Cheesy Ham Hash Casserole

This cheesy ham and hash brown casserole has been my go-to dish whenever I need to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy potatoes, savory ham, and two types of cheese create a comfort food masterpiece that disappears quickly at family gatherings.

I first made this casserole when hosting an impromptu brunch after my sister and her family showed up unexpectedly. Everyone raved about it so much that it's now requested at nearly every family gathering.

Ingredients

• Frozen hash brown potatoes: the cornerstone of this dish that saves you precious time by eliminating peeling and shredding
• Condensed cream of potato soup: creates a rich base that ties all flavors together
• Sour cream: adds tanginess and creaminess that balances the savory elements
• Sharp Cheddar cheese: choose a good quality aged cheddar for the best flavor punch
• Cooked diced ham: adds protein and savory depth consider using leftover holiday ham for extra flavor
• Parmesan cheese: forms a deliciously crispy golden topping that everyone fights over
• Cooking spray: ensures easy serving and cleanup

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Turn your oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This temperature creates the perfect environment for melting cheese while developing a golden crust.

Mix Main Ingredients:

Combine the frozen hash browns no need to thaw them first with condensed soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar, and diced ham in a large bowl. Stir until everything is well incorporated, making sure there are no pockets of single ingredients.

Transfer and Top:

Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, using the back of a spoon to smooth the surface. Generously sprinkle Parmesan cheese across the entire top this creates that irresistible golden crust.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for approximately one hour or until the top is lightly browned and the edges are bubbling. The long bake time allows flavors to meld beautifully while creating textural contrast.

The Parmesan topping is honestly my favorite part of this entire dish. I discovered by accident that letting it bake until just slightly darker than golden brown creates these incredible crispy bits that contrast beautifully with the creamy interior. My nephew now specifically requests the corner pieces for this very reason.

Make-Ahead Magic

This casserole shines as a make-ahead dish. Prepare everything up to 24 hours in advance, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time. This has saved me countless times when hosting holiday breakfasts.

Simple Substitutions

Feel free to customize this versatile casserole to your taste or what you have available. Turkey works beautifully instead of ham. You can swap cream of chicken or mushroom soup for the potato soup. For a spicy kick, add a small can of diced green chiles or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. I often add sautéed onions and bell peppers when serving this for dinner instead of breakfast.

Serving Suggestions

While perfect on its own, this casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad for breakfast or a simple green salad for dinner. For brunch, serve alongside some crispy bacon and mimosas. If serving for dinner, a light vegetable side like roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli balances the richness perfectly. I love setting out hot sauce, additional sour cream, and chopped green onions as optional toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, you can use grated fresh potatoes. Be sure to pat them dry to remove excess moisture before mixing.

→ What other cheeses can I substitute for Cheddar?

Try using Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or Swiss for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can mix in diced bell peppers, onions, or even steamed broccoli for added flavor and nutrients.

→ Can I replace the sour cream with a lighter option?

Low-fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute without compromising the creamy texture.