Farmer’s Casserole
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This farmers casserole is a cozy, make-ahead overnight breakfast casserole loaded with hash browns, savory ham, melty cheese, and fluffy eggs—everything you want in a warm, satisfying breakfast.
It’s the kind of meal that makes busy mornings feel easy. Just assemble it the night before, pop it in the oven the next day, and breakfast is ready with zero fuss.
Perfect for holiday mornings, weekend brunch, or anytime you need to feed a crowd, this delicious breakfast casserole is always a hit.
It’s hearty, simple, and endlessly flexible—once you make it, you’ll want to keep it in regular rotation.
If you are a baked breakfast casserole fanatic like I am you won’t want to miss my overnight french toast casserole recipe, this incredible blueberry french toast casserole, or my very popular biscuits and gravy casserole.
Why You’ll Love This Farmers Casserole Recipe
- Easy to make ahead and bake fresh in the morning.
- Feeds a hungry crowd with minimal effort.
- Packed with classic breakfast favorites.
- Great way to use leftover ham or pantry staples.
- Makes delicious leftovers for busy weekdays.
- Perfect for Christmas morning, Thanksgiving morning, or Easter brunch.
Ingredients
This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Frozen hash browns: Shredded or diced both work. No need to thaw.
- Ham: Use cooked, diced ham. Leftover ham or store-bought ham steaks both work.
- Colby Jack cheese: Cheddar cheese, Pepper Jack, or Monterey Jack cheese are great swaps.
- Eggs: Eight large eggs.
- Evaporated milk: Found in the baking aisle and thicker than regular milk, it gives the casserole a rich texture without watering it down. Whole or 2% work best for this recipe.
- Green onions: Add freshness and flavor but can be left out.
- Salt & pepper: Keep it simple and season to taste.
Pro Tip
For best results, bake in a stoneware or ceramic dish, which heats more evenly. If using glass, keep an eye on the bottom—it may brown quicker.
How To Make Farmer’s Casserole
Step 1: Spray a 9 x 13 rectangular baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Then spread the shredded hash brown potatoes evenly along the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the ham, cheese, and green onions on top.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, evaporated milk, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Pour egg mixture into the baking dish. Cover and place in the refrigerator overnight, or until ready to bake.
Step 4: Bake as directed in the recipe card below. Allow the casserole to stand for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Storage
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Let cool completely, then freeze in portions or as a whole casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Cover and bake at 350°F until warmed through (about 30 minutes), or microwave individual slices for 1–2 minutes.
Additions & Variations
- Farmers egg casserole with sausage: Replace ham with cooked breakfast sausage or turkey sausage.
- Hashbrown breakfast casserole with peppers: Add diced bell peppers or green chiles for extra color and flavor.
- Spicy breakfast bake: Use Pepper Jack cheese and add crushed red pepper or jalapeños.
- Vegetarian version: Omit meat and add vegetables such as sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just don’t overload with watery veggies like tomatoes.
- Bacon breakfast casserole: Swap ham for crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky twist.
Tips for the Best Farmer’s Casserole
- Use a ceramic or stoneware dish for even baking.
- Let casserole rest before slicing to help it set.
- Skip the pre-shredded cheese and shed your own – it melts much better.
Farmer’s Casserole FAQs
I recommend sticking with evaporated milk for this recipe. Regular milk is thinner and will result in a watery casserole.
Yes, you can. I love the combination of flavors in this casserole with ham, but you can substitute it with your favorite breakfast meat. If you use breakfast sausage or crispy bacon, be sure to cook them before mixing them into your casserole.
The top of the casserole will firm up when it is done and a knife inserted in the center will come out clean.
More Tasty Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
- Sheet Pan Crescent Roll Breakfast Pizza
- Easy 5-Ingredient Monkey Bread
- Brioche French Toast
- Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes
- TikTok Cinnamon Rolls
- Sausage Breakfast Calzones
Farmer’s Casserole
Equipment
- 9 x 13 Casserole Dish ceramic or stoneware
Ingredients
- 6 cups frozen hash browns
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 1 ½ cups shredded Colby jack cheese
- 2 green onions sliced
- 8 large eggs
- 2 12-ounce cans evaporated milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep a 9×13-baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Spread the frozen hash browns evenly along the bottom of the casserole dish. Top with ham, cheese, and green onions.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk to combine eggs, evaporated milk, salt, and pepper. Pour into the baking dish.
- Cover and place in the refrigerator overnight, or until ready to bake.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350° F. Uncover the casserole and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is set and firm.
- Remove from the oven and allow to sit for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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Recipe and images updated 4/14/25 to call for baking in a ceramic casserole so that the bottom doesn’t brown as much as it did with the glass baking dish it was originally made it in. You can see one of the original photos below.
WOULD BE NICE IF EVERYTHING WAS PUT IN ONE PLACE I DO NOT HAVE A PRINTER SO I HAVE TO TAKE PICTURES WITH MY CAMERA. ALSO HOW MANY SERVINGS IT MAKES. I AM ALONE IAM 80 YEARS .
If you click the “jump to recipe” button at the top of any one of my blog posts it will take you to the “recipe card” where you will find all the info including ingredients, instructions, serving size, and cook time.
If you hit the print option recipe will come up so you can highlight it, copy and paste to a folder. Then you can print it out.
I made this Farmers Breakfast Casserole and it was fantastic! ! Absolutely delicious and would make it again.
Can you use Almond Milk instead of evaporated milk?
Almond milk would likely make the casserole thin and watery. If you can’t get your hand on a non-dairy evaporated milk substitute like evaporated oat milk I would try a thicker almond milk product like almond based heavy cream or half and half. Please let me know how it comes out if you end up giving the recipe a try!