Farmer's Breakfast Casserole

This farmer's breakfast casserole is a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches. Loaded with layers of shredded hash browns, ham, and cheddar cheese, all topped with a creamy egg mixture, this casserole is easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.

Farmer's Breakfast Casserole

If you're looking for a no-fuss, satisfying dish to kickstart your morning, the farmer's breakfast casserole is the perfect choice.

This easy-to-make casserole combines classic breakfast staples like hash browns, ham, and eggs into one delicious, oven-baked meal.

Whether you're feeding a crowd or just want to simplify your morning routine, this recipe is designed to deliver hearty flavors with minimal prep.

It's a reliable go-to for busy mornings, brunch gatherings, or any time you want a comforting, home-cooked breakfast.

Ingredients

Shredded Hash Browns: Found in your freezer section at the grocery store.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Diced Ham: Leftover holiday ham works great.

Sliced Green Onions: These add a nice pop of color and a mild onion flavor. If you prefer a stronger onion taste, you can substitute with finely diced yellow or white onions.

Evaporated Milk: Whole milk can be used as a substitute, but the texture might be slightly less creamy.

Eggs: Fresh, large eggs are best for binding the ingredients together. If you want a fluffier casserole, you can whisk the eggs more vigorously to incorporate extra air.

Seasonings: Salt and black pepper are essential, but feel free to add garlic powder or onion powder for additional flavor.

How to make

Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray.

In the prepared dish, layer hash browns then top evenly with cheese, ham and green onions.

In a bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, salt and pepper until smooth. Pour egg mixture over the layered ingredients and spread evenly.

Bake for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Allow casserole to rest 10 minutes before slicing into portions to serve hot from the oven.

Enjoy!

Tips

Here are some tips for making Farmers Casserole:

Leftover Ham: If you have any leftover ham from Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, this is a great way to use some of it up.

Customize the Cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gouda, Swiss, or change.

Layer Evenly: When adding ingredients to the casserole dish, make sure to layer them evenly.

Let the Casserole Rest: After baking, allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Prepare Ahead of Time: You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, just pop it in the oven for a stress-free breakfast.

Add Vegetables: For a more colorful and nutritious dish, consider adding sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the mix.

Experiment with Seasonings: While the basic seasonings are salt and pepper, you can add garlic powder, onion powder, or even a bit of smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor.

Test for Doneness: To make sure the casserole is fully cooked, insert a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, the casserole is ready.

Freeze Leftovers: This casserole freezes well. Cut it into individual portions, wrap them tightly, and freeze for an easy, reheatable breakfast on busy mornings.

Leftovers

Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. Place the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 4 days.

To reheat, you can either use the microwave or the oven.

For the microwave, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.

If using the oven, preheat to 350°F and place the portion in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to retain moisture and bake for about 10-15 minutes.

This casserole freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. Cut the cooled casserole into individual portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.

They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, either thaw overnight in the refrigerator and follow the reheating instructions above, or heat directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the reheating time.

Creative Uses: Leftover casserole can also be repurposed into breakfast burritos. Simply wrap a portion in a warm tortilla with some extra cheese and salsa, then heat until warm. You can also crumble the casserole into a skillet, add a bit of extra cheese or veggies, and make a quick breakfast hash.

What to serve it with

There are so many delicious sides to serve this with. Here are some of our favorites:

Fresh Fruit Salad: Melon, berries and citrus combined together make a delicious side.

Bacon

Sausage Patties

Orange Juice

Coffee or Tea: The perfect morning beverage to sip alongside.

Yogurt: You can use it as a topping or a side.

Roasted Mushrooms: Umami-rich depth complements flavors.

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