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Start your day with a delicious ham and hashbrown casserole. It’s a favorite among families and easy to make. This dish combines frozen hashbrowns, melted butter, cheeses, savory ham, and a creamy egg mix.
This casserole is great because you can make it ahead of time. It’s perfect for holidays or when you have guests over. Imagine waking up to the smell of a hot, golden casserole, ready to enjoy with your breakfast sides.
Key Takeaways
- Easy-to-make breakfast casserole that combines hashbrowns, cheese, ham, and creamy eggs
- Perfect for special occasions like holiday mornings or when hosting guests
- Can be prepared in advance, making it convenient and flexible
- Versatile recipe with options to customize ingredients and add-ins
- Provides instructions for achieving crispy hashbrowns and reheating leftover portions
Perfect Breakfast Casserole for Special Occasions
Looking for a tasty and easy breakfast for your next holiday? The ham and potato breakfast casserole is perfect. It’s great for feeding a crowd, making it ideal for Christmas, Easter, or any big event.
Why This Recipe Works for Holiday Mornings
This casserole is perfect for holiday mornings because of its flavor and how easy it is to make. It has savory ham, fluffy hashbrowns, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a dish that everyone will love.
Plus, you can make it the night before. Then, just bake it in the morning. This lets you spend more time with your family instead of cooking all morning.
Make-Ahead Benefits for Busy Hosts
For busy hosts, this casserole is a lifesaver. You can make it all the way ahead of time and refrigerate it. In the morning, just bake it and you’re done.
This saves you time so you can enjoy the holiday with your guests. You won’t have to worry about cooking at the last minute.
Whether you’re hosting a big family event or a small brunch, this casserole is a make-ahead breakfast that will make your holiday mornings special. Its delicious flavors and easy prep make it a must-have for any host.
Essential Ingredients for Ham and Hashbrown Casserole
Making a great ham and hashbrown casserole needs the right ingredients. At its core, this dish has key parts that make it special. Let’s look at what you need to make this comforting breakfast dish.
The base of the casserole is 30-ounce frozen, shredded hashbrowns. These potatoes give the dish its texture and flavor base. Next, a cup of diced, thick-cut ham adds a smoky taste.
For the cheesy part, you’ll use 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Save 1/2 cup for the top. This cheese makes the casserole creamy and delicious.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Frozen Shredded Hashbrowns | 30 oz package |
| Diced Ham | 1 cup |
| Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese | 2 cups (reserve 1/2 cup) |
| Sour Cream | 8 oz |
| Diced Onion | 1/2 cup |
| Melted Butter | 1/2 cup |
| White Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 4 |
Other important ingredients include 8 ounces of sour cream, 1/2 cup of diced onion, and 1/2 cup of melted butter. You’ll also need 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt, 1/2 cup of milk, and 4 eggs. These all come together to make a creamy, tasty casserole.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a tasty ham and hashbrown casserole. It will be a hit with your family and friends.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Preparing the ham and hashbrown breakfast casserole is easy and rewarding. Start by heating your oven to 400°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Preparing the Hashbrown Base
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the dish. Add 2 cups of frozen hashbrowns and spread them out. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden and crispy.
Layering the Ingredients
Once the hashbrowns are partially baked, start layering. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over them. Then, add 1 cup of diced cooked ham on top.
Mixing and Adding the Egg Mixture
In another bowl, whisk together 12 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Pour this mixture over the ham and cheese.
For an overnight option, refrigerate the casserole and egg mixture separately. Then, combine and bake in the morning.
By following these steps, you’ll have a tasty ham hashbrown breakfast casserole ready. The mix of crispy hashbrowns, savory ham, and creamy eggs makes a great breakfast.
Tips for Achieving Crispy Hashbrowns
To get your crispy hashbrowns just right in this breakfast hash brown ham casserole, here are some key tips:
- Bake the hashbrowns with melted butter before adding other ingredients. This step is key to avoiding soggy potatoes and getting a golden, crispy top.
- Bake the hashbrown base until the tops are golden brown and the potatoes are fork-tender.
- For the best texture, use fresh hashbrowns instead of frozen. They may need a bit more baking time, but it’s worth it.
