Ina Garten’s Brunch Egg Casserole is the perfect dish for a leisurely weekend brunch or a gathering with family and friends. This savory, rich casserole is packed with flavors from fresh vegetables, eggs, cheese, and sausage, making it both hearty and satisfying. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, which makes hosting brunch effortless and enjoyable.
What is Ina Garten Brunch Egg Casserole?
Ina Garten’s Brunch Egg Casserole is a baked egg dish layered with a combination of breakfast sausage, cheese, and sautéed vegetables, all set in a light custard of eggs and cream. It’s the ideal brunch centerpiece—flavorful, filling, and perfectly balanced with savory ingredients that meld together as they bake into a deliciously fluffy casserole.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Make-Ahead Convenience: This casserole can be assembled the night before, so all you need to do is pop it in the oven in the morning.
- Balanced Flavor: The combination of eggs, cheese, sausage, and vegetables gives this dish a rich and satisfying flavor.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Ideal for feeding a crowd, this brunch casserole can easily be doubled or customized to suit any taste.
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: With simple ingredients and an easy prep process, you get an impressive dish with minimal work.
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Brunch Egg Casserole
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 8 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cups bread cubes (day-old bread works best)
Instructions to Make Ina Garten Brunch Egg Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and red bell pepper until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
- Whisk the Eggs and Cream: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add Cheese and Sausage: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and cooked sausage.
- Mix in Bread and Vegetables: Fold in the sautéed vegetables and bread cubes, ensuring everything is well combined.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the egg mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the casserole for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Garnish with Parsley: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
What Goes Well with Ina Garten Brunch Egg Casserole
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad balances the richness of the casserole.
- Buttery Croissants: Serve with warm, flaky croissants for a complete brunch spread.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes add a nice texture contrast to the soft, cheesy casserole.
- Mimosas: A classic brunch drink that pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the dish.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette adds freshness to the meal.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Ina Garten Brunch Egg Casserole
- Use day-old bread: Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better and creates a more cohesive texture.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole while baking, and remove it once the center is set but still slightly jiggly to avoid a dry texture.
- Add extra veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to customize the casserole to your taste.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate, then bake it fresh the next morning for convenience.
- Let it rest: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to help the flavors meld and make slicing easier.
Variations of Ina Garten Brunch Egg Casserole
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the sausage and add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes.
- Spicy Sausage: Use spicy breakfast sausage for an added kick of heat.
- Mexican-Style: Add green chilies, pepper jack cheese, and a sprinkle of cilantro for a southwestern twist.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for an aromatic boost.
Storing Ina Garten Brunch Egg Casserole: Best Practices
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze individual portions by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
Reheating Ina Garten Brunch Egg Casserole: Best Practices
- Oven Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave Option: Heat individual portions in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
- Cover while reheating: To prevent drying out, cover the casserole with foil or a damp paper towel when reheating.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 280mg
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
FAQs
Can I make Ina Garten’s Brunch Egg Casserole the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before. Assemble the entire dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
How do I prevent the egg casserole from being soggy?
To prevent the casserole from becoming soggy, use day-old or slightly stale bread, which will absorb the egg mixture better. Also, ensure that you do not overfill the casserole with too many wet ingredients, like vegetables that release moisture.
Can I freeze Ina Garten’s Brunch Egg Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
How long can I store leftovers of the egg casserole?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to store the casserole in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Final Words
Ina Garten’s Brunch Egg Casserole is a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any brunch gathering.
Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy with family, this casserole is sure to impress with its flavorful ingredients and comforting texture.
Try it out for your next brunch, and savor the rich, cheesy goodness in every bite!
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Ina Garten Brunch Egg Casserole
- Prep Time: 2
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 47 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Ina Garten’s Brunch Egg Casserole is a baked egg dish layered with a combination of breakfast sausage, cheese, and sautéed vegetables, all set in a light custard of eggs and cream. It’s the ideal brunch centerpiece—flavorful, filling, and perfectly balanced with savory ingredients that meld together as they bake into a deliciously fluffy casserole.
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 8 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cups bread cubes (day-old bread works best)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and red bell pepper until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
- Whisk the Eggs and Cream: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add Cheese and Sausage: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and cooked sausage.
- Mix in Bread and Vegetables: Fold in the sautéed vegetables and bread cubes, ensuring everything is well combined.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the egg mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the casserole for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Garnish with Parsley: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
