Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole With Ham Recipe

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the comforting aroma of a warm, cheesy breakfast casserole baking in the oven. This Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole With Ham is the perfect way to start your day, combining crispy hashbrowns, savory ham, and gooey melted cheese in every bite.

this Recipe

I first made this dish for a weekend brunch when I had leftover holiday ham, and it was an instant hit. It’s now a staple in my household, especially when I need an easy, make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want something special for the family, this casserole is a winner every time.

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

Get ready to fall in love with a breakfast dish that’s equal parts delicious and practical.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this casserole in the oven in under 10 minutes.

It’s also perfect for meal prep. Make it ahead of time, refrigerate overnight, and bake it fresh in the morning. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making this a great option for busy weekdays.

If you love cheesy, comforting flavors, this dish won’t disappoint. The combination of shredded hashbrowns, sharp cheddar cheese, and diced ham creates a rich, satisfying bite that’s hard to resist.

Lastly, it’s versatile. Swap out the ham for sausage, add veggies like bell peppers or spinach, or make it spicy with a dash of hot sauce—this recipe adapts to your taste preferences with ease.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole With Ham comes from its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what makes this dish shine.

Hashbrowns are the heart of this casserole. You can use frozen shredded hashbrowns for convenience—just be sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture from making the casserole soggy.

Ham adds a savory, slightly smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheese and eggs. Leftover holiday ham works perfectly, but you can also use pre-diced ham from the store for an easy shortcut.

Eggs act as the binding agent, giving the casserole structure and a fluffy, rich texture. Whisking them with a bit of milk ensures a creamy, well-balanced consistency.

Cheese is what makes this dish irresistibly gooey and delicious. I recommend sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but you can also mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different cheesy twist.

Seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder enhance the overall taste. A pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper can add a slight kick if you like a bit of spice.

How To Make This Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole With Ham

Making this casserole couldn’t be easier, and it comes together in just a few simple steps.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

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

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and seasonings. This mixture ensures the casserole stays moist and binds all the ingredients together beautifully.

Pour the egg mixture over the hashbrown mixture and gently stir to coat everything evenly. Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.

Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to firm up slightly, making it easier to cut into neat portions.

Storage Options

This casserole is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.

To freeze, wrap the entire baked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or portion it into smaller freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is endlessly customizable, so feel free to get creative with different ingredients.

For a meat swap, try cooked breakfast sausage or crispy bacon in place of the ham for a different flavor profile.

Want to add some vegetables? Toss in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or green onions to give the dish extra color and nutrients.

If you like spicy food, mix in a diced jalapeño or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the egg mixture for some heat.

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese, turkey ham, and skim milk instead of full-fat ingredients.

However you decide to customize it, this Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole With Ham is bound to be a hit at your breakfast table!

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