Introduction

If you need one dish that feeds a crowd, tastes like pure comfort, and disappears fast at brunch, potlucks, and holidays—this Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown Casserole is it. Think: tender potatoes, savory diced ham, and a creamy sauce that turns irresistibly rich in the oven, all finished with a golden cheesy top and fresh chives for that “just right” pop of flavor.

This casserole is especially perfect when you want something easy, reliable, and make-ahead friendly. Frozen hash browns do the heavy lifting (no peeling, no grating), and the rest is basically stir + bake. It’s the kind of recipe that feels cozy on a cold morning, but it’s just as welcome next to a holiday spread—especially when ham is already on the menu.

The best part? You can customize it in a dozen ways: add peppers for heat, swap cheeses for what you have, toss in veggies, or add a crunchy topping when you want extra texture. Whether you’re hosting brunch, planning a freezer meal, or just craving an old-school casserole night, this one delivers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy + cheesy comfort: Soft potatoes and melty cheese with savory ham in every bite.
• Beginner-friendly: Mix everything in one bowl, then bake—no tricky steps.
• Great for crowds: Big 9×13 pan means it’s ideal for gatherings and meal trains.
• Flexible: Works with diced or shredded hash browns, different cheeses, and plenty of add-ins.

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Rubber spatula or large spoon
• Cheese grater (if grating fresh cheese)
• Knife + cutting board (for ham/chives)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 (32-oz.) package frozen diced hash browns or 1 (30-oz.) package frozen shredded hash browns
• 2 (10.5-oz.) cans condensed cream of potato soup
• 1 (16-oz.) container sour cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 oz.)
• 8 oz. cooked diced ham (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 oz.)
• Snipped fresh chives (for topping)

Optional Ingredients

• 1/2 cup diced onion (adds sweetness and extra savory depth)
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (great for color and crunch)
• 1–2 tsp garlic powder (boosts flavor fast)
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (adds a subtle smoky note)
• 1–2 Tbsp hot sauce (if you like a gentle kick)
• Crunchy topping: 1 cup crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers + 2 Tbsp melted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (butter or nonstick spray both work).

3. If your hash browns look heavily frosted, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while you measure ingredients. (This helps the mix combine evenly.)

Step 2: Mixing / Assembling

1. In a large bowl, stir together the hash browns, cream of potato soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and diced ham until everything is evenly coated.

2. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.

3. Sprinkle Parmesan over the surface for a salty, golden finish.

Step 3: Cooking / Baking

1. Bake uncovered for about 60 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the top looks melted and lightly golden.

2. If the top starts browning faster than you like, loosely tent with foil for the final 10–15 minutes.

Step 4: Resting / Finishing

1. Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set so you can slice cleaner portions.

2. Sprinkle with fresh chives right before serving.

Tips & Notes

• Tip for best texture: If using shredded hash browns, the casserole tends to be a bit softer and “melty.” Diced hash browns keep more bite and structure.
• Avoid watery casserole: Some frozen potatoes release extra moisture. If yours look very wet after thawing, blot with paper towels before mixing.
• Flavor upgrade: Sharp cheddar makes a big difference—more tangy, more savory.
• Common mistake to avoid: Cutting immediately. Resting 10 minutes keeps it from sliding apart.
• Bigger ham flavor: Use smoked ham or leftover holiday ham for extra depth.
• Want a crunchier top? Add the optional cornflake/cracker topping during the last 20 minutes so it browns without burning.

Variations

Ingredient Variations

• Veggie-loaded: Add sautéed onions + bell peppers, or stir in a cup of thawed peas.
• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne + hot sauce.
• Different cheese: Swap some cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack.
• Soup swap: Cream of chicken or cream of mushroom can work if that’s what you have.
• Extra protein: Add cooked crumbled bacon or swap ham for cooked sausage.

Dietary Variations

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free condensed soup and confirm all labels (soups are the usual culprit).
• Lower-fat: Use light sour cream and reduced-fat cheese (still creamy, just slightly less rich).
• Dairy-free: Use dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives; results vary by brand but it can work for a casserole-style bake.

Storage & Make-Ahead

• How to store leftovers: Cool completely, then cover tightly or portion into containers.
• Refrigerator duration: Up to 4 days.
• Freezer instructions: Freeze portions in airtight containers up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
• Make-ahead preparation tips: Assemble the casserole (no baking), cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake straight from the fridge—add 10–15 extra minutes if needed.

Serving Suggestions

• Brunch: Serve with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and biscuits.
• Side dish: Pair with roasted chicken, green salad, or steamed veggies.
• Holiday table: Perfect next to ham, turkey, or prime rib.
• Beverage pairings: Coffee, iced tea, or sparkling water with lemon.

Time Breakdown

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Per 3/4 cup; values may vary by brand.)
• Calories: 286
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fat: 16g
• Sodium: 762mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftovers or substitutions?

Yes. Leftover ham is perfect here. You can use diced or shredded hash browns, and you can swap cheeses based on what’s in the fridge. If you don’t have cream of potato soup, cream of chicken or cream of mushroom usually works well.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake the next day and plan on adding a little extra time since it starts cold.

How do I reheat it properly?

For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot (about 15–20 minutes for a portion in a small dish). Microwave works too—use short bursts and stir/rotate for even heating.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes. Freeze in portions after baking for easier reheating. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven or microwave.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown Casserole is the kind of dependable, comforting recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation. It’s creamy, hearty, and easy enough for weekdays—yet impressive and crowd-friendly for brunches and holidays. Make it once, then try it your way with different cheeses, add-ins, or a crunchy topping, and you’ll see why it’s such a favorite.