Ina Garten’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole

why make this recipe

Ina Garten’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a perfect dish for busy mornings. You can prepare it the night before, making breakfast easy to enjoy without any hassle. This dish is great for family gatherings, brunches, or even simple weekday breakfasts. It is hearty, delicious, and flexible – you can add your favorite ingredients to make it your own!

how to make Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of crusty bread
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup grated cheese (like cheddar or Gruyère)
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled sausage or diced vegetables (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (like chives or parsley)

Directions

1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Tear the bread into bite-sized pieces and place them in the dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, and herbs.
3. Pour the egg mixture over the bread, pressing down to soak the bread.
4. Sprinkle with cheese and sausage or vegetables if using.
5. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until puffed and golden.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.

how to serve Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Serve the Overnight Breakfast Casserole warm, and cut it into squares for easy serving. You can add a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad to complete the meal. It pairs well with coffee or juice for a delightful breakfast experience.

how to store Overnight Breakfast Casserole

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or place them in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.

tips to make Overnight Breakfast Casserole

1. Use day-old bread for better texture. Stale bread soaks up the egg mixture more effectively.
2. Customize the casserole by adding different types of cheese, meats, or vegetables based on your preferences.
3. Let it sit for a bit after baking for easier cutting and serving.

variation

You can make a vegetarian version by skipping the sausage and adding more vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. You can also experiment with different cheeses to give it a unique flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole without sausage?
Yes! You can leave out the sausage or replace it with your favorite vegetables.

Can I freeze Overnight Breakfast Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Is there a gluten-free option?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free bread to make this casserole suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Ina Garten's Overnight Breakfast Casserole is an easy-to-make dish perfect for busy mornings, allowing for a hearty and delicious breakfast with customizable ingredients.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 loaf 1 loaf of crusty bread Use day-old bread for better texture.
• 8 large 8 large eggs
• 2 cups 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Additions

• 1 cup 1 cup grated cheese (like cheddar or Gruyère) Customize the casserole by adding different types of cheese.
• 1 cup 1 cup cooked and crumbled sausage or diced vegetables (optional) You can use vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
• 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (like chives or parsley)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Tear the bread into bite-sized pieces and place them in the dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, and herbs.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the bread, pressing down to soak the bread.
5. Sprinkle with cheese and sausage or vegetables if using.
6. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until puffed and golden.
3. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve warm and cut into squares. Pairs well with fresh fruit or a simple green salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or in the oven.