Start Mornings Right with Ina Garten’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Looking for a hassle-free breakfast that the whole family will love? You’re in for a treat! Ina Garten’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole is the perfect solution for busy mornings or special occasions. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just craving a cozy meal, this dish delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

Picture this: a decadent breakfast casserole layered with melted cheese, savory sausage, and hearty bread, all soaked in a rich, creamy custard. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight, making it a delightfully easy option to bake in the morning. This comforting casserole is not just delicious but also offers a fantastic way to gather your loved ones around the breakfast table.

State the Benefits

1. Effortlessly Convenient: Prep it the night before, and pop it in the oven for a stress-free meal.
2. Feed a Crowd: Perfect for family gatherings or holiday breakfasts.
3. Deliciously Satisfying: A blend of rich cheese and savory meats will keep everyone happy and full.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Benefit 1: Ready to bake with minimal prep time.
• Benefit 2: Uses simple, everyday ingredients.
• Benefit 3: Perfect for meal prep or make-ahead occasions.
• Benefit 4: Easily adjustable for dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole

• 1 loaf day-old Italian or French bread, cubed
• 10 large eggs
• 2 ½ cups whole milk & ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese & ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 lb breakfast sausage or bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tsp salt & ½ tsp pepper
• Parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions of Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole

1. Cube the bread and place it in a large baking dish.
2. Whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cubed bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
4. Add the cooked sausage or bacon, diced onion, and mix gently.
5. Sprinkle the cheeses on top and cover with plastic wrap.
6. Refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, until golden and set.
9. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Tips for Success

• Use stale bread: Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the egg mixture without getting mushy.
• Let it rest: Make sure to refrigerate it overnight for optimal flavor.
• Adjust to taste: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or additional veggies for a personal touch!

Substitutions & Variations of Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole

• To Make It Vegetarian: Substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
• For a Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free bread and ensure your sausage is also gluten-free.
• Variations: Add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor or switch the cheese to feta for a Mediterranean twist.

Storage Instructions of Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: This casserole can freeze well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
• Make-Ahead: You can assemble it a day prior and just bake it in the morning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole

• Can I make this egg casserole without meat?
  Yes, simply omit the sausage or bacon and add more veggies for a hearty vegetarian option.

• How do I know when it’s done baking?
  The casserole should be puffed and golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean.

• Can I use different kinds of cheese?
  Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses for different flavors.

Final Toughts

This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a delightful way to start your day, offering a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal with minimal morning effort. So why not give it a try? Your family will thank you, and you might just find yourself making it a weekend tradition! If you enjoyed this recipe, leave a comment below and give it a star rating!

Overnight Breakfast Casserole

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A decadent breakfast casserole layered with cheese, sausage, and bread, soaked in a rich custard, perfect for busy mornings.

• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

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• 1 loaf day-old Italian or French bread, cubed
• 10 large eggs
• 2 ½ cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 lb breakfast sausage or bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• Parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cube the bread and place it in a large baking dish.
2. Whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cubed bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
4. Add the cooked sausage or bacon, diced onion, and mix gently.
5. Sprinkle the cheeses on top and cover with plastic wrap.
6. Refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, until golden and set.
9. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

Use stale bread for best results. Let it rest overnight for optimal flavor.

• Author: soukaina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian (if made without sausage)