Name: Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 20 ounces frozen shredded hash brown potatoes; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1.5 – 2 cups jalapeno pimento cheese (or entire yield of linked 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 grated sharp cheddar cheese (optional)

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Introduction

This Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is a comforting Southern classic with a delightful jalapeno kick. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

A small square white plate holds a single slice of cheesy casserole with visible layers. The base layer consists of soft, cooked pasta that is light beige with a slight glossy texture. On top of the pasta, there is a creamy sauce mixed with small pieces of red and green bell peppers, adding pops of color. The top layer is melted orange cheese, slightly browned and bubbly at the edges. A metal fork is inserted into the casserole, held by a woman’s hand, pressing gently into the soft layers. The plate sits on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

20 ounces frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1.5 – 2 cups jalapeno pimento cheese
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)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 9×13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, toss the frozen shredded potatoes with the melted butter until evenly coated.
Step 3: Add the jalapeno pimento cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to combine.
Step 4: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly. If you like, top with the shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Bake uncovered for about 35 minutes, or until the edges start to brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh jalapenos or substitute with mild pimento cheese if you prefer less heat.
For a richer flavor, try mixing in some cooked bacon or diced ham.
To make it vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
You can prepare the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For best texture, cover the casserole while reheating to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white square plate with a slice of creamy baked pasta dish featuring multiple layers: the bottom layer shows soft yellow noodles, topped by a thick layer of creamy white sauce mixed with bits of red and green bell peppers and melted light golden cheese on top, slightly browned and gooey. A weathered silver fork held by a woman's hand is lifting a piece from the dish. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Do I need to thaw the hash browns before mixing?

No, you can toss the frozen shredded hash browns directly with the melted butter and other ingredients. Mixing may take a little effort, but there’s no need to thaw beforehand.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of pimento cheese?

Yes, you can substitute with your favorite cheese spread or shredded cheese, but keep in mind that the unique flavor and texture of pimento cheese, especially with jalapeno, is what gives this casserole its signature taste.