This Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole is pure comfort in every creamy, cheesy bite. Packed with tender hash browns, savory ham, gooey cheddar, and a rich, buttery base, it’s a dish that brings people back for seconds (and thirds!). It’s ridiculously easy to throw together, and it works for everything—Sunday brunch, weekday dinner, holiday potlucks, or a cozy night in. If you’re looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that takes minimal effort, this is your golden ticket.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra Comforting: Creamy, cheesy, warm, and hearty—this casserole hits every comfort note in the best way.
Ridiculously Easy: Dump, mix, bake. No special equipment or cooking skills required.
Perfect for Any Meal: Serve it for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner—it fits anywhere on the table.
Great for Leftovers: It reheats like a dream and actually gets better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this luscious casserole—and why each ingredient matters:

Frozen Hash Browns: The base of the dish, giving you soft potato goodness without any peeling or chopping.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds a rich, savory flavor and makes the casserole creamy and cohesive.
Sour Cream: Balances out the richness with a little tang and helps with that signature creamy texture.
Butter (melted): Adds depth and richness to every bite. You want that buttery background note!
Cheddar Cheese (grated): The heart of the cheesy goodness—use sharp cheddar for maximum flavor.
Onion (diced): Adds subtle bite and freshness to cut through the richness.
Ham (diced): Use leftover ham or store-bought diced ham for savory, salty satisfaction in every bite.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning—go easy on the salt if your ham is on the salty side.

Variations

Want to switch things up a bit? Totally doable:

Add Veggies: Stir in some frozen peas, corn, or broccoli for extra color and nutrition.
Use Bacon: Crumbled cooked bacon works beautifully instead of or alongside ham.
Swap the Soup: Not a fan of cream of chicken? Try cream of mushroom or cream of celery.
Cheese Options: Try a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Crispy Topping: Sprinkle crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs on top before baking for a golden, crunchy finish.

How to Make Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix It All Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, shredded cheddar, diced onion, diced ham, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together until everything is evenly coated and well mixed.

Step 3: Spread in the Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Pop the dish in the oven and bake, uncovered, for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbling casserole with a beautifully golden top.

Step 5: Cool and Garnish

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. If you want to level up the flavor, sprinkle with chopped fresh chives right before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Thaw the Hash Browns: Use them straight from the freezer—they’ll cook perfectly in the oven.
Use Leftover Ham: This is a fantastic way to use up leftover holiday ham. Cube it up and toss it in.
Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese works, but freshly grated melts smoother and tastes better.
Let it Rest: Give the casserole a few minutes to cool after baking. It sets up better and won’t burn your mouth.

How to Serve

This casserole is incredibly versatile—serve it how you like:

As a Main Dish

Pair with a light green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness.

For Brunch

Serve with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and coffee or mimosas for a complete spread.

As a Side

Goes perfectly with roast chicken, glazed ham, or grilled sausages.

Potluck Star

Bring it to a family gathering or holiday party—it’ll disappear in no time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time—hello, even better tomorrow!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze it! Cool completely, then wrap the dish tightly in foil or transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or rewarm the entire dish in a 350°F oven until hot throughout. Add a little foil on top if it’s browning too quickly.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole the night before?
Absolutely. Assemble the whole thing, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake the next day—add 5–10 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold.

What type of ham works best?
Any fully cooked ham will do! Leftover spiral ham, thick deli ham, or diced smoked ham steaks all work beautifully. Just avoid sweet glazes if possible.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—just use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup, and make sure your hash browns are labeled gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients should be safe.

Do I have to use cream of chicken soup?
Not at all. You can use cream of mushroom, celery, or even make your own simple roux-based sauce with butter, flour, broth, and milk.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole is the kind of recipe that brings comfort and joy to your table with barely any effort. It’s creamy, cheesy, salty, and totally satisfying—basically everything you want in a baked dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just looking for something cozy and easy, this one’s a keeper. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your meal rotation!