Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole With Ham Recipe

There's nothing better than waking up to the comforting aroma of a Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole With Ham baking in the oven. This hearty, flavor-packed dish is everything you want in a breakfast—cheesy, creamy, and loaded with savory ham, all wrapped up in a golden, crispy hashbrown crust.

I first made this casserole one lazy Sunday morning when I had leftover ham from the night before. With a bag of frozen hashbrowns and a handful of cheese in my fridge, I decided to throw everything together. To my surprise, it became an instant family favorite—requested for every holiday brunch and weekend breakfast since!

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole With Ham

Get ready to add this recipe to your morning routine! Whether you're making it for a family breakfast, a weekend brunch, or meal prepping for busy mornings, this casserole has something for everyone.

First off, it's incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can have everything mixed together and in the oven in no time. No complicated steps—just mix, bake, and enjoy.

It's also a great way to use up leftovers. Have leftover ham from dinner? Perfect! This casserole turns it into a delicious, hearty breakfast with minimal effort.

Another reason to love this dish? It feeds a crowd! Whether you're hosting a holiday breakfast or need a filling meal for the whole family, this casserole serves up generous portions that satisfy everyone.

Plus, it's super customizable. You can easily swap the ham for sausage, bacon, or even veggies to suit your taste. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients Notes

This recipe shines because of its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making this casserole so rich, cheesy, and satisfying.

The hashbrowns provide the perfect crispy, golden base. I prefer frozen shredded hashbrowns, as they save time and cook up beautifully. If you have fresh potatoes, you can shred and squeeze out the excess moisture before using them.

For the ham, I recommend using thick-cut diced ham for the best texture. Leftover ham works great, but you can also use store-bought cubed ham. If you want a smokier flavor, try smoked ham or even crumbled cooked bacon.

The cheese is where the magic happens! I use a mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack for the best flavor and meltability. If you love extra-cheesy casseroles, feel free to add more cheese on top before baking.

A combination of eggs and milk creates the rich, custardy filling that holds everything together. Whole milk works best, but you can use half-and-half for an even creamier texture.

Finally, a sprinkle of seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper enhances the flavors, making every bite incredibly delicious.

How To Make This Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole With Ham

Making this casserole is as easy as mixing a few ingredients and letting the oven do the work. Let’s walk through the steps!

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a large 9x13-inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and makes for easy cleanup later.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the hashbrowns, diced ham, and shredded cheese. Stir everything together so the ham and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the hashbrowns.

Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and seasonings. This mixture is what binds everything together and gives the casserole its delicious, creamy texture.

Pour the egg mixture over the hashbrown mixture and gently stir to combine. Make sure everything is evenly coated so the flavors meld together perfectly as they bake.

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. If you like extra cheese (who doesn’t?), sprinkle a little more on top before baking.

Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing—it’ll make cutting and serving much easier!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), this casserole stores beautifully.

To refrigerate, let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

For freezing, slice the casserole into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, just pop a portion in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this casserole is how versatile it is. You can tweak it to fit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Want to switch up the protein? Swap the ham for cooked crumbled sausage or crispy bacon for a different flavor twist.

Prefer a vegetarian version? Leave out the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or even zucchini for a veggie-packed option.

For a spicier kick, try adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture. A little hot sauce on top doesn’t hurt either!

If you're avoiding dairy, use dairy-free cheese and milk alternatives like almond milk or oat milk. The texture may be slightly different, but it’ll still be delicious.

However you make it, this Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole With Ham is guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy a warm, satisfying breakfast that’s as easy as it is delicious!

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