Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf of day-old bread (preferably French bread or challah, cubed)
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or vegetarian sausage)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (or another mild cheese like mozzarella)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh herbs (like parsley, chives, or thyme)
- Hot sauce (for serving, if desired)
How to Make Ina Garten’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole
1. Prepare the Bread
Start by cutting the bread into cubes. Use day-old bread for the best texture, as it will absorb the custard mixture better than fresh bread. If you don’t have day-old bread, you can dry it out by lightly toasting the cubes in the oven for a few minutes.
2. Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart into crumbles. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If you’re adding vegetables like onions and bell peppers, cook them along with the sausage until softened. Once cooked, drain any excess fat and set the sausage mixture aside to cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Casserole
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the cubed bread. Evenly distribute the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture over the bread. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Swiss cheeses over the top.
4. Make the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese layers. Gently press down on the bread to ensure all of the pieces are soaked in the egg mixture. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight (or for at least 6 hours).
5. Bake the Casserole
In the morning (or when you’re ready to bake), preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats up.
Bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You can check the center by inserting a knife or toothpick—it should come out clean when the casserole is done.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor. You can also serve it with a side of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm for a comforting breakfast or brunch that everyone will love.