Growing up in a household that valued homemade meals, I was fortunate to experience a wide variety of dishes prepared with love by my parents. One of my favorites was always my mother’s Farmer’s Casserole. It’s a dish that’s not only hearty and delicious but also brings a sense of comfort and nostalgia. I remember the smell of it baking in the oven as my siblings and I played outside on a chilly morning. My mother would call us inside, and we’d all gather around the table, eager to dig into the warm and cheesy goodness of the casserole. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe a bit to make it my own, but the essence of it remains the same – a comforting and filling dish that brings my family together.
Years later, when I moved to my own place, this was one of the first recipes I shared with my new neighbors. I remember inviting them over for brunch and serving this casserole alongside fresh fruit and mimosas. They absolutely loved it and asked for the recipe, which I was more than happy to share. It’s always a hit at gatherings, and it’s incredibly easy to prepare. It’s become a staple in my home, and I’m excited to share it with all of you today.
How to Prepare Farmer’s Casserole
Ingredients for Farmer’s Casserole
– Cooking spray
– 3 cups of frozen hash brown potatoes
– 3/4 cup of shredded pepper Jack cheese
– 1 cup of cooked ham, diced
– 1/4 cup of chopped green onions
– 1 can (12 fluid ounce) of evaporated milk
– 4 large eggs, beaten
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
– 1/8 teaspoon of salt
Directions for Farmer’s Casserole
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
3. Arrange the hash brown potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish. Sprinkle with the pepper Jack cheese, followed by the ham, and then the green onions.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, eggs, pepper, and salt. Pour this mixture over the layers in the baking dish.
5. Bake in the preheated oven until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, approximately 40 to 45 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Can I substitute the ham with another meat?
Yes, you can substitute the ham with cooked sausage, bacon, or even a meat alternative like tofu or tempeh if you prefer a vegetarian option.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Just make sure to shred them and remove as much moisture as possible before using them in the recipe.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to bring it to room temperature.
Can I freeze the leftover casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the leftover casserole. Just make sure to cool it completely before wrapping it in aluminum foil and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake it in a 350-degree F oven until heated through.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any type of cheese you prefer. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend would all work well in this recipe.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes, you can add vegetables to this casserole. Just make sure to cook them first to remove any excess moisture. Bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach would all be great additions.
Farmer's Casserole
Ingredients
- cooking spray
- 3 cups frozen hash brown potatoes
- 3/4 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese
- 1 cup cooked ham diced
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 12 fluid ounce can evaporated milk
- 4 large eggs beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Arrange hash brown potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish. Sprinkle with pepper Jack cheese, then ham, and finally green onions.
- Whisk evaporated milk, eggs, pepper, and salt together in a medium bowl; pour over layers in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
