Certainly! Here’s a detailed and elaborate version of the “Ham ‘n’ Cheese Potato Bake” recipe for your “Love With Recipes” site. This version is perfect for a family meal or as a crowd-pleasing side dish!
Ham ‘n’ Cheese Potato Bake: A Hearty and Simple Comfort Dish
This delightful Ham ‘n’ Cheese Potato Bake, which might have originally been featured in a Taste of Home issue, comes from a cherished family cookbook, offering a comforting, cheesy dish that’s both straightforward to prepare and wonderfully satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or need a delicious side for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to please.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6-8
Ingredients
- 1 package (about 30 oz) frozen hash browns
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
-
Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your bake cooks evenly throughout. -
Prepare the Hash Browns Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, diced ham, 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, and finely chopped onion. Give it a good stir to mix the ingredients thoroughly. -
Make the Sour Cream Mixture:
In a separate bowl, blend together the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and black pepper. This mixture will add a creamy, flavorful base to your dish. -
Combine Ingredients:
Pour the sour cream mixture into the hash brown mixture, stirring until all components are evenly coated and well combined. -
Transfer to Baking Dish:
Transfer the combined mixture into a 3-quart baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This ensures even baking and helps the dish to cook uniformly. -
Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. This will melt and form a delicious cheesy crust during baking. -
Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 60-65 minutes. The bake is ready when the top is golden and bubbly, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. -
Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 423.8
- Fat Content: 29.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 15.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 47.1mg
- Sodium Content: 714mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 34g
- Fiber Content: 2.3g
- Sugar Content: 2.7g
- Protein Content: 9.4g
Tips and Variations
- For a Crunchier Top: Add a few tablespoons of crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs on top of the cheese before baking for a crispy texture.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ham with a mix of your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers and mushrooms, for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate it before baking. Increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes if baking straight from the refrigerator.
Enjoy this Ham ‘n’ Cheese Potato Bake as a delightful and easy side dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings, it’s a recipe that combines simplicity with scrumptious flavors.
Feel free to share this recipe on “Love With Recipes” and enjoy making this hearty dish for your family and friends!
