Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Hash browns: Thawed frozen hash browns provide the base for this casserole, adding a crispy and tender texture.

Ham: Diced ham adds a savory and slightly salty flavor to the dish.

Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese melts into the casserole, providing a rich and creamy taste.

Cream of chicken soup: This canned soup adds a creamy and flavorful base to the mixture.

Sour cream: Sour cream adds tanginess and creaminess to the casserole.

Onion: Chopped onion adds a bit of sweetness and depth of flavor.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and seasoning.

When combining the hash browns with the other ingredients, make sure they are fully thawed and drained of any excess moisture. This will prevent the casserole from becoming too watery and ensure a nice, crispy texture. Additionally, consider sautéing the onions for a few minutes before mixing them in; this will enhance their sweetness and add a deeper flavor to the dish.

• thawed frozen hash browns - Substitute with freshly grated potatoes: Freshly grated potatoes can provide a similar texture and flavor, and they can be used directly without thawing.

• diced ham - Substitute with diced turkey: Diced turkey offers a similar texture and a slightly different but still savory flavor, making it a good alternative for those avoiding pork.

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

• cream of chicken soup - Substitute with cream of mushroom soup: Cream of mushroom soup offers a similar creamy consistency and can add a different but complementary flavor to the casserole.

• sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, while also adding a bit more protein.

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

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add a bit of color to the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile, and it blends more seamlessly 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 for easier reheating. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil.
• Label each container with the date and contents to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, approximately 20-30 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent the top from over-browning.
• For a quicker option, reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place the casserole in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power until warm, stirring occasionally.
• To maintain the cheese's gooey texture, avoid overcooking during reheating.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  3. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
  4. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want a crispy top.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer a portion of the casserole to a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check the temperature and heat in additional 30-second intervals if needed.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Add the casserole to the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the casserole is warmed through and the cheese is melted.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the casserole in an air fryer-safe dish or on a piece of aluminum foil.
  3. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook.
  4. For a crispy top, you can remove the foil for the last few minutes of heating.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all the ingredients thoroughly.

• Greased baking dish: Holds the mixture and ensures it doesn't stick while baking.

• Spatula: Helps in mixing the ingredients evenly and transferring the mixture to the baking dish.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the sour cream and other ingredients accurately.

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

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

• Knife: Used for chopping the onion and dicing the ham into small pieces.

• Cheese grater: Grates the cheddar cheese if not using pre-shredded cheese.

• Oven mitts: Protects your hands when placing the dish in the oven and taking it out.

• Cooling rack: Allows the casserole to cool slightly before serving.

Use pre-chopped ingredients: Save time by using pre-chopped onions and pre-diced ham available at most grocery stores.

Mix in the baking dish: Combine all ingredients directly in the greased baking dish to avoid extra cleanup.

Pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheddar cheese to cut down on prep time.

Microwave hash browns: Thaw frozen hash browns quickly by microwaving them for a few minutes.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.