This Cheesy Ham Hashbrown Casserole is a cozy, heartwarming dish that everyone loves! It’s packed with creamy cheese, savory ham, and crispy hashbrowns for the ultimate comfort meal.
Let’s face it, who can resist gooey cheese and crispy potatoes? I usually serve this at family gatherings, and it always disappears faster than I can say “seconds, please!” 🥔🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hashbrowns: Frozen shredded hashbrowns make this dish super easy. If you’re short on time, you can use fresh potatoes. Just grate them and soak in cold water to remove excess starch before using.
Diced Ham: I love using leftover ham, but you can easily swap this for cooked bacon or turkey. If you need a vegetarian option, try sautéed mushrooms or some veggies, like bell peppers!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds great flavor, but feel free to mix it up! Other cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack work well. If you’re dairy-free, try a vegan cheese substitute. Just make sure it melts nicely!
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess, but you can substitute Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. You could also use cottage cheese for a more protein-packed option.
Cream of Chicken Soup: If you prefer a homemade version, combine milk, butter, and flour with some seasonings until thick. You can use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor!
How Do I Get My Casserole to Be Creamy But Not Dry?
To ensure your casserole stays nice and creamy, the balance of ingredients is key. Here are tips to consider:
- Use enough sour cream and soup; they help retain moisture.
- Cover the casserole with foil for the first half of baking to trap steam, then remove it to brown the cheese.
- Check for doneness; if it’s too dry, consider adding a splash of milk before serving to restore creaminess.
These steps will help you achieve that perfect creamy texture everyone loves!
Cheesy Ham Hashbrown Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (30 oz) package frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley or chives (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cheesy ham hashbrown casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 45-50 minutes to bake, making a total of around 1 hour for a delicious, comforting meal. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a hearty weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a little butter to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Hashbrowns, Ham, and Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the thawed hashbrowns, diced ham, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. This mixture will be the heart of your casserole!
3. Mix the Creamy Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, chopped onion, melted butter, and milk. Season it with salt and pepper to taste—tasting as you go is always a good idea!
4. Combine Everything Together:
Pour the creamy mixture over the hashbrown mix and stir gently until all ingredients are evenly combined. You want to make sure those hashbrowns and ham are coated nicely!
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Spread the mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. This helps ensure even cooking and a golden top.
6. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. This will create a delicious cheesy crust!
7. Bake Until Golden:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and you won’t be able to resist!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This helps it to set a little, making it easier to serve.
9. Garnish and Enjoy!
If you like, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for an extra pop of color and flavor. Then, dig in and enjoy this hearty, cheesy goodness as a main dish or side at your next meal!
This casserole is a true crowd-pleaser—enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Fresh Hashbrowns Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh hashbrowns, just shred raw potatoes and soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat them dry before using in the recipe.
How Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the refrigerator.
What Size Baking Dish Should I Use?
A 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe, but you can use a larger dish for a thinner layer or a smaller one for a thicker casserole. Just adjust the baking time accordingly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven until heated through. You can add a splash of milk before reheating if it seems a bit dry.
