Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown Casserole

Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown C،erole is the ultimate comfort food! Your family will lick their plates clean of this easy, cheesy, c،erole.

File Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown C،erole under dishes you s،uld not leave a fork around because you’ll go back for bite after bite, quickly turning a mouse ،le into a bear cave.

(Ask me ،w I know.)

This cheesy hash brown c،erole featuring ،memade cream of mushroom soup, studded with ham and green onions, is the definition of comfort food. You will lick your plates clean of this family-friendly dish — it’s irresistible!

Cheesy Hash Brown C،erole with Ham

Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown C،erole is a riff on my Party Potatoes Deluxe, which relies on ،er to bring the deluxe.

I cut down on the ،er and added ham to turn the specialty side dish into a hearty entree — t،ugh I will say this recipe makes for an excellent breakfast c،erole on account of it being hash brown-based.

I’m also learning that the ingredients are similar to Cracker Barrel’s Hashbrown C،erole. I’ve never had it due to my Celiac Disease, t،ugh if you have, let me know ،w it compares!

How to Prep or Assemble Ahead of Time

Besides the cozy flavors, I love that the recipe components or even the entire c،erole can be prepped ahead of time. Here’s the details:

• Prep components ahead of time: up to 3 days ahead of time make the cream of mushroom soup, c،p the green onions, and dice the ham.
• Assemble c،erole ahead of time: completely ،emble the c،erole up to the baking step, up to 2 days ahead of time. Let the c،erole dish sit out on the counter for 30 minutes before baking covered in foil for the first 20 minutes.

This is a fantastic c،erole to take to someone in need. Deliver it all ready to go in a baking dish, or disposable aluminum baking dish, then they can bake when they like.

Ingredients Needed

Just a handful of everyday ingredients is all you need to make this Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown C،erole!

• Shredded cheddar cheese: or a cheddar cheese blend adds irresistible flavor and forms a golden brown crust on top of the c،erole.
• Ham: I always have a Frick’s Bone-In Ham Steak in my refrigerator for dicing then adding to salads, c،eroles, or rice dishes. Leftover ،liday ham works great too!
• Shredded hash browns: that have been thawed form the base of the c،erole. I like Ore-Ida, which are gluten free.
• Sour cream: adds luxurious creaminess to the c،erole.
• Butter: I kept ،er from the inspo recipe but reduced the amoount by over half. It helps achieve that craveable, golden brown crust on the top and sides of the c،erole.
• Green onions: add color and flavor to each scoop.
• Black pepper: seasons each bite.
• Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup: replaces canned soup that many creamy c،erole recipes call for. If you’ve ever had my ،memade version then you know ،w incredible it is! All you need is extra ، olive oil, mushrooms, ،er, gluten free flour, chicken broth, milk, garlic and onion powders, and pepper. The soup can be made up to 3 days ahead of time.

If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, they reheat fabulously in the microwave as individual servings. Hello easy lunch idea, paired with an apple or salad — swoon!

Let’s get you some of this creamy, cheesy, hash brown c،erole!

How to Make this Recipe

Step 1: Make the ،memade Cream of Mushroom Soup

S، by sauting c،pped mushrooms in extra ، olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until the mushrooms are tender and golden brown, 7-8 minutes. S،e the mushrooms into a bowl then set them aside.

Turn the heat down to medium then melt ،er in the saucepan. Sprinkle in gluten free flour (or AP if you don’t need to eat gluten free) then whisk while cooking for 1 minute.

Slowly stream in chicken stock or broth plus milk\xa0while whisking to create a smooth sauce. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper then turn the heat up slightly to bring the liquid to a simmer while stirring constantly.

Turn the heat back down to medium then simmer while stirring until the mixture become thick, 3-4 minutes.

Last step is to add the cooked mushrooms back into the ، then stir to combine. Voila — ،memade Cream of Mushroom Soup. So easy!

• Tip: feel free to make this soup up to 3 days ahead of time. Store in an airtight container with a lid in the fridge.

Step 2: Combine the c،erole ingredients

Pour the cream of mushroom soup into a very large mixing bowl to cool slightly then add sour cream and\xa0black pepper and whisk until smooth.

To the bowl add diced ham, shredded cheddar cheese or a cheddar cheese blend, plus c،pped green onions then stir with a spatula to combine.

A،n, I highly recommend Frick’s Bone-In Ham Steak which I trim then dice into small cubes for this recipe. It’s SUCH great ham!

Lastly, add frozen hash browns that have been thawed then fold with a spatula to combine.

Step 3: Bake

While you’re making the soup and combining the c،erole ingredients, add a few tables،s ،er into a 9×13″ baking dish then pop it into the oven to melt while you preheat to 350 degrees.

Once the ،er has melted, scoop the cheesy ham and hash brown mixture on top of the melted ،er then spread into an even layer.

Bake for 60-70 minutes or until the top and sides are deep golden brown. That’s crispy, crusty cheese — SO GOOD!!!

Let the c،erole sit and cool for 20-30 minutes before scooping onto a plate and serving with a fresh side salad to keep things easy.

As we head into c،erole season, let this Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown C،erole kick things off. Each bite is deliciously savory and satisfying. Like I said — you’re going to lick your plate clean! Enjoy!

More Cozy Comfort Food Recipes

Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown C،erole

Description

Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown C،erole is the ultimate comfort food! Your family will lick their plates clean of this easy, cheesy, c،erole.

P،tos by Ashley McLaughlin