Cheesy Ham and Potato Hashbrowns Breakfast Casserole

If you’re looking for a warm, comforting meal that’s super easy to throw together, this Ham and Hash Brown Casserole is just what you need! It’s loaded with melty cheese, creamy potato goodness, and savory ham all baked into one golden, bubbly dish. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this casserole is always a hit and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or using up leftover ham.

Why You’ll Love Ham and Hash Brown Casserole

• It’s super easy to make with minimal prep. Just mix everything in one bowl, dump it into a baking dish, and let the oven do the work. No chopping, no complicated steps, perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends. It’s a true dump-and-bake recipe!

• Deliciously cheesy and comforting. Every bite is packed with melted cheddar, creamy potatoes, and savory ham. The golden Parmesan topping gives it that irresistible crispy finish. It’s like a warm hug in casserole form!

• Great for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. This dish isn’t just for the morning; you can enjoy it any time of day. It pairs perfectly with eggs in the morning or a fresh salad at dinner. Plus, it’s hearty enough to be the main course.

• Kid-approved and family-friendly. Even picky eaters love the cheesy, creamy flavor. It’s simple, familiar, and filling. You can even sneak in veggies if you like, and they’ll never know!

• Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping. This recipe makes a big 9×13 pan and reheats like a dream. It’s ideal for holiday mornings, potlucks, or just to have leftovers ready to go. One casserole goes a long way!

Ingredients For Ham and Hash Brown Casserole

• Frozen Hash Brown Potatoes – These are the base of the casserole and give it that classic potato texture without any peeling or chopping.

• Cream of Potato Soup – Adds creamy richness and savory flavor to hold everything together.

• Sour Cream – Brings a smooth and tangy layer of creaminess.

• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Melts into gooey goodness and gives the casserole its cheesy flavor.

• Cooked Ham (diced) – Adds a hearty, salty bite that pairs perfectly with the cheesy potatoes.

• Grated Parmesan Cheese – Sprinkled on top for a delicious golden crust and nutty flavor.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Ham and Hash Brown Casserole

• 9×13 Inch Baking Dish – The perfect size for this casserole, and helps it bake evenly.

• Large Mixing Bowl – Ideal for combining all the ingredients before transferring to the baking dish.

• Measuring Cups – For measuring out the cheese, sour cream, and other ingredients.

• Measuring Spoons – Handy if you want to add extra seasoning like pepper or garlic powder.

• Cooking Spray – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

• Spatula or Spoon – Useful for mixing the ingredients and spreading the mixture in the dish.

How To Make Ham and Hash Brown Casserole

• Preheat your oven to 375°F so it’s ready to go.

• Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

• In a large bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, cream of potato soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar, and diced ham.

• Mix everything until it’s fully combined and evenly coated.

• Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish and spread it out smoothly.

• Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese for a golden crust.

• Bake uncovered for 1 hour, or until it’s hot and bubbly with lightly browned edges.

• Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this casserole with a side of fluffy scrambled eggs and fresh blueberries for a complete breakfast or brunch spread.

• Add a cauliflower green salad or roasted rainbow vegetables to balance out the richness if serving it for dinner.

  Want to save this recipe?

  Just enter your email and I’ll send it right to you, plus great new recipes weekly!

• Top with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

• Pair with a mimosa or iced coffee latte for a cozy weekend brunch.

• Slice and serve warm directly from the baking dish, no fancy plating required!

Tips For Success

• No need to thaw the hash browns – You can use them straight from frozen. If you prefer easier mixing, let them sit out for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly, just be sure they don’t become watery.

• Mix everything evenly – Take your time to make sure the soup, sour cream, cheese, and ham are fully combined with the hash browns. This ensures every bite is creamy and flavorful, without any dry spots.

• Don’t skip greasing the baking dish – A quick spray of cooking oil keeps the casserole from sticking and helps those edges get beautifully crispy. It also makes cleanup a breeze.

• Use the Parmesan topping for a perfect finish – It adds a delicious golden crust on top that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling underneath. You can also sprinkle extra cheddar if you like it extra cheesy.

• Let it rest before slicing – Allowing the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking helps it firm up slightly and makes it easier to serve without falling apart. Plus, it cools just enough to enjoy right away!

• Make it ahead for busy mornings – Mix everything the night before and store it in the fridge. Then just bake it in the morning, great for holidays or when you’re feeding guests.

Variations And Substitutions

• Swap the meat – If you don’t have ham, cooked bacon or sausage works beautifully in this recipe. You can even use chopped turkey or rotisserie chicken for a different spin. For a vegetarian version, simply leave out the meat or replace it with sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture without the meat.

