Ham Cheese Hash Brown Bake

There is nothing cozier on a chilly morning or after a long day than this Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole bubbling straight from the oven. It combines crispy hash browns, gooey cheese, and savory ham for a one-dish wonder perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying a craving for comfort food. This is the casserole I bake when I want my kitchen to smell incredible and my family to gather around the table in minutes.

I made this for a neighborhood brunch one spring and was stunned by how quickly everyone asked for seconds and the recipe. It is now my go-to for Sunday mornings or when I need an easy leftover ham solution.

Ingredients

• Frozen hash browns: Thawed ensure they are not icy for even baking and the best texture
• Cooked ham: Diced choose good-quality ham for savory flavor or use leftovers from a roast
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and melts perfectly for a gooey layer
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds stretch and a creamy note use whole milk mozzarella for richest melt
• Small onion: Finely chopped look for firm fresh onions for a slight sweetness that balances the richness
• Butter: Melted unsalted is best so you can control the salt level ensures every bite is rich
• Cream of chicken soup: Choose low sodium or organic for less processed taste also binds everything together
• Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess full-fat gives most flavor
• Garlic powder: A background note that wakes up every other flavor use fresh for boldest taste or high-quality powdered for convenience
• Onion powder: Doubles down on savoriness make sure it is not old for max punch
• Salt and pepper: To taste taste and adjust before baking for perfectly balanced seasoning
• Crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs: Optional for topping this gives a golden crunch choose thicker country-style breadcrumbs if you want extra texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Casserole Base:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius and grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray to keep the casserole from sticking and make cleanup a breeze

Mix the Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl combine the thawed hash browns diced ham both cheeses chopped onion melted butter cream of chicken soup sour cream garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper Stir with a big sturdy spoon making sure to break up any clumps of potato so that everything is evenly incorporated and coated in the creamy mixture

Assemble the Casserole:

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish Use a spatula to spread it out in an even layer pressing down slightly to compact it so you get a sturdy sliceable casserole when baked

Add Topping Optional:

If you choose to top your casserole now is the time Sprinkle a generous even layer of crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs over the top for crunch making sure to cover the whole surface

Bake:

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in your preheated oven for thirty minutes This allows the casserole to steam and meld flavors Remove the foil and continue baking for ten to fifteen minutes more or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown and crisp

Serve:

Let your casserole rest for about five minutes to firm up slightly before cutting This helps each slice hold together and keeps you from burning your tongue on molten cheese Serve piping hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like

This casserole brings back memories of waking up on winter holidays to the smell of baked cheese and ham It is the crispy topping and the way the onions melt into the creamy potatoes that always take me right back to those mornings around our old kitchen table

Storage Tips

Leftovers stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to five days Just cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container For longer storage this casserole freezes really well Wrap individual portions for a quick reheat breakfast or store the whole thing double wrapped for easy family meals later Simply reheat in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through for the best texture I find the crunchy topping stays crispier if you wait to add it fresh right before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have sour cream Greek yogurt works beautifully and adds a bit more protein Swap out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom if you want a vegetarian-friendly option You can also mix in leftover turkey instead of ham or toss in bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies If cheddar and mozzarella are not your favorite feel free to explore blends like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for more kick

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is perfect as is for a complete breakfast or brunch Serve it with a simple green salad or some sliced tomatoes to add brightness and balance All you need is a mug of coffee or a glass of orange juice and breakfast is ready For dinner it pairs well with roasted broccoli or a crisp apple slaw making it hearty and satisfying any time of day

This dish will quickly become a family favorite and a reliable go-to whenever you need effortless, comfort-filled cooking.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?

Ensure the hash browns are fully thawed and drained before mixing. Baking uncovered at the end helps achieve a crisp top.

→ Can I substitute another soup for cream of chicken?

Yes, cream of mushroom or celery soup works well and gives a different flavor to the base.

→ What cheeses pair well in this dish?

Cheddar provides bold flavor, while mozzarella adds creaminess. Other good options are Monterey Jack or Swiss.

→ Is it possible to make this ahead of time?

You can assemble it a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the best texture.

→ How can I add more vegetables?

Mix in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added color and nutrition without changing the bake time.