Are you looking for a breakfast or brunch dish that’s easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and perfect for feeding a crowd? Look no further than the Farmer’s Casserole! This savory, filling dish combines hash browns, eggs, cheese, and breakfast meat, creating a casserole that’s as delicious as it is satisfying. Whether you're hosting a family breakfast, preparing for a potluck, or simply looking to meal-prep a week of hearty breakfasts, the Farmer’s Casserole is an excellent choice. Read on for the full recipe, tips, and variations to make this classic dish your own!

What is a Farmer’s Casserole?
A Farmer’s Casserole is a classic breakfast or brunch dish made from simple ingredients like hash browns, eggs, cheese, and breakfast meat (typically ham, sausage, or bacon). It’s a one-pan wonder that layers these delicious components, creating a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing. The casserole is baked until the eggs are set and the cheese is bubbly and golden, resulting in a dish that’s crispy on the outside and soft and flavorful on the inside.
The Farmer’s Casserole is ideal for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or even holiday gatherings. Plus, it’s easily customizable, allowing you to swap ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. So, let’s get into the details of what you’ll need to make this savory casserole.
Ingredients List for Farmer’s Casserole
Here’s everything you need to make a classic Farmer’s Casserole. These ingredients are simple, versatile, and easy to find in any grocery store.
For the Casserole:
- 6 cups frozen shredded hash browns (thawed)
- 1 cup diced ham (or cooked sausage or bacon)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or mozzarella)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped (optional for garnish)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about the Farmer’s Casserole is how flexible the recipe is. Here are some easy substitutions and variations to cater to different tastes or dietary preferences:
- Meat Substitutions:
- Ham is traditional, but you can substitute cooked sausage or bacon for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, you can omit the meat entirely or add sautéed vegetables.
- For a lighter option, use turkey sausage or chicken sausage.
- Cheese Variations:
- You can use any type of melting cheese you prefer. Cheddar and Monterey Jack are common choices, but Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick, while Swiss cheese gives it a more sophisticated flavor.
- For a creamier casserole, increase the amount of cheese by ½ to 1 cup.
- Hash Browns:
- You can use either shredded or cubed frozen hash browns, depending on your texture preference.
- For a healthier twist, try using sweet potato hash browns or even a layer of thinly sliced potatoes or zucchini.
- Egg Mixture:
- You can add a bit of extra flavor to the egg mixture by mixing in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach before baking.
- For a richer texture, substitute half of the evaporated milk with heavy cream.
These substitutions allow you to tweak the recipe based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences, making it adaptable for various diets and tastes.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Farmer’s Casserole
Let’s walk through the simple steps to prepare this classic breakfast casserole. It takes only a few minutes of prep time before the oven does the rest of the work!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.
Step 2: Assemble the Hash Brown Layer
- Spread the thawed hash browns evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Season the hash browns with a pinch of salt and pepper. This forms the crispy, hearty base of your casserole.
Step 3: Add the Meat and Cheese
- Evenly distribute the diced ham (or other breakfast meat) over the top of the hash browns. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the meat layer.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, evaporated milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Pour this mixture evenly over the hash brown, meat, and cheese layers.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Once the casserole is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, if desired, for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
How to Cook Farmer’s Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Oven and Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and doesn’t stick to the dish.
- Layer the Hash Browns: The base of the casserole is a hearty layer of hash browns. Spread them evenly in the baking dish, making sure they are thawed for even cooking.
- Add Meat and Cheese: Scatter your chosen meat over the hash browns, followed by a generous layer of cheese. This adds texture and flavor to the dish.
- Mix the Egg Mixture: Whisk together eggs, evaporated milk, and seasonings. This liquid layer will bind the ingredients together and create a fluffy, cohesive casserole.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake the casserole until the eggs are set and the cheese is golden and bubbly. This ensures the casserole has a crispy top and a tender, well-cooked interior.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole rest before serving, and garnish with green onions for a touch of freshness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Thawing the Hash Browns: If you use frozen hash browns straight from the freezer, they won’t cook evenly, leading to a soggy casserole. Make sure they are fully thawed before assembling the casserole.
- Overcooking the Casserole: Keep an eye on the casserole while it bakes. Overcooking can cause the eggs to become rubbery. You want the eggs to be set, but not dry.
- Skipping the Resting Time: Let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This helps it firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.
Serving and Presentation Tips
The Farmer’s Casserole is a comforting, rustic dish, but with a few simple touches, you can elevate its presentation and make it even more inviting.
- Serve with Fresh Sides: Complement the richness of the casserole with fresh sides like a simple green salad, fresh fruit, or a light vinaigrette.
- Add Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped green onions, parsley, or cilantro on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Accompany with Sauces: Offer some hot sauce, salsa, or sour cream on the side to give your guests more options for customizing their servings.
How to Serve Farmer’s Casserole
The Farmer’s Casserole is versatile and can be served in various ways, depending on the occasion:
- For Breakfast: Serve slices alongside toast, fresh fruit, and coffee for a classic breakfast spread.
- For Brunch: Pair the casserole with a fruit salad, muffins, or a light green salad for a balanced brunch.
- For a Crowd: If serving a large group, you can double the recipe and bake it in two 9x13-inch pans.
Presentation Ideas for Farmer’s Casserole
- Family-Style: Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish for a casual, family-friendly breakfast.
- Individual Plates: Slice the casserole into squares and plate them individually with garnishes for a more elegant presentation.
- Brunch Buffet: Add the casserole to a brunch buffet, alongside pastries, fresh fruit, and juices for a varied and inviting spread.
Farmer’s Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
- Freezing Instructions: The Farmer’s Casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
- Reheating Leftovers: To reheat leftovers, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make Farmer’s Casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Bake it fresh in the morning.
- Can I freeze the casserole? Absolutely! Freeze the unbaked casserole, and when ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
- What sides go well with Farmer’s Casserole? Fresh fruit, a simple green salad, toast, or pastries make excellent side dishes to complement the casserole.
Conclusion
The Farmer’s Casserole is a delicious, versatile, and hearty dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or preparing meals ahead of time, this easy-to-make casserole is sure to be a hit. With its layers of crispy hash browns, savory breakfast meat, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese, it’s a comforting meal that everyone will love. Plus, with endless variations, you can easily tailor it to suit your tastes. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the wholesome, hearty flavors of a classic Farmer’s Casserole!
PrintFarmer’s Casserole Recipe
This Farmer’s Casserole recipe is a delicious combination of ham, eggs, hash browns, and cheese, making it a perfect one-dish meal for breakfast or brunch. Easy to prepare, it’s ideal for busy mornings or weekend gatherings. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this casserole is a go-to for anyone seeking a hearty, family-friendly dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Layer thawed hash browns evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle diced ham and both types of cheese over the potatoes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, evaporated milk, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the ham, cheese, and hash browns.
- Top with green onions, if using.
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and lightly browned.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Substitute cooked bacon or sausage for ham, if preferred.
- For extra flavor, add diced bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (⅙th of casserole)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
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