Rustic Sunday Delight: Ina Garten’s Cheesy Brunch Egg Casserole Recipe

Weekends call for something special, and this delectable brunch egg casserole by Ina Garten will become your new weekend favorite.

Packed with rich, creamy textures and incredible flavor combinations, this dish promises to delight every breakfast lover.

Eggs, cheese, and herbs meld together in a harmony that screams comfort and indulgence.

The recipe offers a perfect balance of simplicity and gourmet appeal that makes it feel like a restaurant-quality meal straight from your own kitchen.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of soft eggs, melted cheese, and perfectly seasoned ingredients.

Serve this casserole and watch as everyone at the table lights up with pure culinary joy.

You’ll want to savor every single delicious forkful of this morning masterpiece.

Equipment Used for Ina Garten Brunch Egg Casserole

• Large Baking Dish (11×7 inch): Essential for layering and baking the casserole.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending eggs and milk smoothly.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: Needed for preparing the egg mixture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for checking casserole doneness and serving.
• Cheese Grater: Helpful for shredding cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded.
• Spatula or Spoon: Great for evenly spreading ingredients in the baking dish.

Making Instructions for Ina Garten Brunch Egg Casserole

• Breakfast Canvas

Gather your favorite baking dish and prepare for a morning masterpiece that will make everyone at the table smile with anticipation.

• Crispy Foundation

Spread golden croutons across the bottom of your dish, creating a crunchy base that will transform into a delightful breakfast surprise.

• Cheese Blanket

Generously shower shredded cheddar over the croutons, ensuring every bite will have a melty, tangy layer of comfort.

• Egg Symphony

Whisk eggs with creamy milk and a harmonious blend of seasonings until the mixture looks silky and smooth, promising a rich and flavorful experience.

• Bacon Crown

Drape partially cooked bacon strips across the top, adding a smoky and savory touch that elevates the entire dish.

• Oven Magic

Slide the casserole into a warm oven and let it bake until the eggs set perfectly and the edges turn a beautiful golden brown, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

• Morning Celebration

Remove from the oven, let it rest briefly, then serve this crowd-pleasing dish that turns an ordinary morning into a special gathering.

How to Customize Ina Garten Brunch Egg Casserole

• Swap out cheddar for Swiss, Gruyère, or pepper jack cheese to add unique flavor profiles and excitement to the dish.
• Assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Simply pop it in the oven in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
• Replace bacon with sautéed spinach, roasted bell peppers, or diced mushrooms to create a meat-free version that's equally delicious and nutritious.
• Enhance the flavor by adding chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme, or include a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
• Garnish with fresh chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or crumbled goat cheese just before serving to elevate the presentation and add extra layers of taste.

Serving Ina Garten Brunch Egg Casserole at Breakfast

• Pair with Fresh Sides: Complement the rich, cheesy casserole with crisp mixed greens or a colorful fruit salad to balance the savory flavors and add refreshing nutrition.
• Brunch Beverage Companions: Serve alongside freshly squeezed orange juice, smooth mimosas, or hot coffee to elevate the meal and create a complete morning dining experience.
• Garnish for Extra Flair: Sprinkle chopped fresh chives, parsley, or green onions on top to add a pop of color, brightness, and a subtle herbal note that enhances the egg casserole's taste.
• Create a Buffet Style: Arrange the casserole as a centerpiece with additional breakfast items like pastries, toast, and yogurt to create an inviting brunch spread that encourages sharing and conversation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 6

What’s Included in Ina Garten Brunch Egg Casserole

• Croutons: Crunchy bread cubes that create a sturdy foundation, adding delightful texture and absorbing the rich egg mixture. Choose day-old or slightly stale bread cubes for optimal absorption.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that provides a tangy flavor burst and creamy richness to the casserole. Select a high-quality, aged cheddar for maximum flavor impact.

• Eggs: Protein-packed binding agent that creates the casserole's smooth, custardy texture. Use fresh, room-temperature eggs for best results.
• Milk: Creamy liquid that ensures a soft, tender consistency. Whole milk works best for maximum richness.
• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that balances the dish's overall taste.
• Ground Mustard: Adds subtle, zesty undertones and depth to the egg mixture. Choose a fresh, high-quality ground mustard.
• Onion Powder: Introduces a mild, sweet aromatic complexity. Look for a pure, finely ground version.
• Black Pepper: Provides a gentle, warming heat and additional flavor layer.

• Bacon: Crispy, smoky protein that adds a savory crunch and rich flavor profile. Select thick-cut bacon for maximum taste and texture.

How to Store Ina Garten Brunch Egg Casserole Easily

• Batch Prepare Ahead: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to cook. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to bring to room temperature.
• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm the entire dish in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap the unbaked casserole securely in double layers of aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the original cooking time.
• Portion and Pack: Cut cooled casserole into individual servings and store in separate containers for quick grab-and-go breakfast or lunch options during busy weekdays.

Hearty Ina Garten Brunch Egg Casserole Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic French-inspired Ina Garten egg casserole blends rich cheeses and herbs into a delightful morning centerpiece. Guests will savor each comforting bite of this elegant breakfast dish perfect for weekend gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 4 strips bacon, chopped and partially cooked
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups unseasoned stuffing cubes or croutons
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground mustard
• 1/8 tsp onion powder
• Dash black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and butter an 11×7-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent adhesion.
2. Base Layer: Distribute croutons evenly across the dish bottom, creating a uniform foundation for the casserole.
3. Cheese Foundation: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the crouton layer, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
4. Egg Mixture: Whisk eggs, milk, kosher salt, ground mustard, onion powder, and black pepper in a medium bowl until seamlessly blended and silky smooth.
5. Assembly: Pour the seasoned egg mixture over the crouton and cheese layers, guaranteeing complete saturation of the entire dish.
6. Protein Topping: Arrange partially cooked bacon strips strategically across the casserole surface for an appetizing protein element.
7. Baking Process: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, watching for complete egg set and a clean knife test through the center.
8. Resting Period: Extract from oven and allow the casserole to rest 5-10 minutes, enabling flavors to harmonize and ingredients to settle.
9. Serving: Slice into hearty portions and present warm, complemented by seasonal fruit or a crisp mixed green salad for a sophisticated brunch presentation.

Notes

• Plan Ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate to enhance flavor melding and save morning preparation time.
• Crouton Selection: Use day-old bread cubes or store-bought croutons for optimal texture and to prevent soggy bottom layer.
• Bacon Precision: Par-cook bacon until slightly crisp to prevent excessive greasiness and ensure perfect texture after baking.
• Temperature Check: Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm eggs reach 160°F internally for food safety and perfect consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg