Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Searching for the ultimate make-ahead breakfast? The Ina Garten overnight breakfast casserole delivers a delicious and effortless solution.

Inspired by the Barefoot Contessa’s signature entertaining style, this hearty overnight breakfast casserole combines crispy bacon, savory breakfast sausage, caramelized sweet potatoes, and fluffy eggs into one spectacular dish. Perfect for holiday brunches, weekend guests, or busy mornings, this easy breakfast casserole recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

The charm of this breakfast casserole recipe lies in its flexibility prepare everything the night before and wake up to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of a home-cooked breakfast.

What Does It Taste Like?

This Barefoot Contessa overnight breakfast casserole offers a symphony of complementary flavors and textures.

The smoky, salty bacon and savory breakfast sausage provide a rich protein foundation, while the roasted sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and a tender, caramelized bite. Sautéed bell peppers and onions contribute a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth, and the garlic adds warmth throughout.

The eggs bind everything together with a custard-like creaminess, creating pockets of fluffy goodness between the hearty ingredients. Each forkful delivers a satisfying balance of sweet and savory notes with a delightful contrast between crispy edges and a soft, tender center.

Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe Ingredients and Kitchen Utensils

Ingredients

For the roasted components:

• 8 ounces bacon (about 8–10 slices)
• 1 pound sweet potatoes (peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes)
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the main casserole:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage (sweet or spicy)
• 1 green bell pepper (deseeded and diced)
• ½ medium to large onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 12 large eggs
• ⅓ cup milk (dairy or dairy-free)
• Optional: cheese for topping
• Optional: sliced green onion for garnish

Kitchen Utensils

• 2 baking sheets
• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Large skillet
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Slotted spoon
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 12 portions

Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and roast the bacon and sweet potatoes Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the bacon slices flat on one baking sheet. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes, then place them on a separate baking sheet. Drizzle the sweet potatoes with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and spread in a single layer.

Step 2: Bake the bacon and sweet potatoes Place both baking sheets in the oven. The bacon will take approximately 18–20 minutes until crispy watch it closely to prevent burning. The sweet potatoes require about 35 minutes total. After removing the bacon at 20 minutes, toss the sweet potatoes for even browning and continue baking until tender and caramelized.

Step 3: Prep your vegetables While the bacon and sweet potatoes are roasting, dice the green bell pepper and onion. Mince the garlic cloves and set everything aside.

Step 4: Cook the breakfast sausage In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Continue cooking for 6–8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Transfer the cooked sausage to your 9×13-inch casserole dish using a slotted spoon. Drain the excess grease, leaving 1–2 tablespoons in the pan for sautéing.

Step 5: Sauté the vegetables In the same skillet with the reserved grease, add the diced bell pepper and onion. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the casserole dish with the sausage.

Step 6: Combine all ingredients Once the sweet potatoes are done roasting, add them to the casserole dish. Crumble or chop the cooled bacon and add it to the mixture (you can reserve 2 slices for topping if desired). Stir everything together and taste, adding additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7: Prepare the egg mixture In a large bowl, whisk together the 12 eggs and ⅓ cup milk until well combined. Avoid over-whisking to prevent excessive bubbles. Pour the egg mixture evenly over all the ingredients in the casserole dish, ensuring everything is covered.

Step 8: Add toppings and bake If desired, crumble the reserved bacon on top and sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, until the edges are golden brown, the center is set without jiggling, and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and serve Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with sliced green onion if desired. Slice into 12 equal portions and serve warm.

Customization and Pairing for Serving Ideas

1. Mediterranean-Inspired Variation

Transform this sausage breakfast casserole recipe into a Mediterranean delight by swapping the breakfast sausage for Italian chicken sausage and adding sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, and crumbled feta cheese. Replace the sweet potatoes with diced zucchini and red bell peppers for a lighter, herbaceous version that pairs beautifully with a side of tzatziki sauce.

2. Southwestern Fiesta Style

Give your breakfast casserole recipe with sausage a Tex-Mex twist by using chorizo instead of regular breakfast sausage and adding black beans, corn, diced jalapeños, and a generous helping of pepper jack cheese. Top with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve alongside warm flour tortillas and salsa verde.

3. Veggie-Loaded Garden Version

Create a vegetable-forward easy breakfast casserole recipe by reducing the meat and bulking up with mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, and baby kale. This lighter version still delivers on flavor while accommodating guests who prefer more vegetables. The earthy mushrooms provide that satisfying umami depth.

4. Fresh Fruit Platter 

Pair Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe with a fresh fruit platter. The light, juicy fruits balance the rich custardy casserole, creating a vibrant and refreshing brunch experience. Meanwhile, Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad adds a crisp, Mediterranean touch, perfect for starting the meal with bright, fresh flavors that complement any savory dish.

5. Classic Brunch Pairing

Serve your Barefoot Contessa overnight breakfast casserole with traditional brunch accompaniments like fresh fruit salad, buttermilk biscuits with honey butter, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Add a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the casserole.

6. Cheesy Comfort Slices

Serve Ina Garten Cottage Pie in hearty, golden slices. The savory filling pairs wonderfully with a side of Ina Garten Roasted Carrots, offering sweet, caramelized flavor and colorful presentation to elevate any dinner spread.

7. Sweet and Savory Combination

Balance the savory elements by serving alongside sweet breakfast items like cinnamon rolls, berry compote, or maple-glazed pastries. This combination creates a complete brunch spread that satisfies every palate and makes your table look absolutely stunning.

8. Cheese Lover’s Dream

Elevate this best breakfast casserole recipe by incorporating multiple cheeses sharp cheddar mixed into the eggs, crumbled goat cheese throughout, and a final topping of gruyère for that golden, bubbly finish. The complex cheese profile adds sophisticated depth to every bite.

9. Sweet Dessert Trio

End your meal with a Barefoot Contessa Coconut Custard Pie slice for creamy, tropical richness, while a portion of Ina Garten Vanilla Cake adds soft, buttery indulgence, creating a perfectly balanced dessert course.

10. Protein-Packed Powerhouse

For a high-protein variation, use turkey sausage, add extra eggs (up to 15), incorporate cottage cheese into the egg mixture, and top with additional crumbled bacon. This version is perfect for athletes or anyone following a protein-focused diet while still enjoying a delicious breakfast.

Expert Tips for the Best Breakfast Casserole

1. Achieve Perfectly Crispy Bacon The key to exceptional bacon in your Ina Garten breakfast casserole is oven-roasting rather than pan-frying. Arrange the slices in a single layer without overlapping, and bake at 400°F. This method ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness. Watch carefully during the last few minutes bacon can go from perfectly crispy to burnt quickly. Let it cool completely before crumbling to maintain that satisfying crunch throughout the casserole.

2. Master the Sweet Potato Technique Cut your sweet potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes for consistent cooking. The size matters larger pieces won’t cook through, while smaller ones may burn. Toss them halfway through baking to ensure even caramelization on all sides. The roasted sweet potatoes should be fork-tender with golden-brown edges, adding both natural sweetness and textural contrast to your overnight breakfast casserole recipe.

3. Don’t Skip the Sausage Browning Properly browning your breakfast sausage is crucial for developing deep, savory flavor. Cook it over medium-high heat and resist the urge to stir constantly let it develop a golden-brown crust before breaking it up. This caramelization process (the Maillard reaction) creates complex flavors that elevate your sausage breakfast casserole recipe from good to extraordinary.

4. Season in Layers The secret to a well-seasoned casserole is building flavor at every stage. Season the sweet potatoes before roasting, taste and adjust the sausage-vegetable mixture before adding eggs, and don’t forget to season the egg mixture itself. This layered approach ensures every component contributes to the overall flavor profile rather than relying on the eggs alone to carry all the seasoning.

5. Perfect the Egg-to-Ingredient Ratio The ideal easy breakfast casserole recipe has just enough egg to bind the ingredients without becoming overly custardy. Twelve eggs for this quantity of ingredients creates the perfect balance. Whisk the eggs with milk just until combined over-whisking incorporates too much air, leading to a puffy casserole that deflates and becomes rubbery as it cools.

6. Know When It’s Done The center of your casserole should be set but not dry. Look for edges that are golden brown and pulling slightly away from the pan, while the center should have just a slight firmness when gently pressed. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Overbaking results in dry, rubbery eggs, so check at the 25-minute mark.

7. Master the Make-Ahead Method For a true copycat Ina Garten overnight breakfast casserole, prepare everything through step 7, cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove it from the refrigerator while preheating the oven (letting it sit for 15-20 minutes takes the chill off), then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since it’s starting cold. This technique is perfect for stress-free holiday mornings or weekend entertaining.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store leftover breakfast casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 60-90 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. For freezing, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Common Queries and FAQs

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe that people often ask.

