Farmers Breakfast Casserole ~ By Caroline

This easy recipe has been a favorite in our family for those busy mornings (or makes a delicious dinner too!), and it's perfect for guests! What's really nice is you can assemble it the night before, put it in the fridge, and then just throw it in the oven in the morning! It's so delicious with all the cheese, ham and spices, and the whole family LOVES it!

 

Ingredients:

Nonstick Cooking Spray
3 cups frozen shredded hash browns
3/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese, or shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup diced cooked ham or Canadian- style bacon
1/4 cup sliced green onions
4 beaten eggs
1 1/2 cups milk or 1 12-ounce can evaporated milk
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper

Optional Ingredients
1 yellow or red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 4oz can green chilies (or more if you love spicy foods)
garlic salt to taste

Coat a 2-Quart square baking dish with cooking spray. (Note: for large families or for guests double everything and assemble in a 13x9 pan) Arrange potatoes evenly in the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle with cheese, ham, green onions. (And if your looking for more flavor this is the time to add in those optional ingredients! It's quite amazing with those extra things, but you may want to stick to the original if you have picky eaters) :-)

In a bowl combine eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper. Pour over potato mixture.

Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree F. oven for 40-45 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. (if you are making a 13x9, bake for 50-55 minutes) Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving. (It comes out of the oven quite juicy, so that extra standing time allows for the juices to soak up and settle, to allow easier cutting/serving.)

Enjoy!!