Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole changed my busy kitchen life. As a mom and recipe creator behind Skiny Taste, I learned that weeknights deserve comfort without stress. This story drives why I reach for creamy cheddar, tangy pimento cheese, and bubbly hash browns—because a single skillet can feed a crowd without sacrificing flavor or time. In this article, you’ll find a faithful, practical recipe you can assemble in minutes, bake while you tackle a dozen other tasks, and serve a dish that feels like a warm hug. You’ll discover tips for ahead prep, crowd-friendly potlucks, and smart leftovers that stay creamy. If you’re tasting for the first time, you’ll appreciate the smoothness and crunch. Let’s dive into this creamy, crowd-pleasing Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole.

What makes Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole special
Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole has a way of turning a busy evening into a tiny celebration. I reach for creamy cheddar, tangy pimento cheese, and bubbly hash browns when the clock is ticking. This dish is a reliable crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy homes that want comfort without chaos.
Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole: Texture and Flavor
The creamy pimento cheese blend melts into sour cream and mayo, making a lush, velvety filling. Tender hash browns soak up those flavors, while a golden top gives a satisfying crunchy. The contrast between creamy center and lightly crisp edges is pure comfort in a dish.
Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole: A Weeknight Hero
This dish comes together in minutes and bakes into a nourishing crowd-pleaser. It scales up for potlucks or busy family dinners and still fits a tight schedule. Make-ahead options let you prep the creamy base in advance and bake when needed.
Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole: Crowd-Pleasing Comfort
It’s a familiar, comforting dish that pairs beautifully with roasts and sides. Its creamy core and warm, bubbling topping invite seconds at gatherings. Plus, it travels well for potlucks and family dinners alike.
Why You’ll Love This Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole
I reach for Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole when the clock is ticking. Creamy, cheesy comfort that bakes while I tackle a pile of chores. That balance of ease and flavor makes weeknights feel doable. I love that a single dish can feed a crowd and still stay creamy. It’s the kind of recipe you reach for again and again. The ease comes from simple ingredients and a forgiving texture.
Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole for Busy Homes
For busy homes, this dish comes together fast. Simple pantry staples, one pan, minimal cleanup. I prep the creamy base while the kids do homework, then bake and serve in under an hour on weeknights.
Benefits of Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole for Busy Families
Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven, not the microwave. It helps with meal prep by portioning for quick lunches. Kids love the mellow cheese and familiar flavors, while adults appreciate the comforting warmth.
Ingredients Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole
Here are the exact ingredients you’ll need. I’ve kept measurements precise for easy shopping and prep. Exact quantities appear at the bottom for printing.

- 1 (26–30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1½ cups pimento cheese (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 small onion, finely diced (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Keep this list handy as you shop. The exact quantities are printed at the bottom of the article for your convenience.
Key ingredients for Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole
Hash browns give the casserole its heft and cozy texture. Pimento cheese brings tang and creaminess. Sour cream and mayo keep the filling lush. Cheddar adds pull and color. Onion adds subtle sweetness (optional). Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper deepen flavor. Melted butter glues it together, while parsley finishes the look.
Substitutions and optional add-ins for Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole
Swap in reduced-fat sour cream and mayo, or swap one cup with Greek yogurt for a lighter bite. For more crust, double the cheddar on top. Want heat? add diced jalapeño. For meat lovers, fold in cooked bacon or shredded chicken. Vegan option: use dairy-free cheese.
Printing and storing: print-friendly and make-ahead notes for Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole
Exact quantities appear at the bottom for printing. You can assemble ahead and refrigerate, then bake when needed for fresh results.
How to Make Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole base
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Set out the base ingredients: pimento cheese, sour cream, mayo, cheddar, melted butter, and spices.
If you’re using onion, dice it. Thaw hash browns and pat them dry.
Having everything ready keeps chaos away when the timer starts.
Step 2: Create the creamy filling for Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole
In a large bowl, whisk the pimento cheese with sour cream and mayonnaise.
Stir in melted butter, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Taste and adjust with a pinch more salt if needed. I like a touch of pepper for a gentle kick.
Step 3: Fold in hash browns and onion
Gently fold the thawed hash browns into the creamy mixture.
If you’re using onion, add it now and fold just until evenly coated.
Handle lightly to keep the potatoes fluffy instead of mashing them.
Step 4: Bake until bubbly and golden on top
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared dish and smooth the top.
Sprinkle cheddar over the surface, then bake for 40–45 minutes until hot and bubbling.
Let it rest 5 minutes before garnishing with parsley.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy with optional greens or crusty bread
Slice and serve Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole alongside a simple green salad or crusty bread.
Garnish with parsley if you like and enjoy with a smile.

