Hearty Farmer's Breakfast Casserole
Delight in the rich and savory flavors of our Hearty Farmer's Breakfast Casserole, perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping for busy mornings. This dish combines crispy hash brown potatoes, a blend of melty Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, protein-packed diced ham, and fresh green onions into a comforting casserole that can be made ahead of time. Just pop it in the oven and enjoy a satisfying brunch that will impress family and friends alike. Ideal for gatherings, brunches, or simply a nourishing start to your day!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen hash brown potatoes
3 cups (24 oz bag) (No preparation needed, use directly from the bag.)
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
3/4 cup (Shredded.)
Shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 cup (Shredded.)
Diced ham
1 cup (Pre-cooked and diced into small pieces.)
Sliced green onion
1/4 cup (Cleaned and sliced thinly.)
Beaten eggs or frozen fat-free liquid egg product
6 large eggs or 1 1/2 cups (Beaten well if using shell eggs.)
Evaporated milk
1 (12 ounce) can (Use directly from the can.)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Ground.)
Salt
1/8 teaspoon (Fine salt.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart square baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2
Evenly spread the frozen hash brown potatoes in the bottom of the greased baking dish, forming a nice, even layer.
3
Sprinkle half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes, followed by the diced ham and sliced green onions, creating layers of flavor.
4
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs (or frozen egg product), evaporated milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
5
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
6
At this point, you can cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and freeze it for later use, or continue to the next step if baking immediately.
7
If baking from the freezer, remember to thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean.
8
For an extra cheesy topping, add the remaining cheese on top of the casserole during the last 15 minutes of baking.
9
Once baked, let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to firm up slightly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Farmer's Breakfast Casserole?
It is a savory breakfast dish that combines frozen hash browns, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, diced ham, green onions, and an egg-milk mixture into a bakeable casserole.
What size baking dish do I need?
The recipe requires a 2-quart square baking dish.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the casserole.
How long does the casserole take to bake?
Bake the casserole uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes.
How do I know when the casserole is finished cooking?
The casserole is done when the center is set and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean.
Can I freeze this breakfast casserole?
Yes, you can cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and freeze it for later use after pouring the egg mixture over the ingredients.
How should I thaw the casserole if it has been frozen?
Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before you plan to bake it.
What type of potatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups (typically a 24 oz bag) of frozen hash brown potatoes.
Do I need to cook the hash browns before putting them in the dish?
No, you can use the frozen hash browns directly from the bag without any prior preparation.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe uses a mix of 3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese and 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
Should the cheese be added all at once?
No, you sprinkle half of the cheese over the potatoes initially and save the other half for an extra cheesy topping during the last 15 minutes of baking.
What protein is used in the Hearty Farmer's Breakfast Casserole?
The recipe uses 1 cup of pre-cooked diced ham.
Are there any vegetables in this casserole?
Yes, 1/4 cup of thinly sliced green onions are added for fresh flavor.
How many eggs are required?
You will need 6 large eggs, or 1 1/2 cups of a frozen fat-free liquid egg product.
What liquid is mixed with the eggs?
The recipe uses one 12-ounce can of evaporated milk.
How is the casserole seasoned?
It is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper and 1/8 teaspoon of fine salt.
Why do I need to let the casserole stand after baking?
Letting it stand for 5 minutes allows the casserole to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve.
How do I prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish?
Grease the baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray or butter before adding the ingredients.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prepping or feeding a crowd because it can be made ahead and frozen.
Can I use liquid egg substitute instead of shell eggs?
Yes, the recipe specifies that 1 1/2 cups of frozen egg product can be used as a substitute.
How should the green onions be prepared?
The green onions should be cleaned and sliced thinly.
In what order are the ingredients layered?
Start with hash browns, then half the cheese, ham, and onions, followed by the egg and milk mixture.
Is the dish baked covered or uncovered?
The casserole should be baked uncovered.
Can I add the cheese at the very end?
The recipe recommends adding the final half of the cheese during the last 15 minutes of baking for the best result.
How much evaporated milk is needed?
You will need one standard 12-ounce can of evaporated milk.
What kind of salt is used?
The recipe suggests 1/8 teaspoon of fine salt.
What kind of pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper.
Is the ham pre-cooked in this recipe?
Yes, you should use ham that is already cooked and diced into small pieces.
Is this recipe suitable for a brunch gathering?
Yes, its hearty nature and make-ahead capability make it perfect for gatherings and brunches.
How much Monterey Jack cheese do I need?
You will need 3/4 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.