Pepper Jack Rice Bake – Experience the flavors of our Pepper Jack Rice Bake – a mouthwatering side dish that combines the creaminess of sour cream, the tanginess of green chiles, and the zesty kick of Pepper Jack cheese. This vegetarian recipe is sure to please any crowd making it perfect for family dinners or potluck get-togethers. With 15 minutes of preparation and 40 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a scrumptious addition to any meal.
It all started one evening as I searched for a fulfilling side dish to accompany our family dinner. Since I had recently come across corn and vibrant red bell peppers at the farmers market I decided to create something special. Little did I know that this experiment would turn into a favorite for my husband and child. As they took their bites of the Pepper Jack Rice Bake their faces lit up with delight. They couldn’t resist asking for seconds. Since that day this recipe has become a staple in our home often requested by friends and family during gatherings.
What makes this Pepper Jack Rice Bake irresistible?
Treat yourself to our delectable Cheesy Pepper Jack Rice Bake. A side dish that offers a creamy texture thanks to the combination of sour cream and cream of celery soup. The addition of chiles and zesty Pepper Jack cheese gives it a spicy kick. This versatile dish serves 8 people making it perfect for gatherings and pairs beautifully with a variety of courses. Whether you opt for brown rice for a healthier choice or stick with the classic white rice the Pepper Jack Rice Bake is guaranteed to enhance any meal with its delightful flavors and cheesy crust on top.
What You Need To Make This Pepper Jack Rice Bake Recipe?
Oil: You can choose any type of vegetable oil you like such, as olive oil, canola oil or sunflower oil. If you want a richer flavor you can consider using melted butter for a touch of indulgence.
Rice: Opt for long-grain white rice to achieve a fluffy and tender texture. If you prefer a nuttier taste and added benefits you can substitute with brown rice. Make sure the rice is fully cooked before combining it with the ingredients.
Sour Cream: To make a lighter version you have the option of using reduced-fat cream without compromising the creamy deliciousness of the dish.
Cream of Celery Soup: If cream of celery soup is not available delicious alternatives like cream of mushroom or cream of chicken can be used instead.
Chopped Green Chiles: The canned green chiles bring a spiciness and subtle flavor to the dish. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. Opt for jalapeños if you desire a bolder kick.
Corn Kernels: Depending on what’s readily available and your preference you can use corn kernels, frozen corn kernels (thawed), or canned corn kernels.
Pepper Jack Cheese: In case Pepper Jack cheese is not accessible to you Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese are substitutes that will work as well. However, if you can it’s worth including Pepper Jack cheese as it adds a spicy taste.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning adjust the dish to your liking with salt and freshly ground pepper. Feel free to experiment with herbs and spices such, as as garlic powder or cayenne pepper to personalize the flavor.
Make it Your Own: Feel free to make this recipe your own by adding chicken, black beans, or other veggies like diced tomatoes or spinach. It’s a one-pot meal that can be customized to your preferences.
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Steps To Make Pepper Jack Rice Bake:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Make sure to grease a 9x13x2-inch baking dish, with cooking spray to prevent the food from sticking.
Step 2: In a frying pan heat up the oil over high heat. Cook the bell pepper and onion until they turn tender and release their enticing aroma, which usually takes around 8 minutes.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl combine the rice, sour cream, cream of celery soup chopped green chiles, corn kernels, and the sautéed mixture of bell pepper and onion. Add half of the Pepper Jack cheese to this mixture while keeping the half aside for later use.
Step 4: Transfer this rice mixture to the greased baking dish. Spread it evenly.
Step 5: Cover the dish with foil. Place it in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. This will allow all the flavors to blend together nicely and let that cheese melt irresistibly.
Step 6: After 30 minutes remove the foil and sprinkle the reserved cup of shredded Pepper Jack cheese on top of your rice bake.
Step 7: Put back your dish into the oven for 10 minutes. This step will create a crust on top with bubbles, from that melted cheese.
Step 8: Once done cooking take out your Pepper Jack Rice Bake from the oven. Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy! The dish is most delicious when the cheese is still soft and melty and the flavors are at their best.
Tip:
To add a burst of flavor and a satisfying crispy texture you can enhance the Pepper Jack Rice Bake by sprinkling some tortilla chips or panko breadcrumbs on top during the last 10 minutes of baking. This simple delightful touch not just provides a pleasant contrast, in textures but also complements the zesty spiciness of the dish enhancing every mouthful. Indulge, in the combination of creamy, cheesy and crunchy elements that will take your Pepper Jack Rice Bake to a new level of deliciousness. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Definitely! You have the option to assemble the rice bake in advance and keep it refrigerated. When you’re ready to serve, place in the oven and simply follow the instructions in the recipe.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! If you enjoy some heat you can enhance the flavor by adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mixture for an added kick.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze any remaining portions by storing them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you want a delightful meal, just reheat it either in the oven or microwave.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Pepper Jack Rice Bake
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 1 medium red bell pepper finely chopped
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 6 cups of cooked rice
- 1 container 8 ounces of sour cream
- 1 can 10.5 ounces of cream of celery soup
- 2 cans 4.5 ounces each of chopped green chiles
- 1 cup of corn kernels fresh or frozen
- 2 cups of shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a baking dish measuring 9 inches by 13 inches by 2 inches with cooking spray.
- In a skillet heat 2 tablespoons of oil, over high heat. Cook 1 red bell pepper and 1 medium onion until softened for 8 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl combine the following ingredients; 6 cups of rice, one container (8 ounces) of sour cream, one can (10.5 ounces) of cream of celery soup, two cans (4.5 ounces each) of chopped green chiles, one cup of corn kernels and the mixture of sautéed pepper and onion. Add one cup of shredded Pepper Jack cheese to the mixture.
- Evenly spread the rice mixture into the baking dish.
- Cover the dish with foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining one cup of shredded Pepper Jack cheese on top of the rice bake.
- Continue baking uncovered for ten minutes or until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
- Allow some time for the Pepper Jack Rice Bake to cool slightly before serving. Savor its cheesy flavor!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
5 Responses
Stand out favorite at my Christmas Eve dinner! Everyone raved and requested the recipe! Also very easy to make. I made the night before.
This dish looks absolutely delicious. I recently lost my wife and now cooking for one. I want to try it but sometimes I am hesitant about the amount. By cutting the ingredients by half would it work the same for say three meals for one person and freezing say a third a of it.
Steve, I also cook for one most nights. I halved this recipe tonite in an 8×8 casserole dish and it came out perfectly. Depending on how much you eat per serving or if it is enjoyed as a main meal or side will determine the amount of servings you’ll have, but you can envision what it will be as made in an 8×8 dish. Simple recipe, not difficult to make at all. I encourage your cooking ventures, as I too branched out with my cooking after a loss. This recipe was a good one.
I only have TWO words for this recipe…. NO LEFTOVERS !!!! This was crazy good. Everyone loved it sooo much they took it home. I have to make this again soon, just for me.
Fixed this tonight. Oh my goodness it was such a hit . Can’t believe how good this was. Going to become a add on to my menu.