Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, a dish that feels like a warm, welcoming hug on a plate. Often affectionately known as “Funeral Potatoes” or “Party Potatoes” in certain regions, this iconic casserole has earned its place as a staple at potlucks, holiday brunches, family reunions, and weeknight dinners alike. Imagine a harmonious union of shredded, golden hash browns, savory bites of hearty ham, and a luxuriously creamy, cheesy sauce that binds everything together into a cohesive, bubbling masterpiece.

Why Is This Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown Casserole So Popular?

The popularity of Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown Casserole is deeply rooted in its nostalgic appeal, incredible practicality, and universal deliciousness. It is a dish that transcends generations.

Its unmatched make-ahead capability is a primary driver of its fame. This casserole can be assembled completely hours or even a full day before it needs to be baked. This quality makes it indispensable for busy hosts who want to spend time with their guests rather than being stuck in the kitchen. It’s the go-to dish for events like Easter brunch, Christmas morning, or post-funeral gatherings, where reliable, comforting food is needed without fuss—hence the nickname “Funeral Potatoes.”

Secondly, it is a masterpiece of comfort. The combination of potatoes, creamy sauce, and cheese taps into a fundamental sense of warmth and satisfaction. The textures are a perfect balance: the slight resistance of the tender ham, the softness of the potatoes, and the crisp-tender bite of the onion, all enveloped in rich, melted cheese. It’s a familiar and beloved flavor profile that appeals to both children and adults.

Finally, its versatility and economy cement its status. It is an excellent and delicious way to use up leftover holiday ham, preventing food waste. The other ingredients are pantry-friendly and budget-conscious, typically involving frozen hash browns, canned soup, and sour cream. It can easily be scaled up to feed a large crowd or scaled down for a cozy family dinner, always delivering consistent, crowd-pleasing results.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown Casserole

You will love this casserole because it is the definition of effortless, satisfying cooking. You will love the simplicity of mixing a few key ingredients and achieving a result that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. You will love the incredible aroma of onions, ham, and cheese that will fill your home as it bakes, building anticipation for the meal to come. You will love the sound of the satisfying crunch as your spoon breaks through the buttery, crispy topping into the creamy, steamy interior below.

Most importantly, you will love the reactions it elicits. This is a dish that prompts requests for seconds and demands that the recipe be shared. It provides a sense of nourishment and contentment that is rare in everyday meals. You will love the peace of mind that comes from having a reliable, foolproof recipe in your arsenal, one that you can turn to for any occasion, from a simple Tuesday night to a grand holiday celebration. It’s a dish that creates memories around the table.

Here’s what you’ll need:

The ingredient list is straightforward, and each component plays a vital role in creating the final, harmonious dish.

For the Casserole Base:

• Frozen Hash Browns: 1 (30-32 ounce) package of frozen shredded hash browns, partially thawed. It’s crucial to use the shredded variety, not diced potato cubes, for the classic texture. Partially thawing (for about 30 minutes on the counter) makes them easier to mix.
• Cooked Ham: 2 cups of fully cooked ham, diced into ½-inch cubes. This is the perfect opportunity to use up leftover holiday ham. If you don’t have leftovers, a thick slice of ham steak from the deli counter works perfectly.
• Aromatic: 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced. This adds a necessary savory sweetness and texture.
• Creamy Binder: This is the heart of the sauce.
  • 1 (10.5-ounce) can of condensed cream of chicken soup. (Cream of mushroom or celery can be used as a substitute).
  • 2 cups (16 ounces) of sour cream. Full-fat sour cream provides the best richness and stability, but light sour cream can be used.
• Cheese: 2 cups of shredded cheese, divided. A combination of sharp cheddar cheese (for flavor) and Monterey Jack or Colby Jack (for superior meltiness) is ideal. Pre-shredded bags contain anti-caking agents; shredding your own from a block will result in a smoother, creamier sauce.
• Butter: ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, melted. This adds richness and helps the potatoes brown.
• Seasonings:
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt: Be cautious with salt, as the ham, canned soup, and cheese already contribute a significant amount. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to taste.

For the Crunchy Topping (Essential!):

• 2 cups of cornflakes, lightly crushed. This provides the iconic, crispy texture contrast.
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted, to toss with the cornflakes.

How to Make Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown Casserole

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps for making this delightful Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown Casserole. It’s as easy as pie, and I promise you’ll feel like a culinary superstar!

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature allows the casserole to heat through evenly without burning the topping before the center is hot. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce.
In an exceptionally large mixing bowl—larger than you think you need—combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and the ½ cup of melted butter. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. There should be no streaks of soup or sour cream left.

Step 3: Season the Sauce.
Add the garlic powder, black pepper, and cautious amount of salt to the creamy mixture. Whisk again to incorporate the seasonings evenly throughout the sauce base.

Step 4: Combine the Main Ingredients.
To the large bowl with the sauce, add the partially thawed shredded hash browns, the diced cooked ham, the finely diced onion, and 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheese blend. Reserve the remaining ½ cup of cheese for later.

