Farmer’s Casserole

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Golden, bubbly, and packed with comforting flavors, Farmer’s Casserole is the hearty breakfast bake you’ve been craving. With a blend of creamy eggs, savory diced ham, shredded hash browns, melted cheese, and green onions, it’s a dish that brings the coziness of a countryside morning right to your table. Whether you’re serving a weekend brunch or prepping an easy meal ahead of time, this casserole delivers both comfort and convenience.

Its versatility is another reason it’s a kitchen staple—swap in your favorite veggies, try different cheeses, or even go meatless. It reheats beautifully and feeds a crowd, making it ideal for holidays, potlucks, or simply a delicious way to start the day.

Why You’ll Love This Farmer’s Casserole

• It’s a one-dish meal that requires minimal prep.
• Perfect for meal prep and make-ahead breakfasts.
• Customizable with ingredients you have on hand.
• Deliciously satisfying and great for feeding a crowd.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you begin, gather the following essential tools:

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: This casserole bakes evenly in this size, ensuring a perfectly golden top and well-cooked center.
• Mixing Bowl: Needed for whisking the eggs and combining the liquid mixture.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth and uniform egg mixture.
• Spatula or Spoon: Ideal for layering and spreading the hash browns and other ingredients evenly.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the dish during the first phase of baking to prevent over-browning.

Each tool plays a vital role in achieving the ideal texture and consistency for the casserole, so don’t skip out on having them ready.

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Preparation Tips

Use thawed hash browns to avoid excess moisture in the casserole, which can cause sogginess. When using ham, opt for pre-cooked diced ham or leftover roasted ham to save time. Shred your own cheese for better meltability, as pre-shredded versions often contain anti-caking agents. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps it set and makes slicing much easier. You can even prep it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning—just keep it tightly covered in the fridge overnight.

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Ingredients for this Farmer’s Casserole

• 3 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
• 1 1/2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
• 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers (optional for added color & crunch)
• 8 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups milk (whole or 2% for creaminess)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the dish)

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Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and to help crisp the edges of the casserole.

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Step 2: Layer the Hash Browns

Evenly spread the thawed hash browns across the bottom of the baking dish. Press them down lightly with your hands or a spatula to form a compact base layer.

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Step 3: Add Ham and Vegetables

Scatter the diced ham over the hash browns, followed by chopped green onions and bell peppers if using. This gives a savory and slightly sweet foundation for the egg mixture.

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Step 4: Sprinkle the Cheese

Add the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the ham and vegetable layer. The dual cheeses bring a creamy, melty texture and boost the flavor.

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Step 5: Mix the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined. Make sure the mixture is smooth and seasoned to taste.

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Step 6: Pour and Set

Carefully pour the egg mixture over the entire casserole, allowing it to soak down through the layers. Tilt the dish gently if needed to ensure even coverage.

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Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden and slightly puffed.

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Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps it firm up and makes cutting and serving easier. Garnish with extra green onions before serving for a fresh finish.

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Notes

Farmer’s Casserole is a reliable go-to whether you’re feeding a holiday brunch crowd or meal prepping for the week. You can prepare it the night before and refrigerate it overnight, which makes mornings easier. It also works beautifully with ingredient swaps—try sausage instead of ham, or add chopped spinach or mushrooms for a veggie-packed version. Using freshly grated cheese will yield the best melt and flavor, and a pinch of paprika on top before baking adds a nice golden hue.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using frozen hash browns without thawing: This can result in excess water and a soggy bottom layer.
• Overbaking the casserole: If baked too long, it can become rubbery. Bake just until the center is set.
• Skipping the rest time after baking: Cutting into it too soon can lead to messy slices. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes.
• Under-seasoning the egg mixture: Eggs absorb seasoning, so don’t shy away from salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Overloading with ingredients: While it’s tempting to add lots of fillings, too much can throw off the balance and cause uneven baking.

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Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 20 minutes). You can also freeze the casserole—either whole or in individual slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, based on 8 servings total)

• Calories: ~280
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 610mg
• Cholesterol: 205mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Omit the ham and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or extra bell peppers for a delicious meat-free version.

Can I prepare this the night before?

Absolutely. Assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh the next morning.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, but be sure to shred them and remove as much moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel.

What’s the best cheese to use?

A mix of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar melts beautifully and gives a balanced flavor. Feel free to experiment with mozzarella or Swiss.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes. Freeze it either baked or unbaked, tightly wrapped. Let thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking or reheating.

How do I know when it’s fully cooked?

The center should be set and not jiggly. A knife inserted in the middle should come out clean.

How long can leftovers stay in the fridge?

Up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat as needed.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use two separate baking dishes to ensure even cooking.

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Conclusion

Farmer’s Casserole is a comfort-filled classic that delivers on both flavor and convenience. Whether you’re making breakfast for a crowd or prepping for a stress-free weekday, this dish has you covered. It’s hearty, versatile, and incredibly easy to make—an all-in-one recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Customize it, prep it ahead, and savor every bite.

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