Wake up to the comforting aroma of a Cheesy Western Skillet with Hash Browns and Ham, perfect for a relaxed weekend breakfast or brunch with family and friends. This savory casserole combines crispy hash browns, flavorful ham, garden-fresh vegetables, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese into a hearty skillet that’s both satisfying and crowd-pleasing.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry group or simply craving a delicious morning meal, this dish offers a wonderful balance of textures and flavors. Its easy preparation and bake-in-one-skillet convenience make it an ideal choice for busy mornings or leisurely brunch occasions.
- The combination of crispy hash browns and melty cheese delivers a comforting textural contrast.
- Loaded with protein from eggs and ham, it’s a wholesome breakfast that fuels your day.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies and meats, perfect for any taste preference.
- Prepares quickly with simple ingredients, and bakes easily in one pan.
Ingredients
- Frozen hash browns (4 cups, thawed): Provides a crispy and tender golden base with a satisfying potato texture that holds up after baking.
- Butter or olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and prevents sticking while sautéing the ham and vegetables.
- Diced cooked ham (1 cup): Delivers savory, smoky layers of protein with every bite, boosting flavor and heartiness.
- Diced bell pepper (½ cup): Adds a fresh, crunchy sweetness and vibrant color; use any bell pepper variety you prefer.
- Diced onion (½ cup): Brings a subtle sharpness and aromatic depth, softening nicely when sautéed.
- Large eggs (8): Acts as a fluffy, rich binder that holds the casserole together and provides essential protein.
- Milk (1 cup): Keeps the eggs tender and creamy for a smooth, custard-like texture throughout.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors naturally while balancing the dish’s seasoning.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds mild heat and sharpness for a well-rounded flavor.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon, optional): Lends a gentle garlic aroma and depth without overpowering the other tastes.
- Shredded cheese (2 cups): Melted cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend creates gooey, golden topping with rich, tangy flavor.
- Green onions or parsley (optional garnish): Fresh herbs add a bright splash of color and freshness when served.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven
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Set your oven to 190 °C (375 °F) to ensure even baking and perfect setting of the eggs and cheese.
- Prepare the skillet base
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Heat butter or olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced ham, bell pepper, and onion for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant; this awakens their flavors and softens the vegetables for a tender bite.
- Add hash browns
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Spread the thawed hash browns evenly over the cooked ham and vegetables. This layer forms a crispy, golden foundation that contrasts delightfully with the creamy egg mixture.
- Mix eggs and milk
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In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth and combined. This mixture ensures an even, fluffy texture throughout the casserole once baked.
- Combine egg mixture with skillet
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Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hash browns, allowing it to seep through and coat the layers beneath, creating a cohesive and creamy casserole.
- Add cheese topping
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Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top, which will melt and brown during baking, adding a rich, gooey finish.
- Bake to perfection
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Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the eggs are fully set and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, indicating a perfectly cooked casserole.
- Cool and serve
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Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes to set before slicing or scooping. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired, adding a fresh, vibrant touch.
- You can swap ham with cooked sausage or bacon for different meat flavors.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes for extra veggies and nutrition.
- Use a blend of sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheese for a bolder cheesy taste.
- Assemble the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning for a quick prep.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain the casserole’s creamy texture and melted cheese goodness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this skillet with a side of fresh fruit or a light green salad for balance. Complement with your favorite breakfast beverages such as coffee, orange juice, or herbal tea to round out the meal.
- For a crispier hash brown base, pre-cook the hash browns in the skillet a few minutes before adding the egg mixture.
- Use an oven-safe cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and easy stovetop-to-oven cooking.
- Make sure eggs are well whisked to incorporate air, which gives the casserole a lighter, fluffier texture.
FAQs
- Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
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Yes, finely shredded or diced potatoes work well but ensure you sauté or parboil them first to remove excess moisture for crispiness.
- Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
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Use dairy-free cheese and milk alternatives like almond milk, and substitute butter with olive oil for a dairy-free version.
- How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
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Make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain the hash browns to remove excess moisture before using.
- Can I prepare this ahead of time?
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Absolutely! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning for convenience and freshness.
- Is this dish freezer-friendly?
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Yes, you can freeze cooked portions. Wrap well and thaw overnight before reheating in the oven.
Cheesy Western Skillet Hash Browns
Equipment
- 1 oven-safe skillet or baking dish
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen hash browns thawed
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- ½ cup diced bell pepper any color
- ½ cup diced onion
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder optional
- 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blend
- Optional garnish: sliced green onions or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
- Heat butter or olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced ham, bell pepper, and onion; sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Spread thawed hash browns evenly over the sautéed vegetables and ham.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hash browns layer.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until eggs are set and cheese is melted and golden.
- Let the skillet cool slightly before slicing or scooping onto plates.
- Top with sliced green onions or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Swap ham for cooked sausage or bacon as a meat alternative.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use a blend of sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheese for bolder taste.
- Can be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
