Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prep and mix
- Preheat oven to 350F, then grease a 9x13-inch baking dish so the casserole releases easily.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, grated onion, salt, black pepper, and cayenne until smooth and creamy with red pimento flecks.
- Fold the thawed hash browns into the mixture until every potato strand looks evenly coated.
Bake
- Spread the hash brown mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining shredded sharp cheddar for a cheesy crust.
- Bake at 350F for 50-55 minutes, until golden and bubbling at the edges; the center should look set and glossy.
Rest and serve
- Rest the casserole 10 minutes before serving so the hot layers thicken slightly for clean, scoopable portions.
Notes
For a sturdier slice, let the casserole rest the full 10 minutes; it thickens as steam dissipates. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat in the oven at 350F until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended because the potatoes can soften after thawing. For a lighter option, use reduced-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheddar while keeping the same bake time and thickness.