Step 5: Mix Gently but Thoroughly.
Using a large spatula or your hands (wearing food-safe gloves is efficient here), gently fold and mix all the ingredients together. The goal is to ensure every shred of potato and every piece of ham is evenly coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce. Be patient; this might take a few minutes to achieve a uniform mixture.

Step 6: Transfer and Smooth.
Pour the entire mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out into a uniform layer, pressing down gently with your spatula to compact it slightly. This helps the casserole hold together when served.

Step 7: Add the Final Cheese Layer.
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture.

Step 8: Create the Cornflake Topping.
In a medium bowl, place the lightly crushed cornflakes. Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of melted butter over them and toss gently with a spoon or your fingers until all the cereal is lightly coated. This butter will help the topping achieve a deep golden brown and crispy texture.

Step 9: Apply the Topping and Bake.
Evenly distribute the buttered cornflake crumbs over the entire surface of the casserole, creating a complete, crunchy blanket.

Step 10: Bake to Bubbly Perfection.
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 50 to 60 minutes. The casserole is done when the edges are bubbling vigorously, the topping is a deep golden brown, and the center is hot and cooked through.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Over-thaw the Potatoes: If the hash browns are completely thawed, they can release too much water and make the casserole soupy. Partially thawed is the key—they should still be cold and somewhat separate.
• Taste the Mixture: Before transferring to the baking dish, taste a small bit of the mixture (remember, the ham is already cooked). This is the best time to adjust seasoning, adding more pepper or a pinch of salt if needed.
• Press the Mixture: Pressing the mixture into the pan helps the casserole set firmly, making for cleaner slices when served.
• Watch the Topping: All ovens vary. If the cornflakes are browning too quickly before the center is hot, you can tent the dish loosely with foil for the remainder of the baking time.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.

Equipment Needed

• 9×13 inch Baking Dish
• Large Mixing Bowl (Very Large)
• Medium Mixing Bowl (for topping)
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Cutting Board and Knife

Variations of Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown Casserole

• Breakfast Version: Add a layer of thawed, drained frozen spinach and substitute the ham with cooked, crumbled breakfast sausage. You can even crack a few eggs over the top before baking for a truly all-in-one breakfast bake.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the ham and use cream of mushroom soup. Add in other vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or broccoli florets.
• Extra Cheesy Version: Use 3 cups of cheese total and incorporate a ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce for a sharper flavor.
• Different Topping: If you’re not a fan of cornflakes, you can use 2 cups of crushed potato chips (plain or ruffled), French fried onions, or even panko breadcrumbs mixed with the melted butter.
• Lighter Version: Use low-fat condensed soup, light sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and reduce the butter by half, using cooking spray to coat the cornflakes for the topping.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown Casserole

This casserole is rich and hearty, so it pairs beautifully with lighter, fresher sides. For a brunch, serve it alongside fresh fruit salad, fluffy scrambled eggs, and buttery croissants. For a dinner, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is essential to balance the richness. Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or glazed carrots also make excellent vegetable accompaniments. It is a complete meal on its own but can be served as a side dish to grilled chicken or pork chops for an extra-indulgent meal.

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

50-60 minutes

Total Time:

Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes (including resting time)

Nutritional Information

(Estimated per serving, based on 8 generous servings)

• Calories: ~550-600
• Protein: ~25g
• Sodium: ~1200mg (highly variable based on ham and soup sodium content)
• Sugar: ~5g
• Fat: ~35g
• Carbohydrates: ~40g
• Fiber: ~2g

FAQs about Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown Casserole

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. This is one of its greatest strengths. Assemble the casserole completely, including the cornflake topping. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from cold.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, but with a caveat. The creamy sauce can sometimes separate upon thawing and reheating, resulting in a slightly grainy texture. For best results, freeze it before baking. Assemble without the cornflake topping, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the topping, and then bake as directed, adding extra time as needed.

Q: Why is my casserole watery?
A: The most common cause is using hash browns that are too thawed, which releases excess water. Using full-fat sour cream and not overmixing after baking also helps prevent a watery texture. Letting it rest after baking is crucial for the sauce to thicken.

Q: What can I use instead of canned soup?
A: You can make a simple homemade sauce by melting 3 tablespoons of butter, whisking in 3 tablespoons of flour to make a roux, and then slowly whisking in 1 cup of milk and ½ cup of chicken broth until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of onion powder.

Q: The center isn’t hot, but the topping is burning. What do I do?
A: This is a common issue. Simply tent the entire dish loosely with a piece of aluminum foil. This will shield the topping from direct heat while allowing the center to continue cooking.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown Casserole is a timeless recipe that deserves a honored place in every home cook’s collection. It is the very definition of comfort, convenience, and crowd-pleasing flavor. It proves that the most beloved dishes are often not the most complex, but rather those that are made with intention and designed to bring people together. Whether it’s a quiet Sunday morning, a festive holiday gathering, or a meal provided to a friend in need, this casserole communicates care and warmth in every creamy, cheesy, satisfying bite. It is a recipe you will return to for decades, a classic that never, ever goes out of style.