Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prep and mix
- Preheat the oven to 350F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Set it aside so the casserole can go in right after mixing.
- Mix sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, 2 cups cheddar, grated onion, salt, black pepper, and cayenne until evenly combined. The mixture should look creamy and speckled with red pimentos.
- Fold in the thawed hash browns until evenly coated. Make sure no dry potato bits remain.
- Spread the hash brown mixture into the prepared dish and top with the remaining cheddar. Cover the surface for a crusty, browned layer.
Bake and rest
- Bake at 350F for 50-55 minutes, until golden and bubbling at the edges. Look for a browned top and active bubbling around the perimeter.
- Rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set into creamy, scoopable layers.
Notes
For best results, thaw the hash browns fully and let them drain a little so the casserole bakes up thick instead of watery. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat in a 325F oven until warmed through. Freeze in portions for up to 2 months (thaw in the fridge overnight). For a lighter option, use light sour cream and reduced-fat cheddar while keeping the same bake time.
