Okay, so I have to tell you about this Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole. Seriously, if there’s one recipe that has saved my mornings (and my sanity) over the past few years, it’s this one. You know those mornings where you just *need* something hearty and delicious, but the thought of cooking a full breakfast feels like climbing Everest? Yeah, this is your answer. It’s got all those incredible flavors you love from an everything bagel – the poppy seeds, the sesame seeds, the garlic, the onion, all swirled into a warm, comforting breakfast dish. It’s ridiculously easy, feeds a crowd (or provides amazing leftovers!), and smells absolutely divine while it bakes. I first stumbled upon a version of this a few years ago and it was good, but you know me, I had to tinker and make it my own. This one, with its perfect balance of savory, slightly tangy, and oh-so-satisfying goodness, has become a staple in our house, right up there with my famous cinnamon rolls, but for a fraction of the morning effort!
What is Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole?
So, what exactly *is* this magical dish? Think of it as the coziest, most breakfast-friendly hug you can bake. It’s essentially a savory, baked egg casserole infused with the iconic flavor profile of an everything bagel. We’re talking a fluffy egg base, mixed with some creamy dairy goodness and maybe a little cheese (because, well, cheese!), and then loaded up with the star of the show: that everything bagel seasoning. It’s not just sprinkled on top; it’s woven into the fabric of the casserole, giving you that burst of flavor in every single bite. The “casserole” part means it’s baked all together in one dish, which is a huge win for easy cleanup. It’s inspired by the sheer joy of a toasted everything bagel with Cream Cheese, but transformed into a substantial meal that’s perfect for a lazy Sunday or a quick weeknight dinner when you’re just craving something comforting. It’s essentially breakfast comfort food, elevated!
How do I make a bagel breakfast casserole?
Quick Overview
This recipe is all about Simple Steps that lead to maximum flavor. You’ll basically whisk together your egg base, stir in some delicious add-ins, get that signature everything bagel seasoning all mixed in, and then bake it until it’s perfectly puffed and golden. It’s straightforward, forgiving, and the results are consistently fantastic. You’re looking at about 15 minutes of active prep time, and then the oven does most of the work. It’s designed to be a stress-free addition to your meal rotation.
Ingredients
For the main casserole base:
* 1 dozen large eggs: Fresh, good quality eggs make a difference! I always go for pasture-raised if I can find them.
* 2 cups milk (whole or 2%): Whole milk gives the creamiest result, but 2% works beautifully too. I’ve even tested this with almond milk, and it was surprisingly good, just a touch less rich.
* 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just to enhance all those lovely flavors.
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground, of course!
* 1 tablespoon Everything Bagel Seasoning: This is the magic! You can buy pre-made blends, or I’ll sometimes make my own if I’m feeling ambitious. You can usually find it in the spice aisle or even at Trader Joe’s. If you can’t find it, don’t fret, I’ll give you some ideas later for DIY versions.
* 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend work great): I love a sharp cheddar for a little punch, or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for melty goodness.
For the Filling (Optional, but Highly Recommended!):
* 1/2 cup diced cooked ham or crumbled cooked bacon: Adds a lovely savory depth. My kids are obsessed with the bacon version.
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions: For a fresh, oniony bite.
* 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper (optional, for color and sweetness): A little bit of sweetness and crunch is always welcome.
* 1/4 cup cream cheese, cut into small cubes (optional, for extra creaminess): This is a secret weapon for making it extra luscious!
For the “Bagel” Topping (Optional, for Extra Texture):
* 1 Everything Bagel, thinly sliced and toasted, then roughly chopped: This is how you really amp up the everything bagel vibe and get those crunchy bits!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, get your oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to give it a light greasing with butter or cooking spray, just to make sure nothing sticks. This is especially important if you’re using a dish that’s prone to sticking. It takes literally 30 seconds and saves you scrubbing later.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until they’re well combined and look nice and frothy. This ensures an even consistency throughout your casserole. Then, sprinkle in that glorious Everything Bagel Seasoning and the shredded cheese. Give it another good whisk until everything is distributed. Don’t overmix; we’re just aiming for everything to be incorporated.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Wait, didn’t we just do that? Yes! This step is more about adding those optional but wonderful extras. If you’re using diced ham, crumbled bacon, chopped bell pepper, or the secret weapon cream cheese cubes, gently fold them into the egg mixture now. The goal is to distribute these goodies evenly so you get a bit of everything in each serving. If you’re using the cream cheese, just dot the cubes throughout the mixture; they’ll melt into creamy pockets during baking.
