If you love the idea of a hearty, comforting breakfast but don’t want to wake up early to make it, Ina Garten’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole is the perfect solution. This dish is a total game-changer, combining the ease of preparation the night before with all the delicious, comforting flavors of a traditional breakfast casserole. Featuring layers of eggs, bread, cheese, and savory sausage, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for special occasions like holiday breakfasts, brunches, or family gatherings.
With just a little prep the night before, you can wake up to a warm, satisfying meal that everyone will love. The best part? You can customize it with your favorite ingredients, whether you prefer bacon, sausage, spinach, or a combination of cheeses. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious overnight breakfast casserole that will make your mornings stress-free and full of flavor!
Why This Overnight Breakfast Casserole Works So Well
Convenience and Time-Saving
One of the biggest benefits of this recipe is the ability to make it the night before. The casserole is assembled in the evening and left to sit in the fridge overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the eggs and milk, resulting in a dish that’s easy to bake in the morning. No need to wake up extra early to make breakfast—just pop it in the oven, and you’ll have a warm, delicious meal ready in about 45 minutes.
Savory and Satisfying
This casserole is a perfect combination of savory and satisfying ingredients, making it a great breakfast or brunch option. The bread provides a hearty base, while the eggs add richness and creaminess. The sausage (or bacon) adds a savory depth of flavor, and the cheese ties it all together, creating a comforting dish that’s perfect for any morning.
Customizable
One of the best things about this casserole is that it’s easily customizable. You can add your favorite vegetables, swap in different types of cheese, or use a variety of breakfast meats. You can even make it vegetarian by skipping the meat entirely and adding in extra veggies or plant-based sausage. It’s a versatile dish that can be tailored to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf of day-old bread (preferably French bread or challah, cubed)
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or vegetarian sausage)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (or another mild cheese like mozzarella)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh herbs (like parsley, chives, or thyme)
- Hot sauce (for serving, if desired)
How to Make Ina Garten’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole
1. Prepare the Bread
Start by cutting the bread into cubes. Use day-old bread for the best texture, as it will absorb the custard mixture better than fresh bread. If you don’t have day-old bread, you can dry it out by lightly toasting the cubes in the oven for a few minutes.
2. Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart into crumbles. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If you’re adding vegetables like onions and bell peppers, cook them along with the sausage until softened. Once cooked, drain any excess fat and set the sausage mixture aside to cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Casserole
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the cubed bread. Evenly distribute the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture over the bread. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Swiss cheeses over the top.
4. Make the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese layers. Gently press down on the bread to ensure all of the pieces are soaked in the egg mixture. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight (or for at least 6 hours).
5. Bake the Casserole
In the morning (or when you’re ready to bake), preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats up.
Bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You can check the center by inserting a knife or toothpick—it should come out clean when the casserole is done.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor. You can also serve it with a side of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm for a comforting breakfast or brunch that everyone will love.
7. Enjoy!
This casserole is a perfect combination of savory sausage, creamy eggs, melted cheese, and crispy bread. It’s sure to be a hit at your next breakfast or brunch gathering!
Health Benefits of Ina Garten’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Rich in Protein
This casserole is a great source of protein from the eggs, sausage, and cheese. Protein is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body health. The protein content in this casserole will keep you feeling full and satisfied throughout the morning.
Packed with Vitamins and Nutrients
The eggs in this casserole are a great source of vitamins like vitamin A, B vitamins (especially B12), and vitamin D, which are important for overall health and well-being. The vegetables (like bell peppers and onions) add extra vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to the dish, which support immune function and skin health.
Rich in Healthy Fats
The eggs, sausage, and cheese provide healthy fats, which are essential for brain health, hormone regulation, and overall body function. These fats also help you feel full for longer, making this casserole a filling and satisfying meal.
Customizable for Dietary Preferences
This casserole can be made to suit different dietary preferences or restrictions. You can swap out the sausage for a plant-based sausage or skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian version. You can also use dairy-free cheese and milk alternatives to make it dairy-free.
Conclusion
Ina Garten’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. With layers of crispy bread, savory sausage, creamy eggs, and melted cheese, this dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing a family breakfast without spending all morning in the kitchen. The best part is that it can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning, making it ideal for busy mornings or special occasions like holidays or brunch gatherings.
This casserole is customizable, so you can adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a hearty meal to start your day, this overnight breakfast casserole is sure to become a go-to recipe in your collection.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, that’s the beauty of this recipe! You can assemble it the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it the next morning for a warm, ready-to-serve meal.
2. Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, you can use any type of bread, such as whole wheat, sourdough, or brioche, depending on your preferences. Just be sure to use day-old bread for the best texture.
3. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the sausage with plant-based sausage, or use sautéed vegetables (such as spinach, mushrooms, and peppers) to create a vegetarian version.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Once the casserole has cooled, slice it into portions and store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to serve.
5. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free milk and cheese to make the casserole dairy-free. There are plenty of great dairy-free cheese options available, including vegan cheddar and mozzarella.
6. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use bacon, ham, or ground turkey instead of sausage. Just be sure to cook the meat before adding it to the casserole.
7. How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You can insert a knife into the center to check—it should come out clean when the casserole is fully cooked.
8. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the casserole. Sauté them first before adding them to the casserole to ensure they’re cooked properly.
9. How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat them in the microwave or oven for a quick and easy meal.
10. Can I make this casserole in a smaller baking dish?
Yes, you can adjust the recipe to fit a smaller dish. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes.