Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole – A Comforting and Delicious Dish!

When you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and filling, Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is the perfect dish! 🧀🥔 Packed with savory ham, crispy hash browns, and gooey melted cheese, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dinner, this casserole will surely satisfy your taste buds. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be prepped in advance, making it a fantastic choice for busy days.

Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that combines simple ingredients to create a dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for any family gathering or special occasion! 😋🔥

Why You’ll Love This Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole

✅ Perfect for Any Meal – Ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

✅ Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love this cheesy dish!

✅ Quick and Easy – Requires minimal ingredients and prep time.

✅ Comfort Food at Its Best – Warm, cheesy, and satisfying.

✅ Customizable – Add your favorite ingredients or make it keto-friendly!

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Key Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering casserole:

For the Casserole:

🥔 Frozen Hash Browns – 30 oz bag (about 4 cups)
🧀 Shredded Cheddar Cheese – 2 cups (you can also mix it up with mozzarella or a blend)
🍖 Diced Ham – 1 ½ cups (leftover ham works perfectly!)
🥛 Heavy Cream – 1 ½ cups (for a rich and creamy texture)
🥚 Eggs – 2 large (helps bind the casserole together)
🧂 Salt – ½ teaspoon (adjust to taste)
🧄 Garlic Powder – ½ teaspoon (adds flavor depth)
🌶️ Black Pepper – ¼ teaspoon (for a little kick)

Optional Toppings:

🥓 Cooked Bacon Bits – For extra flavor and crunch
🌱 Chopped Green Onions – For garnish and freshness
🧀 Extra Cheese – For a cheesier topping!

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Substitutions and Variations

✔️ Use Frozen Hash Browns or Fresh – You can use frozen or fresh hash browns depending on your preference. Fresh hash browns may need to be lightly cooked beforehand.

✔️ Cheese Variety – If cheddar isn’t your thing, try mozzarella, Gouda, or even a cheese blend!

✔️ Add Veggies – Mix in some bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

✔️ Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly Option – Skip the potatoes and use cauliflower rice or shredded zucchini for a lower-carb alternative.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to create your Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole:

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Step 1: Prepare Your Casserole Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature to ensure your casserole cooks through without burning on top. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

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Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, shredded cheese, and diced ham. Gently stir everything together until it’s evenly distributed. Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Pour this egg mixture over the hash brown and ham mixture and stir to combine. 🥄

💡 Pro Tip: Make sure to mix well, so the creamy egg mixture coats all the ingredients, ensuring each bite is flavorful!

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Step 3: Pour Into Casserole Dish

Transfer the mixture into your greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula to make sure everything is level. This will help the casserole cook evenly throughout.

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Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown, bubbly, and crispy. If the top is getting too dark before the casserole is fully cooked, cover it with foil and continue baking until it’s done.

💡 Pro Tip: If you like a crispy top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes to get that golden brown, crispy finish. But watch it carefully to prevent burning!

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Step 5: Add Optional Toppings

Once your casserole is out of the oven, top it with your choice of bacon bits, extra shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions. These toppings will add extra flavor and texture to your dish, making it even more irresistible!

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Step 6: Let it Rest

Before serving, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes to allow it to set and cool slightly. This makes it easier to slice and serve.

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Serving Suggestions

This casserole is delicious on its own, but here are a few fun ways to serve it:

🥚 With Eggs – Serve it alongside scrambled eggs or fried eggs for a complete breakfast.
🥗 With a Salad – A light green salad with a tangy dressing will balance out the richness of the casserole.
🍞 With Toast – Pair it with some buttered toast or biscuits for an extra comforting meal.
🍴 On a Buffet – This casserole is perfect for serving at brunches, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This casserole keeps well and reheats beautifully!

💡 Freezing Leftovers: You can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Just slice it into portions, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze.

Reheating Leftovers

To reheat, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until it’s heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for about 1-2 minutes.

💡 Tip: If reheating from frozen, allow the casserole to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to ensure even cooking.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! This casserole is perfect for prepping ahead. Simply prepare everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven for about 45-50 minutes.

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2️⃣ Can I make this dish with a different meat?

Absolutely! You can swap the ham for cooked sausage, bacon, or even ground beef. The possibilities are endless, and it’s a great way to customize the dish to your family’s preferences.

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3️⃣ What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar cheese is the most popular choice because it melts well and has a strong flavor. However, you can use other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gouda for different textures and tastes.

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4️⃣ Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, this casserole is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t contain any bread crumbs or flour. Just be sure to check the ingredients of your frozen hash browns to ensure they don’t contain any gluten additives.

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Conclusion – A Must-Try Comfort Food!

This Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is an ultimate comfort food that is as satisfying as it is easy to make! Whether it’s a busy weekday or a weekend brunch with family and friends, this dish will be the star of your meal. It’s cheesy, flavorful, and filling, making it perfect for any time of day.

With its rich combination of ham, cheese, and crispy hash browns, this casserole is bound to become a family favorite. Give it a try today and enjoy this delicious, comforting dish! 😍🔥