Hash Brown Egg Casserole with Ham

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 2

Spray a 9x13 inch pan with nonstick spray, or grease with butter.

Step 3

Dump the bag of frozen hashbrowns into the pan. (There is no need to thaw first.)

Step 4

Melt a stick of butter in a small bowl, and pour evenly over the potatoes. Sprinkle the potatoes with salt and pepper. Use a spoon to gently toss it all together, then spread it out so that it's even.

Step 5

Bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and lightly browned on top. You can even nab a forkful to make sure they are done if you like.

Step 6

Remove the casserole and reduce the oven temperature to 350.

Step 7

Layer 1 and 1/2 cups each Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese over the top of the potatoes (make sure you pack in your cheese! Don't skimp now!) Add the ham. You can either leave it layered or use a spoon to gently toss the cheese and potatoes and ham together. Either way is fine. (I like to toss for a more even distribution.)

Step 8

In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together 8 eggs, 1 and 1/3 cups evaporated milk OR cream, 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (use less if all you have is table salt!), 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder. Beat well.

Step 9

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, making sure everything gets wet.

Step 10

Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes. It is done when bubbly. The edges should be starting to brown and the center should not wiggle when you shake the pan.

Step 11

If the center of the casserole looks very wobbly but the top is starting to brown too much, cover with foil for the last few minutes of baking.

Step 12

Follow instructions through step 5 (bake the potatoes at 400.) Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Step 13

Follow the instructions above for layering the cheese and ham. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.

Step 14

In a large bowl, whisk together 8 eggs, evaporated milk OR cream, seasoned salt, kosher salt, pepper, dry mustard, and onion powder. Beat well.

Step 15

Cover the egg mixture and refrigerate overnight.**

Step 16

In the morning, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 17

Whisk the egg mixture once more, then pour over the potatoes in the casserole dish.

Step 18

Bake at 350 for 45-55 minutes. It is done when bubbly, when the edges start to brown and the center doesn't wiggle when you shake the pan.

Step 19

If the center of the casserole looks very wobbly but the top is starting to brown too much, cover with foil for the last few minutes of baking.