Introduction
This hearty Ham, Potato, and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Baked in a glass dish, it features layers of tender potatoes, savory diced ham, melted cheddar cheese, fluffy eggs, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions for brightness. The golden, bubbly top and creamy interior make it irresistible. It’s an ideal make-ahead meal for holidays like Christmas or Easter, weekend brunches, or busy mornings when you want something satisfying and easy. Your uploaded photo captures it perfectly – that cheesy, golden-brown perfection looks delicious! 0 “A golden-baked cheesy ham and potato casserole, similar to your photo” “LARGE” 2 “Another view of a hearty ham and potato breakfast casserole with melted cheese on top” “LARGE” 3 “Close-up of a baked ham and potato casserole with eggs and cheese” “LARGE”
Ingredients (Serves 12)
30 oz (about 850g) frozen hash brown potatoes (shredded or diced, thawed slightly)
2 cups diced cooked ham (about 400g)
2-3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided; use sharp for extra flavor)
12 large eggs
1 cup milk (or half-and-half for creamier texture)
1/2 cup chopped green onions (plus more for garnish)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional: 1/2 tsp garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor
Instructions and Methods
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60-75 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes (including rest)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Spread the thawed hash brown potatoes evenly in the bottom of the dish. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle the diced ham and chopped green onions over the potatoes. Top with about 1-2 cups of shredded cheese (reserve the rest for the top).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings until well combined and frothy.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the potato, ham, and cheese layers. Gently press down if needed to ensure everything is submerged.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 60-75 minutes, or until the eggs are set (no jiggle in the center), the top is golden brown, and a knife inserted comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing – this helps it set and makes cutting easier.
Make-Ahead Method: Assemble the casserole up to step 6, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake as directed (add 10-15 extra minutes if baking cold).
Alternative Slow Cooker Method: Layer ingredients in a greased slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
History
Casseroles have ancient roots, dating back to communal pots in early civilizations, with the word deriving from the French “casse” meaning pan. The modern baked casserole gained popularity in America during the mid-20th century (especially the 1950s), thanks to affordable glass bakeware like Pyrex and convenience foods like canned soups and frozen hash browns. Breakfast casseroles, in particular, became holiday staples in the U.S., evolving from simple egg bakes to hearty versions with potatoes, meat, and cheese – perfect for feeding families during busy mornings or gatherings.
Benefits
This casserole is nutritious and practical:
- High in protein from eggs and ham, helping you stay full longer and supporting muscle health.
- Energy-boosting carbs from potatoes for sustained fuel.
- Convenient and time-saving – make ahead, feeds a crowd with minimal effort.
- Balanced meal with veggies (green onions) and dairy for calcium.
- Great for meal prep: leftovers reheat well and provide a satisfying, warm breakfast throughout the week.
Information (Tips and Variations)
- Use leftover holiday ham to reduce waste.
- For crispier potatoes, use frozen O’Brien potatoes (with onions and peppers).
- Variations: Add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for more veggies; swap ham for sausage or bacon; make it vegetarian with extra cheese and veggies.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days; freeze baked slices for up to 2 months.
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximate for 12 Servings)
- Calories: 300-350
- Protein: 20-25g (from eggs, ham, and cheese)
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g (mostly from potatoes)
- Fat: 15-20g (from cheese and eggs)
- Provides choline (from eggs) for brain health, calcium for bones, and potassium from potatoes.
(Note: Exact values vary by ingredients; use a nutrition calculator for precision.)
Conclusion
This Ham, Potato, and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is a timeless, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare, deliciously comforting, and versatile for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting brunch or prepping for the week, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
For Casserole Lovers
If you love hearty, cheesy bakes like the one in your photo, try variations with sausage, add hot sauce for spice, or pair with fresh fruit and coffee. Breakfast casserole enthusiasts rave about its make-ahead magic – perfect for lazy weekends or special mornings! Enjoy your baking!