There are certain dishes that just make you feel good, you know? The kind that come out of the oven all golden and bubbly, filling the whole kitchen with a smell so good you don’t even mind burning your tongue on that first bite. This Pepper Jack Rice Bake is exactly that kind of dish.
The first time we made this, it was supposed to be a simple side—a way to use up some extra rice sitting in the fridge. But after one spoonful, we realized it was so much more than that. Creamy, cheesy, just a little spicy from the pepper jack… it had that cozy, straight-from-the-casserole-dish appeal that makes you want to eat it standing right there at the counter. And honestly? We did.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple ingredients, big flavor. You probably have most of what you need already.
- A little spicy, but not overwhelming. Pepper jack cheese gives just the right amount of heat.
- Great for leftovers. If anything, it tastes even better the next day.
- Customizable. You can add extra veggies, throw in some protein, or make it extra crispy on top.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything that goes into it. Nothing fancy, just good, solid ingredients that come together beautifully.
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice – White, brown, or even leftover takeout rice. Whatever you have.
- 1 ½ cups shredded pepper jack cheese – The star of the show. Spicy, melty, perfect.
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar – Adds an extra layer of cheesiness.
- 1 cup whole milk – Makes everything creamy.
- ½ cup sour cream – Adds a little tang and richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds a touch of smoky depth.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – Optional, for a little extra kick.
- 1 large egg – Helps hold everything together.
- ½ cup diced bell peppers – Adds a little sweetness and crunch.
- ¼ cup chopped green onions – Brightens up the flavor.
For the Crispy Topping (Optional, But So Good)
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs – Light and crispy.
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted – Helps the breadcrumbs toast up nicely.
How to Make It
This recipe comes together fast, so it helps to have everything prepped before you start.
1. Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish (or something similar in size).
If your rice has been chilling in the fridge, warm it up just a bit—it’ll mix more easily with the other ingredients. (source: Ineskohl.info)
2. Mix Everything Together
In a large bowl, combine the rice, pepper jack cheese, cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, egg, bell peppers, and green onions.
Stir it all up until everything is evenly mixed. You want that cheese spread throughout so every bite is as good as the last.
3. Transfer to the Baking Dish
Spoon the mixture into your prepared dish and smooth it out.
4. Add the Crispy Topping (If Using)
Mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter, then sprinkle it over the top. It adds the perfect bit of crunch to balance all that creaminess underneath.
5. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Slide it into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the top is lightly golden. If you added the breadcrumb topping, it should be beautifully crisp by now.
6. Let It Rest, Then Dig In
It’ll be incredibly hot right out of the oven, so let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. The cheese will set up just a bit, making it easier to scoop.
What to Serve It With
This is one of those dishes that works as both a side and a main. If you’re serving it as a side, it pairs well with:
- Grilled chicken or steak – The creamy, cheesy rice balances out the smoky flavors.
- Blackened shrimp – The spice from the shrimp works beautifully with the pepper jack.
- A crisp green salad – Something fresh and light to cut through the richness.
Or, if you’re like us, you might just eat a big bowl of it on its own. No judgment.
Make It Your Own
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Here are a few ideas:
- Make it a full meal – Stir in some shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked ground sausage, or even black beans for a heartier dish.
- Try different cheeses – A mix of Monterey Jack and smoked gouda is incredible.
- Add more veggies – Mushrooms, spinach, or roasted corn would all be great.
- Go spicier – A diced jalapeño or a little extra crushed red pepper will do the trick.
Storing and Reheating
Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F until hot. If it looks a little dry, stir in a splash of milk before reheating.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about cheesy, baked rice that’s hard to resist. This dish is creamy, a little spicy, and packed with flavor—comfort food at its best. Whether you serve it as a side or a main, it’s bound to become a favorite.
Let us know if you try it! We’d love to hear what you think—and how you make it your own.
