There’s something about a warm, cheesy casserole that wraps you in comfort like your favorite blanket on a chilly evening. This Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic brunch dish. With crispy hash browns mingling with rich pimento cheese and creamy goodness, it’s perfect for those lazy Sunday mornings or for a quick weekday meal when you want something hearty yet simple. You’ll find that your loved ones will gravitate toward this dish, not just out of hunger but out of sheer delight.
Why you’ll love this dish
What sets this casserole apart? It’s not just the divine melding of flavors; it’s how effortlessly it all comes together. Busy weeknight dinners, family brunches, or potluck gatherings where you want to shine without hours in the kitchen—this dish fits the bill every time. The best part? It’s budget-friendly without sacrificing taste.
“This casserole was a hit at our family reunion! Everyone kept going back for thirds. So easy to make too!” — Happy Cook
Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those delicious flavors that make both kids and adults happy. No one can resist that luscious layer of melted cheese on top, especially when there’s a crunchy bottom layer of golden brown hash browns.
The cooking process explained
The beauty of this Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole lies in its simplicity. Before you dive into the actual cooking, let me guide you through what to expect. You’ll start by mixing all the creamy and cheesy goodness in a bowl, then pour it into your baking dish. A sprinkle of cheese and green onions finishes it off before baking to perfection. Sound easy? It truly is!
This step-by-step approach will leave you feeling accomplished, even if you might feel tempted to devour it before it even leaves the oven!
What you’ll need
Here’s a handy list of ingredients to gather. You might even have some of these on hand already, which simplifies your life even further.
- Hash browns: A frozen bag works just fine, but feel free to use fresh if you’re feeling fancy.
- Pimento cheese: You can buy it pre-made or whip up your own version, depending on how adventurous you’re feeling.
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a bit of tang.
- Cream of chicken soup: For richness—feel free to use a homemade version if you have it.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The more, the merrier!
- Green onions: Chopped, for that fresh pop of flavor.
- Butter, salt, and pepper: Essentials to enhance the dish.
Cooking Method
Now that you’ve rounded up your ingredients, let’s get into the fun part—cooking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the hash browns, pimento cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese in a large bowl. Make sure everything is well combined; this is where the magic starts.
- Don’t forget to season the mixture with salt and pepper to your liking. It’s all about those flavors!
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. It’s okay if it looks a bit rough; it’s going to bake into a beautiful golden creation.
- Top with the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle chopped green onions on top.
- Melt your butter gently and drizzle it over the whole casserole. Yum!
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown—trust me, that smell will be your guide.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. Patience—it’ll be worth it!
Best ways to enjoy it
When it comes to serving, this casserole shines on its own or alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. You might want to serve it with crispy bacon or some scrambled eggs for a complete breakfast spread.
Additionally, consider presenting it in a beautiful baking dish straight from the oven. A sprinkle of extra green onions on top just before serving adds a lovely finishing touch.
How to store & freeze
Leftovers? Yes, please! This casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, a quick spin in the microwave or a gentle bake in the oven will revive all those cheesy flavors.
If you want to make it ahead of time, you can assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge before baking. Just keep in mind to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if you’re cooking it from cold.
For freezing, tight-wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. It’s the kind of meal that tastes just as good on reheating, making it a lifesaver during busy days!
Helpful cooking tips
To elevate this dish, consider these simple tweaks. Use different cheeses; a mix of pepper jack for a spicy kick brings a whole new dimension. And if you want to incorporate more veggies, diced bell peppers or spinach are fantastic additions that cook beautifully in this casserole.
Another pro tip? For an even crispier top, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two at the end of cooking—just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Creative twists
Feel like trying something new? Swap the pimento cheese with goat cheese for a tangy twist, or use vegan substitutes for a plant-based version. If you’re chasing bold flavors, add jalapeños or even some crispy fried onions on top for that extra crunch.
Common questions
What’s the prep time for this dish?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep, with about 45-50 minutes in the oven. Total time? Just over an hour!
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just use a vegetable-based cream soup, and you’re all set.
How do I know if it’s done?
You’re looking for that gorgeous golden top and lots of bubbling cheese around the edges—it should look and smell irresistible!
This Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is bound to become a staple in your kitchen, adding comfort and smiles to every gathering. Happy cooking!
Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the hash browns, pimento cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle with chopped green onions.
- Melt the butter and drizzle it over the casserole.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.