Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Absolutely! Peel and dice about 3 pounds of russet potatoes into small cubes. You'll need to increase the cooking time by about 15-20 minutes and may need to add a bit more cream since fresh potatoes don't contain the added moisture of frozen ones.

What if I can't find pimento cheese in my grocery store?

You can make a quick version by combining 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar, ¼ cup mayonnaise, and a 4-ounce jar of diced pimentos (drained). Add a dash of garlic powder and cayenne pepper for authentic flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for the cream of chicken. The flavor profile will change slightly, but the dish will still be delicious.

Why are my potatoes still firm after the recommended cooking time?

This could be due to several factors: your hash browns might still be partially frozen, your oven temperature might be running low, or the foil cover might be too loose, allowing too much moisture to escape. Try extending the covered cooking time by 15-minute increments until the potatoes are tender.

Pimento Cheese Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Name: Pimento Cheese Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (32-ounce) bag southern diced frozen hash browns (thawed); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 (11-ounce) container prepared pimento cheese

These Pimento Cheese Scalloped Potatoes transform ordinary frozen hash browns into a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece that’ll have everyone scraping the dish clean. With the signature tang of pimento cheese melting into every bite, this soul-warming side dish requires minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor. It’s the perfect accompaniment to your weeknight dinners or holiday spreads when you need something impressive but uncomplicated.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Flavor Shortcut: The pimento cheese does double duty—providing both the cheese and the pimentos in one convenient ingredient that packs a flavor punch.
Stress-Free Preparation: Using frozen hash browns eliminates the tedious potato peeling and slicing, cutting your prep time down to just minutes.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish bridges the gap between comfort food and special occasion side. The familiar flavors appeal to picky eaters while the pimento cheese adds enough sophistication for discerning palates.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble this casserole ahead of time and simply pop it in the oven when needed, perfect for busy evenings or holiday meal planning.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Frozen Hash Browns: The foundation of our dish, using pre-diced southern style hash browns saves significant prep time. Make sure they’re completely thawed to ensure even cooking.
Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle depth of flavor without overwhelming the dish or requiring fresh garlic prep.
Onion Powder: Provides aromatic onion flavor throughout without the texture of actual onions—perfect for texture-sensitive eaters.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish. Don’t skip this essential seasoning.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a rich, velvety base that binds everything together. This ingredient adds savory depth that complements the cheese beautifully.
Heavy Cream: Brings luxurious richness and helps the potatoes achieve that perfect creamy texture. This is not the time for low-fat substitutions!
Pimento Cheese: The star ingredient that gives this dish its distinctive character. The combination of cheese, mayo, and pimentos infuses the entire casserole with incredible flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Additions

Transform this side dish into a complete meal by adding cooked, crumbled bacon, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken before baking.

Heat Level Adjustments

Spice it up by using a spicy pimento cheese or adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the mixture.

Cheese Customization

While pimento cheese is the star, you can enhance the cheese factor by adding extra shredded cheddar on top during the last 20 minutes of baking for a golden, bubbly crust.

Veggie Boost

Fold in sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or steamed broccoli florets for added nutrition and texture variety.

How to Make Pimento Cheese Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Make sure your hash browns are completely thawed for even cooking.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. This step ensures the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the potatoes.

Step 3: Add the Creamy Elements

Add the cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, and pimento cheese to the seasoned potatoes. Stir thoroughly until everything is well combined and the pimento cheese is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Transfer and Bake

Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. The even distribution ensures consistent cooking throughout the casserole. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture during the initial cooking phase.

Step 5: Finish and Rest

Bake covered for 60 minutes, then carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes. This uncovered baking time allows the top to develop a beautiful golden color. Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Thaw Completely: Ensure your hash browns are fully thawed to avoid excess moisture and uneven cooking. You can spread them on a towel to remove any excess moisture before mixing.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your pimento cheese and cream come to room temperature for easier mixing and more consistent results.
Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined to preserve some texture in the potatoes rather than turning them mushy.
Check Doneness: Insert a fork into the center to ensure the potatoes are tender before removing from the oven. Different brands of hash browns may require slightly different cooking times.
Broiler Finish: For an extra golden top, switch to the broiler for the final 2-3 minutes of cooking time, but watch carefully to prevent burning.

How to Serve

These Pimento Cheese Scalloped Potatoes pair beautifully with a variety of main dishes and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Perfect Pairings

Serve alongside grilled or roasted meats like ham, steak, or chicken. The cheesy potatoes complement smoky, savory flavors particularly well.

Holiday Spread

Include this dish in your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner lineup for a crowd-pleasing alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.

Weeknight Dinner

Pair with a simple green salad for a satisfying meatless Monday dinner, or serve with rotisserie chicken for an effortless complete meal.

Garnish Options

A sprinkle of sliced green onions, chopped fresh parsley, or additional cracked black pepper adds a fresh finishing touch before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often develop even more overnight, making for delicious next-day eating.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen after baking and cooling completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat covered in a 325°F oven until warmed through (about 20-30 minutes). Add a splash of milk or cream if the potatoes seem dry. Individual portions can be microwaved for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Make Ahead Instructions

Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow the dish to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Absolutely! Peel and dice about 3 pounds of russet potatoes into small cubes. You’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 15-20 minutes and may need to add a bit more cream since fresh potatoes don’t contain the added moisture of frozen ones.
What if I can’t find pimento cheese in my grocery store?

You can make a quick version by combining 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar, ¼ cup mayonnaise, and a 4-ounce jar of diced pimentos (drained). Add a dash of garlic powder and cayenne pepper for authentic flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for the cream of chicken. The flavor profile will change slightly, but the dish will still be delicious.
Why are my potatoes still firm after the recommended cooking time?

This could be due to several factors: your hash browns might still be partially frozen, your oven temperature might be running low, or the foil cover might be too loose, allowing too much moisture to escape. Try extending the covered cooking time by 15-minute increments until the potatoes are tender.

Final Thoughts

These Pimento Cheese Scalloped Potatoes bring together convenience and indulgence in the most delightful way. The familiar comfort of potato casserole gets an ingenious Southern twist with the addition of pimento cheese, creating something truly special without requiring culinary school skills. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a Tuesday or hosting a holiday gathering, this dish delivers phenomenal flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try the next time you’re craving something comforting yet impressive!