Cheesy Hash Browns and SPAM Casserole

If you are here, I suspect you already love SPAM or want to give it a try. This delicious Cheesy Hash Browns and SPAM Casserole recipe will not disappoint! 

This has all of the elements of a warm, comforting meal and is so easy to make. Get out that can of SPAM and a few other simple ingredients to make this wonderful family-friendly hotdish! 

🍖 What makes this recipe special?

SPAM is a product that shouldn’t be overlooked, and it’s what really makes this dish special. It’s a comforting meal with SPAM that the whole family can enjoy. 

Not only does it feature SPAM, but it also has a list of super easy ingredients. From frozen shredded hash browns, shredded cheese, and corn for some veggies to crunchy potato chips for the top – this meal ticks off all of the boxes. Oh… did you know there is a SPAM museum? For real. 

I am no stranger to comforting casseroles. Check out this Minnesota Tater Tot Hotdish recipe or this Chicken Chow Mein Hotdish for some other great family meals. No matter what you make, make sure to treat yourself! 

🧀 Ingredients

SPAM is the star here, but you’ll need a few other simple ingredients. Here is what you will need:

• Frozen shredded hash browns
• SPAM
• cheddar cheese
• canned corn
• salt & pepper
• cayenne powder
• whole milk
• salted butter
• potato chips

See the recipe card for quantities.

🍲 Instructions

This is an easy-peasy recipe. Start off your Cheesy Hash Browns and SPAM Casserole by preheating your oven to 375° Fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the frozen shredded hash browns, diced SPAM, a cup and a quarter of shredded cheddar cheese, drained corn, and seasonings—salt, pepper, and an optional dash of cayenne for those who like a bit of a kick. Once mixed, spread this hearty mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Next, evenly pour the whole milk over your hash brown mix, ensuring every nook and cranny gets a bit. Dot the surface with butter cubes, spaced out evenly. 

Bake on the middle rack of your oven, uncovered, for an hour. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the top, then add a layer of crumbled potato chips for an irresistible crunch. 

Pop it back into the oven for another ten minutes. This gives the casserole a crunchy, cheesy topping. Remove from the oven and serve!

🤷 Substitutions and variations

Not into SPAM? Go ahead and swap it out with cooked chicken, ground beef, hot dogs, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. If using tofu, press it well and season it before adding it to the casserole. Cheese-wise, cheddar is great, but feel free to play around with mozzarella, gouda, or any vegan cheese that melts well.

There are several different kinds of SPAM that can change up these flavors. Everything from SPAM Less Sodium to bacon-flavored SPAM can be used. I use traditional SPAM.

For the veggies, corn is just a starting point. Feel like changing it up? Throw in peas, chopped bell peppers, or whatever’s in your fridge. Milk can be switched for a plain, unsweetened nondairy alternative like almond or soy milk, though the flavor and richness may change.

Lastly, if potato chips aren’t your thing or you’re looking for a different crunch, breadcrumbs, cracker crumbs, or even panko can offer a delightful texture. This recipe is all about making it your own, so tweak away!

📦 Storage

If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool briefly, then transfer it to an airtight container or cover it tightly and refrigerate it within two hours of cooking.

This casserole can be refrigerated for 3 to 4 days. 

Leftover casserole can also be frozen. Make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container or wrapped securely to help prevent freezer burn. 

When the craving hits, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the oven or microwave until it reaches 165°F. This way, the Cheesy Hash Browns and SPAM Casserole can bring warmth and comfort to your table even on the busiest of days.

🎓 History tidbit

SPAM, the iconic canned meat product, has a rich history that dates back to 1937 when it was introduced by Hormel Foods Corporation in Minnesota. Its creation was driven by the need for a shelf-stable meat product that could be easily stored and transported without refrigeration. 

SPAM Classic is made from pork with ham, along with salt, water, potato starch, sugar, and sodium nitrite.

During World War II, SPAM gained legendary status as it was shipped overseas to feed Allied troops, providing a quick source of protein in challenging conditions. 

Its ease of distribution and long shelf life made it an invaluable resource during the war. This period solidified SPAM’s place in culinary history, as it became a symbol of American ingenuity and support for the troops.

Post-war, SPAM continued to thrive, becoming a global phenomenon. It holds a special place in the cuisine of many countries, including South Korea and the Philippines, where it has been embraced and incorporated into local dishes. SPAM also has a special place in Hawaiian cuisine, where it became deeply embedded in local food culture following World War II.

Today, SPAM remains a beloved product, celebrated for its unique taste and cultural significance. Its history shows how a shelf-stable wartime food became part of everyday cooking in the United States and cuisines around the world.

❓ FAQ

📝 Tips and tricks

• Omit the cayenne if you prefer no added heat.
• I use whole milk, but lower-fat milk can also be used. Heavy cream will make the casserole considerably richer.
• I also tried frozen diced potatoes and that worked okay.
• Serve with hot sauce, if desired.

🛠 Products used in this recipe

• 9×13 Le Creuset Baking Dish
• SPAM

😋 Did you make this recipe?

That is awesome, and thank you so much for giving this Cheesy Hash Browns and SPAM Casserole recipe a try. If you could leave a rating in the comment area below, it would be greatly appreciated. This lets me know how I am doing and also helps others decide if they want to make this recipe. Most of all, thanks for visiting Ramshackle Pantry.