If you love cozy, hearty breakfasts that feel like a warm hug, Farmer’s Casserole is going to become your new go-to. It’s packed with tender hash browns, savory ham, melty cheese, and fluffy baked eggs all in one pan, so every scoop is a full breakfast on a fork.

This is the kind of dish you slide onto the table on holiday mornings, lazy weekends, or whenever you want to feed a hungry crowd without standing over the stove flipping eggs. You can prep it ahead, bake it when you’re ready, and enjoy a golden, bubbling casserole that smells like a diner breakfast and tastes even better.

Why You’ll Love This Farmer’s Casserole

Farmer’s Casserole hits that perfect balance of simple and special. The ingredients are everyday staples—frozen hash browns, eggs, ham, cheese—but the result feels like you planned ahead for days.

You’ll love it because it’s a full breakfast in one baking dish: protein, potatoes, and plenty of cheesy comfort. It’s also wonderfully forgiving and easy to customize. Swap the ham for sausage, add extra veggies, or change up the cheese and it still turns out delicious.

Clean-up is minimal, leftovers reheat beautifully, and it’s ideal for brunch buffets, potlucks, or meal prep breakfasts through the week.

Can I Make Farmer’s Casserole Ahead of Time?

Yes, and that’s one of the best things about this recipe. You can assemble the whole casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and stash it in the fridge. In the morning, just pop it into the oven while you make coffee and set the table.

If you’re really planning ahead, you can even bake the casserole completely, let it cool, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Warm slices in the oven or microwave and breakfast is ready in minutes.

For freezing, bake the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cool it completely, then wrap it well. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered in the oven until warmed through.

Ingredients for the Farmer’s Casserole

This casserole leans on simple, familiar ingredients that come together to make a rich, satisfying breakfast bake.

Frozen shredded hash browns – They create a hearty, potato-packed base that soaks up the egg mixture while staying tender.
Cooked ham, diced – Adds savory, smoky flavor and extra protein that makes the casserole truly filling.
Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into the potatoes and eggs, giving every bite that classic cheesy pull.
Shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella – Brings extra creaminess and helps the top brown beautifully.
Large eggs – The backbone of the casserole, binding everything together into a fluffy, sliceable bake.
Milk and a bit of sour cream – Keep the egg mixture silky and custardy instead of dry.
Green onions – Add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color on top.
Garlic and onion powder – Give depth of flavor without having to sauté anything first.
Salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika – Season the casserole all the way through and give the top a gorgeous golden color.
Butter – Greases the pan and adds a subtle richness to the potatoes around the edges.

How To Make the Farmer’s Casserole

Farmer’s Casserole is all about easy layering and letting the oven do the work. No fancy techniques—just a few simple steps for a cozy breakfast that feels restaurant-worthy.

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Potatoes

Preheat your oven and generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks. Spread the thawed shredded hash browns in an even layer on the bottom, gently patting them down so they form a solid base.

Step 2: Add the Ham and Cheese Layers

Scatter the diced cooked ham evenly over the potatoes so every slice gets a little meat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese across the top, making sure to cover all the corners.

Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika until smooth. You want everything well combined so the casserole bakes up evenly seasoned.

Step 4: Pour and Rest

Pour the egg mixture slowly over the potato, ham, and cheese layers, tilting the dish slightly if needed so it seeps down into all the nooks and crannies. Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes so the potatoes absorb some of the liquid.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set

Bake the casserole until the center is just set and the top is deeply golden and bubbly. A knife inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean with no runny egg.

Step 6: Cool, Slice, and Serve

Let the casserole cool for at least 10–15 minutes so it firms up and slices neatly. Cut into squares, garnish with extra green onions if you like, and serve warm.

Serving and Storing Farmer’s Casserole

Farmer’s Casserole is incredibly hearty, so a little goes a long way. Baked in a 9×13-inch dish, it comfortably feeds about 8 people as a main breakfast or brunch dish, especially when paired with a few simple sides.

For serving, cut into generous squares and plate with fresh fruit or a light salad to balance out the richness. It’s great for holiday mornings, overnight guests, or a brunch spread where people can help themselves.

Leftovers keep very well. Store cooled slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger portions, covered, in the oven until hot. You can also freeze slices wrapped tightly for quick grab-and-reheat breakfasts.

What to Serve With Farmer’s Casserole?

Since this casserole is rich and filling, pairing it with lighter, fresh sides makes for a balanced plate. Here are a few tasty ideas.

Fresh Fruit Salad

A colorful mix of berries, melon, grapes, or citrus adds brightness and natural sweetness alongside the savory casserole.

Simple Green Salad

Toss crisp greens with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness and add a little crunch to the meal.

Fluffy Biscuits or Toast

Warm biscuits, buttered toast, or English muffins are perfect for soaking up any cheesy, eggy goodness left on the plate.

Crispy Bacon or Sausage Links

If you’re feeding serious meat lovers, a side of bacon or sausage makes the meal feel extra indulgent and brunch-worthy.

Roasted or Steamed Veggies

Add balance with roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or simple steamed broccoli for a bit of color and extra veg.

Yogurt Parfaits

Layer yogurt with granola and fruit in small glasses for a refreshing, make-ahead side that pairs beautifully with a warm casserole.

Want More Breakfast Casserole Ideas?

If this Farmer’s Casserole has you hooked on warm-and-cozy brunch bakes, you’ll love trying a few more favorites from the kitchen.

Try my extra cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole when you want all the comfort of diner-style hash browns in one pan.
For holidays or special family mornings, the crowd-pleasing Christmas Breakfast Casserole is loaded with flavor and perfect for making ahead.
When you’re craving something ultra hearty, Cowboy Casserole brings tater tots, beef, and creamy sauce together in the coziest way.
If you enjoy a slightly lighter option with plenty of flavor, Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole makes a comforting dinner that reheats beautifully for lunch.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this Farmer’s Casserole to your favorite breakfast or brunch board so you can come back to it any time you need an easy make-ahead meal.

When you give it a try, let me know how it turned out for you—did you stick with ham, or swap in bacon or sausage? Maybe sneak in some extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are always welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter and brunch happier.

Explore more cozy breakfast and brunch food ideas on Nora Nosh Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next must-make casserole or quick breakfast bake.