Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole: A Cozy, Cheesy Comfort Classic

There’s something deeply comforting about a warm, bubbling casserole pulled straight from the oven—and this Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole delivers that nostalgic, soul-hugging feeling in every creamy, cheesy bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd for brunch or just want an easy dinner with plenty of leftovers, this dish has got you covered.

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

This dish is everything a good casserole should be: creamy, cheesy, hearty, and loaded with flavor. It’s made with simple pantry staples, and the prep is a breeze. You get smoky, savory ham, gooey melted cheese, and perfectly seasoned hash browns baked into one golden-topped masterpiece. It’s make-ahead friendly, freezer-friendly, and kid-approved. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!

What Does It Taste Like?

Think layers of comfort: crispy-edged hash browns meet tender, diced ham, all wrapped up in a creamy, cheesy blanket. The cheese brings that melty, savory bite, and the garlic and onion round everything out with a gentle kick of flavor. It’s rich without being heavy, indulgent without being fussy.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Great for leftovers – The ham makes it a perfect next-day Easter or holiday ham solution
• One-bowl prep – Minimal cleanup
• Feeds a crowd – Excellent for potlucks, brunches, or weeknight dinners
• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly – Prep now, enjoy later

Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comfort-packed casserole:

• 1 (32 oz) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (reserve ½ cup for topping)
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional, or just use more cheddar)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken or mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup melted butter
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion (optional, but adds great flavor)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Tip: If you’re not using pre-shredded hash browns, shred 3–4 medium russet potatoes and soak them in cold water to remove excess starch before using.

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Spatula or large spoon
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Cheese grater (if shredding fresh cheese)

Nothing fancy—just simple kitchen staples.

Ingredient Swaps and Additions

This recipe is a blank canvas for all kinds of tasty tweaks:

• Cheese: Try Swiss, pepper jack, or Gruyère for added flavor depth
• Veggies: Mix in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms
• Protein swap: Use cooked bacon or breakfast sausage instead of ham
• Soup substitute: Make your own cream sauce with butter, flour, and broth if you prefer homemade over canned

this Recipe

How to Make Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. ¹Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, diced ham, ½ cup cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese (if using), cream of soup, sour cream, milk, melted butter, onion (if using), garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.

3. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

4. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

5. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

6. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like a pop of green.

The smell when this is in the oven is incredible.

What to Serve with This Casserole

• For brunch: Add a fruit salad, orange juice, and buttery croissants
• For dinner: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli
• For a buffet: Add scrambled eggs, toast, and coffee for a complete spread

Anything but boring.

Tips for the Best Results

• Thaw those hash browns fully before mixing—this ensures even baking and prevents sogginess
• Use freshly grated cheese if possible; it melts more smoothly than the pre-shredded kind
• Let it rest after baking. This helps the casserole set and makes serving easier

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave
• Freezer: Freeze the uncooked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking
• Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Bake fresh the next day

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Absolutely. Just shred them and soak in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry thoroughly.

What type of ham works best?

Any cooked ham works—leftover holiday ham, deli ham, or even ham steak diced up. Just avoid overly sweet varieties like honey ham, which can alter the flavor.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes. Skip the ham and add sautéed veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. Use cream of mushroom soup for extra flavor.

Wrapping It Up: Why You Need This in Your Life

This Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is the kind of no-fuss, deeply satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table smiling. It’s rich in flavor, endlessly customizable, and just so easy to love. Whether you’re baking it up for a family brunch, a holiday breakfast, or a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s bound to become a go-to.

Craving more cozy, cheesy goodness? Don’t miss these comforting recipes:

• English Muffin Breakfast Pizza – hearty, cheesy, and perfect for mornings
• Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms – a slow-cooked classic worth every minute
• Poor Man’s Husband Casserole – a comforting budget-friendly bake

Share Your Kitchen Wins

Tried this recipe? I’d love to see it. Leave a comment, rate the recipe, and don’t forget to pin a photo to Pinterest and tag us. Let’s make cheesy casserole memories together.

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