Cheesy Ham and Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Cheesy Ham and Potato Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines tender potatoes, savory ham, and gooey cheese, all baked together for a delicious breakfast or brunch option. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd!
Ingredients List
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups (600g) frozen hash brown potatoes – Thawed (or fresh potatoes, diced).
- 2 cups (300g) diced cooked ham – For protein.
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese – For cheesiness.
- 1/2 cup (60g) shredded mozzarella cheese – For extra flavor.
- 6 large eggs – For the custard base.
- 1 cup (240ml) milk – For creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon salt – To taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – To taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – For flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – For flavor.
Timing
Making Cheesy Ham and Potato Breakfast Casserole is straightforward! Here’s a breakdown of the timing:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Mixture
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, diced ham, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Whisk Eggs and Dairy: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Combine: Pour the egg mixture over the potato and ham mixture. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the potatoes are evenly coated.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish and pour the casserole mixture into it, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
- Cool Slightly: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Slice and Enjoy: Cut into squares and serve warm. Enjoy your cheesy breakfast casserole!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per serving (based on a recipe serving 8):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Total Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 180mg |
| Sodium | 800mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 20g |
Tips for Success
- Use Leftover Ham: This casserole is a great way to use leftover holiday ham.
- Customize the Cheese: Feel free to mix in your favorite cheeses or use a cheese blend for variety.
- Add Vegetables: You can add diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Thawing Hash Browns: If using frozen hash browns, make sure they are fully thawed to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on the casserole towards the end of baking to prevent it from drying out.
Storing Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freezing: You can freeze the casserole before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, adding extra time if needed.
Conclusion
Cheesy Ham and Potato Breakfast Casserole is a comforting and filling dish that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. It’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes!
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
Yes! You can use fresh potatoes; just peel and dice them into small cubes. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I serve with this dish?
This casserole pairs well with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a light salad.
Cheesy Ham and Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
50 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups (600g) frozen hash brown potatoes – Thawed (or fresh potatoes, diced).
- 2 cups (300g) diced cooked ham – For protein.
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese – For cheesiness.
- 1/2 cup (60g) shredded mozzarella cheese – For extra flavor.
- 6 large eggs – For the custard base.
- 1 cup (240ml) milk – For creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon salt – To taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – To taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – For flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – For flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Mixture
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, diced ham, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Whisk Eggs and Dairy: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Combine: Pour the egg mixture over the potato and ham mixture. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the potatoes are evenly coated.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish and pour the casserole mixture into it, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
- Cool Slightly: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Slice and Enjoy: Cut into squares and serve warm. Enjoy your cheesy breakfast casserole!
