Creamy Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole with Bacon Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an added layer of texture, you can sprinkle a handful of toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking. This provides a pleasant contrast to the soft, creamy interior of the casserole.

If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider mixing in a few drops of hot sauce or diced jalapeños into the pimento cheese sauce before pouring it over the potatoes for a spicy kick that complements the sharp cheddar perfectly.

When serving, use a sturdy spatula or a wide serving spoon to ensure you get a clean scoop that includes both the crispy edges and the creamy center.

This casserole pairs exceptionally well with fresh green sides, such as roasted asparagus or a crisp garden salad, which help highlight the richness of the cheese and potatoes. If you are serving this at a brunch, it is a fantastic accompaniment to eggs or fresh fruit, providing a hearty, savory component to the meal.

Variations

• Spicy Pimento Casserole: Incorporate diced jalapeños and a teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the pimento cheese sauce to add a vibrant heat that cuts through the creaminess of the cheese.
• Herb-Crusted Casserole: Mix fresh thyme and chopped chives into the potato layer, and top the dish with buttery panko breadcrumbs before baking for an elegant, aromatic finish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through or in the microwave in 30-second increments until steaming hot.

If you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep the container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

The casserole will hold its texture well for up to 3 days. When you are ready to enjoy it again, ensure it is reheated until the center is steaming hot to ensure the best quality and food safety standards are maintained throughout the storage period.

You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance by preparing all the layers in the baking dish, covering it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and storing it in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while the oven preheats. This helps the casserole bake more evenly, although you may need to add 5 to 10 minutes to the total baking time to account for the cold starting temperature.

Serving ideas

This dish serves best warm, straight from the oven. It is a substantial side that works wonderfully as the centerpiece of a brunch or as a comforting addition to a dinner spread. Because it is quite rich, consider serving moderate portions alongside lighter, fresh vegetables to create a satisfying meal. The golden, bubbling top is the most desirable part, so try to portion it so that everyone receives a bit of the crispy edge.

For a formal presentation, you can garnish the finished casserole with a few fresh chives or parsley leaves to add a pop of color against the golden-brown cheese. The casserole holds its heat well, so it will remain warm for quite some time after coming out of the oven. If serving for a larger group, you can easily double the recipe and use two baking dishes, adjusting the baking time slightly to ensure both dishes are cooked through and golden.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Pimento Cheese Hash Brown Casserole with Bacon

Prep 10 minCook 45 minRest 5 minTotal 1 hServes 8

Ingredients

• 2 lbs shredded hash brown potatoes
• 2 cups pimento cheese sauce
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the shredded hash brown potatoes into a 9x13 inch ceramic baking dish, spreading them out evenly to cover the bottom.
2. Pour the pimento cheese sauce evenly over the hash browns, ensuring the surface is well coated. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and the chopped cooked bacon over the top in an even layer.
3. Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the cheese is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

12 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

26 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.