Description
Start your day with a delicious and hearty Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole! This easy-to-make dish combines savory bagels, crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and fluffy eggs for a perfect breakfast or brunch option. Prepare it the night before for a stress-free morning.
Ingredients
- 6 leftover everything bagels, halved horizontally and torn into bite-sized pieces
- 6 ounces cooked ham, bacon, or sausage, cut or crumbled into small pieces
- ¾ cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese (divided: ½ cup and ¼ cup)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (plus extra for garnish)
- 8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese or regular cream cheese (do not use fat-free)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dish:
Lightly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with baking spray. Scatter the bagel pieces evenly across the bottom. - Layer Ingredients:
Sprinkle the cooked ham, bacon, or sausage over the bagels. Add ½ cup of grated cheddar cheese on top. - Mix Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ground mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth. - Assemble:
Pour the egg mixture over the bagel and meat layer. Lightly press down on the bagels to help them absorb the liquid. Dot small pieces of cream cheese evenly over the top. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of chopped chives and the remaining ¼ cup cheddar cheese. - Refrigerate:
Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. - Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. - Finish Baking:
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. - Rest and Serve:
Let the casserole rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh chives for a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- Bagel Texture: Slightly stale bagels are best for this recipe as they soak up the egg mixture without becoming mushy. If your bagels are fresh, lightly toast them beforehand.
- Cheese Swaps: Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack for unique flavor combinations.
- Make Ahead: This casserole is perfect for prepping the night before. Just refrigerate and bake fresh in the morning.
- Freezing: Assemble the casserole, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55–60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American