Cheesy Ham and Hashbrown Bake
- Preparing Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Served Person: 9
- salt to taste
- 30 oz bag of frozen shredded hashbrowns
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans of cream of potato soup
- 1 (16 oz) tub of sour cream
- 10 oz smoked ham (lunch meat leftovers etc...), chopped
- 1/2 a medium to large yellow onion diced
- 2 c grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 c favorite cheese blend (i use a 6 cheese italian bl
- 1/4 tsp to 2 tbsp black pepper (we love black pepper remember you can add it, you can never take it away)
- dash of smoked paprika
- use pepper jack instead of cheddar for a nice kick
- add in red and green bell peppers for a delicious
- try using 1/2 frozen shredded hash browns and 1/2
- make ahead and freeze - just don't top with cheese
- Carbohydrate 0.375466666666667 g
- Cholesterol 30.8 mg
- Fat 9.72106666666667 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 7.304 g
- Saturated Fat 6.18698666666667 g
- Serving Size 1 1 X13 Pan or 10X15 Pan (156g)
- Sodium 569.74 mg
- Sugar 0.375466666666667 g
- Trans Fat 0.503066666666667 g
- Calories 118 calories
My Go-To Comfort Food: Cheesy Ham and Hashbrown Bake
As a busy mom of three, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can sometimes feel like a Herculean task. But there are those recipes that become lifesavers, those culinary treasures that are quick, easy, and always deliver a crowd-pleasing result. This Cheesy Ham and Hashbrown Bake is one of those recipes for me. It's the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. The beauty of it lies not only in its simplicity but also in its adaptability. You can easily customize it to your liking, adding your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or spices. This recipe has become a staple in our house, and I'm thrilled to share it with you.
The first time I made this, I was honestly surprised at how easy it was. I'd seen similar recipes online, but often they seemed overly complicated, filled with ingredients I didn't have on hand or techniques that felt intimidating. This recipe, however, is wonderfully straightforward. It's a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. The creamy potato soup forms a rich base, the crispy hash browns add a delightful texture, and the melted cheese provides the perfect finishing touch. It's the kind of dish that practically makes itself, leaving you with more time to focus on what truly matters – family and friends.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. It’s a blank canvas for culinary creativity. I’ve experimented with different types of cheese, from sharp cheddar to a spicy pepper jack blend, each time achieving a slightly different flavor profile. Adding diced bell peppers or sautéed onions adds a vibrant color and a fresh crunch, elevating the dish to another level. On occasion, when I want to lighten things up, I’ll use a combination of frozen and fresh hash browns, resulting in a slightly healthier version without compromising on taste. Sometimes, if I'm feeling particularly ambitious, I'll even make my own hash browns from scratch using leftover potatoes, which adds a homemade touch.
The beauty of this casserole lies in its make-ahead capabilities. You can easily assemble it the night before and store it in the refrigerator, ready to bake whenever you need a quick and delicious meal. This feature has been a game-changer for me, especially on those mornings when I'm scrambling to get everyone ready for school. Simply pop it in the oven while getting the kids ready and breakfast is served. The leftovers also reheat beautifully, which means even more meals throughout the week. It's a true testament to the efficiency and deliciousness of this recipe.
Beyond its convenience, this casserole is also incredibly forgiving. Don't have sour cream? Use plain yogurt. Want to add some extra spice? Throw in a pinch of cayenne pepper. The possibilities are endless. This is the type of recipe that encourages experimentation and allows you to make it your own. I've even adapted it for special occasions, adding a layer of cooked chicken or ground beef for a heartier dish. The versatility of this recipe is truly remarkable, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. It's simple enough for a weeknight meal and elegant enough for a casual get-together with friends and family.
In short, this Cheesy Ham and Hashbrown Bake isn't just a recipe; it's a time-saving solution, a delicious comfort food, and a blank canvas for culinary creativity. Its ease of preparation, adaptability, and deliciousness make it a must-try for any busy individual or family looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. So, give it a try, and I'm confident it will quickly become a staple in your household, too. Experiment with different ingredients, share it with your loved ones, and enjoy the deliciousness!
Step-by-step
- Pre-heat oven to 325 F
- Grate the cheese, chop the ham, dice the onion
- In a large bowl mix together: soup, hash browns, seasonings, onion, sour cream, ham and cheddar cheese
- Spread into a 9X13 (for thicker servings) or a 10 X 15 (to make more servings) dish and top with the cheese blend
- Bake for one hour or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is golden brown
