If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, comforting start to your day without a complicated recipe, you’re going to adore this Easy Breakfast Hash with Ham and Cheese Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of crispy potatoes, sweet bell peppers, savory ham, and melty cheese that just screams weekend morning indulgence—or a quick weekday treat when time’s tight. I’ve made this hash countless times and it never fails to bring a smile to the table. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked too!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You can have a flavorful, filling breakfast on the table in under 40 minutes.
Versatile Ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples that you likely already have on hand.
Balanced Flavor & Texture: Crispy potatoes meet tender ham and gooey cheese for an irresistible combo.
Family Friendly: This hash is loved by both kids and adults, making it a perfect morning crowd-pleaser.

Easy Breakfast Hash with Ham and Cheese, breakfast hash recipes, ham and cheese breakfast ideas, hearty morning breakfast recipes, quick breakfast hash - The image shows a black skillet filled with a colorful scramble dish. The base layer is made of light golden scrambled eggs mixed with thin, white shredded potatoes that have a slightly crispy look. Spread evenly throughout are small cubes of pink ham and bright red bell pepper pieces. The dish is sprinkled with fresh green herbs, adding bursts of color over the top. The skillet sits on a dark green cloth over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in the Easy Breakfast Hash with Ham and Cheese Recipe plays a role. The mix of bell peppers and onions adds freshness and a bit of sweetness, while the ham brings that savory punch. Cheddar cheese melts into the warm hash for creamy satisfaction, and the potatoes provide that irresistible crispy base. When shopping, I recommend fresh veggies and quality cooked ham – it really makes a difference!

Butter: Adds richness and helps crisp up the hash browns perfectly without sticking.
Red Bell Pepper: Lends a touch of sweetness and vibrant color that brightens the dish.
Yellow Onion: Provides savory depth and caramelizes slightly to add flavor complexity.
Refrigerated Shredded Hash Brown Potatoes: The star carb, crispy on the outside and tender inside—convenient and consistent.
Cooked Ham: Offers salty savory bites and protein, elevating the hash from side to main event.
Eggs: Lightly scrambled in the skillet, they marry all the components together with gentle creaminess.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty, it adds the perfect gooey finish on top.
Parsley: Fresh herbaceous note to cut through richness and add visual appeal.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I love that this Easy Breakfast Hash with Ham and Cheese Recipe is such a welcoming canvas for your own personal tweaks. Over the years, I’ve played around with swapping in different cheeses, spices, and even veggies, to keep it fresh and exciting. Feel free to make it yours!

Variation: I sometimes substitute smoked gouda for cheddar for a smoky twist that my family went crazy for.
Vegetarian Option: Replace ham with sautéed mushrooms or extra bell peppers to keep it veggie-forward and just as satisfying.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes when cooking the vegetables for a subtle heat.
Herb Swap: Fresh thyme or chives work beautifully instead of parsley if you want a slightly different herbal note.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Breakfast Hash with Ham and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies to Start

I start by melting 3 tablespoons of butter in my trusty 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is nicely melted and shimmering, I toss in the chopped red bell pepper and yellow onion. These get the spotlight first because they need a few minutes to soften and develop their sweet, aromatic flavor—about 3 minutes does the trick. Keep an eye on them so they don’t brown too fast or burn.

Step 2: Add & Crisp the Hash Browns

Next, I add in those shredded hash brown potatoes and stir everything to combine. I spread the mixture into an even layer across my skillet to get the best crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste—it’s essential to get this right early on for balanced flavor. Then, I let it do its thing, tossing occasionally, for about 6 to 7 minutes, watching as the edges turn golden brown and irresistibly crunchy.

Step 3: Incorporate Ham and Finish Cooking Potatoes

When the potatoes are starting to brown well, I toss in the chopped cooked ham and give everything a good stir. I let it cook for another 3 minutes or so until the potatoes are tender—it’s all about layering flavors and textures here. If your ham is salty or smoky, adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Step 4: Cook the Eggs Right in the Skillet

Push the potato and ham mixture to one side of the pan and reduce the heat to low. I then melt the remaining half tablespoon of butter in the empty side of the skillet and pour in the beaten eggs, seasoning with a little salt and pepper. I scramble gently until the eggs are just set but still soft – runny eggs can make the hash soggy, so this step is key for texture.

Step 5: Combine, Cheese It Up, and Serve

After the eggs are cooked, I toss everything together—potatoes, ham, veggies and eggs. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top and toss just a few times so the cheese melts without getting too stringy. A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the whole dish right before serving. Warm, comforting, and packed with flavor!

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Breakfast Hash with Ham and Cheese Recipe

Use a Heavy Skillet: Cast iron works wonders to get those crispy edges and even cooking.
Don’t Over-Stir the Potatoes: Letting them sit undisturbed for a few minutes helps maximize crispiness.
Beat Eggs Well: Ensures a uniform scramble that blends perfectly with the hash.
Season Thoughtfully: Taste as you go, especially if your ham is already salty.

How to Serve Easy Breakfast Hash with Ham and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top this hash with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, but I’ve also enjoyed it with a little chopped green onion or even some diced avocado for creaminess. A spoonful of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce on top works wonders if you want to kick up the flavor.

Side Dishes

This hash stands beautifully on its own, but I like pairing it with a simple fruit salad or lightly toasted sourdough bread with a spread of butter. If you’re brunching, a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated the hash in individual cast iron skillets or served it inside warm, halved bell peppers for a pop of color and a fun twist. I also love adding a perfectly fried egg on top for a runny yolk that adds extra decadence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers go straight into an airtight container and into the fridge. From my experience, they keep well for up to 3 days and make a fantastic next-day breakfast or even a quick dinner.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the hash before in portion sizes wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It reheats nicely—just be mindful that the texture might be a little softer after freezing, so I recommend crisping it up again in the pan rather than microwaving alone.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat leftovers is in a nonstick skillet over medium heat to restore some of that original crispiness. Adding a splash of water and covering helps if the hash has dried out. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture nice.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Breakfast Hash with Ham and Cheese Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ham and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can also include plant-based meat substitutes if you want that hearty protein element.
What type of cheese works best for this breakfast hash?

Cheddar is classic because it melts beautifully and offers a sharp flavor that complements the ham and potatoes. But feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or smoked gouda to suit your taste.
Can I prep ingredients ahead of time?

Yes! You can chop the vegetables and ham the night before, store them in the fridge, and then assemble quickly in the morning. Just keep everything sealed well to maintain freshness.
How do I get the potatoes extra crispy?

Using a heavy skillet like cast iron and making sure the potatoes are spread out evenly without overcrowding helps. Also, giving them space to cook undisturbed for a few minutes before tossing encourages crispiness.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Breakfast Hash with Ham and Cheese Recipe has become one of those “go-to” dishes I love making when I want comfort without fuss. It’s dependable, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. I’m confident that once you try it, it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen too—perfect for cozy mornings or anytime you want a tasty, satisfying meal. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this delicious hash with someone you love!