Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole With Ham Recipe

The Best Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole With Ham Recipe

Whipping up a delectable hashbrown breakfast casserole with ham will make your morning meal an instant crowd-pleaser.

Crispy potatoes mingle with savory chunks of smoky protein and melted cheese.

Layers of comfort create a hearty dish perfect for weekend gatherings.

Mornings often demand something satisfying and filling that doesn’t require complicated preparation.

Simple ingredients come together quickly in one baking dish.

Weekends deserve a breakfast that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen.

You’ll want to savor every single cheesy, crispy bite of this irresistible morning masterpiece.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen hashbrowns for this recipe?

Yes, frozen hashbrowns work perfectly. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

  • Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

  • What can I substitute for ham if I don't have it?

Cooked bacon, sausage, or even diced chicken work great as protein alternatives in this breakfast casserole.

  • How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is done when the eggs are set (not runny), the top is golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Hashbrown Casserole Deep Dive

  • Whip Up a Hearty Breakfast: This casserole delivers a satisfying morning meal packed with protein and cheesy goodness that'll energize your whole family.
  • Simplify Morning Cooking: Prepare everything in one dish, reducing kitchen cleanup and making breakfast a breeze for busy households.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ham for bacon, add different vegetables, or experiment with cheese varieties to match your taste preferences and keep things interesting.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for weekend gatherings, brunch parties, or feeding a hungry group with minimal effort and maximum flavor satisfaction.

What’s in the Ham Hashbrown Casserole

Main Ingredients:
  • Hashbrowns: Crispy potato shreds that form the hearty base of this breakfast casserole.
  • Ham: Savory diced meat that adds protein and rich flavor to the dish.
  • Shredded Cheese: Melty dairy component that provides creamy texture and sharp taste.
Egg Mixture Components:
  • Eggs: Binding ingredient that creates the custard-like structure of the casserole.
  • Milk: Liquid that helps create a smooth and creamy egg base.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Spices that enhance the overall flavor profile and add depth to the breakfast casserole.

Instructions for Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Turn your oven to 375°F (190°C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Create The Bottom Layer

Spread frozen hashbrowns in an even layer across the entire baking dish, creating a crispy potato foundation.

Step 3: Add Protein And Cheese

Sprinkle diced ham and shredded cheese generously over the hashbrowns, ensuring delicious coverage.

Step 4: Mix The Egg Blend

Whisk together in a large bowl:
  • Eggs
  • Whole milk
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder

Step 5: Pour And Distribute

Gently pour the egg mixture over the hashbrowns, ham, and cheese, ensuring even distribution.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Watch for a golden-brown top and fully set eggs.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

This helps the dish set and makes cutting easier.

Helpful Notes for Casserole Success

  • Spread frozen hashbrowns in an even, single layer to ensure consistent cooking and crispy edges.
  • Replace ham with bacon, sausage, or diced chicken for varied flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
  • Pat hashbrowns dry with paper towels before layering to prevent a soggy casserole and achieve a crispier texture.
  • Mix different cheese types like cheddar, monterey jack, and gruyere for a more complex and rich flavor combination.
  • Assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake directly from the cold state, adding 10-15 minutes to cooking time for perfect results.

Tasty Swaps for Breakfast Casserole

  • Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace ham with roasted bell peppers, spinach, and zucchini for a colorful plant-based version.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Crunch: Swap hashbrowns with riced cauliflower and add extra cheese for a keto-friendly alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Breakfast Bake: Use gluten-free hashbrowns and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-safe meal.
  • Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle chili powder for a zesty breakfast casserole.

Breakfast Pairings with Hashbrown Casserole

  • Brunch Showstopper: Serve this hearty casserole as the centerpiece of a weekend morning gathering, pairing it with fresh mimosas and a light fruit salad.
  • Morning Meal Companion: Add a side of crispy bacon or sausage links to complement the cheesy hashbrown layers and create a more substantial breakfast plate.
  • Quick Comfort Combo: Drizzle hot sauce or sprinkle chopped green onions on top for an extra burst of flavor that elevates the entire dish and adds a personal touch.
  • Leftover Magic: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick weekday breakfast, or wrap in a tortilla for a grab-and-go breakfast burrito.

Keep the Hashbrown Casserole Stored Right

  • Transfer cooled casserole to an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days for optimal freshness and food safety.
  • Wrap the casserole securely in aluminum foil or freeze in a sealed freezer-safe container. Store frozen for 2-3 months without losing quality or taste.
  • Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture.
  • Cut desired portion, place on microwave-safe plate, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Check internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.
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Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole With Ham Recipe

Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole With Ham Recipe


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4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Savory cheesy hashbrown breakfast casserole with ham brings comfort to morning meals. Hearty layers of potatoes, eggs, and protein create a satisfying breakfast dish you can enjoy with family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 large eggs
  • 1.5 cups cooked ham, diced
  • 4 cups frozen hashbrowns, thawed
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings:

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Liquid:

  • 1 cup milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Create an even foundation of frozen hashbrowns across the entire bottom of the baking dish.
  3. Distribute diced ham uniformly over the hashbrown layer, ensuring complete coverage.
  4. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the ham, creating a rich and flavorful base.
  5. Whisk eggs with milk in a separate bowl, incorporating salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until thoroughly combined.
  6. Carefully pour the seasoned egg mixture across the casserole, allowing it to settle evenly between the hashbrowns, ham, and cheese.
  7. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, monitoring until the eggs are completely set and the top develops a golden-brown crust.
  8. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, which helps the ingredients settle and makes serving easier.
  9. Slice into squares and serve warm, enjoying the harmonious blend of savory ham, melted cheese, and hearty hashbrowns.

Notes

  • Swap frozen hashbrowns with freshly grated potatoes for a crispier texture and more authentic homemade feel.
  • Choose low-fat cheese and lean ham to create a lighter, healthier version of this breakfast casserole.
  • Prep ingredients the night before and refrigerate overnight to save morning cooking time and enhance flavor melding.
  • Add diced bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and vibrant color without changing core recipe structure.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 367 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 740 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 210 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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