If you are looking for a comforting, flavor-packed dish that brings together creamy, spicy, and savory notes all in one warm casserole, the Pepper Jack Rice Bake Recipe is a must-try. This delightful bake combines tender rice with the smoky kick of green chiles, sweet crunch from corn, and that oh-so-melty Pepper Jack cheese that makes every bite irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a big, cozy hug on a plate—perfect for feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself to something spectacularly tasty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is simple and relies on straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating its signature layers of flavor and texture. From the vibrant red bell pepper to the creamy soup and sharp cheese, every element counts toward building a dish that’s as balanced as it is bold.
- 2 Tbsp oil: Use a neutral oil for sautéing the vegetables to bring out their sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped: Adds a pop of color and a subtle sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the spice.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Provides a foundational savory depth once softened and caramelized slightly.
- 6 cups cooked rice: The hearty base that soaks up all the delicious creamy and spicy flavors.
- 1 (8-oz) container sour cream: Brings richness and a slight tang that balances the heat and cheese.
- 1 (10.5-oz) can cream of celery soup: Acts as the creamy binder while adding a mild vegetal note.
- 2 (4.5-oz) cans chopped green chiles: Injects the characteristic spicy kick and smoky undertone essential for the Pepper Jack Rice Bake Recipe.
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen: Adds natural sweetness and subtle texture contrast in every bite.
- 2 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese: The star of the show, melting beautifully to create that gooey, flavorful topping and mix throughout.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing and balancing all the other ingredients.
How to Make Pepper Jack Rice Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by setting your oven to 375ºF and lightly spraying your 9x13x2-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Prepping the baking dish now ensures the rice bake won’t stick and will slide effortlessly onto your plates later.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then toss in the chopped red bell pepper and onion. Cook these until they’re tender and soft, around 8 minutes. This step is key to unlocking the natural sweetness and building a flavorful base for the entire dish.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, sour cream, cream of celery soup, chopped green chiles, corn kernels, and the sautéed pepper and onion mixture. Stir in half of the shredded Pepper Jack cheese. This careful blending brings together creamy, spicy, and fresh elements in perfect harmony.
Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Spread the rice mixture evenly into your prepared baking pan. This ensures every portion will have that indulgent mix of textures and flavors when baked.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Covering it traps steam that helps meld the flavors and keeps the bake moist and delicious.
Step 6: Add Cheese Topping
Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded Pepper Jack cheese evenly over the top. This step sets the stage for a golden, bubbly cheese crust.
Step 7: Bake Uncovered
Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This final bake melts the cheese into a perfect, slightly crisp topping that elevates the entire dish.
How to Serve Pepper Jack Rice Bake Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up the bake and add a touch of freshness, a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or green onions works wonderfully. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of avocado for added creaminess and color contrast.
Side Dishes
This Pepper Jack Rice Bake pairs delightfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a tangy coleslaw to cut through the richness and balance the spice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins topped with a sunny-side-up egg or crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch. This can turn the dish into a festive brunch option or a special weeknight dinner centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen after resting, making the leftovers just as delicious as the fresh bake.
Freezing
This bake freezes beautifully. Portion it out and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture and flavor intact.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Pepper Jack Rice Bake Recipe in the microwave or oven. For best results, cover with foil and warm at 350ºF until heated through to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Pepper Jack cheese gives this recipe its signature spicy kick, feel free to substitute with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend if you prefer a milder flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Pepper Jack Rice Bake Recipe is naturally vegetarian as written but double-check that the cream of celery soup is vegetarian-friendly or substitute with a homemade or labeled vegetarian version.
Can I add protein to the bake?
Definitely! Adding cooked shredded chicken, ground beef, or beans makes the dish heartier and perfect for a full meal. Just mix the protein in with the rice mixture before baking.
What can I use instead of cream of celery soup?
If you don’t have cream of celery soup, you can substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup, or even a homemade white sauce seasoned with celery seed for a similar effect.
How spicy is the Pepper Jack Rice Bake Recipe?
Thanks to the green chiles and the Pepper Jack cheese, this dish has a gentle spicy warmth that complements the creamy components but isn’t overwhelmingly hot—making it approachable for most spice lovers.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a satisfying meal that brings warmth, comfort, and a little kick all at once, the Pepper Jack Rice Bake Recipe is an absolute winner. Easy to make, packed with flavor, and wonderfully versatile, it’s one of those dishes you’ll want to keep in your recipe rotation. Go ahead and try it for your next gathering or cozy night in—you’ll be glad you did!
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Pepper Jack Rice Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This comforting Pepper Jack Rice Bake is a deliciously cheesy casserole combining cooked rice with sautéed bell peppers and onions, creamy sour cream, flavorful cream of celery soup, zesty green chiles, sweet corn, and spicy Pepper Jack cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection, it makes a perfect side dish or vegetarian main course for family dinners.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 2 (4.5-oz) cans chopped green chiles
Dairy and Dairy Alternatives
- 1 (8-oz) container sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese, divided
Pantry Staples
- 2 Tbsp oil
- 6 cups cooked rice
- 1 (10.5-oz) can cream of celery soup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375ºF and lightly spray a 9x13x2-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped red bell pepper and onion, cooking them until softened and fragrant, about 8 minutes.
- Mix the rice bake ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, sour cream, cream of celery soup, chopped green chiles, corn kernels, the sautéed bell pepper and onions, and half of the shredded Pepper Jack cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Assemble in the baking dish: Spread the rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to create a smooth layer.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and place it in the preheated oven, baking for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to heat through.
- Add remaining cheese: Remove the foil carefully and sprinkle the remaining cup of Pepper Jack cheese over the top of the bake.
- Finish baking uncovered: Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen corn kernels interchangeably—just thaw the frozen ones beforehand.
- For a spicier dish, use diced jalapeños with or instead of green chiles.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave, making this great for meal prep.
- Feel free to substitute Pepper Jack cheese with Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles.
- Ensure rice is cooked and cooled before starting the recipe to prevent a mushy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
