Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole With Ham Recipe

Here's a delicious, hearty breakfast that will have everyone running to the table. This Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole with Ham is the perfect blend of crispy hashbrowns, melty cheese, and savory ham, baked together into a golden, comforting dish. Whether you're making it for a holiday brunch or a quick weekday meal prep, this recipe delivers every time.

I first made this casserole on a lazy Sunday morning when I had extra ham from dinner the night before. What started as a way to use up leftovers quickly became a family favorite, and now, it's a go-to breakfast for special occasions and meal prepping alike. It's rich, cheesy, and incredibly easy to put together, making mornings so much better.

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

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite breakfast casserole. It's the ultimate combination of crispy, creamy, and cheesy goodness, all in one dish.

First, it's incredibly easy to make. No complicated steps, no fussy ingredients—just mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and let it bake to perfection. Perfect for busy mornings when you need a hands-off breakfast.

It's also great for feeding a crowd. Whether you're hosting brunch or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole makes enough to serve a group without any extra effort.

You'll love how versatile it is. Swap out the ham for sausage or bacon, add some veggies, or mix up the cheese—this recipe is super adaptable to whatever you have on hand.

Plus, it’s a great make-ahead meal. Prep it the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it fresh in the morning. That means less stress and more time enjoying a hot, homemade breakfast.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole with Ham is in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one brings something special to the dish, making it extra delicious.

The base of this casserole is frozen hashbrowns. They create the perfect crispy yet tender texture that holds everything together. You don’t even need to thaw them—just mix them right in for convenience.

Next, we have ham, which adds a delicious savory flavor. Leftover holiday ham works beautifully here, but you can also use deli ham, diced ham steaks, or even turkey ham if you prefer a lighter option.

For the cheesy goodness, sharp cheddar cheese is the star. Its bold flavor complements the mild potatoes and eggs perfectly. You can mix in some Monterey Jack or Swiss for extra depth, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for a touch of saltiness.

The eggs and milk mixture is what binds everything together. The eggs give the casserole structure, while whole milk keeps it rich and creamy. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even almond milk.

A little bit of seasoning—salt, pepper, and garlic powder—enhances all the flavors. You can also add paprika for a subtle smokiness or a pinch of cayenne for a slight kick.

A large baking dish and a mixing bowl are all you need to bring this dish together. If you want to make cleanup even easier, use a disposable aluminum pan for big gatherings.

How To Make This Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole with Ham

Making this Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole with Ham is as easy as mixing, layering, and baking. Let’s walk through the simple steps to get this delicious breakfast on the table.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and helps achieve that golden, crispy crust on the edges.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hashbrowns, diced ham, and shredded cheese. Stir everything together so that the cheese and ham are evenly distributed throughout the potatoes. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Whisking thoroughly ensures the eggs are well blended, creating a smooth and even custard that bakes up light and fluffy.

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hashbrown mixture in the baking dish. Use a spatula to press everything down gently, making sure the liquid seeps into all the nooks and crannies. This helps the casserole bake evenly and prevents dry spots.

Bake the casserole uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing—this helps the layers set up and makes serving easier.

Storage Options

This casserole is fantastic for meal prep because it stores beautifully. If you have leftovers, simply let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days.

For longer storage, slice the casserole into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or warm it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. If reheating from frozen, cover it with foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole with Ham is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ways to switch things up and make it your own.

If you're not a fan of ham, try using breakfast sausage or crispy bacon instead. Cook the sausage or bacon beforehand, then mix it into the hashbrowns for a different, yet equally delicious, flavor.

For a vegetarian version, leave out the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. A handful of caramelized onions also adds a wonderful depth of flavor.

Want to add some heat? Toss in diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Pepper Jack cheese is another great way to give it a spicy kick.

Switch up the cheese by using Swiss, mozzarella, Gouda, or even feta. A blend of different cheeses can take this casserole to the next level.

To make it even more filling, layer in a few slices of bread or croissants at the bottom before adding the hashbrowns. This creates a soft, almost bread pudding-like texture that’s incredibly satisfying.

No matter how you customize it, this casserole is a guaranteed winner. It’s easy, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead—whip up a batch and make your mornings extra delicious!

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