Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole – A Comforting Grandma’s Recipe

Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole has been a family favorite of ours for years. It’s the perfect dish to bring to a potluck, serve at a holiday brunch, or enjoy as a comforting weeknight dinner. There’s just something about the creamy pimento cheese, crispy hash browns, and baked-to-perfection casserole that makes it an instant crowd-pleaser.

I can still remember the first time my mom made this casserole for our annual Easter celebration. As soon as that heavenly aroma filled the air, I knew I was in for a real treat. The way the golden brown top crisped up in the oven, the gooey melted cheese oozing out with each bite, and the burst of flavor from the pimientos – it was love at first taste. To this day, it remains one of my all-time favorite comfort foods.

Why This Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole

What makes this Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole recipe so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key is in the careful selection and preparation of each ingredient. From the shredded hash browns that get deliciously crispy on the edges to the rich and creamy pimento cheese sauce, every component works together seamlessly to create a dish that’s truly unforgettable.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole, you’ll need a few simple yet essential ingredients:

• 2 pounds frozen shredded hash browns, thawed – These provide the base of the casserole with their crispy, potato-y goodness.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese – The combination of these two cheeses creates the perfect melty, gooey pimento cheese sauce.
• 1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimientos, drained – These colorful little peppers add a signature flavor and texture to the dish.
• 1 cup sour cream – This adds a luxurious creaminess to balance out the other flavors.
• 2 eggs, beaten – The eggs help bind everything together and create a light, fluffy texture.
• 1/2 cup milk – This further enhances the creamy consistency of the casserole.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – The butter contributes richness and helps the hash browns get extra crispy.
• 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – These simple seasonings elevate all the flavors.

Step-by-Step Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole Instructions

Preparing Your Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole

With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 50 minutes, this Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole comes together in a total of 65 minutes. You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish, a large mixing bowl, and a few basic kitchen tools to make this recipe.

1- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it’s heating up, thaw the 2 pounds of frozen shredded hash browns according to the package instructions. Once they’re thawed, transfer the hash browns to a large mixing bowl.

2- In the same bowl, combine the thawed hash browns with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and the drained 4-ounce jar of diced pimientos. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix all the ingredients together until they’re evenly distributed.

3- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of sour cream, 2 beaten eggs, 1/2 cup of milk, and the 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter. Season this mixture with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.

4- Pour the creamy sour cream mixture over the hash brown and cheese mixture, then use a spatula to gently fold everything together until it’s well combined. The hash browns should be completely coated in the savory sauce.

5- Grease the 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a bit of extra melted butter. Transfer the hash brown casserole mixture to the prepared dish, spreading it out in an even layer.

6- Bake the Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole for 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crispy. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before scooping and serving. This recipe yields 8 servings, so it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Pro Tips for Success

To ensure your Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips:

1. Don’t skip the step of thawing the frozen hash browns. This allows them to get extra crispy in the oven.
2. For the creamiest, most flavorful pimento cheese sauce, use a combination of high-quality cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
3. Be gentle when mixing the hash brown and cheese mixture with the sour cream sauce. You don’t want to overmix and make the hash browns gummy.
4. Keep a close eye on the casserole in the oven, as cooking times may vary depending on your oven. Look for a deep golden brown color on top.

Serving and Storing Your Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole

Perfect Pairings for Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole

This Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is a wonderfully versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. For a complete brunch spread, serve it alongside crispy bacon, fresh fruit salad, and mimosas. It also makes a great side dish for grilled meats or roasted veggies. And of course, it’s the ultimate comfort food when paired with a simple green salad for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Leftovers of this Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place a portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the entire casserole up to 2 days in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before popping it in the oven. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole

Creative Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole Variations

While the classic Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is truly a crowd-pleaser, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try adding diced ham or crumbled bacon for a heartier version. For a Southwestern twist, mix in some diced jalapeños and a sprinkle of chili powder. You could also experiment with different cheese combinations, like swapping the Monterey Jack for pepper jack or even adding in some crumbled feta.

Making Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole Diet-Friendly

To make this casserole more diet-friendly, you can use low-fat or non-fat versions of the sour cream and cheese. For a gluten-free option, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. And for a plant-based take, use dairy-free cheese alternatives and replace the eggs with a vegan egg replacer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?
A: Yes, you can use freshly shredded hash browns in this recipe. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before adding them to the casserole.

Q: How long does this Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole take to prepare?
A: The total time for this recipe is 65 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 50 minutes of cook time.

Q: Can I make this casserole in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 2 days in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.

Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole recipe yields 8 servings.

Q: What should I do if the top of the casserole is browning too quickly?
A: If the top of the casserole is getting too dark before the inside is fully cooked, simply cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.

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Conclusion

Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is truly a comforting and delicious dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With its perfect balance of creamy pimento cheese, crispy hash browns, and baked-to-perfection goodness, it’s no wonder this recipe has been a staple in my household for years. I hope you’ll give it a try and experience the magic for yourself. Be sure to let me know what you think in the comments below – I’d love to hear your thoughts!