Ina Garten’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole is the perfect make-ahead dish that combines savory flavors with a creamy, custardy texture. This casserole is ideal for busy mornings or when hosting a brunch, allowing you to prepare everything the night before and simply bake it in the morning. Loaded with cheese, eggs, and a variety of breakfast favorites, this casserole is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
What is Ina Garten’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole?
Ina Garten’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a versatile dish that combines layers of bread, eggs, cheese, and savory ingredients like sausage and vegetables. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and convenience. By preparing it the night before, the bread soaks up the egg mixture, resulting in a rich and flavorful breakfast that is ready to pop in the oven when you wake up.
Other Ina Garten Recipes
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Convenience: Prepare the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning.
- Flavorful: Combines savory ingredients like cheese, sausage, and vegetables.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite meats, vegetables, and cheeses.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for brunches or feeding a crowd.
- Time-Saving: Spend more time with family and friends, and less time cooking.
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread (French bread or sourdough)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions to Make Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole
- Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels. - Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. - Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, dried mustard, and paprika until well combined. - Assemble the Casserole:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the dish. Top with cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. - Pour the Egg Mixture:
Pour the egg mixture over the bread and sausage, pressing down lightly to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid. - Add Cheese and Parsley:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley over the top. - Cover and Refrigerate:
Cover the casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. - Preheat and Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. - Bake the Casserole:
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. - Let It Rest and Serve:
Allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
What Goes Well With Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole
- Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh fruit or fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Coffee: Pair with a cup of hot coffee to complement the rich flavors.
- Orange Juice: A glass of orange juice adds a citrusy touch to the meal.
- Toast: Serve with buttered toast or croissants for an extra carb option.
- Yogurt: Add a serving of yogurt for a healthy and creamy accompaniment.
- Bacon: Crisp bacon slices make for an irresistible addition.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Achieve the perfect casserole texture and taste
- Use Stale Bread: Day-old bread absorbs the egg mixture better, resulting in a moist casserole.
- Customize Ingredients: Swap sausage for bacon or ham, or add mushrooms and spinach for extra vegetables.
- Add Spices: Enhance flavor with herbs like thyme or basil.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to sit after baking helps it set for cleaner slices.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheese varieties like Gruyère or Swiss for a unique flavor.
- Check for Doneness: Ensure the center is set by inserting a knife to see if it comes out clean.
Variations of Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole
- Vegetarian Casserole: Omit the sausage and add more vegetables like mushrooms and spinach.
- Spicy Casserole: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Mexican-Inspired Casserole: Use chorizo sausage and add salsa and cilantro.
- Italian Casserole: Incorporate Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.
- Seafood Casserole: Add smoked salmon and capers for a seafood twist.
Storing Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole: Best Practices
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
- Label with Date: Mark the storage date for easy tracking.
- Individual Servings: Freeze individual servings for quick meals.
Reheating Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole: Best Practices
- Oven Method: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave Method: Heat slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Cover with Foil: Cover with foil to prevent drying out during reheating.
- Check Temperature: Ensure the casserole is heated to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 20g
How Long Should the Casserole Sit Before Baking?
For the best results, the casserole should sit in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish. Letting it sit also helps the flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
Can I Make the Casserole in Advance?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for making in advance. Prepare and assemble the casserole the night before, then cover and refrigerate. In the morning, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking.
What Type of Bread Works Best for This Casserole?
Day-old French bread, sourdough, or Italian bread work best for this casserole. The slightly stale texture allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. Avoid using soft sandwich bread, as it may become mushy.
How Do You Know When the Breakfast Casserole Is Done?
The breakfast casserole is done when the eggs are set, and the top is golden brown. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center of the casserole; it should come out clean. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
Final Words
Ina Garten’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a delicious and convenient dish that makes breakfast a breeze. With its savory flavors and easy preparation, it’s a must-try for any breakfast or brunch gathering. Prepare it ahead of time, and wake up to a satisfying and hearty meal that everyone will love.
Print
Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 50
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Ina Garten’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a versatile dish that combines layers of bread, eggs, cheese, and savory ingredients like sausage and vegetables. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and convenience. By preparing it the night before, the bread soaks up the egg mixture, resulting in a rich and flavorful breakfast that is ready to pop in the oven when you wake up.
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast turkey sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread (French bread or sourdough)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels. - Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. - Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, dried mustard, and paprika until well combined. - Assemble the Casserole:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the dish. Top with cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. - Pour the Egg Mixture:
Pour the egg mixture over the bread and sausage, pressing down lightly to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid. - Add Cheese and Parsley:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley over the top. - Cover and Refrigerate:
Cover the casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. - Preheat and Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. - Bake the Casserole:
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. - Let It Rest and Serve:
Allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Bread Selection:
Choose a sturdy bread like French bread, sourdough, or Italian bread for the best texture. Day-old bread works well because it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. - Meat Alternatives:
Feel free to substitute the breakfast sausage with other proteins like bacon, ham, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. Ensure the meat is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole. - Vegetable Additions:
You can customize the casserole with additional vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes. Sauté any vegetables before adding them to prevent excess moisture. - Cheese Variety:
While cheddar cheese adds a classic flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss, or Monterey Jack to tailor the taste to your liking. - Spice it Up:
For a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or chopped jalapeños to the egg mixture. - Overnight Rest:
Letting the casserole rest overnight is essential for the bread to absorb the egg mixture and for the flavors to meld together. This step ensures a moist and flavorful casserole. - Baking Tip:
If the casserole browns too quickly on top while baking, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. - Testing for Doneness:
Ensure the casserole is fully cooked by checking that the center is set and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. - Serving Suggestions:
Garnish the casserole with fresh herbs like chives or parsley just before serving for added freshness and flavor.