Can I make this breakfast casserole the night before?

Absolutely! This Ina Garten overnight breakfast casserole is specifically designed for make-ahead convenience. Prepare the entire casserole through step 7, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes to account for the cold start. This method actually enhances the flavors as the ingredients meld together overnight.

What’s the best sausage to use in this breakfast casserole?

For an authentic breakfast casserole recipe with sausage, choose a high-quality pork breakfast sausage either mild or spicy depending on your preference. Jimmy Dean, Bob Evans, or your local butcher’s fresh sausage all work beautifully. You can also use turkey sausage for a leaner option, chicken apple sausage for a slightly sweet twist, or chorizo for a bold, spicy kick. Avoid pre-cooked sausage links or patties, as bulk sausage provides better texture and flavor distribution.

Can I substitute regular potatoes for sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can use russet potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, or red potatoes instead of sweet potatoes in this best breakfast casserole recipe. Dice them into the same ½-inch cubes and adjust the seasoning regular potatoes pair well with rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning instead of the cumin and paprika. Keep in mind that regular potatoes will give you a more traditional savory flavor profile, while sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and extra nutrients.

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

Your overnight breakfast casserole recipe is done when the edges are golden brown and slightly pulled away from the sides of the pan, the center is set without jiggling when you gently shake the dish, and a toothpick or knife inserted in the middle comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The internal temperature should reach 160°F. If the top is browning too quickly but the center isn’t set, tent loosely with foil and continue baking.

Can I use egg substitutes or reduce the eggs?

For this recipe’s proportions, 12 eggs are necessary to properly bind all the ingredients. You can use liquid egg substitute (follow package equivalents for 12 eggs) or make it with 8 whole eggs plus 8 egg whites for a lower-cholesterol option. Avoid reducing below 10 eggs total, as you need sufficient egg mixture to create the custard-like texture that holds this sausage breakfast casserole recipe together.

What cheese works best in this casserole?

While Ina Garten’s version is often made without cheese, you can add your favorites. Sharp cheddar provides classic breakfast flavor, gruyère adds nutty sophistication, pepper jack gives a spicy kick, and crumbled feta or goat cheese offers tangy creaminess. Use 1-2 cups total, either mixed into the casserole or sprinkled on top during the last 10 minutes of baking. For best results, shred cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded varieties.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Transform this into a vegetarian easy breakfast casserole recipe by omitting the bacon and sausage and doubling up on vegetables. Add mushrooms, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and spinach for substance. To compensate for the lost savory depth, include smoked paprika, nutritional yeast, or a bit of liquid smoke. Increase the cheese for added protein and richness. The cooking method remains the same.

How many people does this breakfast casserole serve?

This Barefoot Contessa overnight breakfast casserole yields 12 generous portions, making it perfect for feeding a crowd. As a main dish for brunch, it comfortably serves 10-12 people. If you’re serving it alongside other breakfast items like pastries, fruit, and yogurt, it can stretch to feed 15-16 people. For smaller gatherings, halve the recipe and use an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish, adjusting the baking time to 20-25 minutes.

Why is my breakfast casserole watery?

Excess moisture typically comes from three sources: not draining the cooked sausage properly, vegetables releasing water during cooking, or not baking long enough. Always drain sausage well and pat vegetables dry if they seem wet after sautéing. Ensure your casserole bakes until the center is completely set. If you’re using frozen vegetables, thaw and drain them thoroughly first. Adding too much milk to the egg mixture can also create a watery result stick to the ⅓ cup called for.

Can I freeze this breakfast casserole?

Yes! This copycat Ina Garten overnight breakfast casserole freezes beautifully. You can freeze it either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked: assemble completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and two layers of aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed. To freeze baked: let it cool completely, cut into portions, wrap individually in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.

This Ina Garten overnight breakfast casserole proves that impressive entertaining doesn’t require morning stress. With its perfect balance of crispy bacon, savory sausage, caramelized sweet potatoes, and fluffy eggs, this best breakfast casserole recipe delivers Barefoot Contessa-worthy flavor while offering unmatched convenience.

Whether you’re hosting holiday guests, planning a weekend brunch, or simply craving a hearty breakfast, this make-ahead masterpiece transforms ordinary mornings into special occasions. Prep it tonight, bake it tomorrow, and enjoy the compliments that follow. Happy cooking!

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