Farmers Casserole

Farmers Casserole is a versatile dish that combines hash browns, eggs, and cheese, making it a hearty choice for meals at any time of day. You can customize it by adding various meats like bacon or ham. This recipe is easy to prepare ahead of time, perfect for busy mornings or gatherings. Now, let’s explore its history and discover how to make this satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, you’ll love this Farmers Casserole for several reasons.

First, it’s incredibly versatile. You can swap in different vegetables based on what you have on hand or the season. Want some protein? You can add ham or Canadian bacon. The cheese options are also flexible—Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even Swiss work well.

This recipe is easy to modify, letting you incorporate bell peppers or sautéed veggies. Plus, it’s simple to prepare; you can whip it up in about 15-20 minutes. Packed with fresh vegetables, this casserole not only delivers on flavor but also boosts your nutrient intake.

It’s perfect for any occasion—holiday brunches, family gatherings, or weekend breakfasts. With its balanced nutrients, it fits various diets while serving multiple people.

History

The history of Farmers Casserole reflects the evolution of American cooking, particularly the shift from traditional farm meals to modern recipes.

Early American cookbooks didn’t include a specific “farmer’s casserole,” focusing instead on simple, farm-to-table dishes. These meals often featured ingredients like potatoes, eggs, and meats, similar to what you find in today’s casserole.

The name and modern format likely emerged in the mid-20th century, influenced by new cooking trends. As cookbooks adapted to include standardized measurements and clearer instructions, the farmer’s casserole evolved too. Many of these dishes incorporated ham or bacon as a key ingredient, showcasing the flexibility of this beloved recipe.

It gained popularity for its convenience and versatility, fitting perfectly into contemporary cooking styles.

Today, it’s a beloved one-dish meal, reflecting how traditional recipes can adapt to modern tastes and lifestyles.

Recipe

Farmers Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish that combines the comforting flavors of hash browns, cheese, and eggs, making it a perfect meal for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. This versatile casserole can be customized with your choice of meats and cheeses, allowing you to use whatever you have on hand.

Additionally, it can be prepared the night before, making it an ideal option for busy mornings when you want to serve something satisfying without the hassle of morning prep.

To make this Farmers Casserole, simply layer your ingredients in a baking dish, pour a savory egg mixture over the top, and bake until golden and bubbly. The result is a filling dish that’s sure to please a crowd, whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just looking for something warm and comforting to enjoy at home.

Ingredients:

20 oz plain refrigerated shredded hash browns
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
8 ounces pepper jack or mozzarella cheese, shredded off the block
8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
2 cups diced, cooked ham
6 ounces Canadian bacon, diced
4 large eggs, beaten
12 oz can evaporated milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chili powder, green onions for garnish

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by coating it with nonstick spray.
In the prepared baking dish, layer the hash browns evenly across the bottom. Follow with the shredded cheeses, crumbled bacon, diced ham, and any additional ingredients like green onions or chili powder.
In a mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs and evaporated milk, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until fully combined.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish. Verify everything is well coated.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the center is slightly jiggly and the top is golden brown. Let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.

When cooking Farmers Casserole, consider these extra tips: You can easily adjust the recipe to accommodate different dietary preferences by swapping out meats or cheeses as desired.

For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. If you plan to prepare it in advance, assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.

Enjoy your delicious and hearty Farmers Casserole!

Final Thoughts

When planning a meal that’s both satisfying and flexible, consider adding Farmers Casserole to your menu. This dish is perfect for any time of day, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

It combines protein, carbohydrates, and fat, creating a balanced meal that’s easy to prepare. You can assemble it the night before, making mornings stress-free. Additionally, with only 208 calories per serving, it supports your weight loss goals while still being delicious.

Plus, it’s highly adaptable; feel free to swap in different cheeses or meats based on your dietary needs. For added nutrition, toss in some veggies like spinach or tomatoes.

Pair it with fresh fruit or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor. Just remember, practice portion control due to its calorie content.

Enjoy this delicious and convenient dish!

FAQ

Curious about making Farmers Casserole or have questions about its preparation? You’ll want to know that shredded hash browns are a key ingredient and can be frozen or refrigerated.

For cheese, sharp cheddar or pepper jack works well. You can choose meats like bacon or ham. When mixing, beat large eggs with evaporated milk for a creamy texture.

Preheat your oven to 350°F or 375°F, and feel free to refrigerate the casserole for up to 24 hours before baking. Farmers Breakfast Casserole is perfect for breakfast or even breakfast-for-dinner options, making it a versatile dish.

It usually takes 55 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes to bake, and it’s done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Don’t forget, leftovers can be refrigerated for a few days!