Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole

Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole: A Comforting Family Favorite

There’s something magical about the aroma of a bubbling casserole wafting through the home. I can still remember my mom serving up her legendary Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole on chilly Sunday mornings—a dish that transformed our simple breakfast into a feast of warmth, laughter, and togetherness. The melting cheese, the crispy hash browns, and the savory chunks of ham created a symphony of flavors that invited everyone to the table. This recipe isn’t just about quick prep and easy meals; it’s about the moments we create around the dinner table, the stories shared, and the love poured into each bite.

Why Make This Recipe

This Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is a recipe that checks every box for a simple and satisfying dinner. Here’s why you will love it:

• Quick Prep: With only 15 minutes of hands-on time, you can have this casserole in the oven and be ready for fun family time.
• Cozy Flavors: The combination of ham and cheese speaks to that comforting, homestyle cooking we all crave.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, this dish never fails to impress friends and family.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can mix and match ingredients to suit your pantry or dietary needs, making it your own.
• Make Ahead: Prep this dish the night before for easy festive cooking when hosting brunch or dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delightful dish, gather the following ingredients:

• Hash Browns (30 oz): Frozen or freshly grated, these will form the base of your casserole. If you’re looking for a twist, shred your own potatoes.
• Diced Ham (2 cups): Use deli ham, leftover ham from a holiday roast, or even turkey ham for a lighter version.
• Shredded Cheese (2 cups): Cheddar works fabulously, but feel free to experiment with a blend of your favorites like mozzarella or Swiss.
• Sour Cream (1 cup): This adds creaminess. For a lighter version, swap it out for Greek yogurt.
• Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can): For depth of flavor and moisture. If you prefer homemade, a quick roux with broth and cream works well too.
• Onion Powder (1 tsp): Adds a hint of flavor without the need for fresh onions.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. These staples elevate the dish to perfection.

Prep and Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

A perfect blend of quick prep with rewarding flavors, this recipe is worth every minute for the comforting experience it delivers.

How to Make Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). The anticipation begins!
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the hash browns, diced ham, shredded cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined, letting the aroma of cheese and ham take over your kitchen.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. The cheesy goodness will be the star of your meal!
4. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top. You can almost hear the cheers of your family as they smell it baking.
5. Rest and Serve: Once it’s out of the oven, allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. This waiting period is crucial—it helps the casserole set perfectly for slicing.

Tips and Creative Variations

• Spice it Up: Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to give your casserole a kick.
• Add Veggies: Throw in some cooked spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli for a nutritional boost without sacrificing flavor.
• Make it Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and keep it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
• For a Creamier Texture: Mix in a bit of milk or cream for that extra rich flavor.

Serving Ideas

This Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is best served hot and can be enjoyed during breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Pair it with a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. A glass of fresh orange juice or a steaming cup of coffee will round out this comforting meal beautifully. Picture your family gathered around the table, smiles all around, as you serve slices of cheesy goodness, making memories that nourish the soul.

Storing and Reheating

To store leftovers, simply let the casserole cool completely and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For long-term storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to a month. When reheating, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through, to retain that delightful texture.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Don’t Rush the Resting Time: Allowing the casserole to set helps achieve the perfect consistency.
2. Experiment with Cheeses: Mixing different types of cheese can elevate the flavor profile. Consider sharp cheddar for a bolder taste.
3. Double It Up: This recipe is easy to double for larger gatherings—just bake it in a larger dish.
4. Use Leftover Holiday Ham: If you have leftover ham from a festive meal, this is the perfect dish to repurpose it.
5. Play with Texture: Sprinkle crushed cornflakes or seasoned breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crispy topping.

FAQs

• Can I freeze this recipe?
  Yes! Allow it to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to a month.

• What’s the best substitute for cream of chicken soup?
  You can use homemade cream soup made from broth and cream, or opt for a can of cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian option.

• Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
  Absolutely! Just make sure you grate and rinse them well to remove excess starch, then thoroughly dry before mixing.

Conclusion

This Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is a celebration of comforting flavors and cherished moments. It’s more than just food; it’s a dish that invites friends and family to gather, share stories, and enjoy the warmth of togetherness. I invite you to take this recipe into your kitchen, pour in your love, and share it around your table, creating new memories that can be enjoyed for generations to come. Happy cooking!

Contents

• 1 Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole
  • 1.1 Ingredients  
  • 1.2 Method 
  • 1.3 Notes

Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole

A comforting casserole featuring crispy hash browns, savory ham, and melted cheese, perfect for family gatherings and cozy meals.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Casserole Base

• 30 oz Hash Browns Frozen or freshly grated
• 2 cups Diced Ham Use deli or leftover ham
• 2 cups Shredded Cheese Cheddar, mozzarella or Swiss works well
• 1 cup Sour Cream Can substitute with Greek yogurt
• 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup For moisture and flavor, homemade is fine too

Seasonings

• 1 tsp Onion Powder For additional flavor
• Salt and Pepper To taste

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the hash browns, diced ham, shredded cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Baking

1. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
2. Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or various vegetables. You can prepare the casserole a night ahead and refrigerate before baking.