Ina Garten’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for feeding a crowd. With layers of eggs, bread, cheese, and savory breakfast ingredients, this make-ahead recipe simplifies mornings while delivering a satisfying meal.

What is Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole?

Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a baked dish combining bread, eggs, cheese, and optional add-ins like sausage, bacon, or vegetables. It’s assembled the night before and baked in the morning, making it ideal for stress-free brunches or holiday breakfasts.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Make-ahead convenience: Assemble it the night before for an effortless morning.
Customizable: Adjust ingredients to fit your family’s preferences.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for brunch gatherings or holiday mornings.
Rich and hearty: Combines protein, carbs, and vegetables in one dish.
Beginner-friendly: Simple to prepare with no special skills required.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Italian or French bread: 1 loaf (day-old, cubed)
Large eggs: 10
Whole milk: 2 1/2 cups
Heavy cream: 1/2 cup
Cheddar cheese: 1 1/2 cups, shredded
Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
Breakfast sausage or bacon: 1 pound, cooked and crumbled
Onion: 1 small, diced
Bell peppers: 1 cup, diced (optional)
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the bread

Cube the day-old bread and spread it evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the meat and vegetables

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage or bacon until browned. If using bacon, drain the grease and crumble.
Sauté the onions and bell peppers (if using) in the same skillet until softened.

Step 3: Make the egg mixture

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

Step 4: Assemble the casserole

Sprinkle the cooked sausage or bacon, onions, and peppers over the bread cubes.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and toppings, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
Sprinkle the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses over the top.

Step 5: Chill overnight

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours).

Step 6: Bake the casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the eggs are set, and the top is golden brown.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Fresh fruit: Serve with a side of berries, melon, or a fruit salad.
Yogurt parfaits: A light and creamy accompaniment.
Juice or mimosas: Pair with fresh-squeezed orange juice or bubbly mimosas.
Hash browns: Add an extra helping of crispy potatoes on the side.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Use day-old bread: Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better.
Cook ingredients ahead: Ensure all meat and vegetables are fully cooked before assembling.
Don’t skip the chilling: Overnight refrigeration allows the flavors to meld.
Cover if browning too quickly: If the top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil during baking.
Let it rest: Cooling for a few minutes helps the casserole set for easier slicing.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Vegetarian option: Skip the meat and add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Mexican-style: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese.
Italian twist: Use Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.
Herbed flavor: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole

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

FAQs

Can I make an overnight breakfast casserole without bread?

Yes, you can omit the bread and use more vegetables or potatoes as a base. Thinly sliced potatoes or hash browns work well as a substitute.

How long can an overnight breakfast casserole sit in the refrigerator before baking?

You can refrigerate the assembled casserole for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture.

Can I freeze overnight breakfast casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

How do I prevent overnight breakfast casserole from being soggy?

To avoid a soggy casserole, use day-old or slightly stale bread, ensure even layering, and avoid overloading with wet ingredients like vegetables without cooking them first.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a versatile and flavorful dish that makes mornings easy and delicious.

Try it for your next gathering and enjoy a hearty, homemade meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple!

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