Cheesy hash brown ham bake is a creamy breakfast or dinner casserole of shredded potatoes, diced ham, sour cream, and plenty of cheddar, baked until bubbling with a golden cheese crust.
It mixes in one bowl with a handful of grocery staples, bakes in under an hour, and serves eight. Because it holds well and reheats easily, it suits brunches, potlucks, and leftover ham.
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Why This Cheesy Hash Brown Ham Bake Recipe Works
Frozen shredded hash browns save all the peeling and grating, and they turn tender inside and crisp at the edges as they bake.
Cream of chicken soup and sour cream make a rich, tangy sauce that coats every shred of potato and keeps the casserole from drying out.
Salty ham and sharp cheddar bring plenty of flavor, so the dish needs very little extra seasoning beyond a little pepper.
Ingredients for Cheesy Hash Brown Ham Bake
- You need two pounds of frozen shredded hash browns, one can of condensed cream of chicken soup, one cup of sour cream, two cups of diced cooked ham, and two cups of shredded cheddar.
- Season with a quarter teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper, and finish with a quarter cup of sliced green onions. Let the hash browns thaw for twenty minutes so they mix evenly and bake without ice crystals.
Hash browns. Shredded potatoes form the tender, golden base and bake with crisp edges.
Cream of chicken soup. It binds the casserole and adds savory depth without extra work.
Sour cream. Its tang cuts the richness and keeps the potatoes moist during baking.
Diced ham. It adds smoky, salty flavor and turns the dish into a full meal.
Cheddar cheese. Half melts into the mixture and half forms a bubbly, browned crust on top.
How to Make Cheesy Hash Brown Ham Bake
1. Heat the oven. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F, grease a nine by thirteen inch dish, and let the hash browns thaw on the counter for twenty minutes.
2. Mix the base. Stir the hash browns, soup, sour cream, ham, one cup of cheddar, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl until evenly coated.
3. Fill the dish. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish and press it down lightly with the back of a spoon.
4. Top with cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar over the top in an even layer.
5. Bake and rest. Bake for forty five to fifty minutes until bubbling and golden, then rest for ten minutes and scatter with green onions.
How to Serve Cheesy Hash Brown Ham Bake
Serve squares of the casserole with fresh fruit and a green salad for brunch, or alongside eggs and toast. It also works as a dinner next to a green bean casserole and bacon green beans. For a bigger spread add a loaded potato soup or creamy mashed potatoes on the side.
How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Hash Brown Ham Bake
Cool the casserole within two hours and refrigerate it in an airtight container for three to four days. Reheat portions in the microwave or a 350 F oven until steaming and 165 F. Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to two months and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Tips and Variations for Cheesy Hash Brown Ham Bake
Flag the allergens. This dish contains milk from the cheese, soup, and sour cream, plus wheat in the soup.
Handle the ham. Cooked ham should stay refrigerated, and the casserole should reach 165 F in the center before serving.
Thaw the potatoes. Partly thawed shreds mix evenly, while fully frozen ones can leave cold spots.
Shred your own cheese. Freshly grated cheddar melts smoother and browns better than pre shredded cheese.
Go easy on salt. Ham, soup, and cheese already carry sodium, so taste before adding more.
Add crunch. Top the casserole with crushed buttery crackers or cornflakes for the last fifteen minutes.
Cover if needed. Tent with foil if the top browns before the center is hot.
Check trusted guidance. Read the University of Wisconsin Extension leftovers guidance for safe storage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Hash Brown Ham Bake
What Is Cheesy Hash Brown Ham Bake?
It is a baked casserole of shredded potatoes, ham, cheddar, sour cream, and soup.
Can I Make Cheesy Hash Brown Ham Bake Ahead of Time?
Yes, assemble it a day ahead, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and add ten minutes to the baking time.
Can You Freeze Cheesy Hash Brown Ham Bake?
Yes, freeze it unbaked for up to two months, thaw it overnight, and bake until the center reaches 165 F.
Can I use fresh potatoes?
Yes, use two pounds of peeled and shredded potatoes, squeezed dry, though the bake may need a few extra minutes.
Can I use bacon instead of ham?
Yes, use one cup of crumbled cooked bacon in place of the ham.
Cheesy Hash Brown Ham Bake
Equipment
- Baking dish 9 by 13 inches
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lb frozen shredded hash browns partly thawed
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup 10.5 ounce can
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cup diced cooked ham
- 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat. Heat the oven to 350 F and grease a 9 by 13 inch dish.
- Mix. Stir the hash browns, soup, sour cream, ham, 1 cup cheddar, salt, and pepper.
- Fill. Spread the mixture in the dish.
- Top. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar.
- Bake. Bake 45 to 50 minutes until bubbling and 165 F, then rest 10 minutes.
