Ham And Potato Breakfast Casserole
A hearty breakfast casserole combining hash browns, ham, cheddar, and green onions, baked to perfection. Perfect for brunch or a comforting morning meal.
Ingredients
- 1 package Betty Crocker hash brown potatoes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (6 oz.) ⓘ
- 1 cup finely chopped fully cooked smoked ham ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely sliced green onions with tops ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- dash ground red pepper ⓘ
- 5 eggs beaten
- paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix all ingredients except paprika in a large bowl.
- Pour the mixture into an ungreased rectangular baking dish measuring 12 x 7 1/2 x 2 inches.
- Sprinkle with paprika on top.
- Bake uncovered until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, about 40 to 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture. If you don't have Cheddar cheese, you can substitute with Monterey Jack or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can enhance the dish's aroma and taste. Make sure to use fully cooked ham for the best results, such as those from Ham It Ups.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is perfect for brunch and pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or fruit for a balanced meal. Consider serving with a side of toast or muffins for added texture. For a complete breakfast experience, you might also enjoy it alongside Dorothy's Ham Barbecues for a delightful flavor contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until warmed through or place the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated throughout. Cover with foil to prevent drying out during the reheating process.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham And Potato Breakfast Casserole contains roughly 522 calories, with 19g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (103% of the Daily Value), calcium (40% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 795mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of hash brown potatoes?
If you prefer not to use frozen hash browns, you can shred fresh potatoes and briefly parboil them before adding to the casserole. Alternatively, consider using cooked quinoa or rice for a gluten-free option that still provides a hearty base.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add extra heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the mixture before baking. You can also increase the amount of ground red pepper to suit your spice preference. This will give a nice kick to the flavor profile.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).