Cheesy Ham Hashbrowns Bake

This Cheesy Ham Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy textures with savory ham and crispy hashbrowns. Perfect for using up leftover ham or making a hearty meal any time of the day, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

I first made this casserole when I had a bit of leftover ham from Easter and a bag of frozen hashbrowns. I was amazed how quickly it came together and how much my family loved it. Now it’s often requested for weekend brunch or potluck gatherings.

Ingredients

• Cooked Ham: provides savory, tender bites and is perfect for repurposing leftovers
• Yellow Onion: brings subtle sweetness and depth when mixed in
• Hashbrowns: adds a crispy, starchy base that soaks up the creamy sauce
• Cream of Chicken Soup: creates a rich, smooth sauce for binding the casserole
• French Onion Dip: adds creaminess and savory onion flavor to the mix
• Colby Cheese: melts well and adds a mild, slightly sweet cheesiness, freshly shredded is best
• Salt and Black Pepper: essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors, freshly cracked black pepper is ideal

How To Make Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Sauté the Onion and Prepare the Ham:

Begin by sautéing diced yellow onions over medium heat until translucent and fragrant to bring out their sweetness. Dice cooked ham into bite-sized pieces or use pre-diced ham for convenience.

Combine Ingredients in a Bowl:

In a large mixing bowl or casserole dish, combine the hashbrowns, cooked ham, sautéed onions, French onion dip, cream of chicken soup, and one cup of shredded Colby cheese. Season the mixture with salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to taste. Stir everything gently but thoroughly until well blended.

Transfer to Baking Dish and Top with Cheese:

Spray a 9x13 inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Spoon the hashbrown mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded Colby cheese generously over the top to create a beautifully golden crust.

Bake Until Golden and Bubbly:

Place the casserole in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the casserole bubbles around the edges, signaling everything is heated through and perfectly melded.

Serve Warm and Enjoy:

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving so it holds its shape. Slice into squares and enjoy the cheesy ham hashbrown goodness warm.

Bookmark

My favorite part of this dish is the creamy cheesy topping that turns golden and slightly crispy during baking. It reminds me of cozy Sunday family mornings when this casserole would fill the kitchen with its inviting aroma and everyone gathered around the table for a hearty meal.

Storage Tips

Cool the casserole completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to four days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, freeze the casserole wrapped tightly in foil or placed in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have French onion dip, a mix of sour cream and finely chopped caramelized onions can work in a pinch. You can swap the ham for cooked bacon or sausage for a meat variation. For cheese, feel free to blend in sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for added complexity. Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded for best melting results.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. It also pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit for a brunch spread. Leftovers make a perfect quick breakfast topped with a fried egg or sliced avocado.

Cultural Context

Casseroles like this one have long been comfort food staples in American households for their ease and ability to feed a crowd affordably. Combining creamy soups and cheese in baked dishes dates back decades, often evolving as a way to stretch ingredients and turn leftovers into crave-worthy meals.

Pro Tips

To prevent sogginess, make sure the hashbrowns are thawed and well-drained before mixing in the wet ingredients. I learned the hard way that skipping this step makes the casserole too watery. Using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded keeps the texture smooth and melty rather than grainy due to anti-caking agents. Don’t skip spraying your baking dish with a nonstick coating or lining with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix all ingredients and refrigerate the dish, covered, overnight. Bake it fresh when ready.

→ Is it possible to freeze leftovers?

Absolutely. Store leftovers in airtight containers, freeze up to 3 months, and thaw overnight before reheating.

→ What cheese works best here?

Colby cheese is ideal for its mild flavor and meltability, but you can substitute with mild cheddar or Colby Jack.

→ Can this be cooked in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for about 4 hours until heated through and the top is lightly browned.

→ Is French onion dip essential?

Using sour cream-based French onion dip adds necessary creaminess and depth, enhancing the sauce’s flavor.