Smoky Gouda and Ham Hash Brown Casserole
A comforting and flavorful hash brown casserole featuring smoky Gouda cheese and savory ham, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a hearty side dish. This easy-to-make casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its creamy texture and crispy golden-brown topping.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 30-32 oz bag Frozen Hash Browns thawed
- 10.5 oz can Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 2 cups Shredded Smoked Gouda
- 1/2 cup Butter melted
- 1/2 medium Onion finely chopped (optional)
- 1 cup Diced Cooked Ham
- Salt To taste
- Black Pepper To taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Thaw the hash browns and gently squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Assembly
- In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped onion (if using), 1.5 cups of shredded smoked Gouda, and diced cooked ham.
- Season generously with salt and pepper, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded smoked Gouda over the top.
Baking and Serving
- Bake for 45-60 minutes, until hot and bubbly with a golden brown top (broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness, watching carefully).
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help it set.
Notes
For an even richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of hot sauce to the hash brown mixture. You can also experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or Gruyere. The casserole can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning; just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.