Step 4: Combine
This step is technically already done in Step 3 by folding in the extra ingredients. If you’re keeping it super simple and just doing the egg base with seasoning and cheese, you’ve already got your wet ingredients combined with the cheese and seasoning. The key here is gentle folding rather than vigorous mixing, especially if you’ve added cream cheese, to maintain those creamy pockets.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
If you’re adding any of the optional fillings like cooked bacon, ham, or diced bell peppers, now’s the time to gently fold them into the egg mixture. This ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the casserole. If you’re using cream cheese, just dot those small cubes around the mixture. You don’t want to break them down completely; they’re meant to melt into delicious, creamy pockets.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. If you’re using the optional toasted and chopped Everything Bagel pieces for the topping, sprinkle them evenly over the surface of the casserole now. This gives you that extra crunch and visual appeal, really mimicking the look and feel of a classic everything bagel.
Step 7: Bake
Pop the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed up, set in the center, and the edges are starting to turn a beautiful golden brown. You can test for doneness by gently inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean. The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This is crucial! It allows the casserole to set up properly, making it easier to cut clean portions and preventing it from being too runny. If you were planning on adding a glaze (though this one usually doesn’t need one, unless you’re going for a dessert spin!), this would be the time, but for this savory version, just a little rest is perfect.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Cut into squares and serve hot. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around the table. It’s incredibly satisfying and, trust me, it disappears fast!
What to Serve It With
This Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole is so wonderfully versatile, you can serve it in so many ways, depending on your mood and the occasion!
For Breakfast: My absolute favorite way to enjoy this is with a steaming mug of good coffee. It’s hearty enough on its own, but if you want to go the extra mile, a side of fresh fruit like berries or melon is always lovely. Presentation-wise, I just bring the whole dish to the table for everyone to serve themselves. It’s wonderfully communal.
For Brunch: Elevate it by serving alongside some smoked salmon, capers, and a dollop of sour cream or extra cream cheese. This really leans into the bagel vibe! A refreshing mimosa or a sparkling elderflower cordial would be perfect beverage pairings. For plating, I’ll scoop out generous portions and perhaps garnish with a few extra chives or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
As Dessert: Okay, bear with me here! While this is primarily a savory dish, if you were to make a slightly sweeter version (think less salt, maybe a touch more milk and a whisper of sugar, and omitting the savory add-ins), it could be surprisingly good with a light drizzle of honey or maple syrup. But for the savory version, it’s definitely not a dessert!
For Cozy Snacks: This is perfect for a comforting afternoon snack. I’ll often just cut a small square and enjoy it while I’m catching up on emails or reading a book. It’s also fantastic for a simple, no-fuss dinner when you’re just craving something warm and satisfying. It pairs well with a simple side salad if you want to add some greens.
My family traditions often involve this casserole on busy Saturdays. We’ll make a big batch, and there will inevitably be someone sneaking a cold slice straight from the fridge the next morning – and honestly, it’s still pretty darn good!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole
I’ve made this Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make it even better. Here are my top tips to ensure yours turns out perfectly every single time.
Egg Prep: When whisking your eggs, make sure they’re thoroughly beaten. You want to break down the whites and yolks completely so that the casserole cooks evenly and has a consistent, fluffy texture. Over-whisking isn’t really an issue here, but under-whisking can lead to slightly “eggy” pockets.
Mixing Advice: Don’t be afraid to get in there and mix your ingredients well, but once you add the Everything Bagel seasoning and cheese to the eggs, you don’t need to go crazy. Just stir until everything is incorporated. If you’re adding the optional cream cheese cubes, gently fold them in rather than stirring vigorously to keep those delightful creamy pockets intact.
