Name: Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole With Ham Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups frozen hashbrowns, thawed; 1 ½ cups diced ham; 6 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder

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There's nothing quite like waking up to the comforting aroma of a warm, cheesy hashbrown breakfast casserole baking in the oven. With its crispy golden edges, gooey melted cheese, and savory bites of ham, this dish is the ultimate way to start your morning on a delicious note.

I first made this casserole on a chilly Sunday morning when I needed a hearty breakfast for my family but didn’t want to stand over the stove flipping pancakes. It turned out to be an instant hit, and now it’s a go-to for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, and meal prepping for busy weeks ahead.

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

Get ready to fall in love with this easy, crowd-pleasing breakfast casserole! It's packed with everything you love about breakfast in one cheesy, satisfying dish.

First off, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. Just mix the ingredients, pour them into a baking dish, and let the oven do the work. No standing at the stove required!

It's also perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it the night before and simply bake it in the morning, making it ideal for busy mornings or entertaining guests without the morning rush.

Plus, this casserole is budget-friendly. With simple ingredients like frozen hashbrowns, eggs, cheese, and leftover ham, you can feed a whole crowd without breaking the bank.

And let’s not forget how versatile it is! Swap out the ham for sausage, add veggies, or use different cheeses to customize it exactly to your taste.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this casserole lies in its simple ingredients, each playing a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Frozen hashbrowns provide the base of the casserole, adding a crispy yet tender texture. Be sure to thaw them before mixing to ensure even baking and prevent excess moisture.

Diced ham gives the dish a savory, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheese and eggs. Leftover holiday ham works great here, but you can also use store-bought diced ham or even cooked bacon.

Eggs and milk create a custardy, creamy texture that binds everything together. Whole milk is ideal for a rich consistency, but you can substitute half-and-half for an even more indulgent dish.

Cheddar cheese adds that irresistible melty, cheesy goodness. Sharp cheddar is a great choice for extra flavor, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or Swiss for a different taste.

Green onions and seasonings round out the dish with a pop of freshness and depth. A little garlic powder, salt, and pepper enhance the overall flavor profile without overpowering the other ingredients.

How To Make This Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

Making this casserole is as easy as mixing, layering, and baking. Here’s how to bring it all together.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish. This helps prevent sticking and ensures easy serving later.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hashbrowns, diced ham, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour this mixture over the hashbrown mixture and gently stir to coat everything evenly.

Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. For extra cheesiness, sprinkle an additional handful of shredded cheese on top.

Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. You’ll know it’s ready when a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean and the cheese is bubbly and slightly crispy on the edges.

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

Storage Options

This casserole stores beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

To store, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this casserole is how adaptable it is! Here are some fun ways to change it up:

Swap the protein: Instead of ham, try cooked crumbled sausage, bacon, or even a meatless version with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers.

Use different cheeses: While cheddar is a classic choice, mixing in Swiss, Pepper Jack, or even smoked Gouda can add new layers of flavor.

Add veggies: Boost the nutrition by stirring in spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just be sure to sauté any watery veggies first to prevent excess moisture.

Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a little kick.

Go low-carb: Swap the hashbrowns for riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly twist.

No matter how you make it, this Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and enjoy a warm, satisfying breakfast that’s as easy as it is delicious!