Imagine the iconic, crave-worthy flavor of an everything bagel, the intoxicating blend of toasted sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt, transformed into the ultimate shareable breakfast experience. The Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole is a savory, satisfying, and brilliantly convenient dish that takes the best elements of your favorite bakery treat and reimagines them as a hearty, crowd-feeding bake. This recipe solves the logistical puzzle of serving a warm, luxurious breakfast to a group by allowing you to do all the work ahead of time. Cubes of day-old bagels are enveloped in a rich, creamy egg custard, layered with savory bacon or sausage, and punctuated with creamy pockets of cheese.
Why Is This Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole So Popular?
The popularity of this casserole is rooted in its ingenious combination of trendy flavor and practical design. Firstly, it capitalizes on the universal love for everything bagel seasoning. This blend has become a culinary phenomenon for a reason—its savory, aromatic, and slightly salty profile is incredibly addictive. Incorporating it into a breakfast casserole feels both novel and comfortingly familiar.
Secondly, it is the ultimate make-ahead solution for entertaining. Hosting brunch can be stressful, but this dish eliminates the last-minute scramble. It must be assembled hours in advance, meaning your work is done the night before. On the day of the event, you simply pop it in the oven, filling your home with an irresistible aroma while you enjoy your guests. Furthermore, it is highly adaptable to preferences and diets. It can easily be made with different meats, cheeses, or vegetables, and even altered to be vegetarian. Finally, it reduces food waste by providing a delicious purpose for day-old or stale bagels that might otherwise be thrown away. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet is practical, scalable, and always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole
- The Flavor of a Bagel, the Heart of a Feast: It delivers the iconic everything bagel taste in a much more substantial and shareable format.
- Stress-Free Hosting: Prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning, making you a relaxed and prepared host.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Its savory, cheesy, and familiar flavors are guaranteed to please a wide range of palates, from children to adults.
- Textural Paradise: Enjoy a crisp, seasoned top layer that gives way to a soft, custardy, and cheesy interior.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This casserole reheats remarkably well, making for delicious breakfasts throughout the week.
Here’s what you’ll need:
*(Quantities are for a 9×13 inch baking dish, serving 8-10 people)*
The Bread and Custard Base:
- 6-7 large Everything Bagels, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10-12 cups)
- 10 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a slightly lighter option)
- 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (use cautiously as the bagels and seasoning are salty)
The Savory Fillings:
- 1 pound bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled, OR 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 large white or yellow onion, diced
- 8 ounces (about 2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces (about 2 cups) Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 3-4 green onions, thinly sliced
The Topping:
- 2-3 tablespoons Everything Bagel Seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps for making this delightful Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole. It’s as easy as pie, and I promise you’ll feel like a culinary superstar!
Step 1: Prepare the Bagels and Fillings
Start by cutting the everything bagels into 1-inch cubes. It’s best if the bagels are slightly stale, as they will absorb the custard better without becoming mushy. If your bagels are fresh, you can spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes to dry them out slightly. Cook your chosen meat (bacon or sausage) until browned and crumbled. Drain off any excess fat. Sauté the diced onion in a bit of the rendered fat or olive oil until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard
In a very large bowl, whisk the 10 eggs until well-beaten and uniform. Add the whole milk, heavy cream, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and homogenous. The sour cream adds a wonderful tang and richness that complements the savory flavors perfectly.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray. Spread half of the bagel cubes evenly in the bottom of the dish. Top with half of the cooked meat, half of the sautéed onions, half of the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, and half of the sliced green onions. Repeat the layers with the remaining bagel cubes, meat, onions, cheeses, and green onions.
Step 4: Soak the Casserole
Slowly and carefully pour the egg custard mixture evenly over the entire layered casserole. Press down gently on the top with a spatula to ensure all the bagel cubes are submerged and begin to soak up the liquid. This is a crucial step for a uniform texture.
