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This Farmer’s-Style Casserole is a hearty breakfast bake perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches. It combines crispy hash browns, savory diced ham, and gooey Monterey Jack cheese all held together by a rich egg custard. The best part is you can prepare it the night before and simply bake it fresh in the morning.
I first made this casserole on a chilly weekend when I needed something that could feed a crowd without nonstop cooking. Now it’s a regular Sunday tradition because it smells unbelievable when baking and everyone loves it.
Ingredients
- Frozen shredded hash browns: six cups using frozen gives you great texture and convenience
- Monterey Jack cheese: grated two cups melts beautifully and adds creamy flavor, fresh and good-quality cheese makes all the difference
- Diced ham: two cups leftover ham or good deli ham both work well, adds smoky saltiness
- Chopped green onions: half cup adds freshness and a mild onion bite
- Large eggs: beaten eight these bind everything together into a custard
- Evaporated milk: two 12 ounce cans richer and creamier than regular milk, key to a silky casserole
- Garlic salt: half teaspoon season gently and enhance the overall flavor
- Ground black pepper: quarter teaspoon adds a subtle hint of spice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Ensuring the oven is hot before the casserole goes in helps create that ideal crust and guarantees even cooking.
- Assemble the Layers:
- Spread all six cups of the frozen shredded hash browns evenly into a 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle two cups of grated Monterey Jack cheese over the hash browns. Scatter two cups of diced ham evenly on top followed by half a cup of chopped green onions. Layer evenly so every bite has a balance of ingredients.
- Mix the Custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eight beaten eggs, both cans of evaporated milk, half a teaspoon of garlic salt, and a quarter teaspoon of ground black pepper until fully combined. The evaporated milk is what makes this casserole rich and creamy.
- Pour over the Layers:
- Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish. This step is important to make sure all parts soak evenly.
- Bake or Refrigerate:
- If you want to prepare ahead, cover and refrigerate the casserole overnight to let the flavors meld. When ready, bake uncovered for one hour and thirty minutes or until set in the center. If baking immediately, bake uncovered for one hour and fifteen minutes until firm and golden on top.
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I love the green onions in this recipe because they brighten the rich, hearty flavors and add a slight crunch. One memorable breakfast was when my family woke up to this aromatic casserole and everyone piled around the table, it instantly became a crowd favorite.
Storage Tips
Store leftover casserole tightly covered in the fridge for up to four days. You can reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through for best texture. This casserole also freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have Monterey Jack cheese try cheddar for a sharper flavor or mozzarella for extra stretchiness. Swap ham with cooked sausage or bacon to change things up. You can substitute evaporated milk with a combination of whole milk and a little heavy cream if needed. Red onions can replace green onions but adjust quantity as they have a stronger taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A side of sour cream or salsa also pairs well if you want to add some extra flavor. It goes great with coffee or fresh-squeezed juice for a perfect breakfast or brunch spread.
Cultural Context
This casserole reflects classic American farmhouse cooking where leftover meats and pantry staples are layered for a simple, nourishing meal. It is similar to other breakfast bakes popular in the Midwest and South. These dishes focus on hearty comfort with practical preparation techniques ideal for feeding families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, it can be assembled the night before and refrigerated overnight. Baking time will be slightly longer when chilled.
- → What cheese works best in this breakfast bake?
Monterey Jack cheese is recommended for its creamy texture and mild flavor that melts well throughout the dish.
- → Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
While frozen hash browns are convenient, shredded fresh potatoes can be used if drained well to avoid excess moisture.
- → What is the purpose of evaporated milk in the mixture?
Evaporated milk creates a creamy custard that binds the ingredients while adding richness without making it too heavy.
- → How do I know when the bake is done?
It’s ready when the center is firm to the touch and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.