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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and butter an 11×7-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent adhesion.
- Base Layer: Distribute croutons evenly across the dish bottom, creating a uniform foundation for the casserole.
- Cheese Foundation: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the crouton layer, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Egg Mixture: Whisk eggs, milk, kosher salt, ground mustard, onion powder, and black pepper in a medium bowl until seamlessly blended and silky smooth.
- Assembly: Pour the seasoned egg mixture over the crouton and cheese layers, guaranteeing complete saturation of the entire dish.
- Protein Topping: Arrange partially cooked bacon strips strategically across the casserole surface for an appetizing protein element.
- 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.
- Resting Period: Extract from oven and allow the casserole to rest 5-10 minutes, enabling flavors to harmonize and ingredients to settle.
- 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