Introduction
Farmer’s Casserole is a hearty, comforting breakfast or brunch dish loaded with eggs, cheese, potatoes, and savory meats. It’s designed to feed a crowd, making it a popular choice for holiday mornings, potlucks, or family gatherings. The casserole is assembled ahead of time, then baked until golden and bubbly—a perfect make-ahead recipe that saves time and effort while delivering a wholesome, filling meal.
Ingredients
3 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheeses)
1 cup diced ham (or cooked sausage/bacon)
¼ cup diced onion (optional)
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
4 large eggs
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, adds warmth)
Instructions
Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish.
Layer ingredients: Spread thawed hash browns evenly in the dish. Sprinkle with cheeses, ham (or sausage/bacon), and onion.
Mix custard: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, evaporated milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth.
Assemble: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the potato and cheese mixture.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, until golden and set in the center.
Rest: Allow casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Description
Farmer’s Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein, making it a balanced and satisfying dish. The hash brown base adds a hearty texture, while the eggs and milk create a custardy layer that binds everything together. Whether served hot out of the oven or reheated the next day, it’s a family-friendly dish that always pleases.
Tips
Thaw and pat dry frozen hash browns to prevent excess moisture.
Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and flavor.
Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate—just bake in the morning.
Let the casserole rest before cutting so slices hold together.
Add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Variations
Meat Lovers: Use a mix of sausage, bacon, and ham for a protein boost.
Vegetarian: Skip the meat and load up with peppers, zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms.
Spicy Kick: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, or pepper jack cheese.
Southwestern: Swap Swiss for Monterey Jack and top with salsa and avocado.
Mini Portions: Bake in muffin tins for grab-and-go breakfast cups.
Correction
A common mistake is baking without thawing the hash browns, which leads to watery casserole. Always thaw and drain first.
Avoid overbaking—check that the center is just set; otherwise, it can dry out.
If preparing ahead, don’t skip the resting step in the morning, as cold casserole straight from the fridge needs a few extra minutes in the oven.
Enjoy
Serve your Farmer’s Casserole warm with fresh fruit, toast, or a side of salsa. It’s a make-ahead, crowd-pleasing dish that brings comfort and flavor to the breakfast table—perfect for family weekends, holidays, or any time you want a hearty start to the day.