Wake up to a breakfast that’s both hearty and effortless with this Irresistible Overnight Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole. Combining all the flavors of your favorite bagel, this dish is prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning, making it perfect for busy mornings or a leisurely brunch. Packed with savory goodness and a cheesy, creamy texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cut three day-old everything bagels into bite-sized pieces and layer them in the dish along with chopped bell pepper, tomatoes, and cooked bacon.
- In a large bowl, whisk together nine eggs, 1.5 cups of whole milk, 1.5 cups of shredded cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of ground mustard, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered bagels and ingredients in the dish.
- Cut a 6-ounce brick of cream cheese into bite-sized pieces and distribute them evenly over the top of the casserole. Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning if desired.
- Bake the casserole for 40-50 minutes until the center sets and the edges turn golden brown. Let it cool for 10 minutes before optionally garnishing with scallions, slicing, and serving.
- If there are leftovers, cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to a week. For make-ahead instructions, assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to a day before baking, or freeze for up to three months.
Ingredients
- 3 everything bagels, slightly stale, cut into bite-size pieces (approximately 6 cups)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3/4 cup (113g) cherry tomatoes, quartered (or use a chopped regular tomato)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 9 large eggs
- 1 and 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 and 1/2 cups shredded cheese (such as a mix of smoked gouda and mozzarella)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 6 ounces (170g) full-fat cream cheese, cut into chunks
- Optional garnish: everything bagel seasoning and chopped scallions
FAQ
- Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
- Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before by following the first few steps, then cover it tightly and refrigerate. The next day, simply preheat your oven and bake it as directed.
- How can I prevent the bagels from becoming soggy?
- To avoid soggy bagels, use slightly stale ones. You can leave them out overnight or, if using fresh, cut them into pieces and bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them up.
- What cheeses work well in this recipe?
- This recipe is flexible with cheese. While a combination of mozzarella and smoked gouda is recommended, you can use your favorite cheese such as cheddar, white cheddar, or even pepper jack. If using a strong cheese like feta, consider mixing it with another to balance the flavor.
- What can I use if I don’t have everything bagel seasoning?
- If you don’t have everything bagel seasoning, you can make your own by mixing poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried minced onion, dried garlic flakes, and coarse or flaky sea salt. Alternatively, use any combination of these ingredients you have on hand.
- Can I make this casserole meat-free?
- Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon or replacing it with a plant-based alternative or cooked crumbled sausage for a different flavor.
Tips
- Prepare the Bagels in Advance: To prevent sogginess, use slightly stale bagels. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and let them sit overnight. If you’re short on time, bake fresh bagel pieces at 350°F (177°C) for 10 minutes to crisp them up.
- Mix and Match Your Cheese: Feel free to use your preferred cheese. A combination of mozzarella and smoked gouda works well, but white cheddar or even pepper jack can add a unique twist. Consider blending a strong cheese like feta with a milder option to balance the flavors.
- Don’t Skip the Ground Mustard: This spice adds a sharpness and depth to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor. It’s a key ingredient in many cheesy egg dishes.
- Customize with Your Favorite Extras: While bacon is a classic choice, you can substitute it with crumbled sausage or keep it meat-free. Adding fresh elements like tomatoes and peppers can enhance the flavor and texture of the casserole.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan (or a similar 3-quart casserole dish)
- Glass Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
