Savory Hashbrown Ham Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a breakfast dish that effortlessly marries flavors and textures, look no further than this Hashbrown Ham Casserole. This recipe takes the classic elements of a Denver omelette and combines them with crispy hashbrowns to create a dish that’s bursting with savory goodness. Each bite is a delightful blend of ham, cheese, veggies, and eggs, making it a perfect choice for any meal of the day.

I vividly remember the aroma of this Hashbrown Ham Casserole wafting through the house during our last family gathering. The sound of sizzling ham, bubbling cheese, and tender veggies filled the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that brought everyone together. This casserole has a unique ability to not only satisfy your taste buds but also bring people closer around the table, making it a true crowd-pleaser.

One of the best things about this Hashbrown Ham Casserole is its versatility and make-ahead convenience. Preparing it the night before allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a dish that’s even more delicious when baked. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a casual brunch, this casserole is sure to steal the show and leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Quick Benefits

• Perfect make-ahead dish, enhancing flavors as it sits overnight
• Filling and versatile, can be the star of a breakfast spread
• Brings together the comforting elements of a Denver omelette in a convenient casserole format
• Creates memorable mealtime experiences, perfect for family gatherings

Why You’ll Love This Savory Hashbrown Ham Casserole Recipe Recipe

• Perfect Blend of Flavors: This dish combines the tasty elements of Denver omelettes with crunchy hash browns, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Preparing this casserole the night before not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more delicious dish.
• Versatile Main Dish: Whether for a family breakfast or a holiday gathering, this casserole can serve as the star of the meal, bringing everyone together around the table.
• Balanced Menu Option: Its filling nature allows lighter sides to complement it well, creating a balanced and satisfying breakfast spread.
• Memorable Dining Experience: This casserole is not just about the food; it’s about creating moments of connection and making mealtime feel special for everyone involved.

Ingredients for Savory Hashbrown Ham Casserole Recipe

Main Ingredients

• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 (8-ounce) ham steaks, diced into half-inch pieces
• 1 (16-ounce) package of thawed frozen hash browns
• 8 large eggs
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

Dairy

• 1 cup of whole milk
• 4 ounces shredded sharp pepper Jack cheese
• 2 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar
• 3/4 cup sour cream

Seasonings and Oils

• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 2 teaspoons of hot sauce
• 2 teaspoons of kosher salt
• Cooking spray
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Pro Tips for Savory Hashbrown Ham Casserole Recipe

Pro tip #1: To enhance the flavors in this Hashbrown Ham Casserole, consider sautéing the green bell pepper and yellow onion before adding them to the casserole. This will help release their natural sweetness and add depth to the dish. Additionally, try seasoning the ham with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of garlic powder for an extra layer of flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

Pro tip #2: For a perfectly creamy texture in the casserole, whisk the eggs thoroughly with the sour cream, whole milk, and hot sauce until well combined before pouring over the hash browns and ham mixture. This ensures a silky and rich consistency throughout the casserole. Also, when baking, cover the casserole with foil for the first half of the cooking time to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly, then remove the foil to allow the cheese to melt and develop a delicious golden crust.

These pro tips will elevate your Hashbrown Ham Casserole to a new level of deliciousness, making it a standout dish for any breakfast or brunch gathering.

How to Make Savory Hashbrown Ham Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Set Up Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.

Step 2: Sauté Ham and Veggies

Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add ham, onion, and green bell pepper. Cook until onion is translucent and ham is golden, about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Layer Hash Browns

Mix hash browns, pepper Jack cheese, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper in a large bowl. Spread evenly in prepared pan.

Step 4: Add Ham Mix Over Hash Browns

Evenly spread the baked ham and vegetable mixture over the hash brown layer.

Step 5: Make Egg Mixture

Combine eggs, milk, sour cream, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Pour over ham layer and sprinkle with Cheddar.

Step 6: Bake to Finish

Cover pan with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the center is firm. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Denver Omelette Hashbrown Casserole, allow it to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate the casserole promptly within two hours of cooking to keep it safe for consumption. Properly stored, the casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.

When reheating the stored casserole, you can either warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the top from over-browning during reheating. Be sure to heat the casserole until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Consider adding a splash of milk or broth to the dish if it seems dry after refrigeration to help retain moisture during reheating. Enjoy the flavorful leftovers within the recommended storage time for the best taste and quality.

Ingredient Substitutions

For ingredient substitutions in this Hashbrown Ham Casserole recipe, you can easily customize based on your preferences and what you have on hand. If you prefer a different type of cheese or don’t have pepper Jack or Cheddar, feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese varieties such as mozzarella, Swiss, or Gouda. Cheeses with good melting properties work best in this casserole.

If you don’t have ham steaks available, you can substitute with cooked bacon or cooked sausage for a different flavor profile. Both bacon and sausage will add a delicious savory element to the casserole. Just ensure they are cooked and diced into small pieces before adding them to the dish.

Additionally, if you want to make this casserole vegetarian, you can omit the ham entirely and add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes to enhance the flavor and texture. Vegetarian protein options such as cooked lentils or chickpeas can also be added for a hearty vegetarian version of this dish. Feel free to get creative and tailor the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences and taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try layering individual portions of the Hashbrown Ham Casserole in small mason jars for a cute and portable breakfast option. Start with a spoonful of the casserole, then a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and a drizzle of hot sauce. Repeat the layers for a visually appealing and delicious on-the-go breakfast option.

Another fun way to serve this dish is to create a breakfast charcuterie board featuring slices of the Hashbrown Ham Casserole alongside fresh fruit, mini croissants, and a selection of jams and spreads. Add some fresh herbs for garnish and small ramekins of hot sauce and sour cream for dipping. This interactive and customizable spread will delight your guests and make breakfast a memorable experience.

FAQs for Savory Hashbrown Ham Casserole Recipe

Can I substitute the ham with another type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute the ham with cooked and crumbled bacon, cooked sausage, or even leftover shredded chicken. Feel free to get creative with the protein in this casserole!

Can I use a different type of cheese if I don’t have pepper Jack or Cheddar?

Absolutely, feel free to use any cheese you prefer or have on hand. Gouda, Swiss, mozzarella, or a blend of different cheeses can work well in this casserole and add a unique flavor profile.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time and bake it the next day?

Definitely! Preparing this casserole the night before and letting it sit in the fridge overnight actually enhances the flavors as the ingredients meld together. Simply cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it the next day.

Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze any leftover portions of this casserole for later. Make sure to cool the casserole completely, then transfer individual portions or the whole dish into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Conclusion

As you embark on making this delightful Hashbrown Ham Casserole, remember that the heart of any dish is the joy it brings to those who share it. Whether it’s a busy morning or a leisurely brunch, this casserole has the power to bring smiles and warmth to the table.

So go ahead, gather your loved ones, and let the comforting aroma of ham, cheese, and hashbrowns fill your kitchen. With each bite, you’ll taste the love and care that went into preparing this Hashbrown Ham Casserole. Here’s to creating unforgettable moments and delicious memories with every mouthful of this delightful dish!