Everything Bagel Casserole Recipe

This Everything Bagel Casserole transforms your favorite morning bagel into a hearty, savory breakfast dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Combining toasty bagel pieces, savory sausage, and a creamy egg mixture – all highlighted with that iconic everything bagel seasoning – this casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or meal prep for busy weekdays!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Familiar Flavors, New Format: If you’re an everything bagel fan, you’ll love how this casserole captures all those same delicious flavors in a comforting, shareable dish.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning for a stress-free breakfast that’ll impress everyone at the table.
• Customizable: The basic formula works beautifully with endless variations, so you can adapt it to your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This casserole feeds a group with minimal effort, making it perfect for family gatherings or brunch with friends.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Everything Bagels: The star of the show! They provide that distinct flavor and chewy-crunchy texture that makes this casserole special. Day-old bagels work particularly well since they absorb the egg mixture better.
• Breakfast Sausage: Adds a savory, meaty component that balances the other flavors. Choose mild or spicy depending on your preference.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, creamy base for the egg mixture. Make sure it’s properly softened for a smooth consistency.
• Whole Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the egg mixture. The fat content helps create a custard-like texture.
• Eggs: The binding agent that holds everything together. They create that custardy texture that makes breakfast casseroles so comforting.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning: The magical flavor booster that gives this casserole its signature taste. Don’t skimp here!
• Gruyère Cheese: Offers a nutty, sophisticated flavor that melts beautifully. It’s worth the splurge for this special dish.
• Green Onions: Adds a fresh, bright finish that cuts through the richness of the casserole.

Variations

Meat Lover’s Version

Swap the breakfast sausage for a mix of crispy bacon and diced ham for an even more indulgent breakfast treat.

Vegetarian Option

Skip the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers for a veggie-packed version that’s just as satisfying.

Spicy Kick

Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for those who like a morning heat wave.

Cheese Variations

Try different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked gouda for unique flavor profiles.

How to Make Everything Bagel Casserole

Step 1: Toast the Bagels

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cut your everything bagels into chunks and spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Toast them for about 8 minutes, giving them a stir halfway through. You want them dry and lightly toasted, not burned. Let them cool completely after toasting.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Base

While your bagel pieces are cooling, soften your cream cheese in a large bowl by microwaving it for 20-30 seconds. Beat it with a hand mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually mix in the whole milk and everything bagel seasoning, whisking until you have a smooth, lump-free mixture.

Step 3: Finish the Egg Mixture

Whisk your eggs into the cream cheese mixture until well combined. Then fold in the shredded gruyère cheese, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Combine and Soak

Once your bagel pieces are completely cooled, add them to a large bowl along with the cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage. Pour the egg mixture over top and gently toss until everything is thoroughly coated. Cover and let this mixture soak for 15-20 minutes so the bagel pieces can absorb some of the egg mixture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 4-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Transfer your soaked bagel mixture to the prepared dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle some additional everything bagel seasoning on top for extra flavor and visual appeal. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean and the casserole doesn’t jiggle when gently shaken.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows it to set up properly and makes serving easier. Garnish with sliced green onions just before bringing it to the table.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Toast the Bagels Properly: Don’t skip the toasting step! It ensures the bagels have the right texture in the finished casserole – chewy but not soggy.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your eggs come to room temperature before mixing for a smoother, more even custard.
• Don’t Rush the Soaking: Those 15-20 minutes of soaking time are crucial for the bagel pieces to absorb some of the egg mixture, creating the perfect texture.
• Check for Doneness Carefully: A knife inserted in the center should come out clean, but also look for that slight firmness around the edges and minimal jiggle in the center.
• Quality Matters: Since this recipe has relatively few ingredients, use the best quality you can find – especially for the sausage and cheese.

How to Serve

This Everything Bagel Casserole works beautifully as the centerpiece of a breakfast or brunch spread. Here are some perfect pairings:

Morning Classics

Serve alongside fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, or a light green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Brunch Beverages

Pair with mimosas, bloody marys, or a strong cup of coffee for the ultimate weekend brunch experience.

Simple Sides

A side of crispy hash browns or roasted breakfast potatoes complements the casserole’s savory flavors perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Prepping Ahead

You can prepare this casserole the night before! Just assemble everything up through the soaking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while your oven preheats, then bake as directed (you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time).

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop, making day-two leftovers something to look forward to!

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Cut cooled leftovers into individual portions, wrap well in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated leftovers in a 325°F oven, covered with foil, for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Individual portions can be microwaved for 1-2 minutes. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use plain bagels instead of everything bagels?
Absolutely! While you’ll lose some of that signature everything bagel flavor, the casserole will still be delicious. Just be sure to increase the amount of everything bagel seasoning you add to the egg mixture to compensate.

What if I don’t have everything bagel seasoning?
You can make your own by combining equal parts poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and coarse salt. Or you can use another seasoning blend you enjoy – Italian seasoning or herb de Provence would create a different but equally tasty casserole.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the sausage and add more vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach. You could also add some plant-based breakfast sausage if you want to maintain that savory protein element.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, the edges look set, and there’s just a slight jiggle in the very center when you gently shake the dish. The top should be golden brown and slightly puffy.

Final Thoughts

This Everything Bagel Casserole brings together all the flavors you love about your morning bagel in a format that feeds the whole family with minimal fuss. It’s the perfect solution for busy mornings when you want something special but don’t have time to stand at the stove. Give this recipe a try the next time you’re hosting brunch or just want to treat your family to something a little different for breakfast – I promise it’ll become a requested favorite!

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