Last Updated on April 6, 2023 by Kimberly Stroh

There’s nothing better than potatoes, except when you add cheese to them. They’re delicious, cheesy and a bit creamy. This easy Hash Brown Casserole recipe is perfect for brunch. You can make it ahead of time and bake it before serving. With two different types of cheese, chunks of ham and frozen hash browns – it’s irresistible.

There’s nothing better than having a delicious brunch recipe prepped that you can throw into the oven after sleeping in. It’s what I live for on the weekends – lazy and easy. When I’m not in the mood to stand over the stovetop to make potatoes, this Hash Brown Casserole is our go to.

The kids even love it. The salty flavor of the ham compliments the two different types of cheese – Monterey Jack and Sharp Cheddar – and the potatoes add texture. I love this for any weekend brunch, but we especially enjoy it for Easter or Christmas. It serves a crowd and tastes yummy.

Looking for even more great brunch recipes that can be prepped ahead of time? Check out these other fabulous recipes:

• Blueberry Bread Pudding
• Sausage Tater Tot Brunch Casserole
• 3-Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits

How To Make Hash Brown Casserole For Brunch

For this recipe, you’ll use a 9×13-inch baking dish. This is such a common baking dish for casseroles and one that I use all the time. The only other kitchen tools you’ll need is a large mixing bowl and whisk to make your egg mixture. That’s it! It’s so easy.

What To Serve With Your Hash Brown Casserole

This casserole is heavy and almost a meal unto itself. You want to keep everything else pretty light. I like something sweet, like a pastry or serving it with fruit salad. Of course, you could always serve bacon on the side as well if you want your guests to have breakfast meat options. 

How To Keep Leftovers Fresh

I keep the potatoes in the casserole dish. Just cover the dish with plastic wrap and keep the casserole in the fridge. For best freshness, enjoy the casserole within 5-6 days of baking. Reheat small portions in the microwave, on high, for 1 minute. Or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 300ºF until center is warmed.

Can You Freeze Hash Brown Casserole?

Yes! This casserole freezes well. The potatoes tend to hold water, so as it thaws, you might experience some water draining. I just soak that up, after it’s thawed, with a paper towel and reheat the casserole. Freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Store the casserole in the back of the freezer where temperatures are more stable.

How To Make This Casserole Ahead of Time

If you want to prep this casserole ahead of time, you can make it up to 24 hours ahead of time. Just follow the recipe directions up until the point of baking. Cover the uncooked casserole and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pull the dish and bake as directed. It’s a great way to save time!

Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Ingredients:

• Frozen Shredded Hash Browns – Any brand will work and you’ll use the entire package
• Sweet Cream Butter
• Monterey Jack Cheese – Or a pepper jack would work too
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• Onion
• Ham
• Eggs
• Evaporated Milk – It helps the ingredients comes together
• Kosher Salt
• Garlic Salt
• Black Pepper
• Ground Mustard
• Onion Powder
• Optional: Green Onion For Garnish

How To Make This Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and spray a 9×13 baking dish with pam spray. Pour the entire bag of the hash browns into the baking dish.

Melt the butter in a microwave safe bowl and pour evenly over the hash browns. Sprinkle kosher salt and ground black pepper over the hash browns and gently toss together. 

Place into the oven for 30 minutes or until the tops are starting to brown slightly. Remove from oven and turn the heat to 350 degrees.

Sprinkle evenly the Monterey Jack Cheese, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Chopped onion and chopped ham.

Using a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, evaporated milk, garlic salt, ground mustard, and onion powder until combined.

Evenly pour the egg mixture over the hash browns. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes. Check to see if the center is set and not jiggly. If center still jiggles, cover with foil and place back into the oven for 5 more minutes. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and enjoy!