Name: Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups shredded hash browns (thawed if frozen); 1 ½ cups diced cooked ham; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup sour cream; ½ cup milk; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp melted butter (for greasing the dish)

Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole

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Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole

Home

Dinner

Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole

April 8, 2025

Author : Megan C

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Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole: A Hearty, Cheesy Comfort Food Masterpiece 🧀🥔🔥

1. Introduction

Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner? This Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole recipe is a crowd-pleaser that combines crispy shredded hash browns, savory ham, and gooey melted cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for a potluck, this casserole is guaranteed to satisfy. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with its irresistible aroma and comforting flavors.

What makes this recipe special is its versatility – it works equally well for lazy weekend breakfasts, holiday brunches, or quick weeknight dinners. The combination of protein-packed ham, creamy cheese, and crispy potatoes creates a balanced meal that’s both filling and delicious. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize with your favorite add-ins or spices.

Finished Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole with melted cheese, perfect for a hearty meal.

2. Ingredients

To make this delicious Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole, you’ll need the following simple ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store:

4 cups shredded hash browns (thawed if frozen) – Look for the refrigerated kind for best texture
1 ½ cups diced cooked ham – Leftover holiday ham works perfectly here
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor
½ cup sour cream – Adds creaminess and tang
½ cup milk – Whole milk works best for richness
2 large eggs – Helps bind everything together
1 tsp garlic powder – For depth of flavor
1 tsp onion powder – Adds savory notes
½ tsp salt – Adjust to taste
½ tsp black pepper – Freshly ground preferred
2 tbsp melted butter (for greasing the dish) – Prevents sticking

For those looking for more breakfast casserole inspiration, check out this classic cheesy ham and hash brown casserole recipe that’s been a favorite for years.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Hash Brown Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded hash browns, diced ham, and shredded cheddar cheese. Toss them together until evenly distributed. The key here is to make sure every bite will have a perfect balance of all three main ingredients. If you’re using frozen hash browns, be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture – this will prevent your casserole from becoming watery.

Shredded hash browns in a mixing bowl with cheese and ham for Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until completely smooth and well combined. The eggs should be fully incorporated into the mixture. Pour this mixture over the hash browns and gently fold everything together until all the dry ingredients are well coated. Be careful not to overmix – you want to maintain some texture in the hash browns.

Mixing shredded hash browns, ham, and cheese for Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole.

Step 3: Grease the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter, making sure to coat the bottom and sides thoroughly to prevent sticking. You can also use cooking spray if preferred, but butter adds a nice flavor to the edges of the casserole. For easier cleanup, you might want to line the dish with parchment paper after greasing.

Greasing a baking dish for Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the hash brown mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly, pressing down slightly to compact it. This helps the casserole hold together when serving. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set (a knife inserted in the center should come out clean). The edges should be bubbling slightly. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving – this resting time allows the casserole to set properly and makes it easier to slice.

Baking dish with Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole mixture being placed in the oven.

4. Tips for the Best Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole

Use fresh hash browns for the best texture, or thaw frozen ones completely before using. Excess moisture can make your casserole soggy.
Add extra cheese on top before baking for an extra cheesy, golden crust that everyone will love.
Customize with veggies like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition. Sauté them first to remove excess moisture.
Let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes after baking to ensure it sets properly and is easier to serve.
For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Season well – potatoes need generous seasoning, so don’t be shy with the salt and pepper.

5. Serving Suggestions

This Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. For breakfast or brunch, pair it with fresh fruit, homemade muffins, or a light yogurt parfait. If serving for dinner, it goes wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or some steamed broccoli. For a heartier meal, add some crispy bacon or sausage links on the side.

The casserole is substantial enough to stand on its own, but these accompaniments help balance the richness. It’s also fantastic with a dollop of sour cream or some fresh chives sprinkled on top for added freshness. If you’re serving a crowd, consider doubling the recipe – it disappears quickly!

6. Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after a day, making this a great make-ahead option. To reheat, place individual portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. For quicker reheating, use the microwave (about 1-2 minutes per serving), though the texture will be slightly softer.

For longer storage, you can freeze the baked casserole. After cooling completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the reheating time if starting from cold.

7. Variations

Vegetarian Option: Skip the ham and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers. You could also add vegetarian sausage crumbles.
Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for some heat.
Different Cheeses: Try using mozzarella for stretchiness, Swiss for a nutty flavor, or a blend of several cheeses for complexity.
Breakfast Version: Add cooked, crumbled breakfast sausage and serve with maple syrup on the side.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just be sure your hash browns don’t contain any added flour.
Lower Carb: Substitute cauliflower rice for half of the hash browns to reduce the carb count.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is one of those magical dishes that actually benefits from being made ahead. You have two options: 1) Assemble the casserole completely (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake as directed, adding about 10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold. 2) Bake completely, refrigerate, and reheat portions as needed. The flavors meld beautifully overnight.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes exceptionally well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil (or place in a freezer-safe container). Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating at 350°F until heated through (about 30 minutes for the whole casserole). You can also freeze individual portions for quick breakfasts.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of hash browns?
Yes, you can shred your own potatoes (russets work best). Be sure to rinse them well to remove excess starch and pat them very dry. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly as fresh potatoes can release more moisture.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through (about 15 minutes for a single serving). The microwave works in a pinch (1-2 minutes), but the texture won’t be as crisp. Adding a sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating can help revive the dish.

9. Conclusion

This Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is truly a must-try for anyone who loves comforting, hearty dishes that are both delicious and easy to prepare. With its perfect combination of crispy hash browns, savory ham, and melted cheese, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion breakfast, a holiday brunch, or just a cozy weeknight dinner, it delivers satisfaction in every bite.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a dish that looks impressive and tastes even better. It’s the kind of recipe that people will ask you for after just one taste. Plus, with all the possible variations, you can make it different every time to suit your mood or what you have on hand.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to this ultimate comfort food experience. Once you try this Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole, it’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Happy cooking!