Description

This Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and savory dish perfect for brunch or breakfast gatherings. It combines frozen potatoes with onions and peppers, sharp cheddar cheese, diced ham, crispy bacon, and green onions, all soaked in a seasoned egg and evaporated milk mixture. Baked until golden and set, it’s an easy make-ahead option that can be enjoyed fresh or prepared overnight.

Ingredients

Scale

Potato Mixture

28 oz bag frozen potatoes with onions and peppers
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1.5 cups cooked ham, diced
6 slices bacon, cooked and diced
1/4 cup finely sliced green onions

Egg Mixture

9 eggs, beaten
2 (12 oz) cans evaporated milk
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 13×9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread the frozen potatoes with onions and peppers evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. Layer shredded cheddar cheese, diced ham, cooked and diced bacon, and sliced green onions evenly over the potatoes.
Mix egg mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, evaporated milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until well combined. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the layered potato and meat mixture in the baking dish, ensuring it soaks through.
Bake immediately: If baking right away, place the casserole in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the casserole is fully set. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the dish to firm up slightly.
Overnight bake option: Alternatively, if preparing ahead, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. The next day, bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 1 hour until set and cooked through.

Notes

You can swap cooked ham with cooked sausage or turkey for variation.
Make sure the bacon is fully cooked and crisp before adding.
Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps with easier slicing and better texture.
This recipe can be doubled for larger crowds; bake in two dishes.
For a vegetarian version, omit ham and bacon and consider adding mushrooms or extra vegetables.