Name: Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups shredded hash browns; ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup diced ham; ¼ cup sliced green onions; 12 ounces evaporated milk; 4 eggs; Salt (to taste); Black pepper (to taste)

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a hearty, comforting dish that brings all your favorite breakfast flavors together in one easy bake, the Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole is exactly what you need. This dish is a delightful medley of crispy hash browns, savory ham, and melted cheddar cheese, all bound by a rich, custardy egg mixture. It’s the perfect way to kickstart your morning or impress guests with minimal effort but maximum flavor. Trust me, once you try this Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole, it will quickly become a go-to in your breakfast rotation.

Farmer's Breakfast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays an essential role in creating a balanced harmony of flavors and textures. From the crispy, golden hash browns to the tender diced ham and creamy cheese, these ingredients come together to make every bite satisfying and comforting.

3 cups shredded hash browns: These provide a crispy, golden base that forms the heart of the casserole’s texture.
¾ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, adding a sharp, creamy flavor that ties everything together.
1 cup diced ham: Offers a savory, meaty bite that brings a boost of protein and smokiness.
¼ cup sliced green onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
12 ounces evaporated milk: Creates a rich and silky custard that keeps the casserole moist.
4 eggs: The binding agent that holds all the ingredients together in a fluffy, satisfying way.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.

How to Make Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s perfectly hot when you’re ready to bake. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by generously spraying it with nonstick cooking spray, which prevents the casserole from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Layer the Hash Browns

Spread the shredded hash browns evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This layer will become wonderfully crispy on the edges during baking, creating a delightful textural contrast that makes this Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole so memorable.

Step 3: Add Cheese, Ham, and Green Onions

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hash browns, followed by the diced ham. The ham adds a burst of meaty flavor throughout the casserole. Finish this layer by scattering the sliced green onions evenly on top, which brighten the dish with their fresh, subtle oniony zing.

Step 4: Whisk and Pour the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the evaporated milk, eggs, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-combined. This rich mixture will soak into the layers below and set while baking, giving the casserole a luscious custard-like texture. Pour this evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. The casserole should puff slightly, and the top edge will turn a golden brown, signaling it’s perfectly cooked. This step is where the flavors meld and the texture sets just right.

Step 6: Rest Before Serving

Once baked, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the layers to settle and makes it easier to serve clean, neat portions of this delicious Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole.

How to Serve Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole

Garnishes

Enhance each slice of your Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole with fresh garnishes such as chopped parsley or extra green onions for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits will add another layer of indulgence and texture.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a wonderful one-pan meal but pairing it with some fresh fruit salad or a simple arugula and tomato salad can add a refreshing contrast. Lightly toasted bread or buttery croissants also complement the creamy richness of the casserole splendidly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch party, serve the Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. Alternatively, cutting it into bite-sized squares and stacking them on a platter can make for a fun finger-food option that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping it cold preserves its flavors and texture, making your next breakfast or brunch a breeze to reheat.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole to enjoy later by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or placing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze it for up to two months for the best flavor and texture retention.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the casserole in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crispy edges intact and preserve the creamy custard texture.

FAQs

Can I make the Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the diced ham and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a delicious vegetarian twist that still packs plenty of flavor.

What can I use instead of evaporated milk?

If you don’t have evaporated milk on hand, whole milk or half-and-half can work as a substitute, though evaporated milk gives the casserole a richer, creamier custard texture.

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Simply bake it fresh in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

This Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole is naturally gluten-free as long as you use hash browns without any additives containing gluten. Double-check the labels to be sure.

How to get extra crispy edges on the casserole?

For crispier edges, use a metal baking dish instead of glass and consider increasing the oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit during the last 10 minutes of baking. This helps achieve golden, crunchy edges you’ll love.

Final Thoughts

This Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a warm, comforting hug on a plate that brings together all the best parts of breakfast with minimal fuss. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a leisurely weekend brunch, I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!

Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a family breakfast or brunch. It features layers of crispy hash browns, melted cheddar cheese, savory ham, and fresh green onions all baked together in a creamy egg mixture for a satisfying start to your day.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

3 cups shredded hash browns
¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup diced ham
¼ cup sliced green onions

Egg Mixture

12 ounces evaporated milk
4 eggs
Salt (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Layer Hash Browns: Spread the shredded hash browns evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish creating a base layer for the casserole.
Add Cheese, Ham, and Onions: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hash browns, followed by the diced ham, and then top with sliced green onions distributed uniformly.
Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the 12 ounces of evaporated milk, 4 eggs, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Pour and Bake: Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the casserole dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the casserole is fully cooked.
Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps set the casserole and makes it easier to serve.

Notes

You can substitute ham with cooked bacon or sausage for a different flavor.
For extra creaminess, add a little cream cheese or sour cream to the egg mixture.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance nutrition and taste.
Ensure the hash browns are fully thawed if using frozen to avoid excess water in the casserole.
This casserole can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning for convenience.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American