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Ina Garten Breakfast Casserole

Ina Garten Breakfast Casserole: Effortless Brunch Delight

Ina Garten's Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines creamy eggs, savory sausage, and day-old bread, perfect for brunch.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Resting Time 8 hours
Total Time 9 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 8 cups Day-old Bread Cubed, French or challah recommended
  • 1 pound Breakfast Sausage Can use turkey or vegetarian
  • 1 medium Onion Chopped, shallots can substitute
  • 1 cup Red Bell Pepper Optional, can swap with other peppers
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese Gruyère or Monterey Jack can substitute
  • 2 cups Shredded Swiss Cheese Mozzarella works well as substitute
  • 8 large Eggs Free-range or organic recommended
  • 2 cups Whole Milk Half-and-half can be used
  • 1 tablespoon Dry Mustard Powder Optional
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Optional, for heat

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • baking dish
  • spatula
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cube the day-old bread into bite-sized pieces. If using fresh bread, toast at 300°F for 10-15 minutes until golden.
  2. Cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease and set aside.
  3. Sauté the onion in the same skillet for about 5 minutes. Add red bell pepper in the last minutes if using. Combine with sausage.
  4. In a bowl, toss cubed bread with sausage and vegetable mixture, followed by cheddar and Swiss cheeses.
  5. Whisk together eggs, milk, mustard powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a separate bowl until creamy.
  6. Pour custard over bread mixture, gently press to submerge. Transfer to a greased dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake casserole for 45-55 minutes until golden. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 220mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Customize with your favorite vegetables or cheeses. Ensure to use day-old or toasted bread for the best texture.

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