Description
Ina Garten’s overnight breakfast casserole combines hearty ingredients for a delightful morning meal. Layers of bread, eggs, and cheese create a comforting dish perfect for weekend gatherings and family breakfasts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) pork sausage
- 6 large eggs
- 4 cups (454 g) freshly shredded Colby jack cheese or cheddar cheese
- 2 cups (473 ml) milk
- 6–8 slices white bread, crust removed
- ¼ medium onion, chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped
- 4 oz (113 g) can of diced green chiles
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano leaves
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp dry mustard
Instructions
- Preparation: Methodically remove bread crusts and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent adhesion.
- Sausage and Vegetable Medley: In a skillet, thoroughly brown sausage into fine crumbles, draining excess fat. Simultaneously sauté bell peppers, onions, and green chiles until vegetables develop a delicate caramelized essence.
- Layering Foundation: Construct a strategic base by spreading grated cheese across bread, then meticulously distribute cooked sausage and sautéed vegetable mixture, ensuring uniform coverage.
- Egg Custard Creation: Energetically whisk eggs until light and airy. Integrate milk and comprehensive seasonings – salt, oregano, black pepper, garlic powder, dry mustard, and paprika – creating a harmonious liquid mixture.
- Flavor Infusion: Delicately cascade egg mixture over layered ingredients, guaranteeing complete penetration. Hermetically seal and refrigerate 6-8 hours, allowing flavors to harmonize and intensify.
- Thermal Transformation: Position oven rack centrally and preheat to 350°F. Remove casserole, allowing 15-20 minutes of temperature equilibration. Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes until center solidifies and edges achieve a golden-bronze perfection.
- Resting and Serving: After removing from oven, permit casserole 10-15 minutes of stabilization, facilitating precise cutting and optimal flavor melding.
Notes
- Trim Bread Carefully: Remove crusts completely for a smoother, more elegant texture and even layering in the casserole.
- Drain Sausage Thoroughly: Remove excess grease to prevent a soggy, oily bottom and ensure crisp, clean flavors.
- Layer Strategically: Spread cheese, sausage, and vegetables evenly to guarantee balanced taste in every single bite.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow casserole to cool 10-15 minutes after baking to help ingredients set and make cutting easier.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 408
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 811 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 196 mg