There’s something magical about a casserole that brings together simple ingredients and transforms them into a warm, comforting, family-pleasing meal. This Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is one of those timeless dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again — whether for a cozy weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or a quick weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying without the fuss. With crispy hash browns, juicy chunks of savory ham, and a creamy, cheese-loaded base, every bite is rich, hearty, and deeply comforting. It’s the kind of dish that fills the house with a delicious aroma long before it hits the table, gathering everyone around without even having to call them. Perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping meals in advance, this casserole is as practical as it is delicious. You can make it ahead of time, customize it with your favorite add-ins, or simply enjoy it the classic way — golden, cheesy, and bubbling hot straight from the oven.
⭐ What Makes This Casserole So Special?
✔ Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner
It’s hearty enough to be served as a full meal at any time of day.
✔ Affordable, simple ingredients
Most items are already in your fridge or pantry.
✔ Easily customizable
Add vegetables, swap cheeses, or try different meats.
✔ Foolproof and beginner-friendly
Just mix, bake, and enjoy — no complicated steps.
✔ Crowd-pleaser
Ideal for holidays, potlucks, meal trains, or family gatherings.
🧀 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 bag (30 oz) frozen hash browns, thawed
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: ½ cup crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs for a crispy topping
👩🍳 How to Make It – Step-by-Step
1. Preheat the Oven
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so the casserole won’t stick.
2. Mix Everything Together
In a large bowl, combine:
- thawed hash browns
- diced ham
- cheddar & mozzarella
- chopped onion
- melted butter
- cream of chicken soup
- sour cream
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- salt & pepper
Stir until everything is fully coated in the creamy mixture.
3. Transfer to the Baking Dish
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared pan.
4. Add the Crunch (Optional)
Sprinkle crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs for a golden topping that gets beautifully crisp in the oven.
5. Bake to Perfection
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly, melted, and golden.
6. Rest and Serve
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes so it sets and is easier to cut.
Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite.
🔄 Variations & Add-Ins
Want to customize your casserole? Try these delicious ideas:
- Add veggies: bell peppers, mushrooms, green onions, or peas
- Use different cheeses: pepper jack, Swiss, Monterey Jack
- Add spice: red pepper flakes, jalapeños, chipotle powder
- Swap the meat: cooked bacon, sausage, turkey, or leftover chicken
This is a versatile recipe you can adapt to your taste or to whatever is hiding in your fridge!
🍽 Perfect for Any Occasion
- Weekend breakfasts
- Christmas or Easter brunch
- Potlucks and family gatherings
- Busy weeknight dinners
- Meal prep — leftovers heat up beautifully
It’s one of those dishes you make once and immediately ask yourself:
“Why didn’t I start making this sooner?”
❤️ Final Thought
This Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is comfort food at its best — rich, creamy, cheesy, and unbelievably satisfying. Whether you prepare it for guests or keep it all to yourself (no judgment!), it brings the warmth of home-cooked goodness to every plate.