Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is a comforting, Southern-inspired dish that brings together crispy potatoes and rich, tangy pimento cheese in one irresistible bake. It is creamy in the center, lightly crisp on top, and packed with bold cheese flavor that feels both familiar and indulgent. This casserole is the kind of dish that works equally well for breakfast, brunch, potlucks, or as a hearty side for dinner.
I love this recipe because it is simple to assemble and always delivers dependable results. The pimento cheese adds depth and personality that sets it apart from classic hash brown casseroles. I tested this recipe with different cheese blends, and the unmistakable flavor of pimento cheese truly makes it shine. Whether you are feeding a crowd or preparing a make-ahead dish, this casserole is comforting, filling, and guaranteed to be a favorite.
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Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole That’s Creamy, Cheesy, and Crowd-Pleasing
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Greek-style roast potatoes tossed with olive oil, lemon, garlic, oregano, and finished with salty feta cheese for a flavorful Mediterranean side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place halved potatoes on a large baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and add garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss well to coat potatoes evenly.
- Spread potatoes in a single layer, cut side down.
- Roast for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Remove from oven and immediately drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with lemon zest.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Use waxy potatoes for best texture.
- Add feta while potatoes are hot so it softens slightly.
- Serve alongside grilled meats or as part of a mezze platter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Frozen hash browns
Hash browns form the hearty base of the casserole, creating structure and texture once baked.
Pimento cheese
Pimento cheese adds creamy richness, sharp cheddar flavor, and signature Southern character.
Sour cream
Sour cream adds tang and keeps the casserole moist and creamy.
Unsalted butter
Butter enhances flavor and helps create a rich, satisfying texture.
Onion
Onion adds subtle sweetness and depth to balance the cheese.
Garlic powder
Garlic powder provides gentle savory flavor without overpowering the dish.
Salt
Salt enhances the potatoes and balances the richness of the cheese.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds mild heat and contrast.
Shredded cheddar cheese
Extra cheddar reinforces the cheesy flavor and creates a golden top.
Chopped parsley or green onions
These add freshness and color just before serving.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 190°C and grease a large casserole dish. Allow the frozen hash browns to thaw slightly, then pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the hash browns, pimento cheese, sour cream, melted butter, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly coated and well mixed.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is hot throughout and the top is golden and lightly crisp. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions just before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 6 to 8 people.
Preparation time is about 15 minutes, baking time is 50 minutes, and resting time is 5 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the hash browns.
Variations and Customizations
Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is easy to customize. For added protein, cooked sausage or diced ham can be mixed in before baking. Crispy bacon bits also add smoky depth and texture.
If you prefer a little heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also mix in sautéed bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
For a crispier top, sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the casserole before baking. Each variation keeps the dish comforting while allowing you to tailor it to your taste.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This casserole is rich and filling, making it ideal as a comfort food dish. It is vegetarian-friendly and can be adapted using reduced-fat dairy options if desired.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Dry the hash browns
Removing excess moisture helps prevent a soggy casserole.
Even mixing
Ensure the cheese mixture coats the potatoes evenly for consistent flavor.
Rest before serving
Allowing the casserole to rest helps it set and slice cleanly.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it ahead and bake just before serving.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze unbaked for up to two months and bake from thawed.
What kind of pimento cheese works best?
A sharp cheddar-based pimento cheese offers the best flavor.
Can I use fresh potatoes?
Yes, shred and thoroughly dry them before using.
Is this good for breakfast?
Yes, it pairs well with eggs and breakfast meats.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes, add jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.
How do I make it crispier?
Use a shallow dish and bake uncovered.
Can I add cream of soup?
It is not necessary, but can be added for extra creaminess.
Is this suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it travels and reheats very well.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines crispy potatoes with creamy, tangy cheese in every bite. Easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd, it works for breakfast, brunch, or dinner sides. This recipe delivers dependable results and classic comfort that never goes out of style.
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