Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole With Ham Recipe

There's nothing better than waking up to the smell of a warm, cheesy breakfast casserole baking in the oven. This Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole with Ham is the perfect way to start the day, with layers of crispy hashbrowns, melty cheese, and savory ham coming together in one irresistible dish.

I first made this casserole for a weekend brunch with family, and it was an instant hit. Since then, it’s become our go-to recipe for holiday mornings and lazy Sundays. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a stress-free option for busy mornings or when entertaining guests.

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite breakfast casserole. This dish has everything you need for a hearty and satisfying meal, all in one pan.

First, it's incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can have it ready for the oven in no time. Plus, you can even assemble it the night before for a no-fuss morning.

It's also perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re serving a holiday brunch or just a family breakfast, this casserole serves up to 8 people with ease.

Not to mention, this recipe is a great way to use up leftover ham. If you have extra ham from dinner, this is the perfect way to repurpose it into something delicious.

Finally, the flavors and textures are amazing. The crispy hashbrowns, gooey melted cheese, and savory ham create a perfect balance of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is in its simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making this dish absolutely delicious.

Frozen Hashbrowns – These provide the perfect crispy base for the casserole. I prefer shredded hashbrowns, but diced hashbrowns work well too if you prefer a chunkier texture.

Ham – Using diced leftover ham adds great flavor and texture. If you don’t have leftovers, store-bought diced ham works just as well. You could also swap it out for cooked bacon or sausage for a different flavor.

Cheese – A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese gives this casserole its irresistible gooeyness. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Swiss or pepper jack for a little extra kick.

Eggs & Milk – This combination binds everything together, creating a rich and custardy texture. I recommend using whole milk for the best consistency, but you can use half-and-half for an even creamier finish.

Seasonings – A simple mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder enhances the flavors without overpowering the dish.

How To Make This Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

Making this breakfast casserole is as easy as layering ingredients and popping it in the oven. Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish. This ensures that your casserole won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.

Next, spread the frozen hashbrowns evenly in the bottom of the dish. You can season them lightly with salt and pepper for extra flavor. If you prefer extra crispy hashbrowns, bake them for 10-15 minutes before adding the rest of the ingredients.

Now, sprinkle the diced ham over the hashbrowns, distributing it evenly so every bite has a little bit of that savory goodness. Then, add a generous layer of shredded cheese on top.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and seasonings until well combined. Pour this mixture over the casserole, ensuring that it seeps into all the layers. The eggs will help everything bake together into a cohesive, cheesy dish.

Bake the casserole uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the eggs are fully set. You’ll know it’s ready when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the casserole to set up and makes it easier to cut into neat squares.

Storage Options

This breakfast casserole is perfect for meal prep because it stores beautifully. If you have leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh.

For refrigeration, store the casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes until warm.

For freezing, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some fun variations to try:

If you’re not a fan of ham, swap it out for crumbled sausage or crispy bacon for a different flavor profile.

Want to add some veggies? Try mixing in bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for an extra boost of color and nutrition.

For a spicier version, use pepper jack cheese and add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.

If you need a gluten-free option, just make sure your hashbrowns and seasonings are certified gluten-free—everything else is naturally gluten-free!

No matter how you customize it, this Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole with Ham is a guaranteed hit. Give it a try and enjoy a warm, comforting breakfast that brings everyone to the table!

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