There’s something magical about the first light of dawn, the smell of fresh coffee brewing, and the anticipation of a hearty brunch with loved ones. This Ina Garten-inspired Breakfast Casserole has become a staple in my kitchen, embodying that cozy, inviting vibe. It’s the kind of dish that turns ordinary mornings into joyous gatherings. Picture this: you wake up to the tantalizing aroma of savory sausage and melting cheese wafting through your home—a warm hug for your taste buds.
The best part? You can prep it the night before! Imagine waking up to a fully-loaded breakfast waiting to be devoured. Not only does it save you time in the morning, but it also gives all the flavors a chance to harmonize beautifully overnight. Honestly, what’s better than that?
Why you’ll love this recipe
This Breakfast Casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. With buttery, cubed bread soaking up a creamy mix of eggs and milk, every bite is a satisfying blend of texture and flavor. The mixture of hearty breakfast sausage and colorful bell peppers adds just the right touch of savoriness, while the combination of cheddar and Swiss cheese brings that delightful melty goodness we all crave.
What makes this dish truly remarkable is its adaptability. It can effortlessly cater to various dietary preferences—whether you’re into turkey sausage for a lighter option or vegetarian alternatives to keep things green, this recipe has your back! It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser, too, making it an ideal choice for those lazy Sunday brunches with friends or a special family celebration. Trust me, you’ll find yourself making it again and again, relishing the smiles of everyone around the table.
Gather these ingredients
To whip up this delightful casserole, you’ll need:
1 loaf of day-old bread (French bread or challah is best, cubed): Day-old bread is golden for this dish because it’s slightly stale and absorbs the egg mixture better. Fresh bread? No worries, just give it a light toast to get it ready!
1 lb breakfast sausage: Choose your favorite—pork, turkey, or even a vegetarian variety works beautifully. The sausage adds such a robust flavor to the casserole.
1 medium onion, chopped: A classic base for any savory dish. The sweetness of the onion will complement the sausage perfectly.
1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional): Adds a splash of color and sweetness—totally your call whether to include it!
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Feel free to mix it up here with your favorite cheese. A sharp cheddar gives a great kick.
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese: This cheese melts into gooey perfection, making each spoonful a delight.
8 large eggs: The binding magic of the dish!
2 cups whole milk: For a creamy, rich texture. You can substitute with any nut milk if you’re looking to keep things dairy-free.
½ teaspoon dry mustard powder: This little powerhouse adds depth and a subtle zing.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing flavors.
½ teaspoon black pepper: A must for that gentle warmth.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): If you’re feeling spicy, toss it in for a kick!
Preparing Ina Garten Breakfast Casserole – Make Ahead Brunch Classic
Here’s how to bring this casserole to life:
Prep the bread: Cube the day-old bread. If it’s fresh, pop it into a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until it’s lightly toasted. This step is key—trust me, it makes a world of difference!
Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat. Drain excess grease, leaving about a tablespoon. This helps keep flavors intact without excess oil.
Soften the veggies: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened—about 5-7 minutes. If you’re adding red bell pepper, toss it in during the last 3-4 minutes.
Combine: In a large bowl, mix the cubed bread with the sausage, onion, and bell pepper. Stir in the shredded cheddar and Swiss cheese gently so everything gets well acquainted.
Make the egg mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne until smooth.
Finalize: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and sausage mix in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Give everything a gentle press to ensure the bread is soaked. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This is where the magic happens!
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 45-55 minutes until it’s set, puffed, and a lovely golden brown. Don’t skip the resting step for 10-15 minutes before serving—it makes a huge difference!
Best way to enjoy it
When it’s time to serve, this Breakfast Casserole welcomes a multitude of pairings. Think fresh fruit—berries or sliced citrus for a pop of brightness. Maybe a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of hot sauce for those who like a little extra zing. A side of crispy bacon or turkey sausage never hurt, either!
If you want to double-down on the brunch vibe, serve it alongside mimosas or a warm cup of coffee. Trust me; it elevates the experience!
How to store and freeze
This casserole is your best friend when it comes to leftovers! Once the dish has cooled, store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep for 3-4 days. For optimal reheating, just pop your slice in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Want to get ahead for the week? You can freeze portions! Wrap individual servings tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw in the fridge overnight and heat up.
Pro chef tips
- If you want more flavor, consider toasting the spices in the skillet for a minute before adding the eggs. It really brings out their aroma!
- For those who love an herbaceous touch, add fresh herbs like chives or parsley to the mix for that pop of freshness.
- Experiment with different types of cheese; pepper jack or gouda could transform the flavor profile entirely!
Creative Twists
The great thing about this casserole is how easily it can be adjusted. Got leftover veggies? Toss ‘em in! Love spicy? Add jalapeños! You could even switch up the kind of bread—say, sourdough or brioche for a different nuance.
Your questions answered
- Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old? Absolutely! Just make sure to toast it lightly first.
- Can this casserole be made gluten-free? Yup! Just swap the bread for a gluten-free option—many great varieties are available.
- What if I want to make it dairy-free? Use nut or oat milk and a dairy-free cheese substitute.
- How long does it take to prep? About 20-30 minutes, plus the overnight chill time.
- Can I add extra veggies? Go for it! Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini would work fabulously.
This Breakfast Casserole isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to embrace the joys of cooking and connecting over a shared meal. So roll up your sleeves, invite some friends over, and let this dish bring smiles to your breakfast table. Don’t just stop here—feel free to add your own spin, share it with loved ones, and let the cooking community flourish! Happy cooking!
Ina Garten Breakfast Casserole – Make Ahead Brunch Classic
Description
This Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for brunch gatherings, made with a combination of savory sausage, melted cheese, and colorful vegetables, all held together by a creamy egg mixture.Gather these ingredients
Main Ingredients
Preparing the Breakfast Casserole
Preparation Steps
Prep the bread
Cube the day-old bread. If fresh, toast in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes.Cook the sausage
In a skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat and drain excess grease.Soften the veggies
Add onions to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes. Add bell pepper during the last 3-4 minutes.Combine ingredients
Mix cubed bread with sausage, onion, and bell pepper. Stir in cheeses.Make the egg mixture
Whisk eggs, milk, mustard powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne until smooth.Finalize and refrigerate
Pour the egg mixture over the bread mix in a greased baking dish. Press gently and refrigerate overnight.Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F and bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes until golden brown.Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 250mg84%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 300mg9%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 20g40%
- Vitamin A 15 IU
- Vitamin C 10 mg
- Calcium 30 mg
- Iron 10 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 0 IU
- Vitamin K 0 mcg
- Thiamin 0 mg
- Riboflavin 0 mg
- Niacin 0 mg
- Vitamin B6 0 mg
- Folate 0 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0 mg
- Phosphorus 0 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 0 mg
- Zinc 0 mg
- Selenium 0 mcg
- Copper 0 mg
- Manganese 0 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
