Name: Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound breakfast turkey sausage; 1 onion, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 8 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried mustard; 1 teaspoon paprika; 6 cups cubed day-old bread (French bread or sourdough); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Jump to Recipe·5 from 5 reviews

The Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe is an absolute breakfast game-changer: a hearty, colorful blend of sausage, sautéed veggies, creamy eggs, and layers of cheese, all nestled atop tender cubes of bread. The magic happens overnight, as the flavors meld and marry in the fridge while you sleep, letting the bread soak in every drop of savory goodness. In the morning, it’s practically effortless—just pop it in the oven and bask in the irresistible aroma as it bakes. Whether for holiday brunch, a potluck, or a special weekend treat, this dish is sure to win hearts and make your morning shine.

Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe are delightfully straightforward, showcasing staples that come together to create deep flavor and an enticing texture. Each addition has a special role, delivering color, creaminess, and that perfect touch of comfort—let’s see what makes them shine!

Breakfast turkey sausage: Adds savory, protein-packed flavor to every bite while keeping things a little lighter than pork.
Onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and savory richness after a quick sauté.
Red and green bell peppers, chopped: Offer pops of color and subtle crunch, plus a mild sweetness that balances the dish.
Large eggs: The starring base that transforms everything into a custardy, satisfying casserole.
Whole milk: Makes the egg mixture creamy and decadent for a rich texture.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that wake up every flavor.
Dried mustard and paprika: Add warmth, depth, and gentle spice in the background.
Cubed day-old bread (French or sourdough): The secret to perfect texture—sturdy, absorbent, and never mushy.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, comforting bites in every layer.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty kick right on top.
Chopped fresh parsley: Finishes it all off with fresh, herby brightness.

How to Make Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Start by browning your turkey sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s cooked through and perfectly crumbly. This step infuses the dish with that unmistakable hearty flavor and sets the stage for what’s to come. Let the sausage drain briefly on paper towels to keep your casserole from turning out greasy — trust me, this simple move makes the final product irresistible.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add your chopped onion and that duo of red and green bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes, just until they’re softened and smell unbelievably good. The brief cook softens their bite while locking in their sweet, fresh notes, building a veggie base you’ll taste in every forkful.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture

Grab a big mixing bowl and whisk together your eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, dried mustard, and paprika. This custard is the heart of your Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe, ensuring each bread cube becomes tender, creamy, and flavored throughout. Make sure it’s well-combined for a perfectly even bake.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spread your cubed bread evenly across the bottom. Next, scatter the browned sausage and sautéed veggies over the bread, followed by 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Layering like this ensures every bite gets a bit of everything!

Step 5: Pour the Egg Mixture

Now, slowly pour your egg mixture all over the bread and toppings, gently pressing down with a spatula to make sure the bread soaks up as much custard as possible. This step sets the stage for that beloved, almost souffle-like texture in the finished casserole.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Parsley

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese across the top, add the grated Parmesan for extra savoriness, and shower the entire dish with chopped fresh parsley. This triple-threat topping turns the casserole golden, gooey, and undeniably beautiful after baking.

Step 7: Cover and Refrigerate

Cover your casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and tuck it in the fridge for an overnight rest. This is what lets the bread absorb every ounce of flavor, and gives you a stress-free morning with barely any prep needed!

Step 8: Preheat and Bake

In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pull your dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes. This helps everything bake evenly, ensuring the center isn’t cold when you pop it in.

Step 9: Bake the Casserole

Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes until the top is bubbly, golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil for the last stretch of baking. Let those savory aromas fill your kitchen!

Step 10: Let It Rest and Serve

Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before cutting. This short rest lets everything firm up for perfect slices and lets the flavors settle deliciously. Serve it up and watch it vanish!

How to Serve Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

For a truly eye-catching finish, sprinkle more fresh parsley or thinly sliced chives over the casserole just before serving. A light dusting of extra Parmesan or a dash of smoked paprika can also add that wow factor to your Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe, both in taste and color.

Side Dishes

Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad, a platter of seasonal fruit, or even simple hash browns if you want something a little heartier. A side of lightly dressed baby arugula cuts through the richness, while sliced citrus or fresh berries bring a pop of freshness to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking the Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for personalized portions, or cut the casserole into small squares and serve toothpick “bites” at brunch parties. For a festive touch, top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of microgreens.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover breakfast casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re serving slices later, let them cool completely before packing to keep everything fresh and the texture just right.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe for up to 2 months. Wrap individual slices or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop individual slices into the microwave or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven until hot throughout. If reheating a big batch, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out — it’ll taste nearly as good as freshly baked!

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole without refrigerating overnight?

While you can let it rest for just a couple hours if you’re short on time, the overnight soak is key for flavor and texture. The bread fully absorbs the custard, making the Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe ultra moist and delicious—so plan ahead if you can!

What’s the best type of bread for this casserole?

Day-old French bread or sourdough is ideal, thanks to their sturdy texture and ability to soak up the egg mixture without getting soggy. Fresh bread can work in a pinch, but it may lead to a softer, less structured casserole.

How do I know when my casserole is fully cooked?

Look for a golden brown top and make sure the center sets by inserting a knife—it should come out clean. If you have a thermometer, the internal temp should reach 165°F to ensure everything is safely and perfectly cooked.

Can I make this Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just substitute the sausage with a vegetarian or plant-based sausage, or even extra sautéed veggies like mushrooms and spinach. All other ingredients can remain the same for a fully meat-free version.

How can I spice up the flavor?

If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne, red pepper flakes, or chopped jalapeños to the egg mixture. You can also toss in a dash of hot sauce before serving to give your breakfast casserole a little fiery twist.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a show-stopping brunch centerpiece or just want to wake up to something special, the Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe never disappoints. You’ll fall for its savory, cheesy layers and the ease of prep—truly the secret to starting your morning on a delicious note. Give it a try and make every breakfast gathering a memory worth savoring!