Farmer’s Casserole is a comforting, hearty breakfast dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Loaded with hash browns, eggs, cheese, and savory ham, this breakfast casserole is simple to prepare and ideal for holiday mornings or weekend brunch. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, thanks to its rich, satisfying flavors and easy-to-serve portions.

Table of Contents

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Cooking Notes
• Variations
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Conclusion

Ingredients

• 3 cups frozen hash brown potatoes (thawed)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup cooked ham (diced)
• 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)
• 8 large eggs
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

1. Spread the thawed hash brown potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Sprinkle the diced ham evenly over the hash browns.
3. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese, followed by the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, over the ham.
4. Evenly distribute the sliced green onions over the cheese.

Step 3: Make the Egg Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, evaporated milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the egg mixture over the hash browns, ham, and cheese in the baking dish.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking Notes

• Hash Browns: Make sure the hash browns are fully thawed before adding them to the dish. If they are still frozen, the casserole may take longer to cook and may have a watery texture.
• Cheese: You can use any cheese you like in this casserole. Swiss, pepper jack, or gouda are all great options for adding a different flavor.
• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply bake as directed.

Variations

Sausage Farmer’s Casserole

• Substitute the ham with cooked breakfast sausage for a different flavor profile. Italian sausage also works well if you want a bit more spice.

Vegetarian Farmer’s Casserole

• Leave out the ham and add more vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.

Spicy Farmer’s Casserole

• Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a bit of heat. You can also use pepper jack cheese for extra spice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Hash Browns?

Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Simply peel and shred them, then pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before using them in the recipe.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quicker option.

Can I Freeze Farmer’s Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole after baking. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Farmer’s Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. It’s easy to make, versatile, and can feed a crowd, making it ideal for family gatherings, holidays, or lazy weekend mornings. Customize it with your favorite ingredients, and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness with every bite.

Happy cooking, and enjoy this hearty breakfast classic!