Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole: A Cozy Comfort Dish
There’s something so heartwarming about coming home after a long day to the scent of something creamy and cheesy baking in the oven. It wraps around you like a beloved quilt, inviting you to take a moment for yourself. That’s exactly how I feel about this Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole. It’s a dish that not only brings back memories of family gatherings but also adds a touch of effortless charm to any weeknight dinner. This casserole, brimming with hash browns, vibrant pimento cheese, and rich cheddar, will transform your kitchen into a cozy haven, with bubbly golden edges that beckon with their warmth.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or something to bring to your next potluck, this Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole will not disappoint! Trust me—this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: With a creamy texture and cheesy flavor, it’s a dish that everyone can agree on, making it perfect for family gatherings or friendly get-togethers.
- Easy Preparation: This recipe is as simple as mixing together a few ingredients and popping it into the oven—no complicated steps here!
- Customizable Delight: Add your favorite mix-ins or toppings to make it your own. The possibilities are as limitless as your creativity!
- Leftover Friendly: This casserole keeps well in the fridge, so any extras can be easily reheated for a delicious meal later.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive holiday gathering, this dish stands as a delicious centerpiece.
What You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients doesn’t have to be a chore—let’s keep it simple and delightful! For this Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole, you’ll need:
- 1 package frozen hash browns
- 1 cup pimento cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole
Let’s turn that oven on and create a delightful meal together! Here’s how to whip this up in a jiffy:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the hash browns, pimento cheese, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, and diced onion until everything is well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, allowing the flavors to brighten up!
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly to create a beautiful layer.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, filling your home with the most inviting aroma.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, giving it just enough time to set.
Delicious Variations to Try
This casserole is versatile enough to welcome all sorts of flavors! Here are a few creative ideas to put your own twist on it:
- Zesty Twist: Add some diced jalapeños or chopped green chilies for a bit of heat, making it a zesty sensation!
- Veggie Lover’s Delight: Stir in some cooked spinach or sautéed bell peppers for an added boost of nutrients and flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Sprinkle in some fresh or dried herbs like thyme or parsley for an aromatic lift.
- Crunchy Topping: Top the casserole with crushed crackers or fried onions for a crispy finish that adds texture to every bite.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Before you dive in, here are my best kitchen secrets to ensure your Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole turns out perfectly every time:
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare this dish a day in advance, simply mix everything and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake!
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to replace the cream of chicken soup with a creamy mushroom soup for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Slicing Tricks: To get perfect squares when serving, let the casserole cool just a bit longer; it makes slicing so much easier!
- Storage Suggestions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions for a quick meal later.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Per serving (1 cup):
- Calories: 350
- Carbs: 30g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and bake when you’re ready.
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with different cheeses or add-ins.
- How do I store leftovers? Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- How long does it last? When frozen, it can last up to 2-3 months; just reheat in the oven until heated through.
Wrapping It Up
This Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a dish, filled with creamy goodness and enveloped in cheesy comfort. Whether you’re enjoying a peaceful evening at home or sharing it at a gathering with friends, this casserole is sure to bring smiles all around. Save this Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole to your “Cozy Comforts” board so it’s ready whenever you need that warm and inviting treat! Happy cooking!
Print
Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and cheesy casserole made with hash browns and vibrant pimento cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen hash browns
- 1 cup pimento cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the hash browns, pimento cheese, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, and diced onion until everything is well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking. Customize with your favorite toppings and mix-ins.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: casserole, comfort food, pimento cheese, hash browns, easy dinner