Ham Hash Browns Skillet

This Funeral Potatoes and Ham Breakfast Skillet brings the beloved comfort of a classic American casserole to your morning table. With crispy hash browns nestled in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, savory diced ham throughout, and a golden cornflake topping that adds the perfect crunch, this one-skillet wonder is designed to feed a hungry crowd with minimal fuss. Whether you're hosting a weekend brunch, preparing a hearty breakfast for the family, or simply craving something warm and satisfying, this dish delivers on every level. The combination of tender potatoes, melted cheddar, and that irresistible crunchy crust makes it a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Anheften

The beauty of this breakfast skillet lies in its simplicity and its roots in traditional American comfort food. Funeral potatoes, a staple at potlucks and family gatherings across the country, get a breakfast makeover here with the addition of savory ham and a quicker skillet preparation method. The creamy mixture of sour cream, condensed soup, and melted cheddar envelops every bite of potato and ham, while the buttery cornflake topping provides that signature textural contrast. It's the kind of dish that turns an ordinary morning into something special, filling your kitchen with the inviting aroma of melted cheese and toasted cornflakes.

Ingredients

• 4 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
• 1 cup cooked ham, diced
• 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cornflakes, crushed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a large oven-proof skillet, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Add onion and red bell pepper; sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the hash browns and diced ham. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, mix sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.

Step 5

Add the creamy mixture to the skillet, stirring until evenly combined with the potato and ham mixture.

Step 6

In a small bowl, combine crushed cornflakes with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the skillet.

Step 7

Transfer skillet to the oven. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.

Step 8

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chives if desired. Serve hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, make sure your hash browns are fully thawed before cooking to ensure even heating and the right texture. When sautéing the onion and bell pepper, take care not to rush this step—the vegetables should be tender and fragrant, which builds a flavorful base for the entire dish. When mixing the creamy sauce, combine all ingredients thoroughly in a separate bowl before adding to the skillet to ensure even distribution. The cornflake topping should be generously buttered for maximum crunch and golden color. If your skillet handle isn't oven-safe, wrap it in aluminum foil before transferring to the oven. Allow the skillet to rest for the full 5 minutes after baking—this helps the sauce set slightly and makes serving much easier.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Substitute smoked turkey or crumbled bacon for the ham if you prefer a different protein, or use diced cooked sausage for a heartier breakfast flavor. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham and replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup. If you're looking to add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the creamy mixture. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and substitute the cornflakes with crushed gluten-free cereal or potato chips. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties—try a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or add some cream cheese to the sauce for extra richness.

Serviervorschläge

This breakfast skillet is substantial enough to serve as a complete meal, but it pairs beautifully with lighter accompaniments that balance its richness. Serve alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or offer a fruit platter with seasonal berries, melon, and citrus segments. For a more traditional breakfast spread, accompany with buttered toast or warm biscuits. A glass of fresh orange juice, coffee, or a mimosa complements the savory flavors perfectly. If serving at a brunch gathering, consider setting out hot sauce, additional sour cream, and extra fresh chives so guests can customize their portions. The skillet also reheats wonderfully, making it an excellent make-ahead option for busy mornings throughout the week.

Anheften

This Funeral Potatoes and Ham Breakfast Skillet embodies everything we love about comforting American breakfast fare—it's hearty, satisfying, and brings people together around the table. The contrast between the creamy, cheesy interior and the crunchy golden topping creates a delightful eating experience with every forkful. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a cozy weekend breakfast, this dish delivers reliable, delicious results every time. With its straightforward preparation and universally appealing flavors, it's destined to become a regular feature in your breakfast rotation. Gather your loved ones, serve it straight from the skillet, and enjoy the warm, comforting goodness that makes this recipe a true classic.

Rezept Fragen & Antworten

→ Kann ich den Schinken durch andere Fleischsorten ersetzen?

Ja, geräucherter Truthahn oder Speck eignen sich gut als Alternativen zu Schinken und verleihen der Pfanne einen anderen, aber ebenso herzhaften Geschmack.

→ Wie mache ich die Pfanne vegetarisch?

Ersetzen Sie die cremige Hühnersuppe durch eine cremige Champignonsuppe und lassen Sie den Schinken weg, um eine vegetarische Variante zuzubereiten.

→ Welche Backform eignet sich am besten?

Eine ofenfeste Pfanne mit einem Durchmesser von 25 bis 30 cm ist ideal, da sie gleichmäßiges Garen und einfache Handhabung ermöglicht.

→ Wie erreiche ich eine besonders knusprige Kruste?

Die Kombination aus zerdrückten Cornflakes und geschmolzener Butter, auf der Oberfläche verteilt, sorgt für eine herrlich knusprige Kruste beim Backen.

→ Kann ich frische Zutaten variieren?

Zwiebeln und rote Paprika lassen sich gut durch andere Gemüse wie grüne Paprika oder Frühlingszwiebeln ersetzen, um dem Gericht eine persönliche Note zu verleihen.