Ina Garten’s Cheesy Brunch Egg Casserole Recipe for Sundays

Ina Garten’s brunch egg casserole transforms ordinary morning meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.

This hearty dish combines rich, comforting ingredients that meld together beautifully.

Sophisticated yet simple, the recipe celebrates classic breakfast flavors with an elegant twist.

Creamy textures and robust seasonings ensure each bite delivers maximum satisfaction.

Weekend gatherings become memorable moments when such a crowd-pleasing centerpiece arrives at the table.

Family and friends will appreciate the thoughtful preparation and delicious results.

The harmonious blend of proteins, dairy, and carefully selected spices creates a truly irresistible morning masterpiece: get ready to impress everyone at your next brunch.

Why Ina Garten Brunch Egg Casserole Works for Any Morning

• Effortless Crowd-Pleaser: This brunch egg casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, making it perfect for busy hosts who want to impress guests without spending hours cooking.
• Texture Sensation: Combines crispy crouton base, creamy egg mixture, and crunchy bacon bits, creating a delightful multi-layered eating experience that keeps every bite interesting and satisfying.
• Meal Prep Magic: Can be prepared ahead of time and baked when needed, offering ultimate convenience for weekend gatherings, potlucks, or family brunch celebrations without sacrificing taste or quality.

What Makes Ina Garten Egg Casserole So Good

• Croutons: Crispy bread cubes that provide a crunchy foundation and absorb the rich egg mixture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds a creamy, tangy flavor to the casserole.

• Eggs, Milk: Classic custard base that creates a smooth, creamy texture for the casserole.
• Bacon Strips: Partially cooked strips that add smoky, salty flavor and extra protein to the dish.

• Salt, Ground Mustard, Onion Powder, Black Pepper: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall depth of flavor and complement the egg and cheese combination.

How to Bake the Perfect Brunch Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Cooking Space

Grab an 11×7-inch baking dish and generously coat it with butter. Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Base

Spread croutons across the bottom of the dish as your golden foundation. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the croutons, creating a cheesy blanket.

Step 3: Whip Up the Egg Blend

• Milk
• Salt
• Ground mustard
• Onion powder
• Black pepper

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Construct the Casserole Layers

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the crouton and cheese base. Arrange crispy bacon strips across the top, creating delicious pockets of flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes until the eggs are set and a knife comes out clean when inserted in the center.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Slice and serve with a side of fresh seasonal fruit or a light, zesty salad. This brunch centerpiece is guaranteed to impress your breakfast guests!

Tips for Light Layers and Rich Flavor

• Select Stale Bread: Reach for day-old bread or slightly dried bread cubes to create the perfect texture that absorbs egg mixture without becoming mushy.
• Layer Cheese Strategically: Distribute cheese between bread layers to ensure maximum melting and even flavor distribution throughout the casserole.
• Whisk Eggs Thoroughly: Blend eggs and milk until completely smooth, creating a uniform mixture that guarantees consistent seasoning in every bite.
• Partially Cook Bacon: Slightly render bacon before adding to the casserole, keeping it tender and preventing it from becoming too crisp during baking.
• Test for Doneness Carefully: Insert a knife into the center of the casserole after 45 minutes; a clean blade indicates perfect cooking without drying out the dish.

How to Store Ina Garten Egg Casserole Easily

• Portion and Wrap: Divide the casserole into individual servings and tightly wrap each portion in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. This method prevents freezer burn and allows for easy, quick reheating of single servings whenever hunger strikes.
• Cool Completely: Let the casserole cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation and maintain the dish's texture. Excess moisture can make the eggs watery and compromise the delicious flavor you've carefully prepared.
• Vacuum Seal: For maximum freshness and extended storage, use a vacuum sealer to remove air and prevent freezer crystals from forming. This professional technique keeps the egg casserole tasting just as delicious as the day you made it, preserving its flavor and preventing potential freezer-related quality loss.

Fun Add-Ins for Brunch Casserole Fans

• Veggie Lover's Egg Bake: Replace bacon with sautéed bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version packed with colorful vegetables and nutrients.
• Mediterranean Morning Mix: Swap cheddar for crumbled feta cheese, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle fresh oregano to bring a Greek-inspired flavor profile to the classic casserole.
• Spicy Southwest Casserole: Incorporate diced jalapeños, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty, kick-up-the-flavor breakfast option that brings heat and excitement to the morning meal.
• Smoked Salmon Elegance: Replace bacon with flaked smoked salmon, use cream cheese instead of cheddar, and garnish with fresh dill for a luxurious and sophisticated breakfast casserole that feels like a gourmet restaurant experience.

Last Serving of Ina Garten Egg Casserole

Culinary magic unfolds with Ina Garten’s brunch egg casserole, a delightful morning masterpiece that promises pure comfort.

Crispy croutons, melted cheddar, and savory bacon create an irresistible symphony of flavors dancing across palates.

Home chefs can easily craft this elegant dish, transforming simple ingredients into a memorable breakfast experience.

Breakfast gatherings become extraordinary moments with this crowd-pleasing recipe that whispers gourmet sophistication.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings elevate this classic casserole beyond ordinary breakfast fare.

When you serve this crowd-pleasing dish, watch friends and family’s eyes light up with anticipation; share this recipe, comment below, and spread brunch joy across social media platforms.

Ina Garten Brunch Egg Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s brunch egg casserole delivers comfort and flavor in one delightful dish. Layers of creamy eggs, crisp bread, and savory ham create a crowd-pleasing morning meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 4 strips bacon, chopped and partially cooked
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups unseasoned stuffing cubes or croutons

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
• Dash black pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat an 11×7-inch baking dish with unsalted butter to prevent sticking.
2. Create a foundation layer by distributing croutons uniformly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the crouton base, allowing for even cheese distribution.
4. In a medium mixing bowl, vigorously whisk large eggs, whole milk, kosher salt, ground mustard powder, onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
5. Carefully cascade the seasoned egg mixture over the crouton and cheese layers, guaranteeing comprehensive coverage throughout the baking dish.
6. Delicately arrange partially cooked bacon strips across the top of the casserole, creating an appetizing protein layer.
7. Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, monitoring until the egg mixture sets completely and a knife inserted into the center emerges clean.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, enabling the ingredients to settle and flavors to meld.
9. Slice into generous portions and serve warm, accompanied by fresh seasonal fruit or a crisp mixed green salad for a complete brunch experience.

Notes

• Grab day-old bread or stale slices for maximum texture absorption and crunch.
• Nestling cheese between bread layers creates melty pockets of gooey deliciousness.
• Whisk eggs and milk thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.
• Pre-cook bacon until slightly tender, ensuring it won’t turn tough during baking.
• Test casserole doneness by inserting a knife near the center – a clean blade signals perfect cooking completion.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 368 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 602 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg