There's nothing better than waking up to the irresistible aroma of a Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole with Ham baking in the oven. This hearty dish is packed with crispy hashbrowns, savory ham, and gooey melted cheese, making it the perfect way to start your day.

I first made this recipe for a family brunch when I needed something easy, filling, and guaranteed to please a crowd. Since then, it has become a go-to favorite, especially around the holidays or whenever I have leftover ham to use up.

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite breakfast bake. This Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole with Ham is a winner for so many reasons!

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this dish ready for the oven in just a few minutes.

It’s also perfect for meal prep. Make it the night before, pop it in the fridge, and bake it fresh in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.

This dish is super versatile. You can swap out ingredients to fit your tastes or use whatever you have on hand – from bacon to sausage to different cheese blends.

Best of all, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're feeding your family, hosting a brunch, or needing a potluck dish, this casserole always gets rave reviews.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole lies in its simple ingredients, each one bringing delicious flavor and texture.

Frozen hashbrowns are the base of this casserole. I recommend using shredded hashbrowns for a soft, creamy texture, but diced potatoes will work if you prefer more bite.

Ham adds a salty, smoky flavor that complements the cheesy goodness. Leftover holiday ham is perfect, but store-bought diced ham works just as well.

Cheese is what makes this casserole so irresistibly rich. I love using sharp cheddar for a bold flavor, but a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and Monterey Jack can add extra depth.

Eggs and milk create the custardy base that holds everything together. Whole milk gives the best texture, but you can substitute with half-and-half for a creamier consistency.

Seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of paprika enhance the overall flavor without overpowering the dish.

If you have a 9x13-inch baking dish, you’re all set. A well-greased pan ensures easy serving and cleanup.

How To Make This Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

Making this Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole with Ham is as easy as mix, pour, and bake! Let’s go step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing your baking dish well. This helps prevent sticking and makes for easier cleanup.

In a large mixing bowl, combine your frozen hashbrowns, diced ham, and shredded cheese. Give everything a good toss to ensure even distribution.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and seasonings until smooth. Pour this mixture over the hashbrown mixture, making sure everything is well coated.

Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top for an irresistible golden crust.

Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A knife inserted in the middle should come out clean when it's done.

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps everything set up for the perfect texture.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this casserole stores beautifully! Simply cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.

Microwaving works too! Just heat a slice for about 1-2 minutes, adding a damp paper towel on top to keep it from drying out.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to get creative!

Want to add more veggies? Try tossing in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for an extra nutritional boost.

Prefer a different protein? Swap the ham for crispy bacon, cooked sausage, or even smoked turkey for a fun twist.

Looking for a spicier kick? Stir in some diced jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture.

For a lower-carb version, use cauliflower hashbrowns instead of regular potatoes, and swap out whole milk for heavy cream.

No matter how you make it, this Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own!