Description
Minnesota farmers casserole delivers hearty breakfast comfort with layers of potatoes, eggs, and cheese. Midwestern hospitality shines through this simple, satisfying morning dish families will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups hash brown potatoes (frozen, shredded or cubed, thawed)
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese (shredded, divided)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 cup ham (cooked, cubed or diced)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 bell pepper (diced, optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Cooking spray
- Optional garnish: green onions or fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Create a uniform base by distributing thawed hash browns across the entire bottom of the prepared dish.
- Construct a hearty layer by scattering diced ham, chopped onions, and optional bell pepper over the potato foundation, then generously blanket with the first portion of cheddar cheese.
- Craft the liquid mixture by whisking eggs, milk, evaporated milk, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until thoroughly integrated.
- Cascade the egg mixture over the layered ingredients, ensuring complete and even coverage across the entire casserole surface.
- Finalize the cheese topping by sprinkling the remaining cheddar cheese over the moistened layers.
- Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until the center sets firmly and the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
- Allow the casserole to rest and slightly cool for easier serving, optionally garnishing with freshly chopped green onions or parsley for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.
Notes
- Customize the dish by swapping ham with bacon, sausage, or keeping it vegetarian with roasted vegetables for a versatile breakfast option.
- Ensure hash browns are fully thawed and patted dry to prevent excess moisture that could make the casserole soggy and affect its texture.
- Assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast that saves time.
- Reduce fat content by using low-fat cheese, skim milk, and lean protein options without compromising the delicious flavor profile of the dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 295 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg