Thank you so much for being here—truly. Every time you stop in to cook with me, it feels like we’re sharing a warm, busy kitchen together, coffee brewing in the background, oven humming along. And today’s recipe? Ohhh, it’s a keeper. This Farmers Casserole is the kind of hearty, comforting, feed-everybody dish that makes brunch feel effortless and special all at once. Anything but boring!!
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What This Farmers Casserole Is All About
This breakfast bake layers hash browns, ham, cheese, and green onions under a rich, custardy egg mixture that bakes into a golden, savory, fork-tender casserole. It’s perfect for holidays, weekends, potlucks, or any morning you want a filling, hands-off meal that feeds a crowd with barely any prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 5 minutes of hands-on prep
- Feeds 6–8 easily
- Comforting, filling & flavorful
- Gluten-free
- Perfect make-ahead breakfast
- Ideal for holidays, potlucks & brunch spreads
What Does Farmers Casserole Taste Like?
Imagine a breakfast skillet wrapped in a custardy hug. You get:
- buttery hash browns on the bottom
- melty Monterey Jack
- savory ham in every bite
- pops of mild onion
- a silky, set egg custard throughout
It’s hearty but not heavy, simple but full of flavor—like the best diner breakfast baked in one pan.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Minimal prep
- One-pan, no-fuss
- Easily customizable
- Make-ahead friendly
- Freezer-friendly after baking
- Great for large groups
Full Ingredients List
- 6 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- 2 cups ham, diced
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
- 8 large eggs, beaten
- 2 (12 oz) cans evaporated milk
- ½ tsp garlic salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or spoon
- Optional: foil for overnight chill
Additions & Substitutions
Flavorful Add-Ins
- Sautéed bell peppers
- Mushrooms
- Spinach
- Crumbled cooked bacon
- Pepper Jack cheese for spice
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
Substitutions
- Cheddar or Swiss work beautifully in place of Monterey Jack
- Use turkey ham or leftover holiday ham
- Substitute whole milk + ½ cup cream for evaporated milk (in a pinch)
How to Make Farmers Casserole (Step-by-Step)
1. Prep the Oven & Dish
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Build the Layers
Spread the shredded hash browns evenly over the bottom.
Top with grated cheese, diced ham, and chopped green onions.
3. Mix the Egg Custard
Whisk together the eggs, evaporated milk, garlic salt, and black pepper.
Pour evenly over everything in the dish, ensuring it settles throughout.
4. Chill or Bake
Option 1 – Make Ahead:
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Option 2 – Bake Immediately:
If chilled: bake 1 hour 30 minutes, uncovered.
If unchilled: bake 1 hour 15 minutes, uncovered.
Bake until the center is fully set.
5. Rest & Serve
Let it rest 5–10 minutes before slicing—this helps it set perfectly and makes serving a breeze.
What to Serve With Farmers Casserole
- Fresh fruit salad
- Biscuits or toast
- Coffee or tea
- Crispy bacon or sausage
- A simple green salad for brunch
- Yogurt parfaits
Tips for the Best Casserole
- Use frozen, unthawed hash browns—they bake beautifully.
- Don’t skip the rest time—the structure improves dramatically.
- Grate your own cheese for the best melt and texture.
- Add veggies if you want extra flavor or bulk.
- Check the center—it should no longer jiggle when done.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: 3–4 days, covered.
- Freezer: Freeze baked slices up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat at 325°F.
- Reheat: Microwave individual pieces or warm in the oven.
General Information
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hr 15–30 min
- Diet: Gluten-free
- Allergens: Eggs, dairy
- Texture: Custardy, hearty, cheesy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, but shred and squeeze out excess moisture for best results.
Can this be made ahead?
Absolutely—refrigerate overnight and bake in the morning.
Can I use a different cheese?
Cheddar, Swiss, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack all work wonderfully.
Can I halve the recipe?
Yes—use an 8×8 dish and reduce baking time slightly.
Conclusion
This Farmers Casserole is hearty, comforting, and wonderfully hands-off—perfect for busy mornings, holidays, or any time you want to feed a hungry crowd with almost no effort. It’s cozy, customizable, and truly satisfying.
And if you love easy, oven-baked breakfasts, stay tuned—more warm, comforting brunch favorites are on the way!
Join the Community!
Tried this dish?
Leave a review and share your casserole photos on Pinterest! Your creations always make my day.
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving — 8 Servings)
- Calories: ~320
- Fat: 17g
- Carbs: 17g
- Protein: 24g
- Sodium: varies by ham & cheese
Enjoy every warm, comforting bite!
