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2. Prepare the Casserole Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Layer the Ingredients:
Spread the frozen or freshly diced hash browns evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. If you like your potatoes extra crispy, you can pre-cook them in a skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole.
Next, sprinkle the cooked sausage (or other protein) evenly over the potatoes, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese. If you like, you can also add diced onions or green peppers for extra flavor.
4. Make the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the casserole layers, ensuring that the eggs evenly coat the ingredients.
5. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the eggs are set. If you like your casserole extra cheesy, you can sprinkle a little more cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares. Serve it warm, and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Perfect Farmer’s Casserole
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the sausage for any protein of your choice, like ham, bacon, or vegetarian sausage. You can also add in sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms, to increase the veggie content.
- Use Fresh Potatoes: If you don’t have frozen hash browns, you can use fresh diced potatoes. Just make sure to sauté them in a skillet with a little oil or butter to soften them up before adding them to the casserole.
- Make It Ahead: One of the best parts about Farmer’s Casserole is that you can prepare it the night before. Simply assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
- Add Spice: For a little kick, add some chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes to the egg mixture.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or even cream cheese for a creamy texture.
- Freeze for Later: Farmer’s Casserole is freezer-friendly. If you make a big batch, simply freeze individual portions in airtight containers for a quick and hearty meal later.
Why Farmer’s Casserole Is a Favorite
This casserole brings the perfect combination of flavors and textures to your table. The potatoes are tender on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside, the eggs create a fluffy texture, and the sausage adds that savory depth of flavor. The cheese melts perfectly, giving the casserole a rich and creamy finish. It’s a true comfort food that’s perfect for busy mornings, cozy family dinners, or potluck gatherings.
Plus, it’s so easy to make that you’ll find yourself making it over and over again. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, Farmer’s Casserole will quickly become a go-to recipe in your meal rotation.
Serving Suggestions
- For Brunch: Serve Farmer’s Casserole with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a complete brunch spread.
- For Dinner: Pair it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread for a filling and satisfying dinner.
- For Meal Prep: Store leftovers in the fridge for a few days, or freeze individual portions for an easy meal later in the week.
Conclusion
Farmer’s Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines the richness of eggs, cheese, and sausage with the heartiness of potatoes, making it the perfect meal for any occasion. It’s easy to make, easy to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you make it ahead for a busy week or serve it fresh for a gathering, this dish will never disappoint. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s destined to become one of your favorite go-to recipes.
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