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How to Make Farmer’s Casserole
Making Farmer’s Casserole is simple and doesn’t take much time. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for the casserole.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your choice of breakfast sausage (or bacon, ham, or any protein you prefer). If you’re using sausage, break it apart with a spoon as it cooks, and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using bacon, cook it until crispy and crumble it into small pieces.
Once the meat is cooked, transfer it to a plate and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and optional bell pepper for about 2-3 minutes, until softened. You can also add a little olive oil or butter if the pan is too dry.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, begin layering the ingredients. Start with the frozen hash browns (no need to thaw them—just spread them evenly in the bottom of the dish). Next, add the cooked sausage (or bacon/ham), followed by the sautéed onions (and bell pepper, if using). Sprinkle the mixture with shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and any optional seasonings like garlic powder or paprika. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the casserole dish. Use a spoon to gently press down on the layers so the egg mixture can fully soak into the potatoes and meat.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden and slightly crispy. You can test doneness by inserting a knife into the center—the knife should come out clean when the casserole is fully cooked.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Slice into squares and serve! This dish is perfect on its own, or you can serve it with a side of fresh fruit, toast, or a light salad for a well-rounded breakfast or brunch.
Tips for the Perfect Farmer’s Casserole
- Use Frozen Hash Browns: Using frozen hash browns gives the casserole its signature texture and is a huge time-saver. If you prefer, you can use fresh potatoes, but they’ll need to be pre-cooked or shredded first.
- Make Ahead: This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. The next morning, just pop it in the oven for a no-fuss breakfast. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just bake it from frozen, adding an extra 15-20 minutes of cooking time.
- Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar cheese is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack for a twist. You can even add a blend of cheeses for extra flavor.
- Customize the Veggies: If you want to pack in more veggies, feel free to add spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or tomatoes. Just sauté any additional vegetables before layering them in the casserole.
- Make it Spicy: Add some jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture for a spicy kick. You can also drizzle hot sauce over the top before serving.
- Use Your Favorite Protein: While breakfast sausage is the most common meat used in Farmer’s Casserole, you can also use cooked bacon, ham, turkey sausage, or even cooked chicken for a different twist. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat entirely and load the casserole up with extra vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach.
Final Thoughts
Farmer’s Casserole is the ultimate comfort food breakfast, combining all the flavors of a classic breakfast in one delicious dish. With its hearty layers of potatoes, sausage, eggs, and cheese, it’s the perfect way to start the day or feed a hungry crowd. Plus, its versatility means you can easily customize it to suit your family’s tastes, dietary preferences, or what you have on hand.
Whether you’re serving it for a weekend brunch, prepping it ahead for busy mornings, or making it for a holiday gathering, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, next time you’re in the mood for a satisfying and easy-to-make breakfast, give this Farmer’s Casserole a try—you won’t be disappointed!
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