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Thoroughly rinse shredded potatoes | Removing excess surface starch helps prevent gray or undercooked hash browns. |
| Dry shredded potatoes completely | Ensuring the potatoes are dry before frying helps them crisp up properly instead of becoming soggy. |
| Use the right pan | A non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast-iron pan can make a big difference in preventing sticking and ensuring even browning. |
| Let hash browns cook undisturbed | Resist the temptation to move the hash browns around, as this can lead to sticking and uneven cooking. |
| Time the seasoning | Adding salt and pepper halfway through cooking helps avoid releasing excess moisture and ensures even seasoning. |
| Preheat the pan | Preheating the pan before adding the shredded potatoes helps prevent sticking and allows the hash browns to start crisping up immediately. |
| Maintain the right temperature | Frying hash browns at the correct temperature is key for the right texture and avoiding sogginess or uneven browning. |
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to achieving perfectly crispy hashbrowns that will elevate your breakfast hash brown ham casserole to new heights.
Cheese and Ham Selection Guide
Choosing the right cheese and ham is key for a great cheesy ham and hashbrown casserole. The recipe suggests Monterey Jack and cheddar. But, you can try different cheese varieties to find your favorite.
Best Cheese Combinations
Monterey Jack and cheddar are great, but you can also use:
- Swiss
- Gouda
- Mozzarella
Try mixing these cheeses for a cheesy casserole that will wow you.
Ham Options and Alternatives
The recipe uses black forest ham, but you can try other smoked hams or deli slices. If you don’t have leftover ham, a $5 ham steak works well. You can also use cooked bacon or sausage for a tasty twist.
“The key to a truly remarkable cheesy ham and hashbrown casserole is the perfect balance of cheese and meat.”
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Enjoy the delightful leftover casserole from your ham and hashbrown breakfast masterpiece! You can keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for busy mornings or easy weeknight meals. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy it later.
When you’re ready to reheat, you have a few choices. For individual portions, just microwave them for 1-2 minutes. For the whole reheating breakfast casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake for 20 minutes, or until it’s hot and the cheese is bubbly.
Enjoy the casserole for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s sure to hit the spot. Serve it with different breads like whole grain, sourdough, or English muffins. Add toppings like sour cream, salsa, chives, or hot sauce for extra flavor.
This casserole can be made the night before and baked in the morning. It’s easy and hassle-free. Pair it with your favorite coffee, tea, or a light white wine for a special treat.
| Nutrition Facts | Value |
|---|---|
| Servings | 8 |
| Calories | 325 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 13g |
| Protein | 13g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
Creative Recipe Variations
There are many ways to make the classic ham and cheese hash brown casserole your own. You can add more veggies, change the protein, or try new flavors. The options are endless.
Vegetable Add-ins
Add 1-2 cups of pre-cooked veggies to make it healthier and more colorful. Try broccoli, asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just sauté or roast them before adding to the casserole.
Alternative Protein Options
Ham is great, but you can also use other proteins. Crumbled chorizo, cooked breakfast sausage, or crispy bacon bits are all tasty. They add a savory twist to the dish.
| Ingredient | Servings | Calories | Fat | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole | 8 | 324 | 20g | 23g |
| Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole with Vegetable Add-ins | 6 | 518 | 35g | 24g |
| Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole with Alternative Protein | 6 | 518 | 35g | 24g |
These creative twists on the classic casserole can make your breakfast or brunch more exciting. With a few simple changes, you can enhance the flavors and nutrition of this beloved dish.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Make your breakfast better by adding the easy ham and hashbrown casserole with tasty sides. Try it with fluffy pancakes, Liège waffles, or French toast. These pairings mix sweet and savory for a delightful taste.
Want to serve it at lunch? Try it with crispy bacon, buttermilk biscuits, and sautéed collard greens. Or, a tangy Apple Gorgonzola salad can refresh your meal.
For a special holiday breakfast, add the casserole with a fruit tray, baked bacon, and orange juice or eggnog. For dessert lovers, pair it with cinnamon rolls or caramel pecan rolls.
| Breakfast Pairings | Lunch Pairings | Holiday Pairings |
|---|---|---|
| Pancakes | Fried Bacon | Fruit Tray |
| Liège Waffles | Buttermilk Biscuits | Baked Bacon |
| French Toast | Collard Greens | Orange Juice or Eggnog |
| Apple Gorgonzola Salad | Cinnamon Rolls | |
| Caramel Pecan Rolls |
The ham and hashbrown casserole is perfect for any meal. It’s great for breakfast, brunch, or holidays. It’s easy to add to any holiday breakfast menu or breakfast casserole pairings.
Conclusion
The easy ham and hashbrown casserole is a favorite for breakfast. It’s great for special days and busy mornings. It’s easy to make ahead and can be customized to your taste.
This dish is perfect for holiday brunches or quick weekday meals. It mixes eggs, sausage, hashbrowns, and cheese in a tasty way. You can adjust the recipe to make it just right for you.
Try making this casserole and see how it simplifies your mornings. It’s sure to become a favorite in your home.