If you are looking for a soul-satisfying morning dish packed with hearty flavors and comforting textures, the Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This fantastic casserole brings together crispy bacon, savory ham, melty sharp cheddar, and a fluffy egg custard all nestled atop a bed of golden potatoes with onions and peppers. It’s the perfect way to wake up your taste buds and share a cozy meal with friends or family. Whether for a weekend brunch or a special occasion, this dish delivers a warm, filling experience that feels like a big, delicious hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each contributing flavor, texture, and color to create a vibrant and satisfying dish. These ingredients work in harmony to ensure every mouthful bursts with savory, cheesy goodness and comforting warmth.
- Frozen potatoes with onions and peppers (28 oz bag): A convenient base that adds a crispy yet tender texture along with mild sweetness and color from the veggies.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): Gives the casserole its rich, tangy flavor and that melty, gooey texture everyone loves.
- Cooked ham (1.5 cups, diced): Adds a juicy, smoky bite and hearty protein that pairs perfectly with the eggs and cheese.
- Bacon (6 slices, cooked and diced): Brings in an irresistible crunch and intense savoriness.
- Green onions (1/4 cup, finely sliced): Imparts a fresh, mild oniony zing cutting through the richness.
- Eggs (9, beaten): The binding agent that creates the fluffy, custard-like texture holding the casserole together.
- Evaporated milk (2 cans, 12 oz each): Makes the egg mixture creamy and luscious.
- Garlic powder (1/4 tsp): Adds subtle aromatic depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Ground black pepper (1/2 tsp): Introduces gentle heat and earthy notes.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances and enhances all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your baking dish and potato base
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F, and lightly coat a 13×9-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Evenly spread the frozen potatoes with onions and peppers across the bottom of the dish. This forms the hearty foundation of your casserole, ensuring every bite has that satisfying potato goodness.
Step 2: Layer the savory toppings
Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the potato layer, followed by the diced cooked ham and crispy bacon pieces. Finish by scattering the finely sliced green onions on top. These layers combine to create a perfect medley of textures — from melty cheese to meaty chunks and fresh crunch.
Step 3: Mix and pour the egg custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, evaporated milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until fully blended. Pour this creamy mixture gently over the layered ingredients in the baking dish, allowing it to seep through and bind everything together.
Step 4: Bake the casserole to perfection
If you plan to bake immediately, place the dish in your preheated oven and cook for 45 minutes. The casserole is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it rest for five minutes before slicing and serving to allow the custard to set beautifully. For an overnight version, cover and refrigerate the casserole, then bake for a full hour at 350 degrees F the next morning for a fresh, warm breakfast.
How to Serve Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole Recipe, try garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh chives or a dollop of tangy sour cream. A scattering of chopped parsley adds a lovely burst of color and freshness to each serving. These little touches brighten the dish’s flavors and make it feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple greens like a crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables for a balanced meal. Fresh fruit or a light citrusy smoothie can offer a refreshing contrast, rounding out the breakfast without overpowering the rich casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole as individual mini portions in ramekins, perfect for guests or a brunch buffet. You could also cut it into squares and offer it as a portable breakfast bite for picnics or casual gatherings. Drizzling a bit of hot sauce or a honey-mustard glaze on top before serving adds exciting flavor dimensions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days, making for an easy grab-and-go breakfast or lunch option.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap portions individually or freeze the entire dish (if prepared but unbaked) to bake later. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months for best quality and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through and the edges get nicely crisp again. You can also microwave single servings, but the oven method preserves the texture and flavor much better, restoring that delightful casserole experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
Absolutely, you can substitute fresh diced potatoes, but be sure to parboil or partially cook them first to ensure they become tender by the time the casserole is fully baked.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ham and bacon, and consider adding vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. You might also add a bit more cheese or a plant-based alternative to keep it hearty.
How long can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?
You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. This makes morning baking quick and easy, ensuring a fresh, piping-hot breakfast without all the early prep work.
What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is ideal for its robust flavor and excellent melting quality, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a smoky Gouda to customize the taste.
Can I add herbs or spices to change the flavor?
Definitely! Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of smoked paprika can add exciting layers of flavor. Just be mindful not to overpower the classic comforting profile of this Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about gathering around a warm, cheesy, savory casserole that feels like home in every forkful. Don’t hesitate to try the Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole Recipe the next time you want to treat yourself or your loved ones to a breakfast that’s effortless to make but unforgettable to enjoy. Once you taste it, this recipe will likely become a treasured staple in your breakfast rotation.
Print
Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a fulfilling morning meal or brunch. Loaded with a savory combination of frozen potatoes with onions and peppers, sharp cheddar cheese, diced ham, crispy bacon, and green onions, all bound together with a flavorful egg and evaporated milk mixture. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole is easy to prepare ahead for an overnight bake or perfect for a quick bake on the same day.
Ingredients
Potato and Meat Mixture
- 28 oz bag frozen potatoes with onions and peppers
- 1.5 cup cooked ham, diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and diced
- 1/4 cup finely sliced green onions
- 2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Egg Mixture
- 9 large eggs, beaten
- 2 (12 oz) cans evaporated milk
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 13×9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the ingredients: Evenly spread the frozen potatoes with onions and peppers across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, diced cooked ham, diced cooked bacon, and finely sliced green onions evenly over the potatoes.
- Mix the egg custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, evaporated milk, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine and bake: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered potato and meat mixture in the baking dish. Bake immediately at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Rest before serving: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set and cool slightly before slicing and serving.
- Overnight bake option: Alternatively, you can prepare the casserole the night before by assembling it as described and covering it tightly. Refrigerate overnight and bake the next day at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour until cooked through.
Notes
- You can customize the meat by substituting ham and bacon with sausage or turkey bacon.
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeño peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture.
- Make sure to thaw the frozen potatoes slightly for even cooking if desired, although it’s not required.
- This casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Use a sharp cheddar for the best flavor, but feel free to try other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby.
