Wake Up Your Taste Buds!
Ever craved that heartwarming bite of breakfast goodness that brings everyone together? Farmer’s Casserole does just that, filling your kitchen with the delightful aroma of cheesy goodness and perfectly cooked ham. It’s a wholesome, one-pan wonder that promises a cozy start to your day — and with only a few ingredients, you might just wonder why you didn’t whip it up sooner!
Why Make This Recipe
Who doesn’t love a dish that simplifies breakfast while delivering deliciousness? Here’s why you’ll adore this casserole:
Easy Cleanup: Don’t you appreciate when one dish does it all? Less time doing dishes means more time enjoying that second cup of coffee. ☕
Family-Friendly: Fussy eaters won’t stand a chance. With everything they love packed into one meal, even the picky ones will be asking for seconds.
Affordable Ingredients: You won’t break the bank; this recipe uses simple, everyday staples your pantry probably already has!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 3 cups frozen hash brown potatoes (thawed)
- 1 cup cooked ham (diced)
- ½ cup green onions (sliced, about 4)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk (1 ½ cups)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
Directions
Follow these simple steps for a cozy casserole that’ll become your go-to:
Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
Layer Base: Spread thawed hash browns evenly in the prepared dish. Top with ham, green onions, and shredded cheese.
Make Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, evaporated milk, pepper, salt, and dried mustard (if using).
Pour Over: Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the potato and ham mixture in the dish.
Bake: Place in the oven uncovered and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
Rest & Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
How to Make Farmer’s Casserole (Overview)
Making this casserole is as easy as pie (or should I say, casserole?). Start by prepping your oven and greasing your dish. Layer your thawed hash browns like they’re the silky base of a great cheese fondue, then add the savory ham and a generous sprinkle of cheese. Whisk that egg mixture like you mean it — it’s the glue that holds this delicious puzzle together! Pour it in and let your oven work its magic.
Pro tip: Don’t skip letting it rest after baking; it helps it set perfectly for slicing. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve Farmer’s Casserole
When you dish this beauty out, it’s all about the presentation. The rich, golden-brown top cozies up next to a vibrant green crunch from the onions. Pair it with a side of fresh fruit or a garden salad for a splash of color that brightens the plate. The warm, cheesy goodness wrapped in savory ham is sure to have everyone diving back for seconds — or thirds.
How to Store Farmer’s Casserole
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This casserole keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to stash some for later, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before popping it in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven or microwave until everything is nice and warm again.
Tips to Make Farmer’s Casserole
- Timing is key: If you add too many ingredients, cook time might vary — keep an eye on that timer!
- Texture tweaking: Want a crispier top? Broil for a couple of minutes at the end. Golden perfection! 🥯
- Ingredient swaps: Don’t have ham? Try crumbled sausage or cook your veggies to add in flavor.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Try adding some sautéed bell peppers or spinach for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition. Want it vegan? Swap out the eggs for a chickpea flour mixture and omit the cheese — it still tastes delightful!
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it the night before, cover it, and pop it in the fridge to bake fresh in the morning.
Can I use fresh ingredients instead of frozen?
Sure! Just make sure to cook the hash browns until they’re soft before layering.
How do I reheat leftovers?
You can zap it in the microwave for quick reheating or pop it back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Farmer's Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- Spread thawed hash browns evenly in the prepared dish. Top with ham, green onions, and shredded cheese.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, evaporated milk, black pepper, salt, and dried mustard (if using).
- Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the potato and ham mixture in the dish.
- Place in the oven uncovered and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.