ Hash browns
✅ Cream of chicken soup
✅ Shredded pepper jack cheese
✅ Heavy whipping cream
✅ Melted butter
✅ Sour cream
✅ ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
✅ Onion powder
✅ Garlic powder
✅ Salt and pepper

Stir everything together until it’s well combined. You want all the hash browns to be evenly coated with that creamy, cheesy goodness.

Step 3: Transfer to the Baking Dish

Once mixed, pour the potato mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. This helps it cook consistently and ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Now that we’ve prepped the creamy, cheesy casserole base, it’s time to take things up a notch with a crispy, buttery topping that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The combination of Ritz crackers, turkey bacon, and Parmesan creates the perfect crunch to complement the rich, cheesy potatoes underneath.

This step is super easy but makes a huge difference in texture and flavor. Let’s get into it!

Step 4: Prepare the Crispy Topping

The crunchy topping is what takes this casserole from good to unbelievably delicious. Here’s how to make it:

In a Medium Bowl, Mix Together:

🥓 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed – These buttery crackers add a golden, crispy texture.
🥓 ½ cup cooked, chopped turkey bacon – The smoky, savory crunch you didn’t know you needed.
🧀 ¼ cup Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty bite to the topping.
🌶️ 1 tsp paprika – Brings a subtle smoky depth.

Once you’ve mixed everything together, sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole. Make sure every inch is covered—this is where the magic happens when it bakes!

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Now it’s time to bake this masterpiece!

1️⃣ Place the dish in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C).
2️⃣ Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top.
3️⃣ Check for doneness: The cheese should be melted, the edges slightly crispy, and the topping should have a beautiful golden color.

Pro Tip: If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil in the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Step 6: Let It Cool & Serve

Once your casserole is out of the oven, the hardest part is waiting to dig in! But trust me—letting it sit for at least 5 minutes helps everything settle and makes serving much easier.

Use a large spoon or spatula to scoop out generous portions and watch as the gooey cheese and crispy topping come together in every bite. 🤤

Serving Suggestions & Variations

This Pepper Jack Potato Casserole is already heavenly on its own, but if you want to switch things up, here are a few ideas:

🌿 Garnish with fresh herbs – Chopped parsley or green onions add a fresh, colorful finish.
🥩 Pair it with protein – Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or sausage for a complete meal.
🌶️ Kick up the spice – Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
🧀 Try different cheeses – Substitute cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack if you want a milder flavor.
🍄 Make it vegetarian – Skip the turkey bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.

Pepper Jack Potato Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Casserole