Introduction

This Easy Ham & Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is the perfect comfort food for a busy weeknight or a hearty weekend brunch. Ready in just 45 minutes, it combines savory ham, melty cheese, and crispy hash browns in one delicious, crowd-pleasing dish. If you love this style of casserole, you might also enjoy our Easy Sour Cream and Onion Hash Brown Casserole or our Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe.

Ingredients

This comforting Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole combines savory ham, sharp cheddar, and creamy sour cream with crispy hash browns for a rich, satisfying texture and flavor.

• 30 oz package shredded hashbrowns, thawed and drained
• 1 cup diced thick-cut ham
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 8 oz sour cream
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions for garnish

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	50 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 5 minutes

Context: This streamlined Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is about 20% faster than similar recipes thanks to its minimal prep and hands-off baking time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This ensures your Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole releases easily after baking.

Step 2 — Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine one can (10.5 oz) of condensed cream of chicken soup, one cup of sour cream, and half a cup of melted butter. Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated. This rich, creamy mixture is the key to a moist casserole.

Step 3 — Combine Main Ingredients

To the creamy base, add one package (30 oz) of thawed shredded hash browns, two cups of diced cooked ham, one finely chopped small yellow onion, and two cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Season with half a teaspoon of garlic powder, a quarter teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of salt (taste first, as the ham and soup add salt).

Mix everything gently but thoroughly with a large spoon or spatula until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 4 — Transfer and Spread

Pour the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use the back of your spoon or a spatula to press it down into an even, compact layer. This helps the casserole bake uniformly.

Step 5 — Add the Topping

In a small bowl, mix one and a half cups of crushed cornflakes or crispy fried onions with three tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the entire surface of the casserole for a delicious, crunchy finish.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 50 to 60 minutes. The casserole is done when the edges are bubbling vigorously, the topping is golden brown, and the center is hot. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165°F.

Step 7 — Rest and Serve

Remove the Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows it to set, making it easier to slice into neat portions. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~420 kcal
Protein	~22g
Carbohydrates	~28g
Fat	~24g
Fiber	~2g
Sodium	~980mg

Note: These are estimated values for one serving of this Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole, based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual values can vary depending on specific brands and preparation.

Healthier Alternatives

This classic Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some simple swaps to tailor it to different dietary needs or boost its nutritional profile.

• Turkey or Chicken Sausage — For a leaner protein, swap the ham for diced, fully cooked turkey or chicken sausage. It maintains the savory flavor while reducing fat.
• Shredded Cauliflower — Replace half or all of the hash browns with riced or shredded cauliflower for a lower-carb, veggie-packed version. Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture.
• Nutritional Yeast & Dairy-Free Cheese — For a dairy-free Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole, use your favorite plant-based shredded cheese and add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a deeper, cheesy flavor.
• Sweet Potato Hash Browns — Use shredded sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a boost of vitamin A and a slightly sweeter, earthy note.
• Low-Sodium Broth & Ham — To reduce sodium, choose a low-sodium or no-salt-added condensed soup, use unsalted butter, and opt for a lower-sodium ham or Canadian bacon.
• Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream — Substitute full-fat plain Greek yogurt for sour cream to increase protein and reduce fat while keeping the creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Flour or Cornstarch — If making a from-scratch sauce, thicken it with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour to make the entire dish gluten-free.
• Add Spinach or Bell Peppers — Stir in a cup of chopped fresh spinach or diced bell peppers before baking to incorporate extra vegetables and nutrients without compromising the comforting essence.

Serving Suggestions

• For a classic brunch, pair this Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole with fluffy scrambled eggs and a fresh fruit salad.
• Turn it into a hearty dinner by serving it alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• Perfect for holiday mornings like Christmas or Easter, complement it with warm cinnamon rolls and crispy bacon.
• For a casual potluck or game day, serve squares of the casserole with dollops of cool sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped chives.
• Create a balanced plate by adding a bright, acidic component like quick-pickled vegetables or a tomato salsa.

This versatile Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is a crowd-pleaser. For easy serving, use a sharp spatula to cut clean squares directly from the baking dish. Garnish with extra fresh herbs just before bringing it to the table for a pop of color and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using soggy, frozen hash browns directly from the bag. Fix: Thaw and squeeze them dry in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture for a crispier texture.
• Mistake: Overloading the casserole with cheese, causing it to separate and become greasy. Fix: Use a moderate amount of a good melting cheese like sharp cheddar and grate it yourself for better consistency.
• Mistake: Skipping the seasoning of the egg mixture. Fix: Generously season the custard base with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder or dry mustard for depth.
• Mistake: Cutting the ham into pieces that are too large or uneven. Fix: Dice the ham into small, uniform cubes to ensure every bite has a balanced mix of flavors.
• Mistake: Not greasing the baking dish adequately, leading to a stuck-on mess. Fix: Use butter, cooking spray, or a light coating of oil on the bottom and sides of your dish for easy serving.
• Mistake: Baking at too high a temperature, causing the top to burn before the center sets. Fix: Bake at a steady 350°F (175°C) and use a toothpick to test for doneness in the center.
• Mistake: Using pre-shredded cheese containing anti-caking agents. Fix: Block cheese you shred yourself melts more smoothly and integrates better into the casserole.
• Mistake: Serving the Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole immediately after baking. Fix: Let it rest for 10-15 minutes; this allows the layers to set for cleaner slices.
• Mistake: Forgetting to add a crunchy topping for textural contrast. Fix: Sprinkle buttery breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or French fried onions on top before baking.
• Mistake: Substituting the cream soup base with a thin, watery alternative. Fix: Stick with condensed cream of chicken or mushroom soup for a reliably creamy, stable binder.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish well. This casserole freezes beautifully for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat individual servings in the microwave until steaming hot. For larger portions, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which ensures food safety.

Following these simple steps for refrigerating, freezing, and reheating ensures your delicious Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole stays safe and tasty for future meals.

Conclusion

This Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. For another easy, cheesy potato bake, try our Easy Sour Cream and Onion Hash Brown Casserole. We hope you love this recipe—please leave a comment and subscribe for more family-friendly meals!

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FAQs

Can I prepare this Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes and add a few extra minutes to the bake time. This make-ahead tip makes this Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole perfect for holiday mornings.

What can I use instead of frozen hash browns?

You can use refrigerated shredded potatoes or make your own from fresh russet potatoes. Shred and rinse them well to remove excess starch, then pat them very dry. This ensures your casserole has the right texture and isn’t watery.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the whole dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. The cheesy topping stays best when reheated gently.