Oh, where do I even begin with this Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole? It’s one of those recipes that just feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, or a total lifesaver on those frantic school mornings when getting a proper breakfast on the table feels like a marathon. I remember the first time I made it; I was trying to impress my in-laws, and let’s just say it was a roaring success! They’re still talking about it, years later. It’s got that irresistible savory punch of everything bagel seasoning, layered with comforting eggy goodness and a hint of creamy richness. Honestly, if you’re a fan of everything bagels, this is your culinary destiny. It’s like taking all the best parts of a loaded everything bagel – the sesame, the poppy seeds, the garlic, the onion, and that perfect chew – and transforming them into a hearty, satisfying breakfast that doesn’t require you to run to the bagel shop every single day. It’s become a weekend staple in our house, and my kids actually ask for it by name now!
What is Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole?
So, what exactly is this magical creation we call an Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole? Think of it as a savory, baked breakfast dream. It’s essentially a comforting mix of eggs, cheese, and a few other delightful ingredients, all seasoned with that iconic everything bagel spice blend. It’s not really a casserole in the traditional, cheesy, baked-pasta sense, but more like a frittata’s heartier, more flavor-packed cousin. The “casserole” part comes from the way it’s baked all together in one dish, making it incredibly convenient. The name just perfectly captures the essence of what you taste – that beloved everything bagel flavor profile in a breakfast dish that’s far more substantial and satisfying than a simple bagel. It’s a clever way to get all those amazing flavors into a dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something special.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons why this Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole has become an absolute go-to in my kitchen, and I just know you’re going to love it too. First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. That everything bagel seasoning isn’t just a sprinkle; it’s woven into the very fabric of the dish, giving you those salty, garlicky, oniony notes in every single bite. It’s incredibly satisfying without being heavy. What I also adore about this recipe is its sheer simplicity. You can literally whip up the batter and filling in about 15 minutes, and then let the oven do all the hard work. It’s budget-friendly too – no fancy ingredients required, just everyday staples that come together to create something truly spectacular. And talk about versatile! I’ve enjoyed this for a weekday breakfast, a leisurely weekend brunch, and even as a surprisingly delightful light dinner. It’s honestly way better than just grabbing a plain bagel and Cream Cheese; it’s a complete meal that feels so much more special. Plus, the aroma that fills your house while it’s baking? Pure bliss.
How do I make a bagel breakfast casserole?
Quick Overview
Making this Breakfast Casserole is surprisingly straightforward, even for a beginner cook. You’ll whisk together your wet and dry ingredients, fold in your savory fillings, pour it all into a prepared baking dish, and let it bake until it’s puffed up and golden. The Everything Bagel seasoning is the star, infusing every component with its incredible flavor. What makes this method special is how all the flavors meld together as it bakes, creating a cohesive and deeply satisfying dish. It’s all about simple steps that lead to a truly delicious outcome, proving that you don’t need to be a gourmet chef to make something amazing.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
6 large eggs: These are the backbone of our casserole, giving it that rich, custardy texture. Make sure they’re at room temperature for the best emulsion.
1 cup milk (whole or 2% recommended): This adds creaminess and helps the eggs spread evenly. I’ve tried it with almond milk in a pinch, and it actually made it even creamier, which was a lovely surprise!
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: A good sharp cheddar adds a nice tang and that classic cheesy goodness. You can use a milder one if you prefer, or even a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Just a touch of flour helps bind everything together and gives it a lovely structure, preventing it from being too watery.
2 tablespoons Everything Bagel Seasoning: This is where the magic happens! Don’t be shy with it. I always make sure to get a good quality blend with plenty of seeds.
1/2 teaspoon salt:
1/4 teaspoon black pepper:
For the Filling:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened: This is the secret to that incredible creamy, almost decadent texture. Make sure it’s fully softened so it blends in smoothly.
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion: A little bit of sharpness to cut through the richness.
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives or green onions: For a fresh, oniony bite. Chives are a bit milder, so use what you like best.
Optional: 4 ounces cooked and crumbled bacon or diced ham: Because who doesn’t love a little extra savory goodness? Bacon is always a winner in my house!
For the Glaze:
1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: This creates a tangy, luscious glaze that complements the savory casserole perfectly. Greek yogurt will give it a bit more tang.
1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning: For that final burst of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, get your oven preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). While that’s warming up, generously butter or spray a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to give it a good coating so nothing sticks, ensuring those beautiful golden edges. It really makes a difference when it comes time to serve.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, 2 tablespoons of the Everything Bagel Seasoning, salt, and pepper. Just a quick whisk to make sure they’re evenly distributed. This ensures that the seasoning is spread throughout the entire batter, not just clumped in one spot.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re well combined and slightly frothy. Then, whisk in the milk and the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep whisking until everything is nicely incorporated. You’re looking for a smooth, cohesive liquid mixture.
