If you love rich, creamy, cheesy casseroles with a comforting homemade flavor, then this Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is the perfect dish to add to your weeknight dinner rotation or holiday menu. Packed with melty cheese, tender potatoes, smoky seasonings, and the iconic Southern pimento cheese flavor, this casserole is everything you want in a satisfying main dish or side. Easy to prepare, customizable with simple pantry ingredients, and always a crowd-pleaser, this recipe brings the classic hash brown casserole to a whole new gourmet level.

Whether you are a casserole lover or simply searching for a quick weeknight meal, this dish is bold, flavorful, and completely irresistible. Let’s break down how to prepare the ultimate Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole, plus tips, serving ideas, and variations to make it your own.

Why You Will Love This Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole

This casserole is a fusion of two Southern favorites: cheesy hash browns and creamy pimento cheese. The result is a comforting, rich, and savory dish that works perfectly for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a side dish alongside roasted chicken, pulled pork, beef brisket, or oven-baked ham, or make it the star of the show with a few simple additions.

Here are some reasons this recipe stands out:

• Easy to prepare with minimal steps.

• Uses affordable, everyday ingredients.

• Works for special occasions and weekday dinners.

• A great dish for potlucks, parties, and family gatherings.

• Rich, creamy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

When you want a casserole that delivers both flavor and convenience, look no further than this Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole.

Ingredients for Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole

To make this delicious casserole, you will need the following ingredients. These quantities serve approximately 6–8 people, and you can scale the measurements depending on the serving size needed.

Main Ingredients

• 32 oz frozen shredded hash browns, thawed (or use fresh shredded potatoes)

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1 cup pimento cheese spread (homemade or store-bought)

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk

• 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)

• ½ cup cooked bacon pieces or ham cubes (optional)

Topping Ingredients

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• ½ cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (optional)

• Chopped chives or green onions for garnish

Kitchen Tools Needed

One of the best things about this recipe is that it doesn’t require any complicated cooking equipment. All you need is:

• 1 large mixing bowl

• Spatula or wooden spoon

• Standard casserole or baking dish (9×13 recommended)

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Cutting board and knife

• Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole

Follow these simple steps for the perfect result every time.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, heavy cream or milk, and pimento cheese. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.

Step 3: Add Spices and Seasonings

Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Cheese

Fold in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Add the Hash Browns

Add the thawed hash browns and stir gently until completely coated in the cheese mixture.

Step 6: Pour Into the Baking Dish

Transfer the mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly.

Step 7: Add Optional Protein

If you are adding bacon or ham, sprinkle it over the casserole now.

Step 8: Add Final Cheese and Topping

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top. If you want a crunchy topping, sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs and drizzle melted butter over the surface.

Step 9: Bake

Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chives or green onions.

Tips for the Best Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole

This recipe is simple, but these helpful tips can take it from great to unforgettable.

Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting

Pre-shredded cheese contains stabilizers that prevent smooth melting. If possible, shred your cheese at home for extra creaminess.

Thaw the hash browns

Frozen potatoes will add excess moisture. Let them thaw and pat dry before mixing.

Customize the level of spice

If you love heat, add jalapeños, chipotle powder, or extra cayenne. For milder flavor, reduce the paprika and pepper.

Add protein for a complete meal

This casserole pairs perfectly with:

• shredded chicken

• cooked ground beef

• smoked sausage

• cooked bacon or ham

Add vegetables for extra flavor

Enhance the texture and nutrition with:

• green peas

• mushrooms

• spinach

• roasted peppers

Perfect for meal prepping

This casserole keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole Variations

One of the great things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some creative ways to make it your own.

BBQ Version

Mix in pulled pork and drizzle BBQ sauce over the top before baking.

Breakfast Version

Add scrambled eggs, crumbled sausage, or cooked bacon.

Mexican-Style Casserole

Add:

• chopped jalapeños

• taco seasoning

• pepper jack cheese

• chopped cilantro

Creamier Version

Use half sour cream and half cream cheese for an ultra-rich texture.

Gluten-free Option

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip the topping entirely.

What to Serve with Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole

This dish works beautifully as either a main course or a side dish. Here are pairing suggestions:

Serve as a Main Dish With:

• green salad

• roasted vegetables

• cornbread

• baked chicken or turkey breast

Serve as a Side Dish With:

• grilled steak

• roasted ham

• smoked ribs

• meatloaf

• fried chicken

This dish’s creamy and bold flavors match many proteins and sides.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Make Ahead

You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover with foil and refrigerate until baking.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze:

1. Prepare the casserole but do not bake.

2. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

3. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

4. Bake normally.

Approximate Nutritional Value

Here is the average nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 390–430

• Protein: 10–13 g

• Carbohydrates: 26–32 g

• Fat: 26–30 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sodium: 630–700 mg

Values vary depending on ingredients and toppings.

Storing, Reheating, and Leftovers

Reheat in the oven

Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Reheat in the microwave

Heat individual portions for 30–60 seconds.

The texture stays creamy and delicious even the next day, making it a great dish for leftovers.

Common Questions About Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?

Yes. Simply shred them and drain off extra moisture.

Can I prepare it without pimento cheese?

Yes, but it won’t have the same flavor profile. If substituting, use shredded cheddar and cream cheese.

Can I use cream of mushroom soup instead?

Absolutely. It provides a similar creamy base.

Can I serve it for brunch?

Definitely. It is perfect for brunch buffets, holiday breakfasts, and weekend gatherings.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole Today

If you’re searching for a comforting, flavorful, easy-to-prepare meal that will impress family and friends, this Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is an excellent choice. From the rich creaminess of the pimento cheese to the crispy baked cheese topping and tender potatoes, every bite is satisfying and delicious. It’s a highly versatile dish that works for holidays, everyday meals, gatherings, and meal prepping.

Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole

To make this delicious casserole, you will need the following ingredients. These quantities serve approximately 6–8 people, and you can scale the measurements depending on the serving size needed.

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Ingredients Notes

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• 32 oz frozen shredded hash browns thawed (or use fresh shredded potatoes)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
• 1 cup pimento cheese spread homemade or store-bought
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper diced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for a spicy kick
• ½ cup cooked bacon pieces or ham cubes optional
• Topping Ingredients
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter melted
• ½ cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs optional
• Chopped chives or green onions for garnish

Notes

Kitchen Tools Needed

One of the best things about this recipe is that it doesn’t require any complicated cooking equipment. All you need is:

1 large mixing bowl

Spatula or wooden spoon

Standard casserole or baking dish (9×13 recommended)

Measuring cups and spoons

Cutting board and knife

Oven