Looking for a delicious, hearty meal that’s simple to prepare and bursting with flavor? Farmer’s Casserole is the perfect dish for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner! This one-pan wonder is filled with savory ham, cheesy potatoes, and the perfect combination of eggs and spices, making it the ultimate comfort food for all occasions. Whether you're cooking for your family or preparing a meal ahead of time, you’ll find that this casserole checks all the boxes. So, why not give it a try today and let your taste buds enjoy the mouthwatering goodness? Read on for the full recipe, variations, tips, and more!
What is Farmer’s Casserole?
Farmer’s Casserole is a hearty dish typically made with hash brown potatoes, eggs, cheese, and ham. Its origins lie in the heart of traditional American farmhouse cooking, where casseroles were often made with whatever ingredients were on hand to create a fulfilling and warming meal. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It’s easy to make, and the ingredients can be customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Now that you know what Farmer’s Casserole is, let’s dive into the ingredients that make this dish so flavorful.
Ingredients List for Farmer’s Casserole:
- 3 cups frozen hash brown potatoes: These form the base of the casserole, offering a crispy and hearty texture. You can use shredded or cubed hash browns depending on your preference.
- ¾ cup shredded pepper jack cheese: This adds a spicy kick, but feel free to substitute it with cheddar or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced: Ham brings in a salty, savory flavor, but you can replace it with sausage, bacon, or even turkey for a different take on this dish.
- ¼ cup chopped green onions: These give a slight sharpness and add color to the casserole. You can also use regular onions if you prefer.
- 4 eggs, beaten: The eggs bind the casserole together and provide protein.
- 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk: Evaporated milk adds creaminess and richness without making the dish too heavy.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: For seasoning.
- ⅛ teaspoon salt: To taste. You can adjust the amount depending on the saltiness of your ham or cheese.
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
While the classic Farmer’s Casserole is made with ham, eggs, and cheese, there are endless ways to tweak this recipe to your liking. Whether you're looking to accommodate dietary restrictions or simply want to switch things up, here are a few substitution ideas:
- Cheese Variations: Swap out the pepper jack cheese for cheddar, mozzarella, or even Swiss cheese. Each will give the dish a unique flavor profile.
- Meat Options: If you don’t have ham on hand, consider using cooked sausage, bacon, or even diced turkey. Vegetarian? Simply omit the meat and add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Milk Alternatives: If you’re lactose intolerant, you can replace the evaporated milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other dairy-free milk. Just be sure to use an unsweetened variety.
- Add More Veggies: Want to pack in more nutrients? Add vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the casserole for extra color and flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Most frozen hash browns are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the label. You can also substitute the potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different flavor twist.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Farmer’s Casserole
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it's time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make your Farmer’s Casserole come out perfectly every time:

- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Layer the Potatoes: Spread the frozen hash brown potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure they cover the entire surface.
- Add Ham and Onions: Sprinkle the diced ham and chopped green onions on top of the hash browns, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
- Top with Cheese: Next, sprinkle the shredded pepper jack cheese over the ham and onions.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, evaporated milk, black pepper, and salt until fully combined.
- Pour the Egg Mixture: Slowly pour the egg mixture over the layers in the casserole dish, making sure to cover all the ingredients evenly.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to firm up, making it easier to slice.
How to Cook Farmer’s Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
For those who want more detailed guidance on how to cook Farmer’s Casserole, here’s a deeper breakdown of the key steps:
- Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully heated to 350°F before placing the casserole inside. This ensures even cooking and prevents the eggs from overcooking on the edges while remaining raw in the middle.
- Layering Ingredients: Start with the hash browns, ensuring they're evenly spread across the dish to create a solid base. The key to a great casserole is balanced layering—this ensures that every bite contains a bit of every ingredient.
- Mixing the Egg Mixture: Whisk the eggs thoroughly to incorporate air, which helps make the casserole light and fluffy. The evaporated milk adds creaminess, and the pepper and salt provide subtle seasoning that complements the savory ingredients.
- Baking Time: Bake until the eggs are fully set. You can check this by inserting a toothpick into the center of the casserole; if it comes out clean, your casserole is done.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Undercooking the Casserole: Always ensure that the eggs are fully set before removing the casserole from the oven. Cutting into it too soon will result in a runny, undercooked center.
- Not Thawing Hash Browns: Frozen hash browns can release water as they cook, making your casserole watery. To avoid this, thaw the hash browns beforehand or squeeze out any excess moisture.
- Skipping the Resting Period: Letting the casserole rest for at least 5 minutes after baking helps it firm up and makes it easier to serve.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving your Farmer’s Casserole, a little attention to presentation can make all the difference. Here are a few ideas to make your dish look as good as it tastes:
- Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut the casserole into neat squares or rectangles. This makes it easier to serve individual portions.
- Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for an extra pop of color and flavor.
- Serve with Sides: Farmer’s Casserole is filling on its own, but you can elevate your meal by serving it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even some warm bread.
How to Serve Farmer’s Casserole
Farmer’s Casserole is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways:
- For Breakfast: Pair it with toast, a side of fruit, or even some crispy bacon for a hearty breakfast.
- For Brunch: Serve it alongside mimosas and a fresh green salad for a light and satisfying brunch menu.
- For Dinner: Farmer’s Casserole works well as a dinner dish, too. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a warm soup for a complete meal.
Presentation Ideas for Farmer’s Casserole
Make your Farmer’s Casserole visually appealing by:
- Using a Colorful Dish: Baking it in a brightly colored or decorative dish adds a pop of visual appeal to your table.
- Layered Presentation: Ensure each layer is clearly visible, especially the golden-brown cheese on top. A glass casserole dish is perfect for showcasing those beautiful layers.
Farmer’s Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, just pop it into the oven for a no-fuss meal.
- Double the Recipe: If you're serving a large group, double the recipe and bake in two dishes.
- Reheat Leftovers: Farmer’s Casserole reheats wonderfully in the microwave or oven, making it perfect for leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Farmer’s Casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it the next day.
Can I freeze Farmer’s Casserole? Absolutely. Just bake the casserole, let it cool, and freeze it in an airtight container. Reheat it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
How do I prevent my casserole from being too runny? Make sure to thaw the hash browns and pat them dry before layering them in the casserole.
Conclusion
Farmer’s Casserole is a simple yet delicious recipe that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you're hosting brunch or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to please. With customizable ingredients and endless variations, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. So, what are you waiting for? Give this hearty Farmer’s Casserole a try today, and enjoy a meal that’s packed with flavor and comfort!
PrintFarmer’s Casserole Recipe
Farmer’s Casserole is a hearty dish made with hash browns, diced ham, pepper jack cheese, eggs, and green onions. Ideal for breakfast or brunch, this simple casserole is easy to prepare and full of comforting flavors. Perfect for feeding a crowd or a cozy family meal. Keywords: hash brown casserole, breakfast casserole, ham and eggs casserole.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen hash brown potatoes
- ¾ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Spread the frozen hash browns evenly in the dish.
- Sprinkle with shredded pepper jack cheese, diced ham, and green onions.
- In a bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, evaporated milk, black pepper, and salt.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the dish.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until set and lightly golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
You can substitute the ham with sausage or bacon if preferred. For a milder flavor, use cheddar cheese instead of pepper jack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620MG
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