Tips for Success
Quick tips for a creamy, perfect bake
- Don’t overmix the filling; folding keeps hash browns fluffy.
- Use a 9×13 baking dish for even heat and a crisp top.
- Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving to set.
- Watch for bubbling edges and a light gold top before removing.
- Pat thawed hash browns dry to avoid a soggy bake.
- Gather ingredients ahead of time and set a timer to stay on track.
- For extra crunch, add extra cheddar in the last 5 minutes.
Equipment Needed
These essentials keep the bake simple and the cleanup quick. I keep these tools within reach in my busy kitchen.
- 9×13 baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Wooden spoon
- Oven
- Measuring cups and spoons
Tools for making Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole
- 9×13 baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Spoon
- Oven
- Measuring cups/spoons
In a tight kitchen, you can get by with one sturdy dish and a reliable bowl; they’ve got you covered from prep to plate.
Variations
Variations of Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole
Want to tailor this dish to your family’s tastes or dietary needs? I’ve found friendly variations that keep the creamy magic while dialing in every bite. From lighter dairy to extra heat or protein boosts, you can customize without changing the heart of the casserole.
- Lighter dairy: Use reduced-fat sour cream and mayo, or swap one cup with Greek yogurt.
- Extra crust: Double the cheddar on top, or finish with breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Spice it up: Dice jalapeño for a gentle kick.
- Protein boost: Stir in cooked bacon bits or shredded chicken.
- Vegan option: Use dairy-free cheese and vegan mayo; almond milk helps loosen.
- Flavor twists: Add fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon zest for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a simple green salad, a citrusy punch, or a crisp cucumber-tennion slaw for bright contrast.
- Offer warm crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with parsley or chives for a pop of color.
- Present in a warm, family-style dish to invite seconds.
Serving ideas for Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole
Serve Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole with a simple green salad, a bright citrusy punch, or a crisp cucumber-tennion slaw. Garnish with parsley or chives to add a fresh, herbal finish that pops on the plate.
Pairings and Extra Value for Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole
Pairing ideas with Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole
Pair this creamy casserole with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots, a bright tomato-cucumber slaw, and warm cornbread for a complete southern-inspired plate. A simple green salad keeps things light, while a chilled glass of iced tea or a crisp white wine balances the richness.
FAQs
Can I assemble this ahead of time?
You can assemble Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole ahead of time, then refrigerate. Bake within 24 hours for best texture; add 5–10 extra minutes if cold from the fridge.
Is this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, it’s dairy-based vegetarian as written. For dairy-free, swap in dairy-free cheese and mayo, and use almond or soy yogurt to replace sour cream if desired.
How should I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a warm oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly, about 15–20 minutes. Avoid microwaves to keep the top crisp and creamy.
Can I freeze Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole?
You can freeze the casserole before baking or after baking. Freeze, then thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed for best texture.
Final Thoughts
Tucked this Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole into my weekly menu and watched it become a dependable friend in the kitchen.
It’s creamy without feeling heavy, and it brings a warm, sunny note to even the busiest nights.
When I need a crowd-pleasing dish fast, this is my go-to fallback, quietly cheering me on.
Final notes on enjoying Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole
This warm centerpiece invites customization. Swap in lighter dairy, add a touch of jalapeño for heat, or fold in cooked chicken for a one-dish meal. Keep leftovers creamy by reheating gently in the oven, not the microwave. I’d love to see your twists—share photos and feedback so we can keep the comfort growing. From my skillet to yours, may every bite feel like a hug after a long day.
Print
Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole: Creamy 5-Star Delight.
- Total Time: 50–55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is a creamy, cheesy Southern-style side dish loaded with tender potatoes and tangy pimento cheese, topped to a golden perfection for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- 1 (26–30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1½ cups pimento cheese (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 small onion, finely diced (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine pimento cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, melted butter, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add thawed hash browns and diced onion (if using). Fold gently until everything is well coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until hot, bubbly, and golden on top.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can assemble this casserole a day ahead; refrigerate, then bake until bubbly.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat sour cream and mayo or swap in Greek yogurt.
- Want extra crunch? Top with a little extra cheddar during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3–4 days; reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole, Creamy Hash Brown Casserole, Southern Side Dish, Pimento Cheese Recipe, Cheesy Hash Browns, Potluck Casserole