Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole is made with white bread, Colby jack cheese, pork sausage, onion, red bell pepper, diced green chiles, eggs, milk, and a blend of spices. This easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole recipe creates a hearty breakfast that takes about 8 hours and 30 minutes to prepare, including overnight chilling, and can serve up to 8 people.
? Why You’ll Love This Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe:
- Easy Preparation: The casserole is easy to prepare with simple steps that even beginners can follow.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare it the night before and just bake it in the morning, saving you time and effort.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of cheese, sausage, and spices creates a deliciously rich and savory dish.
- Perfect for Gatherings: It’s great for serving a crowd, making it ideal for family breakfasts or brunch with friends.
- Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite cheeses or add different vegetables to suit your taste.
? Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Ingredients
- 6-8 slices white bread, crust removed
- 4 cups freshly shredded Colby jack cheese or cheddar cheese
- 12 ounces pork sausage
- 1/4 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 4-ounce can of diced green chiles
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
? How To Make Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole
- Prepare the bread: Take the bread slices and remove the crust. Lightly grease or butter a 9×13″ baking pan. Spread the bread slices out evenly in the baking dish, covering the bottom completely.
- Cook the sausage: Brown the sausage over medium heat in a skillet, breaking it into small pieces. Drain the grease and place the sausage on a plate.
- Sauté vegetables: Toss in the chopped bell pepper and onion into the skillet and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are just starting to soften. Incorporate the diced green chiles.
- Layer the casserole: Evenly distribute the freshly grated cheese over the bread in the 9×13″ pan. Spread the cooked sausage out equally on top of the cheese, then add the sautéed bell pepper, green chiles, and onions.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the eggs. Stir in the milk, salt, oregano, black pepper, garlic powder, dry mustard, and paprika.
- Combine and chill: Gently whisk the egg mixture and then pour it evenly over the prepared casserole. Cover the baking dish and chill in the fridge overnight or for at least 6 hours.
In The Morning:
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bake the casserole: Bake the casserole uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the middle is set and the edges turn golden.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
? Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and tastes better than pre-shredded cheese. It makes the casserole creamy.
- Brown Sausage Well: Cook the sausage until it’s well browned. This makes it taste better and ensures it’s fully cooked.
- Spread Ingredients Evenly: Make sure to spread the bread, cheese, sausage, and vegetables evenly in the dish. This way, each bite has a good mix of everything.
- Whisk Eggs Thoroughly: Whisk the eggs well before adding milk and spices. This makes the custard smooth and even.
- Chill Overnight: Let the casserole sit in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight. This helps the flavors mix well and makes it easier to bake.
? What To Serve With Overnight Breakfast Casserole?
This delicious Overnight Breakfast Casserole pairs well with fresh fruit, hash browns, bacon, or a simple green salad. It can also be served alongside toast, yogurt, muffins, or orange juice for a delicious and complete breakfast.
? How To Store Leftovers Overnight Breakfast Casserole?
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
? How To Reheat Leftovers Overnight Breakfast Casserole?
- In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes or until heated through.
- In The Microwave: Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
- In the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place a portion in the air fryer basket and heat for 5-7 minutes or until hot.
FAQs
Can I Use A Different Type Of Bread?
Yes, you can use other types of bread like whole wheat or sourdough, but make sure to remove the crusts for best results.
Can I Add Other Vegetables To The Casserole?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just make sure to sauté them first to remove excess moisture.
Why Is My Casserole Soggy?
If your casserole is soggy, it might be because the bread wasn’t evenly spread or the egg mixture wasn’t properly whisked. Ensure even layering and thorough mixing.
What If My Casserole Isn’t Set In The Middle?
If the middle isn’t set, cover the casserole with foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Make sure to check for doneness by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out clean.
How Do I Know When The Casserole Is Done?
The casserole is done when the edges are golden and the middle is set. You can check by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Nutrition Facts
- Calories 324
- Total Fat 22g
- Saturated Fat 9.2g
- Trans Fat 0.3g
- Cholesterol 221mg
- Sodium 623mg
- Potassium 287.3mg
- Total Carbohydrates 12g
- Dietary Fiber 0.5g
- Sugars 1.5g
- Protein 20g
Try More Ina Garten Recipes:
- Ina Garten Brunch Egg Casserole
- Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole
- Ina Garten Blintz Casserole
- Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Description
Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole is made with white bread, Colby jack cheese, pork sausage, onion, red bell pepper, diced green chiles, eggs, milk, and a blend of spices. This easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole recipe creates a hearty breakfast that takes about 8 hours and 30 minutes to prepare, including overnight chilling, and can serve up to 8 people.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Take the bread slices and remove the crust. Lightly grease or butter a 9×13″ baking pan. Spread the bread slices out evenly in the baking dish, covering the bottom completely.
- Cook the sausage: Brown the sausage over medium heat in a skillet, breaking it into small pieces. Drain the grease and place the sausage on a plate.
- Sauté vegetables: Toss in the chopped bell pepper and onion into the skillet and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are just starting to soften. Incorporate the diced green chiles.
- Layer the casserole: Evenly distribute the freshly grated cheese over the bread in the 9×13″ pan. Spread the cooked sausage out equally on top of the cheese, then add the sautéed bell pepper, green chiles, and onions.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the eggs. Stir in the milk, salt, oregano, black pepper, garlic powder, dry mustard, and paprika.
- Combine and chill: Gently whisk the egg mixture and then pour it evenly over the prepared casserole. Cover the baking dish and chill in the fridge overnight or for at least 6 hours.
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bake the casserole: Bake the casserole uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the middle is set and the edges turn golden.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
In The Morning:
Notes
- Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and tastes better than pre-shredded cheese. It makes the casserole creamy.
- Brown Sausage Well: Cook the sausage until it’s well browned. This makes it taste better and ensures it’s fully cooked.
- Spread Ingredients Evenly: Make sure to spread the bread, cheese, sausage, and vegetables evenly in the dish. This way, each bite has a good mix of everything.
- Whisk Eggs Thoroughly: Whisk the eggs well before adding milk and spices. This makes the custard smooth and even.
- Chill Overnight: Let the casserole sit in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight. This helps the flavors mix well and makes it easier to bake.