Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole — Southern Hashbrown Recipes for Brunch

Hashbrown Recipes start here with a Southern twist that turns humble spuds into pure comfort: welcome to Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole — a cheesy, creamy, slightly spicy mash-up that deserves a spot at brunch, the holiday table, or the next potluck. This isn’t your grandma’s plain potato side — it’s bold, melty, and dangerously addictive.

Introduction — what this dish is (and why you’ll obsess)

If you love potatoes and cheese (who doesn’t?), this casserole will make you rethink every boring tater side you’ve ever tolerated. The combination of shredded hash browns + tangy pimento cheese + a little jalapeño spark produces a dish that’s part Potato Side Dishes staple, part party showstopper. It’s simple enough for weeknights and impressive enough for guests.

Bold tip: Use good pimento cheese — homemade or a high-quality jar will make all the difference.

What makes this Hashbrown Recipes casserole so irresistible?

Why does this dish hit so many pleasure centers?

• Creamy + crunchy contrast. The inside stays silky while the top edges brown and get a tiny crust.
• Flavor depth. Pimento cheese brings sharp cheddar, roasted pimentos, and a touch of heat. Add sour cream and chicken broth and you’ve got savory richness that’s not cloying.
• Ease. Toss frozen hash browns with a few pantry items and bake — major payoff for minimal work. That’s why it ranks among the best Easy Casserole Recipes.
• Versatility. Serve it as a brunch center, a Party Platters highlight, or a cozy family side — it fits.

Ingredient list — short descriptions

Here’s what you need to build this glorious casserole (quantities depend on your pan size; this fits a 9×13):

• Frozen shredded hash browns — convenient base that gives great texture when baked.
• Pimento cheese (jalapeño or regular) — the star: cheesy, tangy, and a little spicy if you choose jalapeño.
• Sour cream — adds tang and creaminess.
• Chicken broth — thins the mix slightly and adds savory depth.
• Green onions — mild onion brightness; whites cooked, greens for garnish.
• Butter — a little fat for flavor and to toss the potatoes.
• Salt & pepper — essential seasonings; taste as you go.
• Extra grated cheddar — for a bubbly, gorgeous top.

And that’s it. Simple pantry heroes that transform into something memorable.

How to make Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole — simple steps

1. Mix. Toss frozen shredded potatoes with melted butter so they don’t clump. Add pimento cheese, sour cream, a splash of chicken broth, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
2. Pour. Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar (the more cheese, the happier your guests).
3. Bake. Pop into a 350°F oven for about 35 minutes, or until bubbling and the edges turn golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
4. Serve. Garnish with chives or extra scallions for color and freshness.

Bold tip: Don’t skip the rest time — it lets the casserole set so slices hold.

Slow cooker method (yes, you can)

Mix everything and plug it into a 5–6 quart slow cooker sprayed with nonstick. Cook on High for 2–2½ hours or Low for 4 hours. Finish under the broiler for a minute if you want a crispier top.

The story behind this mash-up

Some of the best recipes come from two classics meeting and behaving really well together. Pimento cheese carries Southern charm and personality; hash browns bring reliable potato comfort. Combine them and you’ve got a dish that feels both nostalgic and novel — perfect for brunches, tailgates, and those family dinners where everyone wants something cheesy and warm.

Pro tips for the best outcome

• Use frozen shredded (not diced) potatoes for the fluffiest texture.
• Thaw or not? You can use frozen straight from the bag — but if you thaw, squeeze excess water to avoid sogginess.
• Quality pimento cheese matters. Homemade wins if you can; jarred is fine for shortcuts.
• Add texture. Toss a handful of crushed buttery crackers or panko on top for crunch.
• Season boldly. Potatoes need seasoning — don’t be shy with salt and pepper.
• Bold tip: If you like a spicy kick, fold in chopped pickled jalapeños or a spoon of hot sauce.

Variations to try — make it yours

• With ham: Stir diced ham into the mix for a fuller main-dish casserole.
• Vegetarian: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to make it a hearty Veggie Dishes option.
• Bacon boost: Sprinkle cooked bacon bits on top for smoky crunch.
• Panko crust: Combine panko + melted butter + parmesan and bake until golden for extra crisp.
• Low-carb-ish: Use riced cauliflower in place of hash browns for a lighter Potato Dishes alternative.
• Spicy: Stir in a spoonful of sriracha or chopped chiles for heat.

Best ways to serve — pairing ideas

This casserole plays well with so many mains:

• Holiday mains: Pecan-crusted ham or glazed turkey.
• Weeknight proteins: Peppered pork loin, roasted chicken, or Juicy Lucy-style burgers.
• Brunch combos: Sausage-egg bundles and fresh fruit for balance.
• Game day: Put it on a Party Platters table alongside dips and sliders for a decadent spread.

Want a balanced plate? Add a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to cut the richness.

Make-ahead & freezing — planning tips

• Make-ahead: Assemble in a greased 9×13, cover well, and refrigerate up to 2–3 days. Bake when ready.
• Freeze before baking: Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake.
• Freeze leftovers: Store in a freezer-safe container for 2–3 months; reheat in oven at 350°F until warm.

Bold tip: Label and date frozen casseroles — you’ll thank yourself later.

Slow cooker & camping-friendly versions

For potlucks or gatherings where you’ll need to keep food warm, the slow cooker method shines. For campouts, assemble in aluminum pans and heat near coals or on a grill. The melty cheese and comforting potatoes travel well.

FAQs — quick answers

Serving for crowds — party tips

This casserole is an MVP for buffet tables. Keep it warm in a chafing dish or slow cooker set to warm. Cut into squares for neat portions. For a real Party Platters moment, surround the casserole with pickles, olives, and crackers so guests can build bites.

Nutrition & balance notes

Yes, this casserole leans indulgent — but you can balance it with sides: a citrusy slaw, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh arugula salad. Use part-skim cheeses and Greek yogurt in place of sour cream to lighten it up if desired.

Why this fits many meal categories

This recipe ticks off the boxes: it’s a classic Hash Brown Casserole, it’s utterly craveable among Potato Side Dishes, and it’s flexible enough to appear on brunch tables, holiday spreads, and Party Platters. It also earns a spot among easy, crowd-pleasing Easy Casserole Recipes that people actually ask for again.

Quick troubleshooting

• Too soggy? Next time, squeeze thawed potatoes drier or reduce liquid slightly.
• Not cheesy enough? Stir more cheese inside the mix and add a generous topping.
• Edges burn before center? Cover loosely with foil partway through baking.

Final thoughts — why you should make this now

If you want a side that feels like an event but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole delivers. It’s Potato Dishes comfort, Veggie Dishes adaptable, and a go-to for Side Recipes that steal the show. Whether you’re feeding family, prepping for a brunch, or looking to wow your next potluck, this casserole lives up to the hype.

So — ready to melt cheese over fifty pounds of potatoes? (Kidding.) Start with one pan. Trust me: one spoonful and you’ll be planning when to make it again. FYI: it freezes beautifully — make an extra.

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