Spam Hash Brown Bake
A hearty and cheesy hash brown casserole with Spam, perfect for family gatherings or comfort food lovers seeking savory, cheesy flavors with a crispy topping.
Ingredients
- 32 oz. frozen hash brown potatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup margarine ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 12 oz. can Spam, cubed ⓘ
- 10 3/4 oz. can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup diced green chilies ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine thawed hash brown potatoes, melted margarine, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In another bowl, mix shredded Cheddar cheese, cubed Spam, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, chopped onion, and green chilies if using.
- Add the Spam mixture to the potato mixture and stir well.
- Pour the combined mixture into a 2-quart baking dish.
- Sprinkle crushed potato chips over the top.
- Bake for 45 to 60 minutes or until thoroughly heated and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. You can also substitute the Spam with diced ham or a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese instead of Cheddar. Make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This Spam Hash Brown Bake is hearty enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. Consider serving it alongside a side of Angge'S Salad for a refreshing contrast. For breakfast, it can be enjoyed with eggs or as a brunch dish, making it versatile for any meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spam Hash Brown Bake contains roughly 973 calories, with 25g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value), calcium (44% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2264mg per serving (98% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Spam Hash Brown Bake a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through.
What can I use in place of cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup or a homemade béchamel sauce for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, use a cream of celery soup or a dairy-free alternative, ensuring it aligns with your dietary needs.
Can I freeze the Spam Hash Brown Bake?
Yes, you can freeze this dish before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months. To bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake according to the original instructions. This makes it a convenient meal option for busy days.
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).