Step 5: The Essential Overnight Rest
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This casserole MUST be refrigerated for at least 4 hours, but ideally 8-12 hours (overnight). This resting period is non-negotiable. It allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a soft, pudding-like texture throughout instead of dry, eggy bread cubes.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Brown Perfection
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter while the oven heats up (about 20-30 minutes). Sprinkle the top evenly with the ½ cup of Parmesan cheese and the 2-3 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
Step 7: Crisp the Top and Serve
After 40 minutes, remove the foil. The casserole should be mostly set. Continue baking, uncovered, for another 20-30 minutes, or until the top is deep golden brown, the edges are bubbly, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows it to set firmly. Garnish with fresh chives before serving.
Tips for Success
- Stale Bagels are Best: Using day-old or lightly toasted bagels prevents a gummy, soggy texture.
- Don’t Rush the Soak: The overnight refrigeration is critical for texture. Do not attempt to bake this immediately after assembling.
- Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, spinach (thawed and squeezed dry), or diced bell peppers.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens vary. The casserole is done when the center is puffed and no longer jiggles when you shake the pan.
- Make Your Own Seasoning: To make homemade everything bagel seasoning, combine 2 tbsp sesame seeds, 1 tbsp poppy seeds, 1 tbsp dried minced garlic, 1 tbsp dried minced onion, and 2 tsp flaky sea salt.
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch (or similar 3-quart) baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Large skillet
- Cutting board and serrated knife (for cutting bagels)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Variations of Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole
- Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese: For the ultimate bagel experience, omit the bacon/sausage. After baking, top the casserole with dollops of cold cream cheese, slices of smoked salmon, capers, and fresh dill.
- Vegetarian Delight: Omit the meat and add sautéed spinach and mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version.
- “Jalapeño Popper” Style: Add 1-2 diced jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat) and use a combination of cheddar and cream cheese mixed into the custard.
- Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and substitute the Gruyère with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free everything bagels to easily adapt this recipe for those with dietary restrictions.
Serving Suggestions for Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole
This casserole is a complete meal, but it pairs wonderfully with these sides:
- Fresh and Bright Sides: A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a platter of fresh fruit helps balance the richness.
- Extra Condiments: Serve with hot sauce, extra sour cream, or a creamy dill sauce on the side.
- Classic Brunch Drinks: Pair with a crisp mimosa, a Bloody Mary, or a strong cup of coffee.
- As a Breakfast Sandwich: For a handheld option, scoop a portion and serve it between two halves of a mini bagel.
Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus mandatory 4-12 hour chill time)
Cooking Time: 60-70 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (plus chilling and resting time)
Nutritional Information
(Estimated per serving, based on 10 servings)
- Calories: ~650
- Protein: ~35g
- Sodium: ~1200mg (varies greatly with bagels and seasoning)
- Sugar: ~8g
- Fat: ~40g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Fiber: ~3g
FAQs about Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole
Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: Absolutely. While bagels give it a unique chew, you can use 10-12 cups of cubed French bread, sourdough, or even croissants for a richer, flakier texture.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: It is best baked fresh. You can assemble it and freeze it before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator (24-48 hours) before baking as directed. The texture of the baked and then frozen casserole can become watery upon reheating.
Q: Why is my casserole soggy?
A: Sogginess is usually caused by not using stale enough bread, not allowing enough soaking time for the custard to be fully absorbed, or underbaking. Ensure you follow the steps for using slightly dry bread and the long refrigeration time.
Q: Can I use less fat in the custard?
A: You can substitute the heavy cream with more whole milk and use low-fat sour cream, but the result will be less rich and creamy. The fat is key to the luxurious mouthfeel.
Q: How long do leftovers last?
A: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole, covered with foil, in a 325°F oven until warm.
Final Thoughts
The Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole is more than a recipe; it is a strategic and delicious approach to stress-free, impressive entertaining. It masterfully translates the beloved, complex flavors of an everything bagel into a hearty, communal dish that feels both indulgent and comforting. The process of preparing it ahead of time is a gift to your future self, allowing you to be a present and relaxed host when it matters most. With its perfect balance of savory seasoning, creamy custard, crispy top, and cheesy interior, this casserole is guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your brunch repertoire and become a requested tradition for years to come. It’s the ultimate way to turn a simple morning into a memorable celebration.
