Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Yes. Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole works best with pimento cheese, but you can adjust the cheddar topping or use a homemade version with more jalapeño if you like heat.

Do I need to thaw the hash browns first?

No, not for this version. Frozen hash browns work well and make Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole easy to assemble.

Can I make it ahead for brunch?

Absolutely. It fits right into Breakfast Brunch Recipes and reheats well.

Can I skip the cheddar topping?

Yes. The casserole still tastes great without it. The topping just adds more color and a little extra cheesiness.

Is this a good holiday side dish?

Very much so. Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole belongs right next to the best Southern Recipes on the table.

Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole | Easy Southern Side Dish

Description

This Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole combines frozen shredded potatoes, creamy pimento cheese, sour cream, butter, and green onions into a rich Southern-style side dish. It bakes up bubbly, cheesy, and comforting, making it perfect for holidays, brunch, or an easy family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

20 ounces frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 1/2 to 2 cups jalapeño pimento cheese, or the full amount from your homemade recipe
8 ounces sour cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
3 to 4 green onions, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese, optional topping

Instructions

Prepare the oven and dish.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray so the finished casserole releases easily.
Combine the potatoes and butter.
Place the frozen shredded hash browns in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted butter over the potatoes and toss them together so the butter coats the shreds as evenly as possible.
Add the remaining ingredients.
Stir in the pimento cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, chopped green onions, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until the potatoes are fully coated and the ingredients look evenly distributed. This step is what gives Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole its creamy texture.
Transfer to the baking dish.
Spoon the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out into an even layer. Smooth the top so it bakes evenly from edge to center.
Add the cheese topping if using.
Sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar over the top if you want an extra cheesy finish. This optional layer adds a nice browned crust once baked.
Bake.
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown and the dish is bubbling around the sides.
Rest and serve.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. That short rest helps Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole firm up slightly so it scoops more cleanly.