A hearty, comforting breakfast casserole made with crispy hash browns, savory ham, eggs, cheese, and a creamy egg custard. It’s perfect for holiday mornings, brunch gatherings, or make-ahead breakfasts.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50–55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8

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Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 3 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• 2 cups diced cooked ham
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• ¼ cup diced red bell pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Egg Mixture

• 8 large eggs
• 1½ cups evaporated milk
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings

• Chopped fresh chives
• Fresh parsley
• Sour cream
• Hot sauce

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

1. Spread the thawed hash browns evenly in the prepared baking dish.
2. Sprinkle the diced ham evenly over the potatoes.
3. Add the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
4. Scatter the green onions and red bell pepper over the top.

Step 3: Make the Egg Mixture

1. In a large bowl, whisk together:
   • Eggs
   • Evaporated milk
   • Whole milk
   • Garlic powder
   • Onion powder
   • Dried parsley
   • Thyme
   • Paprika
   • Salt
   • Black pepper
2. Whisk until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble

1. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole.
2. Gently press the ingredients down with a spatula so everything is coated.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake uncovered for 50–55 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
2. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
2. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired.
3. Serve warm with toast, fresh fruit, or a green salad.

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Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 23 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 240 mg
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Calcium: 25% DV
• Iron: 10% DV
• Potassium: 430 mg

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Nut Information

Contains Peanuts: No

Contains Tree Nuts: No

This recipe is naturally free of peanuts and tree nuts.

Cross-Contamination Information

If preparing this casserole for someone with a nut allergy:

• Check frozen hash browns, shredded cheese, ham, and seasonings for allergen labeling.
• Use ingredients from facilities that minimize cross-contact with nuts if required.
• Prepare the casserole using clean utensils, bowls, and baking dishes to avoid cross-contamination.

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Frequently Asked Questions (Q&S)

Q1: Can I make Farmer’s Casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before baking.

Q2: Can I freeze it?

Yes. Bake, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q3: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes. Shred fresh potatoes, rinse to remove excess starch, squeeze out as much moisture as possible, and use them in place of frozen hash browns.

Q4: Can I substitute the ham?

Absolutely. Cooked bacon, breakfast sausage, turkey sausage, diced chicken, or sautéed mushrooms are excellent alternatives.

Q5: How do I know when it’s done?

The center should be fully set, and a knife inserted into the middle should come out clean. An internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) indicates the eggs are safely cooked.

Q6: Can I add vegetables?

Yes. Spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers, or kale are great additions. Sauté vegetables with high moisture before adding them to the casserole.

Q7: How should leftovers be stored?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger portions in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through.

Q8: Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes. The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free hash browns, ham, seasonings, and other packaged ingredients.

Q9: What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar provides bold flavor, while Monterey Jack melts smoothly. Swiss, Colby Jack, Gouda, or Pepper Jack are also delicious options.

Q10: What can I serve with Farmer’s Casserole?

It pairs well with:

• Fresh fruit salad
• Toast, biscuits, or English muffins
• Yogurt with berries
• Avocado slices
• Mixed green salad
• Roasted breakfast potatoes
• Fresh orange juice or coffee