Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but nobody wants to spend their cozy mornings laboring over a hot stove. Enter this incredible Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole, a dish that combines all the savory magic of your favorite morning bagel with the ease of a comforting bake. Imagine thick chunks of chewy everything bagels soaked in a rich, seasoned egg mixture, layered with pockets of creamy cream cheese, savory breakfast sausage, and melted sharp cheddar. It is the ultimate crowd-pleasing brunch centerpiece that you can easily prep the night before. Whether you are hosting a holiday brunch, feeding a hungry family, or simply meal prepping for a busy week ahead, this recipe brings comfort and convenience together in one beautiful baking dish. Get ready to experience your favorite deli flavor profile in a whole new, effortlessly delicious way!
Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this entire dish the night before, pop it in the fridge, and just bake it off in the morning for a stress-free start to your day.
- Bagel Selection: Use day-old or slightly stale bagels if possible, as they absorb the egg mixture better without becoming overly soggy.
- Flavor Variations: Swap the breakfast sausage for cooked chopped bacon, diced ham, or sautéed spinach and bell peppers for a vegetarian twist.
- Cream Cheese Trick: Make sure the cream cheese is cold when you cut it so it holds its shape as little pockets of creamy joy throughout the bake.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Spread half of the cubed everything bagels in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Scatter the cooked sausage, cubed cream cheese, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the bagel layer.
- Top with the remaining bagel cubes, pressing down gently to compact the layer slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until completely smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture slowly and evenly over the bagel casserole, ensuring all the bagel pieces get moistened. Press down on the bagels with a spatula to help them absorb the liquid.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil. For best results, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to let the bagels absorb the custard.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) if it was cooled. Bake the covered casserole for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and the everything bagel seasoning over the top, and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve warm.
Ingredients
- 6 everything bagels, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound ground pork breakfast sausage
- 8 ounces cream cheese, chilled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Shopping List
- Bakery: 6 fresh everything bagels
- Meat: 1 pound ground pork breakfast sausage
- Dairy & Eggs: 8 ounces block cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, 8 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Pantry: garlic powder, onion powder, fine sea salt, black pepper, everything bagel seasoning
- Produce: 1 bunch green onions
Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Colander or slotted spoon
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil
Variations & Serving Ideas
Serve this hearty breakfast casserole warm alongside a fresh, bright fruit salad or a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to balance out the rich flavors. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, fresh orange juice, or even mimosas for a festive brunch. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days; reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil for 15 minutes to preserve the texture.
We hope this Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole brings warmth and delicious joy to your breakfast table! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out—we love hearing about your kitchen adventures!
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