Cheesy Ham And Potato Casserole

Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole 🧀🥔🍖

Introduction

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole. This dish combines the creamy goodness of hash browns, savory ham, and rich cheddar cheese, all brought together with a touch of sour cream and soup for an extra layer of flavor. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, a family dinner, or a potluck, this casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen hash browns, thawed
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
• 1 ½ cups sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Casserole Mixture:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, diced ham, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, and melted butter.
• Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste, mixing everything until well combined.

1. Assemble the Casserole:

• Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
• Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

1. Bake:

• Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

1. Serve:

• Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy!

Tips

• Customize the Meat: Swap out the ham for cooked bacon, sausage, or turkey if you prefer.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready to serve.
• Add Vegetables: For a more complete meal, add some veggies like peas, broccoli, or bell peppers to the casserole mix.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of hash browns?
Yes, you can use peeled and shredded fresh potatoes. Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture before adding them to the casserole.

2. What other cheeses work well in this casserole?
Aside from cheddar, you can try Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole is an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, savory ham, and gooey cheese, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve it as a hearty brunch option or a comforting dinner that everyone will love!