If Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole sounds like the kind of cozy, flavor-packed magic your weeknights have been begging for—oh friend, you’re in the right kitchen. This dish is creamy, cheesy, a little sassy from the jalapeños, and guaranteed to make your oven feel like it deserves its own fan club.
It’s the kind of casserole that makes busy nights easier, brunch tables brighter, and potlucks a whole lot more competitive (in the best way). And yes… your kitchen will smell like a Southern café where the cook definitely knows all the secrets.
As Chef Omar, I’m all about bringing gourmet flavor into real homes without any culinary gymnastics. This recipe is one of those low-effort, high-reward beauties. Everything mixes in one bowl, bakes into bubbly perfection, and steals the show with almost no effort from you—which is exactly what we all need sometimes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole
This casserole brings together everything that makes comfort food irresistible: warm potatoes, creamy pimento cheese, a little heat, and that golden, bubbly top that no sane person can resist.
And if you’re thinking, “But Chef Omar… do I really need another casserole in my life?”
My answer: Absolutely. Especially one that tastes like you spent hours on it when you actually threw it together between work emails or while your kids asked you for snacks for the 16th time today.
Here’s why it belongs in your personal recipe rotation:
- It’s quick. Truly a weeknight hero.
- Minimal cleanup. One bowl. One dish. Peace restored.
- Crowd-pleasing. Works for brunch, holiday meals, potlucks, or cozy winter nights.
- The flavor? Like a warm hug from a Southern aunt who always brings the best dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 20 ounces frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1.5 – 2 cups jalapeño pimento cheese (or the entire yield of your homemade batch)
- 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)
How to Make This Creamy Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole
This recipe is intentionally simple—because delicious doesn’t have to be complicated. Think of it as your “set it, forget it, serve it proudly” casserole.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13 casserole dish and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray. We’re avoiding stuck-on potatoes today—nobody has the time.
Step 2: Mix the Good Stuff
In a large mixing bowl, toss your frozen shredded hash browns in the melted butter. This helps them crisp just a bit while staying creamy on the inside.
Next, add:
- Your jalapeño pimento cheese
- Sour cream
- Chicken broth
- Green onions
- Salt
- Pepper
Mix everything well. The mixture should look creamy and well-coated without being too soupy. If it feels like it needs more richness, feel free to sneak in an extra spoonful of pimento cheese. I won’t tell.
Step 3: Load the Casserole Dish
Pour your mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly so every bite gets equal love.
Top with ½ cup sharp cheddar if you’re craving that extra golden layer. (Honestly? I’m always craving it.)
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 35 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and just beginning to brown. When those crispy edges appear—that’s your sign from the universe that good things are happening.
Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Yes, patience is hard. But molten cheese is harder on your mouth.
Chef Omar’s Tips for Perfect Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole
Cooking is a joyful dance, not a rigid test. So here are a few playful, practical tips to make this casserole even better:
⭐ Add more heat if you’re feeling brave
A few chopped pickled jalapeños stirred in can turn this into a bold brunch centerpiece.
⭐ Don’t fear the liquid
If the mixture looks a little loose before baking, don’t panic—those potatoes soak everything up beautifully. Think of them as little edible sponges with big flavor dreams.
⭐ Make it ahead
Assemble it the night before, cover tightly, and bake the next day. Perfect for holiday mornings or when guests “pop by” with suspiciously perfect timing.
⭐ Change up the cheese
If you only have sharp cheddar or pepper jack on hand, go for it. This casserole is forgiving—like your favorite stretchy leggings.
A Little Story From My Kitchen
The first time I made this casserole, I wasn’t planning on hosting anything. A couple of friends happened to stop by—hungry, of course. I tossed together what I had in the fridge, including a fresh batch of jalapeño pimento cheese. Thirty-five minutes later, everyone was hovering by the oven like seagulls waiting for fries.
It vanished in minutes.
And just like that, this became a regular in my home kitchen—my “Oh good, people are coming over” lifesaver.
FAQs: Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole
Can I use regular pimento cheese instead of jalapeño?
Absolutely. You’ll get all the creamy goodness with a milder flavor. If you still want a little kick, toss in a few red pepper flakes.
Can I make this Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Does this freeze well?
It sure does. Bake it, cool it completely, then wrap it snugly. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.
What can I serve with this casserole?
Great options include roasted chicken, sausage links, scrambled eggs, or a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
Can I swap the chicken broth?
Vegetable broth works perfectly if you want a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Bring This Creamy Delight to Your Table
This Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is everything we love about simple cooking: bold flavor, easy prep, and a satisfying bite that feels like comfort wrapped in cheese. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a weeknight dinner feel special, this dish brings smiles to the table every single time.
Now grab your casserole dish, turn on some music, and let your kitchen transform into the coziest spot in your home.
Your next favorite recipe is waiting—hot, bubbly, and absolutely irresistible.
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for your next kitchen favorite? Here are a few irresistible dishes that pair beautifully with the warm, cozy vibes of this casserole:
- Hamburger Potato Casserole – Another comfort-filled classic that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and satisfying.
- Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies – A fun, flavor-packed cookie that brings a little celebration to any day of the week.
- Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin – An impressive main dish that turns any dinner into a special occasion with minimal stress.
- Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry, and Pecans – A beautiful, flavorful side that balances richness with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This creamy, cheesy Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is the ultimate comfort-food side dish. Loaded with jalapeño pimento cheese, tender potatoes, and melty cheddar, it’s perfect for brunch, holidays, potlucks, or any night you want something warm and irresistible.
Ingredients
20 ounces frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1.5–2 cups jalapeño pimento cheese (or full yield of homemade recipe)
8 ounces sour cream
½ cup chicken broth
3–4 green onions, chopped
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon coarse-ground black pepper
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional topping)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, toss the frozen shredded potatoes with the melted butter.
Add the jalapeño pimento cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
Sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar, if desired.
Bake for 35 minutes, or until edges are bubbling and lightly browned.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra heat, add diced pickled jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
You can assemble the casserole in advance, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next day.
Substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish / Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg