Farmer’s Casserole

Discover a comforting and hearty breakfast dish with our Farmer’s Casserole recipe. Packed with hash brown potatoes, savory ham, pepperjack cheese, and eggs, this casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a cozy family breakfast. Learn how to prepare this delicious dish that’s sure to become a morning staple!

Ingredients:

Gather these simple ingredients to get started:

  • 3 cups frozen hash brown potatoes
  • ¾ cup shredded pepperjack 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:

Follow these easy steps to create your Farmer’s Casserole:

  1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish.
  2. Layering: Spread the frozen hash brown potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with shredded pepperjack cheese, diced ham, and chopped green onions.
  3. Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, evaporated milk, ground black pepper, and salt until well combined. Pour this egg mixture over the potato and ham layers in the baking dish.
  4. Make-Ahead Option: The casserole can be covered and refrigerated at this point for several hours or overnight, allowing for easy preparation ahead of time.
  5. Baking: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or slightly longer (55 to 60 minutes) if it has been chilled overnight. It’s ready when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of the Farmer’s Casserole!

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips 

  • Garnish Suggestions: Sprinkle extra chopped green onions or fresh herbs like parsley or chives over the casserole before serving to add a burst of color and freshness.
  • Pairing Ideas: Serve with fresh fruit salad, sliced tomatoes, or a side of toasted whole-grain bread for a complete breakfast.
  • Brunch Option: Farmer’s Casserole is perfect for brunch gatherings. Pair it with mimosas or freshly brewed coffee to complete the meal.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Farmer’s Casserole can be frozen for longer storage. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place in a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 2-3 months.
  • Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium heat, checking periodically to ensure even heating.
  • Make-Ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it in the morning for a quick and convenient breakfast.

Variations: 

  1. Vegetarian Option: Replace the ham with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and diced bell peppers for a flavorful vegetarian version.
  2. Mexican Style: Add diced jalapeños, black beans, and corn. Top with salsa and a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
  3. Italian Twist: Use Italian sausage instead of ham, and add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  4. Southwest Flair: Incorporate diced green chilies, black beans, and corn. Top with sliced avocado, salsa, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese.
  5. Breakfast Sausage: Substitute the ham with cooked breakfast sausage crumbles and add a layer of sharp cheddar cheese.
  6. Broccoli and Cheddar: Mix in steamed broccoli florets and top with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Bacon Lover’s Delight: Replace the ham with crispy cooked bacon pieces. Add a touch of smoked paprika and top with a mix of Swiss and Gruyère cheeses.
  8. Spinach and Feta: Incorporate chopped spinach and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
  9. Buffalo Chicken: Use shredded cooked chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, and top with crumbled blue cheese before baking.
  10. Caprese Style: Layer sliced tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and mozzarella cheese. Drizzle with balsamic glaze after baking.
  11. Greek-Inspired: Add spinach, roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Season with oregano and a squeeze of lemon juice.
  12. Tex-Mex Fiesta: Incorporate cooked chorizo, black beans, diced green chilies, and a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses. Serve with salsa and sour cream.
  13. Herb Garden: Mix in fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, and chives. Add a layer of Gruyère cheese for a savory and aromatic twist.
  14. Ham and Broccoli: Combine diced ham with steamed broccoli florets. Top with a mixture of Swiss and Parmesan cheeses for a classic combination.
  15. Spinach and Mushroom: Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic and spinach until wilted. Layer with Swiss cheese and sprinkle with nutmeg for added depth of flavor.
  16. Caramelized Onion and Bacon: Caramelize thinly sliced onions and crispy bacon pieces. Mix with sharp cheddar cheese and a touch of smoked paprika.
  17. Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato: Stir pesto sauce into the egg mixture and add chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Top with Parmesan cheese before baking.
  18. Buffalo Cauliflower: Replace ham with roasted cauliflower florets tossed in buffalo sauce. Sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles and chopped celery before serving.

Explore these flavorful variations of Farmer’s Casserole to customize your breakfast or brunch with exciting new flavors and ingredients! Each variation offers a unique twist on this classic dish.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
    • Yes, you can substitute frozen hash browns with freshly grated potatoes. Ensure they are well-drained and seasoned before layering in the casserole dish.
  2. What size baking dish should I use for this recipe?
    • A 2-quart baking dish is recommended for this Farmer’s Casserole recipe to ensure even baking and sufficient space for layering the ingredients.
  3. Can I make Farmer’s Casserole ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it the next morning as directed.
  4. How do I know when Farmer’s Casserole is done baking?
    • The casserole is done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. This typically takes about 40-45 minutes in the oven.
  5. Can I freeze Farmer’s Casserole?
    • Yes, you can freeze Farmer’s Casserole for up to 2-3 months. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store in a freezer-safe container.
  6. What can I serve with Farmer’s Casserole?
    • Farmer’s Casserole pairs well with fresh fruit, sliced tomatoes, toast, or even a side of mixed greens for a balanced meal.
  7. Can I adjust the ingredients to make a larger batch?
    • Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish to accommodate a larger batch of Farmer’s Casserole.
  8. How should I store leftovers of Farmer’s Casserole?
    • Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions as needed.
  9. Can I use different types of cheese in Farmer’s Casserole?
    • Absolutely! Experiment with your favorite cheeses such as cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles.
  10. Is Farmer’s Casserole suitable for brunch gatherings?
    • Yes, Farmer’s Casserole is a great option for brunch as it can be made ahead of time and easily reheated before serving. It’s hearty and satisfying for a crowd.

Enjoy making and serving Farmer’s Casserole with confidence using these frequently asked questions! They’ll help you navigate through the preparation and serving of this delicious breakfast dish.

Enjoy a delicious and satisfying breakfast with our Farmer’s Casserole recipe. Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch or looking for a convenient make-ahead breakfast option, this casserole is sure to please with its hearty ingredients and simple preparation. Try making it today and treat yourself to a warm and comforting start to your day!
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Farmer’s Casserole


  • Author: Lusine Svetlana

Description

Discover a comforting and hearty breakfast dish with our Farmer’s Casserole recipe. Packed with hash brown potatoes, savory ham, pepperjack cheese, and eggs, this casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a cozy family breakfast. Learn how to prepare this delicious dish that’s sure to become a morning staple!


Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to get started:

 

  • 3 cups frozen hash brown potatoes
  • ¾ cup shredded pepperjack 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

Follow these easy steps to create your Farmer’s Casserole:

 

  1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish.
  2. Layering: Spread the frozen hash brown potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with shredded pepperjack cheese, diced ham, and chopped green onions.
  3. Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, evaporated milk, ground black pepper, and salt until well combined. Pour this egg mixture over the potato and ham layers in the baking dish.
  4. Make-Ahead Option: The casserole can be covered and refrigerated at this point for several hours or overnight, allowing for easy preparation ahead of time.
  5. Baking: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or slightly longer (55 to 60 minutes) if it has been chilled overnight. It’s ready when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of the Farmer’s Casserole!

Notes

Serving Tips 

  • Garnish Suggestions: Sprinkle extra chopped green onions or fresh herbs like parsley or chives over the casserole before serving to add a burst of color and freshness.
  • Pairing Ideas: Serve with fresh fruit salad, sliced tomatoes, or a side of toasted whole-grain bread for a complete breakfast.
  • Brunch Option: Farmer’s Casserole is perfect for brunch gatherings. Pair it with mimosas or freshly brewed coffee to complete the meal.

Storage Tips

 

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Farmer’s Casserole can be frozen for longer storage. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place in a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 2-3 months.
  • Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium heat, checking periodically to ensure even heating.
  • Make-Ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it in the morning for a quick and convenient breakfast.