Description: This Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a hearty dinner. It combines the simplicity of hash browns with the savory goodness of ham and cheese, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to prepare and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag (30 oz) frozen hash browns, thawed
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring the oven is at the correct temperature from the start is crucial for even cooking and optimal texture. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter, cooking spray, or oil. This prevents the casserole from sticking and makes serving much easier. Take the time to ensure the greasing is thorough, paying attention to the corners and edges.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, diced ham, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and chopped onion. Ensure the hash browns are thoroughly thawed before adding them to the bowl. Thawing prevents the casserole from becoming watery and ensures even cooking. The onion should be finely chopped so that it integrates seamlessly into the mixture and cooks evenly.
Step 3: Add the melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl. The melted butter adds richness and helps bind the ingredients. The cream of chicken soup provides a creamy base, while the sour cream adds a subtle tang and enhances the overall texture. Garlic and onion powders contribute essential flavor elements. Remember to season generously with salt and pepper to bring out all the flavors.
Step 4: Stir until everything is evenly mixed. It’s vital to ensure that all ingredients are uniformly distributed throughout the mixture. This ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor and that the casserole cooks evenly. Take your time and use a large spoon or spatula to gently combine everything without overmixing.
Step 5: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to level the surface, ensuring consistent thickness across the casserole. This helps it bake evenly and prevents some areas from being overcooked while others remain undercooked.
Step 6: If desired, sprinkle crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs evenly on top of the casserole for a crispy finish. This step is optional but highly recommended for adding a delightful textural contrast to the creamy casserole. The cornflakes or breadcrumbs will become golden brown and provide a satisfying crunch with each bite. Lightly press the topping into the surface of the casserole to help it adhere during baking.
Step 7: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This step is important as it prevents the top of the casserole from browning too quickly while allowing the inside to cook through.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown. Removing the foil towards the end of the baking time allows the topping to brown and crisp up nicely. Keep a close eye on the casserole during this final stage to prevent it from burning.
Step 9: Once the casserole is golden brown and bubbly, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. It also allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several compelling reasons:
- Effortless Comfort: It’s a dish that embodies comfort food at its finest. The combination of creamy hash browns, savory ham, and melted cheese creates a warm and satisfying experience that evokes a sense of nostalgia and contentment.
- Versatile Appeal: This casserole is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed at any time of day. It’s perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch, a quick and easy weeknight dinner, or even a potluck gathering. Its adaptability makes it a go-to recipe for various occasions.
- Simple Ingredients: The recipe utilizes readily available ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry or refrigerator. This eliminates the need for extensive grocery shopping and makes it a convenient option for those busy days when you want a delicious meal without the hassle.
- Customizable: The beauty of this casserole lies in its flexibility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, swap out the ham for bacon or sausage, or use different types of cheese to create your own unique variation.
- Easy to Make Ahead: This casserole is perfect for meal prepping as you can assemble it ahead of time and bake it later. Simply prepare the casserole as directed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm as a main dish for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
- Pair with a side salad for a balanced and complete meal.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Offer with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra zest.
- Serve alongside scrambled eggs and toast for a classic breakfast combination.
Tips:
- Ensure the hash browns are thoroughly thawed to prevent a watery casserole.
- Finely chop the onion for even cooking and seamless integration.
- Use high-quality cheese for the best flavor and melting properties.
- Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to taste.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
- To prevent the topping from burning, cover the casserole with foil during the first 30 minutes of baking.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set properly.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per serving, may vary based on specific ingredients used) Calories: 350-400 kcal Protein: 20-25g Sodium: 600-800mg
Conclusion
The Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is a delightful and versatile dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its comforting flavors, simple preparation, and customizable nature make it a winner for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a quick weeknight dinner, or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this casserole delivers on all fronts. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a warm and satisfying meal that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
- Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen? Absolutely! Freshly grated potatoes work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before adding them to the bowl to prevent a watery casserole. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the moisture content of the fresh potatoes.
- What are some good substitutions for ham? The beauty of this casserole is its adaptability. You can easily substitute the ham with other cooked meats such as bacon, sausage, cooked chicken, or even leftover turkey. Vegetarian options like crumbled vegetarian sausage or sauteed mushrooms also work well.
- Can I add vegetables to this casserole? Yes, definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of the casserole. Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, broccoli florets, or even diced tomatoes can be added to the mixture. Just be sure to saute any raw vegetables before adding them to the bowl to ensure they are cooked through.
- Can this casserole be frozen for later? Yes, this casserole can be frozen for later use. Once baked and cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. You can also freeze it in individual portions for easy reheating. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- What can I do if I don’t have cream of chicken soup? If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, or even a homemade cream sauce. To make a homemade cream sauce, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour, and then gradually add 1 ½ cups of milk. Cook until thickened, then season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