Swirl Customization: If you’re adding the optional cream cheese, you can get a little swirl effect by not fully mixing it in. When you pour the mixture into the dish, you can use a spoon to gently nudge a few of the cream cheese cubes around. They’ll melt and create lovely, rich pockets throughout the casserole.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to get creative with your fillings! If you don’t have ham or bacon, leftover cooked sausage works wonderfully. For a vegetarian option, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted sweet potatoes are fantastic additions. The cheese is also adaptable; Gruyere adds a nutty depth, and a spicy pepper jack can give it a nice kick. Remember to adjust salt if your add-ins are already salty!
Baking Tips: Always preheat your oven properly. An oven that’s not hot enough can result in a rubbery texture. If your casserole starts browning too quickly on top before the center is set, you can loosely tent it with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. I usually bake mine on the middle rack for the most even heat distribution.
Glaze Variations: While this savory version is perfect as is, if you were looking for a ‘dessert’ spin (which I admit I’ve tried!), you could whip up a simple powdered sugar glaze with a splash of milk and a hint of vanilla. For the savory, I’ve sometimes drizzled a little bit of sriracha or a hot sauce right before serving for a bit of heat.
I’ve learned that the key is to not overthink it. It’s a forgiving recipe, and even if it’s not “perfect,” it will still be incredibly delicious. That’s the beauty of a good casserole!
Storing and Reheating Tips
The great thing about this Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole is that it’s just as good (if not better!) as leftovers. And storing and reheating it is a breeze.
Room Temperature: If you have any leftovers that have cooled down from serving, you can leave them at room temperature for a couple of hours. However, for food safety, it’s always best to refrigerate any leftovers within two hours of cooking.
Refrigerator Storage: Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer individual portions into airtight containers. It will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I often make this on a Sunday, and we have it for breakfast or lunch through Wednesday.
Freezer Instructions: Yes, you can absolutely freeze this casserole! Let it cool completely first. You can freeze the entire dish (if it’s freezer-safe) or cut it into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil or a freezer bag. It should last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: For the savory version, there’s no glaze to worry about. If you were to make a sweet variation and added a glaze before baking, it would likely bake on well. For reheating, I usually reheat the casserole plain and then, if I wanted to add a sauce or topping (like a drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream), I’d do that *after* reheating.
When reheating, the microwave is the quickest option for single servings, or you can pop a larger portion back into a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) until heated through. It might not puff up quite as much as it did the first time, but the flavor will still be fantastic!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole! It’s a recipe that truly embodies comfort food for me. It’s incredibly satisfying, surprisingly simple, and bursting with those familiar, beloved flavors. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the kitchen, drawn in by the amazing aroma. Whether you’re serving it to your family on a lazy weekend morning, bringing it to a potluck brunch, or even just making it for yourself to enjoy throughout the week, it never disappoints.
If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my French Toast Casserole or my Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Bake for other make-ahead morning delights. This casserole is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special. I really hope you give it a try and that it becomes a favorite in your home, just like it has in mine. I can’t wait to hear what you think and how your Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole turns out!
Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds breakfast sausage
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 0.5 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 0.5 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crumbled cream cheese
- 4 large everything bagels cubed
- 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Drain off excess grease. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.1.5 pounds breakfast sausage
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.1.5 pounds breakfast sausage
- Add the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled cream cheese to the egg mixture. Stir to combine.1.5 pounds breakfast sausage
- Gently fold in the cubed everything bagels.1.5 pounds breakfast sausage
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning evenly over the top.1.5 pounds breakfast sausage
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Featured Comments
“Impressed! Clear steps and quick weeknight win results. Perfect for busy nights.”
“New favorite here — comforting. crowd-pleaser was spot on.”
“Super easy and turned out amazing! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
“This sweet treat was absolutely loved — the hearty really stands out. Thanks!”
“Made it tonight and wow — turned out amazing! Will definitely make Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole again.”
“Packed with flavor and so simple. Exactly what I wanted from Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole.”
