Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Whenever I need a hearty, comforting meal that feeds a crowd or gives me leftovers for days, this Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is my go-to! 😋
It’s cheesy, creamy, and loaded with delicious bits of ham and crispy hash browns. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, this casserole hits the spot every time.
It’s super easy to throw together, especially if you’ve got leftover ham sitting in the fridge. I’ve served this at family holidays, weekend brunches, and even potlucks—people always go back for seconds! 💛
Ingredients
- 1 (30 oz) bag of frozen shredded hash browns (thawed) 🥔
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, but adds great flavor!)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs (optional topping)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the ham, shredded cheese, green onions, and thawed hash browns until everything is well combined.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
If using the topping, mix the crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving—it’s even better when it settles a bit! 🧡
Tips & Variations You Can Try
- Swap in turkey, bacon, or sausage if you don’t have ham.
- Add veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. 🌶️🥬
- Want it extra cheesy? Mix in mozzarella or pepper jack with the cheddar.
- For a crispier top, broil the casserole for the last 2–3 minutes.
Storage
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. This casserole also freezes well—just portion it out and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition Info (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the whole thing (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.
Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
A: Yes, but I recommend shredding them and squeezing out as much moisture as possible with a towel. Frozen hash browns save time and work great, though!
Q: What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
A: You can use cream of chicken, cream of celery, or make your white sauce with butter, flour, and milk.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Yes! Just leave out the ham and add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli. It’s still cheesy and delicious. 🥦
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: I usually microwave individual portions for about 1–2 minutes. For larger amounts, pop it in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
Final Thoughts
This Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is everything I love in a comfort dish—creamy, cheesy, and super satisfying.
Whether you’re serving it to guests or just making it for yourself, it’s one of those meals that always makes people smile 😊 Try it once and you’ll be hooked, just like I was!
