This Farmerās Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish thatās perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner! Packed with hash browns, spicy pepper jack cheese, diced ham, and a creamy egg mixture, itās a flavorful and satisfying meal thatās easy to prepare. Whether youāre feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is a winner. Letās get cooking!
Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen hash brown potatoes š„
- 3/4 cup spicy pepper jack cheese, shredded š§
- 1 cup ham, finely diced š
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped š§
- 4 large eggs, well beaten š„š„š„š„
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk š„
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper šæ
- 1/8 teaspoon salt š§
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Grease
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease aĀ 2-quart baking dishĀ thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Layer the Potatoes
- Spread theĀ 3 cups of frozen hash brown potatoesĀ evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish to form the base.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Ham
- Sprinkle theĀ 3/4 cup of shredded pepper jack cheeseĀ over the hash browns.
- Distribute theĀ 1 cup of diced hamĀ evenly over the cheese.
- Scatter theĀ 1/4 cup of chopped green onionsĀ on top.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together theĀ 4 beaten eggs,Ā evaporated milk,Ā 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, andĀ 1/8 teaspoon of saltĀ until smooth.
Step 5: Pour the Egg Mixture
- Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layers in the baking dish, ensuring it spreads evenly and soaks into the ingredients.
Step 6: Refrigerate (Optional)
- If preparing ahead, cover the dish and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake forĀ 40-45 minutesĀ (orĀ 55-60 minutesĀ if refrigerated), or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
- Let the casserole rest forĀ 5 minutesĀ after baking to allow the flavors to settle.
- Slice and serve warm.
Tips and Variations
- Add Veggies:
- Stir in sautƩed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Swap the Meat:
- Use cooked bacon, sausage, or turkey instead of ham.
- Make It Spicier:
- Add diced jalapeƱos or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture.
- Use Different Cheese:
- Substitute cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese for the pepper jack.
- Make It Ahead:
- Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Bake it in the morning for an easy breakfast.
- Freeze for Later:
- Bake and cool the casserole, then freeze in individual portions for quick meals.
Why Youāll Love This Recipe
ā
Hearty and Satisfying:
Packed with protein and flavor, this casserole is a complete meal in one dish.
ā
Easy to Make:
With simple ingredients and minimal prep, itās perfect for busy mornings.
ā
Customizable:
Add your favorite ingredients to make it your own.
ā
Great for Crowds:
Perfect for feeding a family or hosting brunch.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Servings: 6-8
This Farmerās Casserole is a delicious and versatile dish thatās sure to become a family favorite. Whether youāre serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, itās a meal that will keep everyone coming back for more. Enjoy! š„š³š
Final Thoughts
This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty, comforting meal with minimal effort. The combination of hash browns, cheese, ham, and eggs creates a dish thatās both filling and flavorful. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a casserole that will warm your heart and satisfy your hunger!