Slow-Cooker Hash Brown Casserole
One 26-ounce package frozen hash browns, defrosted
1 cup diced ham
1 medium Vidalia or yellow onion, finely diced
1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
2 cups shredded Cheddar
1 cup whole milk
1 cup sour cream
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 large eggs
One 8-ounce package cream cheese, cubed
2 scallions, thinly sliced
Ketchup and hot sauce, for serving
Instructions:
Using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, thoroughly squeeze the excess liquid from the defrosted hash browns. Mix the hash browns, ham, onion, bell pepper and 1 cup of the Cheddar together in a slow cooker.
Whisk together the milk, sour cream, salt, garlic powder, pepper and eggs in a medium bowl until blended. Stir in the cream cheese. Add the mixture to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the hash browns.
Cover and cook on low for 5 hours or high for 3 hours, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup Cheddar. Cover and continue to cook on high for an additional 1 hour.
Turn off the slow cooker, remove the lid and let the casserole rest for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with the scallions and serve with ketchup and hot sauce, as desired.
