Farmer’s Casserole
This Farmer’s Casserole is a wonderfully hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for serving overnight guests or enjoying with family on a leisurely weekend morning. It combines classic breakfast ingredients in a bake that’s both tasty and convenient, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones. This casserole’s versatility also means you can tailor it to your taste preferences or dietary needs with various add-ins or substitutions.
This Farmer’s Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a versatile base that can be modified to suit any taste. Whether it’s swapping out the cheese for another variety or adding vegetables like tomatoes or mushrooms, you can make this dish uniquely yours. Enjoy the ease and comfort it brings to your morning!
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 3 cups frozen hash browns
- 3⁄4 cup shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese (or cheddar if preferred)
- 1 cup cubed cooked ham (or alternative breakfast meat)
- 1⁄4 cup green onions, well chopped
- 4 well-beaten eggs
- 1 (12 ounce) can 2% evaporated milk
- 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
Directions:
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Grease a 2-quart rectangular baking dish. This prevents the ingredients from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Layer the Base:
- Arrange the frozen hash browns evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This forms a hearty base that will hold the other ingredients.
- Add Cheese and Ham:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the hash browns, followed by the cubed ham and chopped green onions. This layering ensures each bite is packed with flavor.
- Mix Eggs and Milk:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs, evaporated milk, black pepper, and salt. Whisk together until everything is well incorporated.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the potatoes, cheese, and ham in the baking dish. The liquid should cover the solid ingredients, allowing the hash browns to absorb the flavors as it cooks.
- Refrigerate:
- Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight. This step allows the flavors to meld together and the hash browns to soak up the egg mixture, resulting in a more cohesive casserole.
- Bake:
- The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows it to firm up slightly, making it easier to cut and serve.
- Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit, toast, and bagels for a complete and satisfying breakfast.