This Cheesy Ham Hashbrown Casserole is a warm and yummy dish that’s perfect for breakfast or dinner. It’s packed with tasty ham, crispy hashbrowns, and melted cheese that everyone loves!
Honestly, what’s better than cheesy goodness? I could eat this every day and never get tired of it! Plus, it’s super easy to make, so I enjoy this without much fuss in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hashbrowns: Frozen shredded hashbrowns are perfect for this recipe. If you don’t have them, you can use fresh potatoes. Just grate them and soak them in water to remove extra starch before using.
Cooked Ham: Diced ham gives the casserole great flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey ham works well. You can also substitute with cooked chicken for a different twist!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese adds a wonderful taste. If you’re looking for something milder, try medium cheddar or even mozzarella. Mixing different cheeses can enhance the flavor too!
Sour Cream: This ingredient adds creaminess. You can swap it with Greek yogurt for a healthier option, or use cream cheese for an extra rich and creamy texture.
How Do I Get the Best Texture in My Casserole?
Getting the right texture means ensuring the hashbrowns are nice and crispy on top while remaining soft within. Here’s how you can achieve this:
- Make sure to thaw the hashbrowns completely and press out any excess moisture; this helps them crisp up better.
- Spread the mixture evenly in your casserole dish, ensuring it’s not too thick.
- Don’t cover the casserole while baking; this allows the top to become golden and crispy.
- For extra crunch, consider broiling it for the last few minutes—but watch closely to avoid burning!
Following these tips will help you create a delicious, comforting casserole that everyone will love!
Cheesy Ham Hashbrown Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 (30 oz) package frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Time Needed:
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and 45-55 minutes to bake. So, you’ll be looking at around 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy meal that doesn’t take too long!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, take a moment to grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing the Hashbrowns & Ham:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hashbrowns, diced ham, and shredded cheddar cheese. Give it a good stir to mix everything up nicely!
3. Preparing the Creamy Mixture:
Now, take another bowl and mix together the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, diced onion, melted butter, beaten eggs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure it’s well blended for that creamy flavor throughout the dish.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the creamy mixture over the hashbrown mix and gently stir to coat all the ingredients evenly. You want all that goodness to be well distributed!
5. Transfer to the Casserole Dish:
Transfer the delicious mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to make sure it bakes nicely.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place it in the oven and bake uncovered for about 45-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and bubbly. It’s hard to resist already!
7. Let it Rest:
After removing it from the oven, let your casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes. This helps everything settle in nicely, making it easier to serve.
8. Optional Garnish:
If you like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving.
Now, dig in and enjoy your cheesy, comforting ham hashbrown casserole! It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hashbrowns?
Yes! You can use fresh potatoes. Just peel and grate them, then soak them in water for about 15 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat dry before adding to the casserole.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it right before serving; you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Can I Use Different Cheeses?
Definitely! While sharp cheddar cheese is great, you can mix it up with medium cheddar or even mozzarella for a milder flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses!
