Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is a comforting Southern classic with a spicy jalapeño twist. Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, it’s perfect as a hearty side dish or a satisfying brunch option. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

• 20 ounces frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1.5 – 2 cups jalapeño pimento cheese
• 8 ounces sour cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 3-4 green onions, chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• ½ cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (optional topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, toss the frozen shredded potatoes with the melted butter to coat evenly.
3. Step 3: Add the jalapeño pimento cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, chopped green onions, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. If you like, sprinkle the top with the shredded sharp cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy crust.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to scoop.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, use plain pimento cheese without jalapeños, or serve fried jalapeño slices on the side for added heat.
• You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• Try adding crispy cooked bacon or diced ham for a meaty twist.
• If you prefer a creamier casserole, add an extra ¼ cup of sour cream to the mixture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven at 350° Fahrenheit until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Do I need to thaw the hash browns before using?

No, you can use the frozen shredded hash browns directly. Just toss them with melted butter and the other ingredients—the mixture comes together well without thawing.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s still cold from the fridge.

Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 50 reviews

This Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is a comforting Southern classic combining frozen shredded hash browns, spicy jalapeno pimento cheese, sour cream, and a touch of chicken broth, baked to bubbly, golden perfection. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for holidays and family gatherings.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 20 ounces frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1.5 – 2 cups jalapeno pimento cheese
• 8 ounces sour cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 3–4 green onions, chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

Optional Topping

• ½ cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Hash Browns: In a large mixing bowl, toss the frozen shredded potatoes with melted butter to coat evenly, which helps with texture and flavor.
3. Mix Ingredients: Add the jalapeno pimento cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, chopped green onions, salt, and black pepper to the bowl with potatoes. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and smooth out the top. If desired, sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top for an extra cheesy crust.
5. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and begin to brown, indicating it’s fully cooked and flavorful.
6. Rest Before Serving: Remove from oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set for easier slicing and serving.

Notes

• You do not need to thaw the frozen hash browns before mixing; use them straight from the freezer.
• If you don’t have jalapeno pimento cheese, you can substitute with regular pimento cheese or any flavorful cheese spread and optionally add diced jalapenos separately for heat.
• For a milder version, use pimento cheese without jalapenos and serve with fried jalapenos on the side for those who want extra spice.
• This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking to save time on the day of serving.
• You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor or to accommodate dietary preferences.
• Adding the sharp cheddar cheese topping is optional but recommended for a richer flavor and appealing golden top.

Keywords: pimento cheese, hash brown casserole, Southern recipe, jalapeno cheese, comfort food, holiday side dish, cheesy casserole