why make this recipe
Ina Garten’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a fantastic choice for any breakfast or brunch gathering. This dish is perfect because you can prepare it the night before, allowing the flavors to meld together. It’s also easy to serve a crowd, making mornings less stressful. With hearty ingredients like bread, cheese, and sausage, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table.
how to make Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients:
- 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
Directions:
- Layer cubed bread in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top the bread with cooked sausage or bacon and any sautéed vegetables you like.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture evenly over the layers.
- Sprinkle both cheeses on top, cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes.
- The casserole is done when the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
how to serve Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Serve the casserole warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. You can pair it with fresh fruit or a light salad for a complete meal. This dish is hearty enough to stand alone but also complements other breakfast items like muffins or pancakes.
how to store Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely and then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual slices tightly and place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
tips to make Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole
- Use day-old bread, as it absorbs the egg mixture better and gives the casserole a nice texture.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables like spinach or peppers.
- If you want to make it lighter, you can substitute some of the cream with more milk.
variation
You can easily make this casserole vegetarian by omitting the sausage or bacon and adding more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Another variation is to use different types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, for a unique flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole without meat?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by skipping the sausage or bacon and adding extra vegetables.
How can I reheat the leftovers?
You can reheat individual slices in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven until heated through.
Can I prepare the casserole more than a day in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it up to two days in advance. Just ensure it is covered properly in the refrigerator.
Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Layer cubed bread in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top the bread with cooked sausage or bacon and any sautéed vegetables you prefer.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture evenly over the layers.
- Sprinkle both cheeses on top, cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- When ready to bake, let the casserole sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes.
- The casserole is done when the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.