Ina Garten’s Effortless Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Ina Garten’s overnight breakfast casserole transforms ordinary morning meals into a delightful culinary experience.

Morning gatherings deserve something special that brings people together with minimal morning stress.

This comforting dish combines savory ingredients layered strategically for maximum flavor impact.

Rich, hearty components meld seamlessly during an extended refrigeration period.

Sophisticated yet approachable, the casserole promises a crowd-pleasing breakfast solution that feels simultaneously elegant and homey.

Weekend brunch enthusiasts appreciate recipes that simplify morning preparations without compromising taste.

Preparation happens mostly the night before, allowing you to wake up to a mouthwatering breakfast with zero morning chaos: get ready for deliciousness.

Why Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Works Overnight

• Effortless Overnight Prep: Eliminate morning stress by assembling this breakfast casserole the night before, allowing you to wake up to a delicious meal without early morning cooking hassle.
• Flavor-Packed Breakfast Symphony: Combine spicy sausage, vibrant bell peppers, zesty green chiles, and melted cheese for a mouthwatering breakfast that delivers a perfect balance of savory and rich flavors.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Designed to feed a hungry group, this casserole offers a hearty, satisfying meal that works perfectly for weekend gatherings, holiday brunches, or family breakfasts with minimal last-minute preparation.

All You Need for Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole

• White Bread: Soft base for the casserole, sturdy enough to absorb egg mixture and support other ingredients.
• Butter or Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and adds rich flavor to the casserole.

• Breakfast Sausage: Adds hearty, savory flavor and protein to the breakfast dish, preferably ground and not in casings.
• Eggs: Key binding ingredient that creates the custardy texture and provides essential protein.
• Milk: Helps create creamy, smooth egg mixture and adds richness to the casserole.

• Bell Pepper: Adds color, crunch, and sweet pepper flavor to the dish.
• Onion: Provides aromatic base and depth of flavor for the casserole.
• Green Chiles: Introduces mild heat and tangy southwestern flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds sharp, creamy element to the casserole.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Oregano, Garlic Powder, Dry Mustard, Paprika: Blend of seasonings that enhance overall taste and create complex flavor profile.

Steps to Make Ina Garten Breakfast Casserole a Success

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Base

Remove crusts from bread slices. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. Arrange bread slices evenly across the bottom of the pan, completely covering the surface.

Step 2: Cook and Crumble Sausage

Brown sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess grease and transfer to a separate plate.

Step 3: Sauté Colorful Vegetables

• Chopped bell peppers
• Diced onions
• Green chiles

Step 4: Create Delicious Layers

• Spread freshly grated cheese over bread
• Distribute cooked sausage evenly
• Sprinkle sautéed vegetables across the top

Step 5: Whisk Flavorful Egg Mixture

• Eggs
• Milk
• Salt
• Oregano
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Dry mustard
• Paprika

Step 6: Chill Overnight

Pour egg mixture gently over casserole layers. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 6-8 hours or overnight.

Step 7: Preheat and Prepare

Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove casserole from refrigerator.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes until center is set and edges turn golden brown.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow casserole to cool for 15 minutes. Slice and serve warm, enjoying the delicious layers of flavor.

Tips for Soaking and Baking to Perfection

• Shred Cheese Fresh: Grate your own cheese directly from a block for superior melting and richer flavor that transforms the entire casserole's texture.
• Crisp Sausage Perfectly: Brown the sausage until deep golden and slightly crispy edges develop, which intensifies the meat's natural savory notes.
• Layer Ingredients Strategically: Distribute bread cubes, cheese, sausage, and vegetables evenly to guarantee a balanced bite with maximum flavor in every spoonful.
• Blend Eggs Smoothly: Whisk eggs thoroughly until completely combined and slightly frothy, creating a silky custard base that ensures consistent texture.
• Marinate Overnight: Refrigerate the assembled casserole for at least 6-8 hours, allowing bread to absorb the egg mixture and ingredients to meld together beautifully.

