Farmer’s Casserole is a hearty and easy-to-make breakfast dish loaded with potatoes, eggs, cheese, and ham (or sausage), making it the perfect meal for a weekend brunch or a make-ahead breakfast. This versatile casserole can be customized with your favorite ingredients and is ideal for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients

• 3 cups frozen hash brown potatoes (shredded or diced)
• 1 cup cooked ham, diced (or cooked sausage or bacon)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack cheese)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups milk (whole milk, or half-and-half for a creamier version)
• ½ cup green onions, chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional for extra flavor)
• ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional for color and flavor)

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup bell peppers, diced for extra color and flavor
• ½ cup cooked spinach or kale for added greens
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced for earthiness

For Serving:

• Fresh fruit or a side salad
• Toast or crusty bread

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with non-stick spray or butter.

Step 2: Layer the Potatoes and Cheese

1. Spread the frozen hash browns evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Sprinkle the diced ham (or sausage or bacon) and chopped green onions over the hash browns.
3. Top with 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese, spreading it evenly across the dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and paprika until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the potato and cheese layers in the baking dish, making sure everything is coated.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean. The edges should be golden brown, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a side of fruit, toast, or a salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Notes

• Potatoes: You can use either shredded hash browns or diced hash browns (country-style). No need to thaw the potatoes beforehand; they will cook perfectly in the casserole.
• Ham/Sausage: Cooked ham is a classic choice, but you can swap it with cooked sausage, bacon, or even turkey sausage for variety.
• Cheese: Cheddar is popular in this recipe, but you can use any cheese you prefer, like Swiss, pepper jack, or mozzarella for different flavors.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Farmer’s Casserole

Skip the meat and load the casserole with veggies like bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes. You can also add zucchini or broccoli for even more nutrients.

2. Southwest Farmer’s Casserole

Add a southwestern flair by incorporating green chilies, black beans, corn, and pepper jack cheese. Serve with salsa and sour cream on the side.

3. Loaded Farmer’s Casserole

Take this dish to the next level by adding crispy bacon, sausage, and extra cheese. You can also top it with a drizzle of ranch dressing or hot sauce for extra flavor.

4. Keto Farmer’s Casserole

Replace the hash browns with shredded zucchini or cauliflower rice to make this dish low-carb and keto-friendly. Use heavy cream instead of milk for added richness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Farmer’s Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it until ready to bake. When you’re ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes, then bake as directed.

Q: Can I freeze Farmer’s Casserole?
Yes! After baking, allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes until heated through.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Grate or dice them, then cook them in a skillet with a little oil until they’re partially cooked and crispy before layering them in the casserole.

Q: Can I use egg substitutes in this recipe?
Yes! You can use egg substitutes or liquid egg whites to make this casserole lighter or lower in cholesterol.

This Farmer’s Casserole is a versatile and comforting dish that’s easy to customize based on your preferences. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or a quick weeknight dinner, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that can be prepared ahead of time or adjusted with your favorite ingredients. Enjoy the blend of eggs, cheese, potatoes, and savory meat in this filling, one-pan meal!