Discover the ultimate pimento cheese potato bake that combines creamy Southern pimento cheese with tender potatoes for a comforting side dish that will become your new family favorite.
Explore this delicious Pimento Cheese Potato Bake that brings Southern comfort to your table. As someone who loves discovering regional American specialties, I’ve fallen in love with this dish that perfectly blends creamy cheese sauce with hearty potatoes for an unforgettable meal.
What You’ll Find Here
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pimento Cheese Potato Bake
Authentic Southern Flavors
First, this Pimento Cheese Potato Bake captures the essence of Southern comfort food. Moreover, the combination of sharp cheddar and sweet pimentos creates that distinctive Southern taste everyone loves.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal
Additionally, this Pimento Cheese Potato Bake satisfies even the pickiest eaters. Therefore, it’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings where you need a guaranteed hit.
Simple Preparation Method
Furthermore, this Pimento Cheese Potato Bake uses straightforward techniques. Consequently, you don’t need advanced cooking skills to create restaurant-quality results.
Budget-Friendly Ingredients
Similarly, this Pimento Cheese Potato Bake uses affordable pantry staples. Thus, you can serve an impressive dish without straining your grocery budget.
Ingredients
Essential Base Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Russet potatoes | 3 pounds (about 4 medium) |
| Sharp cheddar cheese | 2 cups, shredded |
| Pimentos | 1 jar (4 ounces), drained |
| Cream cheese | 8 ounces, softened |
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup |
| Sour cream | ½ cup |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
Topping Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Panko breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons, melted |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Extra cheddar cheese | ½ cup, shredded |
How to Make
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Peel and slice potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds.
- Boil potato slices for 5 minutes until slightly tender, then drain well.
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth.
- Add shredded cheddar, pimentos, and seasonings to the cheese mixture.
- Layer half the potatoes in the baking dish and spread with half the cheese mixture.
- Repeat layers with remaining potatoes and cheese mixture.
- Mix topping ingredients and sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Timeline
| Step | Action | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat oven and prepare potatoes | 15 minutes |
| 2 | Make pimento cheese mixture | 10 minutes |
| 3 | Layer ingredients | 10 minutes |
| 4 | Add topping and bake | 45-50 minutes |
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Calories per serving: 385
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use Yukon Gold potatoes instead of Russets in this Pimento Cheese Potato Bake. Additionally, Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a tangier flavor. Furthermore, different cheeses like pepper jack add a spicy kick.
How to Make It Spicier
Add jalapeños or cayenne pepper to this Pimento Cheese Potato Bake for extra heat. Moreover, use sharp white cheddar for a different flavor profile. Therefore, you can customize the spice level to your preference.
Serving Ideas
Pair this bake with grilled meats or barbecue for a complete Southern meal. Additionally, it complements other comfort dishes like broccoli and cheese casserole. Furthermore, it works alongside sweet potato casserole recipes for holiday spreads.
Storage and Reheating
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Pimento Cheese Potato Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Additionally, you can freeze portions for up to 2 months. Therefore, you can enjoy this dish beyond the initial meal.
Reheating Tips
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until warmed through. Moreover, cover with foil for the first 15 minutes to prevent drying out. Consequently, your Pimento Cheese Potato Bake will taste freshly made.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t skip parboiling the potatoes, as they won’t cook through properly in the oven. Additionally, avoid overmixing the cheese mixture which can make it grainy. Therefore, following these tips ensures perfect Pimento Cheese Potato Bake every time.
Pimento Cheese Potato Bake FAQs
How do you make a pimento cheese potato bake?
To make pimento cheese potato bake, first parboil sliced potatoes until slightly tender. Additionally, prepare a creamy mixture of cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and pimentos. Therefore, layering the potatoes with the cheese mixture and topping with breadcrumbs before baking creates the perfect Pimento Cheese Potato Bake.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes work best for pimento cheese potato bake due to their starchy texture that holds up well during baking. Additionally, they absorb the cheese sauce beautifully while maintaining their structure. Therefore, Russets create the ideal texture in this Pimento Cheese Potato Bake recipe.
Can you make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can make pimento cheese potato bake ahead of time by assembling the entire dish and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours before baking. Additionally, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Therefore, this Pimento Cheese Potato Bake is perfect for advance meal preparation.
What goes well with pimento cheese potato bake?
Pimento cheese potato bake pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, or roasted ham. Additionally, it complements other vegetable sides like cheesy green bean casserole or green bean casserole Campbell’s. Therefore, it’s a versatile side for various main courses.
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Conclusion
This Pimento Cheese Potato Bake brings Southern comfort and satisfaction to any meal. With its creamy cheese sauce and tender potatoes, it’s sure to become a requested favorite at your family table. For more comforting side dishes, try the world’s best green bean casserole or explore other vegetable casseroles. Enjoy creating delicious memories with this classic Pimento Cheese Potato Bake!
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Pimento Cheese Potato Bake | Southern Comfort Classic
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy pimento cheese potato bake with tender sliced potatoes in a rich Southern-style cheese sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs. The ultimate comfort food side dish that’s perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
3 pounds Russet potatoes (about 4 medium)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 jar pimentos (4 ounces), drained
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon paprika
½ cup extra cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Peel and slice potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds.
3. Boil potato slices for 5 minutes until slightly tender, then drain well.
4. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth.
5. Add shredded cheddar, pimentos, and seasonings to the cheese mixture.
6. Layer half the potatoes in the baking dish and spread with half the cheese mixture.
7. Repeat layers with remaining potatoes and cheese mixture.
8. Mix topping ingredients and sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
9. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until golden and bubbly.
10. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
You can make this casserole a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.
If using frozen potatoes, thaw completely and pat dry before using.
For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduce the mayonnaise.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
