Ina Garten’s Brunch Egg Casserole is a rich, savory dish perfect for a crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch. Made with eggs, cheese, and flavorful additions like sautéed vegetables or breakfast meats, this casserole is easy to prepare and ideal for entertaining or meal prepping.

What is Ina Garten Brunch Egg Casserole?

Ina Garten’s Brunch Egg Casserole is a baked dish that combines fluffy eggs, cheese, and your choice of vegetables, meats, or herbs. This versatile recipe can be customized to suit different tastes, making it a perfect centerpiece for any brunch table.

Other Popular Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Brunch Egg Casserole

Perfect for a crowd: Easily serves multiple people.
Make-ahead friendly: Prepare the night before and bake in the morning.
Customizable: Add your favorite fillings to suit your taste.
Hearty and filling: Packed with protein and nutrients.
Elegant and delicious: A sophisticated dish that’s simple to make.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Brunch Egg Casserole

Eggs: 12 large.
Whole milk: 1 1/2 cups.
Heavy cream: 1 cup.
Gruyere cheese: 1 1/2 cups, shredded.
Cheddar cheese: 1 cup, shredded.
Cooked bacon or sausage: 1 cup, crumbled (optional).
Onion: 1 medium, diced.
Red bell pepper: 1 medium, diced.
Spinach: 2 cups, fresh (optional).
Butter: 2 tablespoons.
Salt: 1 teaspoon.
Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground.
Fresh parsley (optional): For garnish.

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Brunch Egg Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Sauté the vegetables

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add the spinach and cook for another 1–2 minutes until wilted. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Whisk the egg mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the casserole

Layer the cooked vegetables and crumbled bacon or sausage (if using) evenly in the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the Gruyere and cheddar cheeses over the top. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the fillings.

Step 5: Bake the casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden.

Step 6: Rest and serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Brunch Egg Casserole

Fresh fruit salad: Adds a light and refreshing balance.
Toast or croissants: Perfect for scooping up the creamy casserole.
Breakfast potatoes: Roasted or hash brown-style potatoes complement the dish.
Mimosas or coffee: Ideal beverages for a brunch gathering.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Brunch Egg Casserole

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality cheese enhance the flavor.
Don’t overbake: Remove the casserole when the center is just set to avoid drying it out.
Customize the fillings: Add mushrooms, tomatoes, or different cheeses to suit your preferences.
Make ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.
Let it rest: Resting allows the casserole to firm up, making it easier to slice.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Brunch Egg Casserole

Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and load up on sautéed vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
Spicy twist: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Herbaceous flavor: Mix in fresh herbs like dill, chives, or thyme.
Cheese blend: Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, feta, or Parmesan.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Brunch Egg Casserole

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual servings.

FAQs

Can I make brunch egg casserole the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?

To prevent a watery casserole, sauté vegetables like spinach or mushrooms beforehand to remove excess moisture. Pat them dry before adding them to the dish.

Can I freeze brunch egg casserole?

Yes, brunch egg casserole can be frozen. Bake it first, cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

What are the best cheese options for an egg casserole?

Gruyere, cheddar, mozzarella, or feta are excellent choices. Mixing different cheeses can add depth and richness to the casserole.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Brunch Egg Casserole is a versatile and satisfying dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and customizable fillings, this recipe is a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Try it out for your next gathering or meal prep session!

More Ina Garten Recipes