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This Cheesy Ham Hashbrown Casserole brings together creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors in a warm, satisfying dish. It’s the perfect choice when you want something hearty and comforting with minimal fuss. Using leftover ham makes it an easy way to create a new meal that feels special without extra trips to the store.
I first made this casserole after finding some leftover ham in the fridge and have since made it many times for family gatherings. It quickly became a requested comfort food in our home.
Ingredients
- Cooked ham: adds savory meatiness choose good quality ham or use your favorite leftovers
- Yellow onion: enhances flavor with a natural sweetness look for firm onions without soft spots
- Hashbrowns: the base that provides crispy texture frozen shredded hashbrowns work best for ease
- Cream of chicken soup: creates the rich creamy sauce canned varieties make prep simple
- French onion dip: adds tangy creaminess and depth use sour cream-based dip from the dairy aisle
- Colby cheese: melts beautifully and adds a mild sharpness freshly shredded for best melt and flavor
- Salt and black pepper: essential seasoning to balance all the flavors freshly ground pepper improves taste
How to Make Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
- Sauté the aromatics:
- While not required in this recipe, cooking the onions lightly until golden soft can deepen flavor. For simplicity, you can mix raw as well.
- Combine the main ingredients:
- In a large bowl combine the hashbrowns ham finely chopped yellow onion French onion dip cream of chicken soup and one cup of shredded Colby cheese. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly blended.
- Prepare the baking dish:
- Lightly spray a 9 by 13 inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray making it easier to clean and ensuring the casserole does not stick.
- Assemble and bake:
- Transfer the hashbrown mixture into the prepared dish spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded Colby cheese on top to form a cheesy topping. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 to 45 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking then serve warm for a satisfying meal at any time of day.
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Colby cheese is my favorite here because it melts without becoming greasy and has a pleasant sharpness that balances the creamy sauce perfectly. One memorable time I served this casserole at a family brunch and it disappeared in minutes with everyone asking for seconds.
Storage Tips
Store leftover casserole covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days to keep freshness. For longer storage freeze in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try substituting the cooked ham with cooked bacon sausage or even diced turkey for a different protein twist. Cream of mushroom soup can replace cream of chicken soup if you prefer. Use sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack instead of Colby cheese to customize the cheesy flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. For breakfast try topping with a fried egg or serving alongside fresh fruit for a hearty brunch.
Cultural Context
Casseroles are a classic comfort food in American cooking often made with simple pantry staples and widely enjoyed as family meals. This version highlights the tradition of using leftovers creatively while offering creamy cheese and a satisfying potato base.
Pro Tips
- Make sure your French onion dip is sour cream based for that creamy tang which is crucial to get the signature flavor.
- Do not skip shredding your own cheese for better melt and flavor compared to pre-shredded bags.
- If time allows mix the casserole the night before refrigerate and bake fresh the next day for deeper flavor melding.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be assembled the night before. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready, bake as usual until golden and bubbly.
- → What cheese works best here?
Colby cheese shines in this mix, but mild cheddar, Colby Jack, or Parmesan can be used for added flavor.
- → Is freezing leftovers possible?
Leftovers freeze well in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- → Can a slow cooker be used for this dish?
Yes, cook on low for about 4 hours until heated through and the top is lightly browned.
- → Why use French onion dip in the creamy base?
The sour cream-based French onion dip enriches the sauce with creaminess and a subtle onion flavor that complements the ham and cheese.