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Introduction
Ham & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a warm, comforting dish designed for easy mornings, family brunches, or meal-prep weeks. Combining tender shredded potatoes, savory ham, and creamy eggs, it delivers classic breakfast flavors baked into one hearty pan.
Origin
Breakfast casseroles became popular in North America in the mid-20th century as home cooks sought convenient, make-ahead dishes suitable for gatherings and potlucks. The use of hash browns and diced ham reflects traditional American diner staples merged into a single bake.
Cultural Significance
This dish is beloved for its practicality, often appearing at holiday breakfasts, church brunches, potlucks, and family reunions. It symbolizes sharing, comfort, and the ease of feeding a crowd with minimal effort while still offering homemade flavor.
Ingredients Quantity
- 4 cups frozen shredded hash browns (thawed)
- 1 ½ cups diced cooked ham
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Optional Additions
- ½ cup sautéed onions or bell peppers
- ½ cup cooked bacon pieces
- A handful of spinach, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes for heat
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy twist
- Add mushrooms for extra heartiness
Tips for Success
- Thaw the hash browns: Prevents excess moisture and ensures a golden top.
- Use pre-cooked ham: Keeps preparation quick and safe.
- Don’t overbake: Check doneness at 40 minutes; eggs should be set but still soft.
- Rest before slicing: Let the casserole rest 10 minutes to firm up.
- Grease the dish well: Avoid sticking and help edges crisp.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Spread the thawed hash browns evenly into the bottom of the dish.
- Drizzle melted butter over the potatoes for extra crispiness.
- Sprinkle diced ham over the hash browns.
- Add cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the ham layer.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the entire dish.
- Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is lightly golden.
- Allow to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Description
This casserole delivers a wholesome combination of creamy eggs, crispy-edged potatoes, and smoky ham with a velvety layer of melted cheese. Each bite is satisfying, warm, and rich—perfect for mornings where comfort and simplicity are essential.
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving, 8 servings)
- Calories: ~290
- Protein: ~18g
- Carbohydrates: ~18g
- Fat: ~17g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sodium: ~760mg
(Values vary depending on ingredients used.)
Conclusion
Ham & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is an effortless, crowd-pleasing dish offering flavor, nourishment, and versatility. It’s suitable for special events or simple mornings when you want a fuss-free meal that still tastes special.
Recommendation
Serve with fresh fruit, toast, or a side of sautéed vegetables. It’s also ideal for meal-prep: refrigerate slices for up to 4 days or freeze for future easy breakfasts.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
This casserole strikes a balance between comfort and nourishment. Lean protein from eggs and ham, carbohydrates from potatoes, and calcium-rich cheese create a satisfying meal. You can lighten it further by using reduced-fat cheese or adding more vegetables—allowing you to enjoy indulgence while still making health-minded choices.
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