🌄 Farmer’s Casserole – A Hearty Make-Ahead Breakfast Classic

Rise and shine with a slice of comfort! This Farmer’s Casserole is everything you want in a breakfast dish—warm, filling, and full of down-home flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, including hash brown potatoes, savory ham, melted cheese, and creamy eggs, this casserole delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting brunch guests, or meal prepping for a busy week, this casserole has you covered. Plus, it’s easy to assemble ahead of time and bake when needed—making it the ultimate make-ahead breakfast casserole.


💛 Why You’ll Love This Farmer’s Casserole

Minimal prep, maximum flavor
Make it ahead for stress-free mornings
Customizable with your favorite meats or cheeses
Freezer-friendly for future breakfasts
Perfect for holiday mornings, potlucks, and meal prep


🧾 Ingredients – Simple and Satisfying

This casserole uses classic breakfast staples that are easy to find and even easier to love:

  • 3 cups frozen hash brown potatoes
  • ¾ cup shredded pepperjack cheese
  • 1 cup cooked ham, diced
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions
  • 4 eggs, beaten
  • 1 (12 fl oz) can evaporated milk
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt

📝 Tip: Use freshly shredded cheese for maximum meltiness and flavor.


👩‍🍳 Directions – Easy As Mix, Pour, Bake

Here’s how to make this farmhouse-style breakfast casserole from scratch:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Layer the base: Spread the frozen hash brown potatoes evenly in the bottom of the dish.
  3. Add the good stuff: Sprinkle with shredded pepperjack cheese, diced ham, and chopped green onions.
  4. Mix the custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, evaporated milk, black pepper, and salt.
  5. Assemble: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the potato layer.
    If you’re prepping ahead, cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
  6. Bake:
    • If baking immediately: Bake 40–45 minutes
    • If baking from chilled: Bake 55–60 minutes
    Check doneness by inserting a knife in the center—it should come out clean.
  7. Rest and serve: Let stand for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

🕒 Recipe Snapshot

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chill Time (optional): Up to overnight
  • Bake Time: 40–60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1–1.5 hours
  • Yield: 6–8 servings
  • Skill Level: Easy

🍴 Serving Suggestions

Farmer’s Casserole is a one-dish wonder, but it pairs well with:

  • Fresh fruit salad or sliced citrus
  • Butter croissants or toast
  • Hot sauce or salsa on the side
  • Avocado slices for added creaminess
  • A steaming mug of coffee or tea

🥓 Want to elevate it? Serve with crispy bacon or sausage links on the side.


🔁 Variations and Add-Ons

This casserole is easily customized. Here are some delicious swaps and additions:

  • Cheese: Swap pepperjack for cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella
  • Meat: Use cooked sausage, bacon, or even turkey
  • Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers
  • Low-carb: Substitute shredded cauliflower for the hash browns
  • Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne to the egg mixture

🧊 Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

🧺 Make-Ahead Option:

Assemble the night before, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning directly from chilled (add 10–15 minutes to baking time).

🧊 To Store:

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

❄️ To Freeze:

Let the casserole cool completely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat at 350°F until warmed through.

🔥 To Reheat:

Microwave individual slices for 1–2 minutes, or warm in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes.


💬 Reader Reviews

“Made this the night before a family road trip. It was the perfect filling breakfast and so easy!”
Shelby T.

“I added bacon and extra cheese. Everyone went back for seconds.”
Ronald D.

“We served this for Christmas morning brunch and it was a total hit. So easy!”
Megan R.


📌 Final Thoughts – A Hearty Start to Any Day

This Farmer’s Casserole is warm, savory, and packed with classic breakfast flavors that feel like home. With its creamy egg base, melty cheese, and hash brown heartiness, it’s the kind of recipe that turns a regular morning into a cozy, comforting occasion.

Whether you’re cooking for two or ten, prepping ahead for busy weekdays, or feeding a crowd on a holiday, this casserole never disappoints.

Print
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🌄 Farmer’s Casserole – A Hearty Make-Ahead Breakfast Classic

This casserole uses classic breakfast staples that are easy to find and even easier to love:

 

Ingredients

  • 3 cups frozen hash brown potatoes

  • ¾ cup shredded pepperjack cheese

  • 1 cup cooked ham, diced

  • ¼ cup chopped green onions

  • 4 eggs, beaten

  • 1 (12 fl oz) can evaporated milk

  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • ⅛ teaspoon salt

📝 Tip: Use freshly shredded cheese for maximum meltiness and flavor.

Instructions

Here’s how to make this farmhouse-style breakfast casserole from scratch:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

  2. Layer the base: Spread the frozen hash brown potatoes evenly in the bottom of the dish.

  3. Add the good stuff: Sprinkle with shredded pepperjack cheese, diced ham, and chopped green onions.

  4. Mix the custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, evaporated milk, black pepper, and salt.

  5. Assemble: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the potato layer.
    If you’re prepping ahead, cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

  6. Bake:

    • If baking immediately: Bake 40–45 minutes

    • If baking from chilled: Bake 55–60 minutes

    Check doneness by inserting a knife in the center—it should come out clean.

  7. Rest and serve: Let stand for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

🕒 Recipe Snapshot

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Chill Time (optional): Up to overnight

  • Bake Time: 40–60 minutes

  • Total Time: 1–1.5 hours

  • Yield: 6–8 servings

  • Skill Level: Easy

  • Author: niold.com

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