• Change up the cheese – Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can mix in other cheeses like mozzarella for extra meltiness, pepper jack for a little heat, or gouda for a smoky twist. Parmesan adds that delicious golden crust, but if you’re out, try breadcrumbs tossed in melted butter for a similar crispy topping.

• Make it gluten-free – Most cream of potato soups contain flour, so if you’re avoiding gluten, make sure to use a gluten-free version. You could also make your own creamy base using mashed potatoes and broth if you want full control over the ingredients.

• Add vegetables – You can sneak in extra veggies like chopped bell peppers, onions, spinach, or even frozen peas. Just make sure to sauté or thaw them first so they don’t release too much water during baking.

• Use different hash browns – This recipe works with cubed or shredded hash browns. If you’re using the cubed kind, the texture will be a bit chunkier. If you want to go even more homemade, you can shred your own potatoes; just be sure to rinse and squeeze out the moisture first.

• Lighten it up – Use light sour cream and reduced-fat cheese to cut down on the calories without sacrificing flavor. You can also use just one can of soup instead of two if you prefer a less creamy texture.

• Spice it up – Add a pinch of garlic powder, paprika, or black pepper for extra flavor. You can even stir in a few dashes of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes if you want a kick of heat.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage – Let the casserole cool completely before storing. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezing – This casserole freezes very well! You can freeze the entire dish before baking or after it’s cooked. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add an extra 20–30 minutes to the baking time and cover with foil for the first half.

• Reheating – To reheat a single portion, microwave on high for 1–2 minutes until hot. For larger portions, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can cover it with foil to keep it from drying out, then uncover for the last few minutes to crisp up the top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole the night before?

Yes, absolutely! This is a great make-ahead recipe. You can mix all the ingredients, spread the mixture into your greased baking dish, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just remove it from the fridge while the oven preheats and bake as usual. You may need to add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

Do I need to thaw the frozen hash browns before using them?

No, you can use them straight from frozen! The recipe is designed to work with frozen hash browns. If you prefer, you can let them sit out for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly, which can make them easier to mix. Just don’t let them thaw completely or get watery, as that can change the texture of the casserole.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, you can use fresh potatoes if you’d like! Peel and shred the potatoes, then rinse and squeeze out the excess moisture before mixing them with the other ingredients. Keep in mind this may add a few extra steps, but it will still taste delicious.

What’s the best type of ham to use?

Any cooked ham will work! You can use leftover holiday ham, deli ham cut into cubes, or even thick-cut ham steak. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is ready when it’s hot and bubbly around the edges and lightly golden on top. The cheese should be melted and slightly crisp on the surface. It usually takes about an hour in the oven, but ovens can vary, so keep an eye on it in the last 10 minutes.

Can I halve this recipe?

Yes! If you don’t need 12 servings, you can cut the ingredients in half and bake them in an 8×8-inch dish. The baking time may be slightly shorter; check it at around 45–50 minutes and remove when it’s bubbly and golden.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly after baking?

Definitely. Let the casserole cool completely, then slice it into portions and freeze in airtight containers. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven whenever you need a quick meal or snack.

Can I add extra seasonings or veggies?

Yes! This recipe is very flexible. Feel free to mix in sautéed onions, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. You can also add spices like garlic powder, paprika, or pepper for a little extra flavor.

Other Easy Ham Recipes

Honey Glazed Baked Ham – This juicy baked ham is coated in a sweet honey glaze and roasted to caramelized perfection—perfect for any holiday meal.

Cheesy Ham and Slide – These oven-baked ham and cheese sliders are melty, buttery, and perfect for parties or quick family dinners.

Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Sandwich – Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, this air fryer ham and cheese sandwich is an easy twist on a classic.

Other Easy Hash Brown Recipes

Air Fryer McCain Mini Hash Brown Patties – These mini hash browns cook up golden and crispy in the air fryer in just minutes—no flipping required!

Homemade Air Fryer Hash Browns – Made from scratch with shredded potatoes, these air fryer hash browns are crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned.

Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash Browns – These sweet potato hash browns are a flavorful and healthy breakfast option with crispy edges and soft centers.

Air Fryer Jimmy Dean Hash Brown Stuffed Patties – These stuffed hash brown patties turn out extra crispy in the air fryer and are packed with savory sausage, eggs, and cheese.

More Breakfast Recipes

• Skyr Yogurt Breakfast Bowl
• Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie
• Bisquick Egg and Sausage Breakfast