Farmer’s Casserole is a delicious, hearty dish that has roots in classic American and European farm-style cooking. Known for its simplicity and satisfying flavors, this casserole is a go-to meal for busy households and is perfect for feeding a crowd.
It’s an easy one-pan dish that combines a variety of nutritious ingredients, making it both convenient and filling. The base usually includes crispy potatoes, eggs, cheese, and meat, like sausage or bacon, all baked together to create a savory, golden crust.
This casserole is incredibly versatile, allowing you to switch up ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. You can add vegetables like onions, peppers, or mushrooms, and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
While it’s traditionally made as a breakfast or brunch dish, Farmer’s Casserole is also a great dinner option for any time of day.
Perfect for meal prepping, it can be made in advance and baked fresh when you need it. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family meal, a potluck, or a weekend brunch, Farmer’s Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—filling, flavorful, and loved by all ages.
With its easy preparation and customizable options, it’s a must-try in any home kitchen.
Farmer’s Casserole
Description
Farmer’s Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish made from a combination of eggs, hash browns, cheese, and sausage or bacon, baked together into a savory casserole.
It’s often prepared for breakfast or brunch, offering a filling and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare.
With its satisfying blend of protein, carbs, and cheese, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
This dish can also be customized with vegetables like peppers or onions for added flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with hearty ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
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In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage or bacon until fully browned and crumbly. Remove any excess grease and set aside.
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In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and green bell pepper until softened (about 5 minutes).
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In the prepared baking dish, layer the thawed hash browns evenly. Top with the cooked sausage or bacon, sautéed onions and peppers, and then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and parsley (if using). Pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
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Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is lightly golden brown.
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Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or extra cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 400kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 25g39%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 20g40%
- Calcium 200 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Farmer’s Casserole Tips and Serving Tricks:
Farmer's casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together simple ingredients like eggs, potatoes, cheese, and ham, making it a great option for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
It's a versatile recipe, allowing you to tweak it based on what you have on hand. Here are some tips and tricks to perfect your Farmer’s Casserole and maximize servings:
Tips for Perfect Farmer’s Casserole:
- Use the Right Potatoes: The foundation of many Farmer’s Casseroles is potatoes. You can use hashbrowns, diced fresh potatoes, or even tater tots. Each type of potato offers a different texture. Frozen hashbrowns provide a great base, while fresh potatoes will give a fluffier texture and a more rustic taste. If you opt for fresh potatoes, make sure they’re pre-cooked or thinly sliced to avoid undercooking.
- Cook Your Protein First: If you're adding ham, bacon, or sausage, cook the protein beforehand to render out excess fat and ensure even cooking. It’ll also enhance the flavor, giving your casserole a more delicious and hearty taste.
- Egg-to-Cream Ratio: A typical Farmer’s Casserole includes eggs for binding and richness. A good rule of thumb is to use about 4-6 eggs for a 9x13-inch casserole. For a creamier consistency, add a splash of milk or heavy cream to the eggs, but be careful not to overdo it—too much liquid can result in a soggy casserole.
- Layering Is Key: For even cooking and flavor distribution, layer your ingredients in a logical order. Start with the potatoes at the bottom, then layer the protein (ham, bacon, etc.), followed by any vegetables (like onions, bell peppers, or spinach), and finally, top it off with the cheese. Cheese on top creates a nice crispy, golden crust.
- Spices & Herbs: While Farmer’s Casserole can be simple, don’t be afraid to season it well! Salt and pepper are a must, but consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added depth of flavor.
- Bake at the Right Temperature: Typically, Farmer’s Casserole is baked at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden. Be sure to check the casserole near the end of the baking time, as oven temperatures can vary. If the top is browning too quickly, cover the casserole loosely with foil.
Serving Tricks to Maximize Enjoyment:
- Make-Ahead Option: Farmer’s Casserole is an excellent dish to prepare ahead of time. Assemble it the night before, store it covered in the fridge, and bake it the next morning. This is especially helpful for busy mornings or when you’re feeding a crowd at brunch.
- Serving Size & Portions: Farmer’s Casserole is filling, so be mindful of portion sizes. A standard 9x13-inch casserole serves about 6-8 people, depending on portion size. To make it go further, serve it alongside a light salad, fresh fruit, or a side of toast.
- Pair with Condiments: Add extra flavor and texture to each serving by offering condiments like ketchup, hot sauce, or salsa. For a more sophisticated touch, serve it with sour cream or guacamole.
- Personalize Your Casserole: Farmer’s Casserole is incredibly customizable. You can swap the meat for a vegetarian option like roasted veggies, beans, or even tofu for a plant-based version. Experiment with different cheeses—cheddar is classic, but you can use mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack for more variety.
- Refrigerate and Reheat: Leftover Farmer’s Casserole makes a great meal for the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven to maintain the texture or microwave individual servings for a quicker option.
Final Thoughts:
Farmer’s Casserole is a flexible, satisfying dish that’s perfect for feeding a group or having a hearty meal any time of the day.
By following these tips for cooking and serving, you can ensure that it’s not only delicious but also easy to customize to your tastes. Whether it’s for a holiday breakfast or a weeknight dinner, this dish is bound to become a family favorite!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Farmer’s Casserole?
Farmer’s Casserole is a hearty and versatile dish, traditionally made with a combination of potatoes, eggs, cheese, and meat (usually sausage or bacon), baked together into a comforting casserole.
It’s a great option for breakfast, brunch, or a family dinner, as it’s filling and can be customized based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Can I make Farmer’s Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, Farmer’s Casserole can be made ahead of time. Prepare the casserole the night before, then cover and refrigerate it.
In the morning, simply bake it according to the recipe’s instructions, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through. This makes it an ideal option for busy mornings or holiday meals.
What variations can I make to the recipe?
Farmer’s Casserole is very customizable! You can swap out the meat for turkey sausage, ham, or even bacon. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
You can also switch the cheese based on your taste preferences, using cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even feta. Try different seasonings like garlic, paprika, or fresh herbs to add more flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Farmer’s Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
To reheat, microwave individual servings or bake the whole casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until hot.
