Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The CHEESIEST Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is everything you want in a comfort-food side dish—creamy, melty, savory, and irresistibly rich. It takes classic hash brown casserole and elevates it with the bold, tangy warmth of pimento cheese, creating a dish that stands out on any table. Whether served at holiday gatherings, weekend brunch, or potlucks, this recipe is always a crowd favorite. I once added a splash of hot sauce to the pimento cheese mixture, and it gave the casserole a subtle kick that balanced the richness perfectly. With its golden, bubbly top and tender potato base, this casserole is the kind of dish that brings people back for seconds. It’s easy to assemble, feed-a-crowd friendly, and bursting with cheesy goodness from the first bite to the last.
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The CHEESIEST Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole: A Creamy, Comforting Crowd-Pleaser
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 10–12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An ultra-cheesy hash brown casserole loaded with creamy pimento cheese, tender potatoes, and melty cheddar—rich, comforting, and perfect for holidays or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 2 cups pimento cheese (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or cornflakes (optional topping)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together pimento cheese, sour cream, cream soup, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in the thawed hash browns until fully coated.
- Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar, reserving the rest for topping.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- If using, mix crushed crackers with 2 tbsp melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes or until bubbly, golden, and heated through.
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use extra-sharp cheddar for maximum cheesy flavor.
- Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- For a crispier top, broil the casserole for the last 2–3 minutes.
- Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated overnight before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Frozen shredded hash browns
Hash browns form the hearty base of the casserole and soak up flavors beautifully.
Pimento cheese
The star ingredient, providing tangy sharp cheddar flavor and creamy richness.
Cheddar cheese
Extra cheddar boosts the cheesiness and helps create a golden, melty top.
Cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
This adds structure and creaminess, binding the casserole together.
Sour cream
Sour cream brings tang and luscious texture to the mixture.
Butter
Melted butter adds richness and helps the casserole brown beautifully.
Green onions
Green onions add mild freshness and balance the creamy, cheesy filling.
Garlic powder
A touch of garlic deepens the savory flavor.
Salt and pepper
Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the ingredients.
Pimentos (optional extra)
Additional diced pimentos increase the classic Southern flavor.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, pimento cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, cream soup, sour cream, melted butter, sliced green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir until everything is thoroughly mixed and the potatoes are evenly coated in the creamy, cheesy mixture. If you prefer a looser texture, add a splash of milk or broth. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Top with an additional handful of cheddar cheese for that signature golden, bubbly finish. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbling, and golden brown around the edges. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to help it set slightly.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 8–10 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking requires 45–55 minutes. Total estimated time: approximately 1 hour.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave in short intervals. To freeze, wrap the unbaked casserole tightly and freeze for up to two months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Jalapeño Version
Add diced pickled or fresh jalapeños to the mixture for heat.
Bacon Pimento Casserole
Fold in crisp bacon bits for smoky, salty richness.
Smoked Gouda Upgrade
Replace some cheddar with smoked gouda for deeper flavor.
Veggie-Loaded Hash Brown Bake
Mix in bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra texture and color.
Chicken Hash Brown Casserole
Add shredded cooked chicken to make it a full meal.
Cracker Topping
Top with crushed buttery crackers before baking for a crunchy finish.
Hot Sauce Kick
Mix in a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne for subtle spice.
Onion Soup Version
Add a packet of dry onion soup mix for extra savory depth.
Pimento Mac-and-Cheese Fusion
Add cooked macaroni for a hybrid comfort dish.
Low-Sodium Adaptation
Use reduced-salt soup and cheese to lighten the sodium load.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes—grate them and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze this?
Yes—freeze unbaked or baked; reheat gently to maintain texture.
Is pimento cheese spicy?
Typically no, but you can use a spicy variety if preferred.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Yes—Greek yogurt works well and adds extra protein.
Should I thaw the hash browns first?
Not necessary, though partially thawed hash browns mix more easily.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Use cream of mushroom soup and omit any meat additions.
Why is my casserole too thick?
Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the mixture.
What can I serve this with?
Ham, barbecue, fried chicken, eggs, or holiday meals.
Can I halve the recipe?
Yes—use an 8×8-inch dish and shorten baking time slightly.
Conclusion
The CHEESIEST Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is a comforting, indulgent dish that delivers everything you want in a crowd-pleasing side: creamy texture, bold flavor, tangy cheeses, and a golden, melty finish. Simple to assemble and endlessly adaptable, it’s perfect for holidays, brunches, and weeknight dinners alike. Whether served alongside your favorite entrées or enjoyed as the star of the table, this casserole guarantees warm, cheesy satisfaction in every bite. Enjoy the richness, the Southern charm, and the irresistible comfort that has made this dish a beloved classic.
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