How to Keep Ina Garten Casserole Fresh Overnight

• Freeze Whole: Safeguard your breakfast casserole by wrapping it securely in multiple layers of plastic wrap and heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze completely intact for maximum flavor preservation, ensuring no freezer burn compromises your delicious meal. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator 24 hours before serving to maintain its original texture and taste.
• Individual Portions: Slice the casserole into single servings before freezing for ultimate convenience. Place each portion in a separate freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in freezer wrap. This method allows quick reheating of exactly what you need without defrosting the entire dish.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Keep leftover casserole in an airtight container to lock in moisture and prevent absorbing other refrigerator odors. Consume within three days for optimal taste and food safety.

Swaps and Upgrades for Overnight Breakfast Casserole

• Vegetarian Veggie Explosion: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or extra firm tofu, adding mushrooms and spinach for robust flavor and protein-packed nutrition.
• Mexican Morning Fiesta: Swap oregano with cumin, add chorizo instead of traditional sausage, incorporate jalapeños, and top with fresh cilantro and salsa after baking.
• Seafood Sunrise Casserole: Substitute sausage with cooked crab or shrimp, mix in fresh dill, use gruyère cheese, and sprinkle Old Bay seasoning for coastal-inspired breakfast experience.
• Low-Carb Protein Power: Use cauliflower or zucchini slices instead of bread, increase eggs, add more cheese, and include lean ham or turkey for lighter morning meal.

Bringing Ina Garten Overnight Casserole to the Table

Breakfast casseroles epitomize comfort and convenience for morning meals.

Ina Garten’s overnight sensation brings hearty flavors to kitchen tables nationwide.

Layers of cheese, sausage, and vegetables create a harmonious morning masterpiece.

Prep work becomes effortless with this make-ahead marvel that promises delicious results.

Weekend brunch enthusiasts will appreciate this simple yet sophisticated dish that elevates morning gatherings.

Craving culinary magic?

Share this recipe, spark conversation in comments, and spread breakfast joy with fellow home chefs!

Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 1x

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Description

French-inspired breakfast casserole combines rich eggs, creamy cheese, and savory ham in a comforting morning dish. Layers of delicate ingredients create a hearty meal perfect for weekend gatherings, ensuring breakfast bliss will delight guests with minimal morning effort.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pork sausage
• 6 large eggs

Dairy and Cheese:

• 4 cups (454 grams) freshly shredded Colby jack cheese or cheddar cheese
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) milk

Vegetables and Bread:

• 6–8 slices white bread, crust removed
• ¼ medium onion, chopped
• ½ red bell pepper, chopped
• 4-ounce (113 grams) can of diced green chiles

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano leaves
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon dry mustard

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Instructions

1. Meticulously trim the crusts from bread slices, ensuring clean edges. Lightly coat a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeters) baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet, thoroughly brown the sausage over medium heat, carefully breaking it into small, uniform crumbles. Drain excess grease completely and transfer to a separate plate.
3. Using the same skillet, sauté the chopped bell peppers and onions for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly translucent. Gently fold in the diced green chiles, allowing the vegetables to develop a subtle caramelization.
4. Create a foundational layer by evenly spreading the freshly grated cheese across the prepared bread base. Distribute the cooked sausage uniformly, followed by a strategic arrangement of sautéed vegetables.
5. In a medium mixing bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs until they become light and frothy. Gradually incorporate milk and seasonings, including salt, oregano, black pepper, garlic powder, dry mustard, and paprika, ensuring a thorough and consistent blend.
6. Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients, guaranteeing an even distribution that penetrates all layers of the casserole. Securely cover the dish and refrigerate for 6-8 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
7. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), positioning the rack in the center for optimal heat circulation.
8. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until the center sets completely and the edges turn a beautiful golden brown.
9. After removing from the oven, allow the casserole to rest and stabilize for 10-15 minutes. This cooling period helps the ingredients settle and makes slicing more precise and clean.

Notes

• Flavor development starts with chilling the casserole overnight, allowing ingredients to meld and deepen their taste profile.
• Whisking eggs thoroughly creates a silky smooth custard base that ensures consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Spreading ingredients evenly guarantees each delightful bite delivers a perfect balance of sausage, cheese, bread, and vegetables.
• Browning sausage completely maximizes its rich, caramelized flavor and ensures proper cooking before baking.
• Fresh, hand-shredded cheese provides superior melting quality and a more vibrant taste compared to pre-packaged alternatives.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 to 8
• Calories: 540 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 930 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg