Few dishes are as universally loved as a good breakfast casserole. This Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with hearty potatoes and smoky diced ham—making it a family-favorite for breakfast, brunch, or even weeknight dinner.
Perfect for gatherings, meal prep, or using up leftover ham, this easy casserole delivers comfort food satisfaction with minimal effort.
🥄 Why You’ll Love This Casserole
-
Comfort food classic: Creamy, cheesy, and satisfyingly hearty.
-
Great for leftovers: Perfect way to use up ham.
-
Feeds a crowd: Ideal for potlucks, brunches, or big family meals.
-
Prep ahead: Assemble and bake when needed.
-
Flexible meal: Works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
📝 Ingredients (6 Servings)
-
1 (32 oz) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
-
2 cups cooked ham, diced
-
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
-
1 cup sour cream
-
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
-
½ cup milk
-
½ cup diced onions (optional)
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
-
Optional garnish: chopped parsley, green onions
⏱ Prep & Bake Time
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Bake Time: 45 minutes
-
Total Time: 55 minutes
-
Yield: 6 hearty servings
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Mix the Casserole
In a large bowl, combine thawed hash browns, diced ham, cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, milk, and onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well mixed.
Step 3: Assemble
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top and drizzle with melted butter.
Step 4: Bake
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with parsley or green onions for a fresh touch.
🌞 Why It’s a Summer Comfort Favorite
-
Easy oven bake: Minimal active prep.
-
Great for gatherings: Brunch buffets, potlucks, or casual dinners.
-
Perfect with fresh summer sides: Serve with a crisp salad or fresh fruit.
-
Feeds a crowd: Makes a big batch with minimal effort.
💡 Tips & Variations
-
Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.
-
Vegetarian swap: Use sautéed mushrooms and spinach instead of ham.
-
Extra crispy topping: Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or panko before baking.
-
Different meats: Substitute with cooked bacon or sausage.
-
Lighter version: Use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
-
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
-
Freezer: Freeze baked portions wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.
-
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual servings.
Ideal for make-ahead meal prep or quick grab-and-go breakfasts.
🥔 Why Hash Browns + Ham Is a Winning Combo
-
Hash browns give you that satisfying, hearty potato base.
-
Diced ham adds smoky, salty richness.
-
Cheese & sour cream bring creamy, melty comfort.
-
The result? A crave-worthy dish that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
It’s the kind of nostalgic comfort food that never goes out of style.