Farmers Casserole Recipe

Easy Farmers Casserole Recipe: Cozy Comfort on Your Table

My mom’s beloved farmers casserole brings hearty comfort straight from midwestern kitchen tables.

Potato chunks mingle with crisp bacon bits and melted cheese in this satisfying one-pan meal.

Weekend breakfast crowds appreciate such simple yet delicious combinations.

Hearty ingredients create magic when blended with care and traditional cooking techniques.

Generous portions mean everyone leaves the table feeling completely satisfied.

Families gather around, eager to savor each warm, cheesy bite.

Who can resist such a classic breakfast centerpiece that promises pure deliciousness?

Farmers Casserole Cooking List

Base Ingredients:
  • Hash Brown Potatoes: Crispy potato base that provides texture and hearty foundation for the casserole.
  • Monterey Jack Cheese: Creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich, smooth flavor.
  • Cooked Ham: Protein-packed meat that brings savory and salty elements to the dish.
  • Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that adds brightness and color.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Eggs, Evaporated Milk: Crucial components that bind the casserole together and create a custardy texture.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the casserole. Freshly ground pepper recommended for best taste.

Farmers Casserole Prep Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Adjust your oven rack to the middle position and set the temperature to 350°F.

This allows the casserole to cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden top.

Step 2: Create a Delicious Base Layer

Grab a baking dish and generously coat it with cooking spray or butter.

Begin building your flavor foundation by arranging these ingredients in order:
  • Crispy hash browns
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Diced ham
  • Chopped green onions

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Egg Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine these ingredients and whisk until smooth:
  • Large eggs
  • Evaporated milk
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Gently pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients, ensuring even coverage.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set and the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

The casserole will have a slight wiggle but should not be liquid.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

This allows the ingredients to settle and makes cutting and serving easier.

Slice into hearty portions and enjoy this comforting breakfast dish hot and fresh.

Farmers Casserole Like A Country Kitchen Pro

  • Swap ham with bacon, sausage, or keep it vegetarian by using mushrooms or tofu for a personalized touch.
  • Use frozen hash browns for convenience or grate fresh potatoes for a crispier texture and homemade feel.
  • Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate, then bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss to add unique flavor profiles.
  • Replace whole milk with low-fat alternatives and use egg whites to reduce calories without sacrificing taste.

Leftover Tips for Farmers Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the casserole will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place a date label on the container to track freshness.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
  • Cut into individual portions, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature midway.

Companion Plates for Farmers Casserole

  • Harmonize Hearty Flavors with Zesty Salsa: Fresh, spicy salsa cuts through the casserole's richness, adding bright, tangy notes that complement the creamy cheese and salty ham.
  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio offers a light, refreshing counterpoint to the dense, savory casserole, balancing its robust textures.
  • Serve with Fresh Citrus Salad: A light, zesty citrus salad with mixed greens and orange segments provides a refreshing contrast, cleansing the palate between bites of the rich, cheesy dish.
  • Enhance with Herbal Iced Tea: A cold, unsweetened herbal tea with mint or basil delivers a cool, aromatic touch that cuts through the casserole's heaviness, creating a balanced meal experience.

Farmers Casserole Recipe Transformations

  • Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace ham with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for a plant-based version packed with nutrients and flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free hash browns and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Low-Carb Protein Power: Swap hash browns with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the casserole's hearty essence.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, swap green onions for cilantro, and incorporate pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern-inspired variation.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can swap cheddar with Swiss, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for varied flavor profiles.

  • Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ham with diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or plant-based protein alternatives like tofu or meat substitutes.

  • Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

  • How can I make this dish lower in calories?

Use reduced-fat cheese, substitute some eggs with egg whites, and choose lean ham or turkey ham to decrease overall calorie content.

Why You’ll Return To Farmers Casserole Recipe

  • Speedy Breakfast Champion: Whip up this hearty casserole in under an hour, perfect for busy mornings when time is tight.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with classic breakfast favorites like crispy hash browns, melted cheese, and savory ham, this dish satisfies every family member's taste buds.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Just layer ingredients, pour the egg mixture, and bake – no complicated cooking techniques required, making it ideal for novice cooks or weekend breakfast makers.
  • Make-Ahead Meal Master: Prepare the casserole the night before, refrigerate, and pop it in the oven in the morning for a stress-free breakfast that looks and tastes like you spent hours preparing.
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Farmers Casserole Recipe

Farmers Casserole Recipe


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4.5 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty midwest farmers casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to breakfast tables with layers of cheesy potato, ham, and egg goodness. Families will savor this simple yet satisfying morning dish that warms hearts and fills hungry bellies.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
  • 1 cup cubed cooked ham
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 (12-ounce / 354 ml) can evaporated milk

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and generously coat a baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Create a foundation layer in the dish using crispy shredded hash browns, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
  3. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the hash browns, ensuring complete coverage.
  4. Distribute diced ham pieces uniformly across the cheese layer, followed by finely chopped green onions for a fresh, aromatic touch.
  5. In a separate mixing bowl, combine eggs with evaporated milk, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.
  6. Season the egg mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper, stirring to ensure even distribution of flavors.
  7. Carefully pour the seasoned egg mixture over the layered ingredients, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly.
  8. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and firm, set center.
  9. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the ingredients settle and makes serving easier.
  10. Slice and serve warm, enjoying the harmonious blend of crispy potatoes, melted cheese, and savory ham.

Notes

  • Swap out ham for crispy bacon or crumbled sausage to add different protein options and flavor variations.
  • Use gluten-free hash browns or shredded sweet potatoes for those with dietary restrictions or wanting a lower-carb alternative.
  • Sprinkle fresh herbs like chives or parsley on top just before serving to boost freshness and add a vibrant color pop.
  • Allow casserole to cool slightly before cutting to help it set and make serving cleaner and more precise.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 200 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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