Farmers Breakfast Casserole Recipe
This Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole is my go-to because it’s like having a cozy morning hug that’s been baked to perfection, with melty cheese and savory ham making every bite feel indulgent. Plus, the simplicity of tossing everything into one dish and letting the oven do the work means I can savor my coffee while breakfast magic happens!
One of my most beloved ways to kick off the morning is with my Farmers Breakfast Casserole. I adore using 8 large eggs and 2 cups of thawed hash brown potatoes as my hearty base; they pack enough energy to power me through to the next meal.
Diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese consistently flavor and fortify the dish. Bell peppers and onions not only provide a delightful crunch (which I consider a necessity in any casserole), but also pump in a ton of nutrients.
Ingredients
Eggs:
Protein-rich, advocating for muscle health and development.
Hash Browns:
Supply starch for energy and cellulose for digestion.
Ham:
An abundant supply of protein and fundamental vitamins such as B12.
Cheddar Cheese:
Delivers bone-benefiting calcium in a delightful, creamy, and tangy flavor.
Bell Pepper:
Rich in vitamin C, it lends brilliance and a gentle sweetness.
Ingredient Quantities
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to heat up.
2. Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish with the tablespoon of butter.
3. In a big mixing bowl, combine 8 eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk ingredients together until they are combined well.
4. Mix the thawed 2 cups of hash brown potatoes, the 1 cup of diced, cooked ham, the 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, the bell pepper, and the finely chopped onion into the egg mixture. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
5. Place the egg and hash brown mixture into the baking dish you prepared, and spread it out evenly.
6. Put the baking dish in the oven, which should be preheated.
7. Casserole should be baked for 35 to 40 minutes. Bake until top is golden brown and egg mixture is set.
8. Take the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
9. Serve the casserole by cutting it into squares.
10. Enjoy your Farmers Breakfast Casserole served warm!
Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. 9×13 inch baking dish
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Large mixing bowl
6. Whisk
7. Wooden spoon or spatula
8. Knife
9. Cutting board
10. Tablespoon (for butter application)
11. Oven mitts (for handling hot dishes)
FAQ
- Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?Certainly, fresh potatoes can be utilized. Just peel and grate them, then make them dry to remove excess moisture before using.
- Can this casserole be made ahead of time?You can indeed make the casserole the evening beforehand, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. For optimal results, bake it in the morning to ensure it’s freshly made.
- Is it possible to substitute the ham with another protein?Certainly! Bacon, cooked sausage, or even a vegetarian option like sautéed mushrooms can serve as excellent substitutes.
- How can I make this recipe dairy-free?Use a milk substitute that is based on plants; and instead of using cheddar cheese, use a cheese substitute that is free of dairy.
- What can I add for extra flavor?Consider incorporating herbs such as chives or parsley, or a small amount of smoked paprika, to achieve a greater depth of flavor.
- Can I freeze leftovers?Indeed, you can freeze leftover casserole. Make sure to allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly and storing it in the freezer, where it will keep for as long as 3 months.
- How do I reheat the casserole?To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
Substitutions and Variations
2 cups of frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed. If you are using fresh potatoes, substitute 2 cups of grated fresh potatoes or sweet potatoes.
1 cup cooked ham, diced: Can be substituted with 1 cup cooked bacon or turkey sausage.
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Substitute with 1 cup Monterey Jack or Swiss cheese.
1 medium bell pepper, diced: You can use 1 cup of chopped mushrooms or zucchini in its place.
1/2 cup milk: Use 1/2 cup half-and-half or a nondairy milk, such as almond milk.
Pro Tips
1. Pre-cooked Ingredients: Ensure that the ham and hash browns are fully cooked and drained of excess moisture before adding them to the egg mixture. This prevents a soggy casserole and enhances flavor concentration.
2. Cheese Variations: Try using a mix of cheeses for added depth of flavor. A combination of cheddar, Swiss, and Monterey Jack can add complexity and a richer taste profile.
3. Even Baking: Halfway through baking, check the casserole and rotate the baking dish to ensure even cooking, especially if your oven has hot spots.
4. Customize Your Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for an extra layer of vegetables and flavors. Make sure to cook them down before adding to prevent excess moisture.
5. Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to cut into neat squares.
Farmers Breakfast Casserole Recipe
My favorite Farmers Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. 9×13 inch baking dish
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Large mixing bowl
6. Whisk
7. Wooden spoon or spatula
8. Knife
9. Cutting board
10. Tablespoon (for butter application)
11. Oven mitts (for handling hot dishes)
Ingredients:
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to heat up.
2. Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish with the tablespoon of butter.
3. In a big mixing bowl, combine 8 eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk ingredients together until they are combined well.
4. Mix the thawed 2 cups of hash brown potatoes, the 1 cup of diced, cooked ham, the 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, the bell pepper, and the finely chopped onion into the egg mixture. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
5. Place the egg and hash brown mixture into the baking dish you prepared, and spread it out evenly.
6. Put the baking dish in the oven, which should be preheated.
7. Casserole should be baked for 35 to 40 minutes. Bake until top is golden brown and egg mixture is set.
8. Take the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
9. Serve the casserole by cutting it into squares.
10. Enjoy your Farmers Breakfast Casserole served warm!