Description
Mexican-inspired farmers casserole combines hearty breakfast ingredients with zesty flavors for a satisfying morning meal. Home cooks can quickly prepare this comforting dish with simple pantry staples and enjoy a delicious start to their day.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 32 ounces (907 grams) frozen hash brown potatoes
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
- 1 cup (150 grams) cooked ham or sausage
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) green onions
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) to ensure optimal cooking temperature.
- Generously coat a baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Create a foundational layer of crispy hash browns across the bottom of the dish, spreading evenly for consistent coverage.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the hash browns, creating a rich and melty base.
- Distribute diced ham uniformly across the cheese layer to ensure every bite contains savory protein.
- Whisk eggs in a separate mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
- Add milk to the eggs, whisking thoroughly to create a creamy liquid mixture.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions into the egg mixture, blending for balanced flavor distribution.
- Season the egg mixture with salt and pepper, stirring to ensure even seasoning.
- Carefully pour the seasoned egg mixture over the layered hash browns, cheese, and ham, allowing it to seep through the ingredients.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes.
- Check for doneness by observing a golden surface and firm, set texture.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 3-5 minutes to allow settling and easier serving.
Notes
- Select frozen hash browns for a quicker preparation, ensuring they’re thawed and excess moisture is removed to prevent a soggy casserole.
- Customize protein options by swapping ham with bacon, sausage, or making it vegetarian with bell peppers and spinach.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for extra flavor depth, and consider mixing cheeses like Gruyère or monterey jack for a more complex taste profile.
- Prepare this dish ahead of time by assembling the night before and refrigerating, then bake in the morning for an effortless breakfast casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg