This Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole is a hearty dish filled with eggs, crispy bacon, and delicious potatoes. It’s perfect for starting your day on a yummy note!
It’s like a breakfast party in one pan! I love making this casserole on weekends to feed my family—simple to prepare and everyone goes back for seconds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: The base of the casserole! I prefer using large eggs for a fluffy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider egg whites or a plant-based egg substitute.
Milk: Whole milk gives a creamy consistency, but you can use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version. If you’re after fewer calories, low-fat milk does the job too!
Diced Ham/Bacon: I love the flavor of diced ham, but you could swap it for cooked sausage, turkey bacon, or even skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian option using more veggies!
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds richness. For variety, try Monterey Jack or Colby Jack. If you’re dairy-free, use vegan cheese that melts well!
Hash Browns: Frozen hash browns save time, but freshly grated potatoes work too! Just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture to avoid sogginess.
How Do You Achieve a Creamy Texture Without Overcooking?
The key to a creamy casserole lies in the baking time. Keep an eye on the oven and do a quick jiggle test—when the center is just set but slightly wobbly, it’s perfect! Here’s how:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) for even cooking.
- Bake uncovered until edges are firm and the center is slightly jiggly—check around 35 minutes.
- Let it rest post-baking to thicken. The residual heat will finish the cooking process!
With these tips, your Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole will turn out perfectly every time! Enjoy a delightful meal shared with family or friends! 🌞
Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup diced cooked ham (or bacon)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cups frozen hash browns (thawed)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This wonderful casserole will take about 10 minutes to prep and 35 to 45 minutes to bake, for a total time of approximately 50 to 55 minutes. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, so it slices nicely. Perfect for a relaxed weekend breakfast or brunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5 minutes or until they’re softened. Once done, set them aside to cool a little.
3. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, crack the 8 eggs and add the cup of milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed and frothy.
4. Combine Everything Together:
Now, stir in the thawed hash browns, the sautéed vegetables, the diced ham (or bacon), and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture. Make sure it’s evenly combined!
5. Pour and Spread:
Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly to cover the bottom. Then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top for a cheesy finish.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake it uncovered for about 35 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the eggs are set and the top has turned a lovely golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This will make it easier to slice into squares. Serve warm and feel free to garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for the final touch!
Enjoy this hearty and flavorful Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole with your family and friends for a delightful breakfast or brunch experience!
Can I Use Fresh Hash Browns Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh potatoes, just shred them and squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent the casserole from getting soggy. You can sauté them lightly in a skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the mixture as well.
How Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham or bacon and add more vegetables! You can include mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrients.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire casserole the night before and refrigerate it unbaked. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as instructed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
