Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole With Ham Recipe

There's nothing quite like waking up to the comforting aroma of a Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole with Ham baking in the oven. The crispy edges of golden hashbrowns, the creamy, cheesy interior, and the savory bite of ham make this the perfect breakfast or brunch dish.

this Recipe

I first made this casserole on a chilly Sunday morning when I wanted something hearty and satisfying. It quickly became a family favorite, especially during the holidays when we need a delicious, make-ahead meal to feed a crowd. Whether you're serving it for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, this casserole is sure to please everyone.

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

Get ready to add this easy and delicious casserole to your breakfast rotation! Here’s why it’s a must-try:

First, it’s incredibly simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have this dish ready for the oven in minutes.

It’s also perfect for meal prep. You can assemble everything the night before, refrigerate it, and pop it in the oven the next morning for a stress-free breakfast.

Not to mention, it’s a great way to use up leftover ham. Whether you have extra from a holiday meal or just some deli ham that needs to be used, this recipe is a great way to put it to good use.

Lastly, it’s crowd-pleasing and versatile. You can customize it with different cheeses, veggies, or proteins to suit your taste.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating a creamy, cheesy, and savory dish.

Frozen hashbrowns are the base of this casserole. They create a crispy texture on the outside while staying tender inside. You can use shredded or diced hashbrowns, depending on your preference.

Ham adds a delicious smoky, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese. You can use leftover holiday ham, pre-cooked diced ham, or even ham from the deli counter.

Eggs and milk create the custard that holds everything together. The eggs give the casserole structure, while the milk keeps it soft and creamy. Whole milk is best for richness, but you can use 2% if needed.

Cheese is the star of this dish! I recommend a combination of sharp cheddar for bold flavor and mozzarella for melty goodness. You can also use Swiss, Monterey Jack, or any cheese you love.

Seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper enhance the overall flavor. Feel free to add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for a little heat.

How To Make This Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

Making this casserole is incredibly easy. Follow these steps to create the perfect breakfast dish.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and makes for easy cleanup.

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.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give the casserole its rich, creamy texture while adding flavor.

Pour the egg mixture over the hashbrown mixture and stir until everything is well coated. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top and set in the middle. If you insert a knife into the center and it comes out clean, it’s ready to go!

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to firm up, making it easier to cut into neat squares.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, they store beautifully for easy breakfasts throughout the week.

Simply cover the casserole with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven or microwave.

Variations and Substitutions

This casserole is incredibly versatile, and you can easily tweak it to fit your preferences.

Want to make it vegetarian? Swap the ham for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach.

If you like a little heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture for a spicy kick.

For a different protein, try cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage or crispy bacon instead of ham.

You can also switch up the cheese—use Pepper Jack for spice, Gouda for smokiness, or Swiss for a nutty flavor.

However you customize it, this Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole with Ham is sure to be a hit. Make it your own, and enjoy a comforting, hearty breakfast anytime!

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