Pepper Jack Rice Bake Recipe
A flavorful and creamy Pepper Jack Rice Bake combining sautéed bell peppers and onions with cooked rice, sour cream, cream of celery soup, green chiles, corn, and spicy Pepper Jack cheese. This comforting casserole is baked until golden and bubbly, making it an easy and delicious side dish or vegetarian main.
- Author: Felix
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium red bell pepper (finely chopped)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
Dairy & Cheese
- 1 container (8 ounces) of sour cream
- 2 cups of shredded Pepper Jack cheese (divided: 1 cup for mix, 1 cup for topping)
Canned & Packaged Goods
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) of cream of celery soup
- 2 cans (4.5 ounces each) of chopped green chiles
Grains & Oils
- 6 cups of cooked rice
- 2 tablespoons of oil
Seasonings
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over high heat. Add the finely chopped red bell pepper and onion, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 8 minutes. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the vegetables.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sour cream, cream of celery soup, chopped green chiles, corn kernels, and the sautéed bell pepper and onion. Add 1 cup of shredded Pepper Jack cheese and mix all ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the well-mixed rice casserole evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring a uniform layer for even baking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Covering helps steam the casserole and meld flavors together.
- Add Topping and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Pepper Jack cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving to let it set for easier portioning and enhanced flavor.
Notes
- You can use fresh corn or frozen corn kernels; if frozen, thaw before adding.
- Ensure rice is cooked and cooled before using to prevent excessive moisture in the bake.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; increase bake time slightly if baking from cold.
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or increase the amount of green chiles.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: Pepper Jack Rice Bake, rice casserole, vegetarian casserole, cheesy rice dish, baked rice, comfort food, spicy rice bake