Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Frozen hash browns: These provide the base of the casserole, offering a crispy and satisfying texture.

Diced ham: Adds a savory and meaty flavor to the dish, complementing the cheese and potatoes.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, cheesy layer throughout the casserole.

Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to balance the flavors.

Cream of chicken soup: Acts as a binder and adds a rich, savory depth to the casserole.

Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Milk: Helps to create a creamy consistency and ensures the casserole is not too dry.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and balances the richness of the dish.

When combining the hash browns with the other ingredients, ensure they are fully thawed and drained of any excess moisture. This will help prevent the casserole from becoming too watery. Additionally, finely chopping the onion will allow it to blend seamlessly into the dish, providing a more uniform texture and flavor. For an extra crispy top, consider sprinkling a bit more shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture before baking.

• frozen hash browns - Substitute with freshly grated potatoes: Freshly grated potatoes can provide a similar texture and flavor, and they can be used immediately without needing to thaw.

• diced ham - Substitute with diced turkey: Diced turkey can offer a similar protein content and texture, making it a good alternative for those who prefer poultry.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese melts well and provides a creamy texture, though it has a milder flavor compared to cheddar.

• sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt has a similar consistency and tangy flavor, making it a healthier alternative with added protein.

• cream of chicken soup - Substitute with cream of mushroom soup: Cream of mushroom soup can provide a similar creamy base and umami flavor, suitable for those who prefer a vegetarian option.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor, which can add a subtle depth to the dish.

• milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk can be used for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free option, while still providing the necessary liquid content.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the casserole.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile, and it blends well into creamy dishes.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• For short-term storage, transfer the casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• If you plan to freeze the casserole, portion it into individual servings. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need.

• Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for easy tracking.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating and maintains the texture.

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, usually about 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent the top from over-browning.

• For a quicker option, reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.

• To maintain the cheesy goodness, you can sprinkle a bit of extra shredded cheddar on top before reheating. This adds a fresh layer of melted cheese.

• Avoid freezing the casserole for more than 2-3 months. While it will still be safe to eat, the quality and texture may start to degrade.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is warmed through and the cheese is melty and bubbly.

• Microwave Method: Transfer a portion of the casserole to a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Continue heating in 30-second intervals if needed until the casserole is hot.

• Stovetop Method: Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the pan. Add the leftover casserole and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover casserole in an air fryer-safe dish. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn’t overcook. The casserole should be hot and the cheese should be bubbly.

• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer the leftover casserole to your slow cooker. Set it on low heat and cover. Heat for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the casserole is thoroughly warmed. This method is great for keeping the casserole warm for serving over an extended period.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C) until it is golden and bubbly.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

• Baking dish: A greased dish to transfer the mixture into for baking.

• Spatula: Useful for mixing the ingredients together and for spreading the mixture evenly in the baking dish.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring out the hash browns, ham, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and milk.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the salt and black pepper.

• Knife: Used for finely chopping the onion and dicing the ham if not pre-diced.

• Cutting board: A safe surface for chopping the onion and dicing the ham.

• Can opener: Needed to open the can of cream of chicken soup.

• Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Use pre-chopped ingredients: Save time by using pre-chopped onions and pre-diced ham from the store.

Thaw hash browns quickly: Spread frozen hash browns on a baking sheet to thaw faster.

Mix in the baking dish: Combine all ingredients directly in the baking dish to reduce cleanup time.

Shred cheese in bulk: Shred a large block of cheddar cheese at once and store the extra for future recipes.

Use a food processor: Quickly chop onions and shred cheese using a food processor.