Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe is easy, delicious and perfect for busy mornings. You prepare it the night before and in the morning, it bakes to golden, cheesy perfection.
It combines eggs, bread, cheese and your favorite breakfast meats for a warm, comforting dish. Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe is great for family breakfasts, holiday mornings or brunch gatherings.
The Ingredients for Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole are simple and easy to find. Learn how to make Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole with simple, step-by-step instructions.
My Experience With This Recipe
The first time I made this casserole, I loved how simple it was. I layered bread, cooked sausage and shredded cheese. Then I poured the egg mixture over everything and let it sit overnight.
In the morning, the kitchen smelled amazing. Baking turned it golden, cheesy and bubbly. My family devoured it quickly.
It felt like a fancy brunch without any stress. This recipe became my go-to for holidays and weekend breakfasts. The leftovers were even better the next day.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Course: Breakfast / Brunch
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 400 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Frying pan
- Spatula
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole
- 8 slices of white or whole wheat bread, cubed
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the sausage
Cook breakfast sausage in skillet until fully browned. Drain excess fat. Set aside to cool slightly for casserole layering. - Cut and cube the bread
Remove crusts if desired. Cut bread into small cubes. Place half the bread cubes in greased 9×13-inch baking dish. - Layer the cheese and sausage
Sprinkle half of the cheddar and Gruyere over bread. Add cooked sausage evenly. Repeat layers with remaining bread, cheese and sausage. - Make the egg mixture
Whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Pour evenly over layered casserole. Press lightly to soak bread. - Refrigerate overnight
Cover casserole with aluminum foil. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. This allows bread to absorb egg mixture fully. - Bake the casserole
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until top is golden and bubbly. - Garnish and serve
Remove from oven. Let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Serve warm with coffee or fruit on the side.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Use day-old bread for better absorption
- Cook sausage completely before layering
- Do not overbake to avoid dry eggs
- Use a mix of cheeses for flavor depth
- Let casserole sit overnight for best texture
- Press egg mixture lightly into bread
- Garnish with fresh herbs for a fresh touch
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using very fresh bread that becomes mushy
- Skipping the resting time in fridge
- Overfilling with egg mixture
- Not cooking sausage before layering
- Overbaking and drying out the casserole
- Using only one type of cheese
- Skipping seasoning in egg mixture
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe with fresh fruit or a green salad. Pair with orange juice, coffee or tea. It also works well with a side of crispy bacon or breakfast potatoes.
This casserole is great for holiday brunches, family gatherings, or weekend mornings when you want a stress-free, hearty meal. Cut into squares for easy serving.
Variations You Can Try
- Use ham or bacon instead of sausage
- Add cooked spinach or bell peppers for color
- Use Swiss or mozzarella cheese instead of Gruyere
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms for flavor
- Use gluten-free bread if needed
- Add hot sauce or paprika for spice
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in airtight container
- Keep in refrigerator for 2-3 days
- Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm
- Microwave works for single portions
- Do not freeze for best texture
- Cover while reheating to retain moisture
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Health Benefits
Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe provides protein from eggs and sausage. Cheese offers calcium and vitamin D. Using milk adds more protein and nutrients.
Adding vegetables like peppers or spinach increases fiber and vitamins. Serving with fresh fruit balances richness.
This casserole is a filling, nutritious breakfast or brunch option. You can adjust ingredients to reduce fat or increase vegetables for healthier versions.
Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 slices of white or whole wheat bread cubed
- 1 pound breakfast sausage cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the sausage
- Cook breakfast sausage in skillet until fully browned. Drain excess fat. Set aside to cool slightly for casserole layering.
Cut and cube the bread
- Remove crusts if desired. Cut bread into small cubes. Place half the bread cubes in greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer the cheese and sausage
- Sprinkle half of the cheddar and Gruyere over bread. Add cooked sausage evenly. Repeat layers with remaining bread, cheese and sausage.
Make the egg mixture
- Whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Pour evenly over layered casserole. Press lightly to soak bread.
Refrigerate overnight
- Cover casserole with aluminum foil. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. This allows bread to absorb egg mixture fully.
Bake the casserole
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until top is golden and bubbly.
Garnish and serve
- Remove from oven. Let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Serve warm with coffee or fruit on the side.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better absorption
- Cook sausage completely before layering
- Do not overbake to avoid dry eggs
- Use a mix of cheeses for flavor depth
- Let casserole sit overnight for best texture
- Press egg mixture lightly into bread
- Garnish with fresh herbs for a fresh touch
FAQs about Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe
1. Can I prepare this casserole in the morning instead of overnight?
Yes, you can. Let it sit at least 30 minutes for bread to soak eggs. Overnight gives best flavor.
2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, skip the sausage and use sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, peppers, and spinach. Cheese and eggs provide protein.
3. Can I freeze this casserole?
It’s best fresh or refrigerated. Freezing may change texture slightly. Reheat in oven if frozen carefully.
4. Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella work well. Mixing cheeses gives depth and creaminess to casserole.
Final Thoughts
Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe is easy, tasty and perfect for mornings. Now you know how to make Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole with simple steps.
The Ingredients for Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole are easy to find. This dish is stress-free yet impressive. Try it for holidays, brunches or weekend breakfasts. Enjoy every warm, cheesy and savory bite.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!