Step 4: Combine
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Whisk everything together until it’s just combined. Be careful not to overmix here! A few small lumps are perfectly fine; overmixing can lead to a tougher texture, and we definitely don’t want that. We’re aiming for a nice, smooth batter.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In another bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped red onion, and chopped chives (or green onions). If you’re adding bacon or ham, stir that in now too. Mix it all up until it’s well combined. You want the cream cheese to be creamy and the other ingredients to be evenly distributed throughout.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Pour about half of your egg batter into the prepared baking dish. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter. Then, gently pour the remaining egg batter over the filling. Now for the fun part: using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the filling into the batter. You don’t want to over-swirl; just a few passes to create pretty ribbons of flavor and texture. This step really elevates the visual appeal!
Step 7: Bake
Pop the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed up, golden brown around the edges, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The exact baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it after the 30-minute mark. It’s always better to check a little early than to overbake and end up with a dry casserole.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes. This is crucial! It allows the casserole to set up properly. While it’s cooling, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and the remaining tablespoon of Everything Bagel Seasoning for the glaze. Drizzle this luscious glaze over the warm casserole just before serving. It adds a wonderful creamy tang that ties everything together beautifully.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Cut the Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole into generous squares and serve warm. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen! It’s delicious on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or a simple side salad if you want to round out the meal.
What to Serve It With
This Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole is so versatile, it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion! For a simple, quick breakfast on a weekday, a slice of this warm and savory casserole alongside a steaming mug of coffee is pure comfort. The coffee’s bitterness cuts through the richness perfectly. When it’s time for a more leisurely weekend brunch, I love to serve it with a fresh fruit salad – the sweetness of berries and melon is a beautiful contrast to the savory casserole. A side of crispy home fries or even some avocado slices adds another layer of deliciousness. For those times you’re craving something sweet at 10 pm but don’t want to bake a whole cake, this casserole, slightly warmed, can even double as a surprisingly satisfying dessert, especially with a dollop of honey or a drizzle of maple syrup. And for cozy, relaxed snacks? Just cut it into smaller squares and serve it with a side of salsa or hot sauce for dipping. My family also loves it with a side of our favorite baked beans. Honestly, the possibilities are endless, and it always feels like a special treat!
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 I think really elevate it from good to absolutely incredible. First, about the Everything Bagel Seasoning: don’t just buy the pre-made stuff if you can help it. Making your own blend with high-quality seeds (sesame, poppy, dried garlic, dried onion, and flaky sea salt) makes a world of difference. I also find that toasting the seeds lightly before grinding them releases even more flavor. When it comes to mixing the batter, I can’t stress enough about not overmixing. Just combine until there are no dry streaks of flour visible. A few lumps are your friend here; they mean you haven’t developed the gluten too much, which keeps the casserole tender. For the cream cheese filling, make sure it’s truly softened. I learned this the hard way after trying to mix cold cream cheese, and it resulted in a lumpy, uneven filling. Leave it on the counter for at least an hour, or even pop it in the microwave for 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s pliable. When you’re swirling the filling into the batter, think gentle! You want beautiful ribbons, not a muddy mess. A chopstick or the handle of a wooden spoon works wonders for this. And for baking, know your oven. My oven runs a little hot, so I often shave off 5 minutes from the suggested baking time. Always do the toothpick test to be sure; a clean toothpick means it’s ready.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole is a fantastic make-ahead dish, which is one of the reasons I love it so much. Once it’s baked and cooled slightly, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I usually just cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or transfer portions into smaller containers. If you’re planning to freeze it, it’s best to do so before glazing. Wrap individual portions or the whole casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thawing is easy; just transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight. Reheating is a breeze! For a slice or two, you can pop it in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. For a larger portion or if you want to bring it back to life more gently, place it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy around the edges. If you’re reheating a frozen casserole, add a bit more time. And remember, if you’re reheating a whole casserole that you plan to glaze later, it’s best to warm it up first, then add the fresh glaze right before serving to keep it from getting soggy. Sometimes, I even like to toast the edges a little under the broiler for a minute or two after reheating for an extra bit of crunch!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole a try. It’s one of those recipes that just hits all the right notes – it’s incredibly flavorful, surprisingly easy to make, and wonderfully satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that makes mornings feel a little less rushed and a lot more delicious. It’s become a beloved recipe in my family, and I have a feeling it might just become one in yours too. If you’re a fan of savory breakfasts and that irresistible everything bagel flavor, you’re going to be hooked. For those of you who enjoyed this, you might also like my [Link to another related recipe, e.g., Savory Zucchini Bread Muffins] or my [Link to another related recipe, e.g., Quick & Easy Breakfast Burrito Bowls]. They share that same hearty, approachable vibe. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out and what variations you come up with! Please leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts, or share your own family twists on this recipe. Happy baking!
Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz Everything Bagels cut into 1-inch cubes
- 12 oz Breakfast sausage cooked and crumbled
- 8 oz Shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz Cream cheese cubed
- 8 Eggs
- 1.5 cup Milk
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Everything bagel seasoning plus extra for topping
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the bagel cubes, cooked sausage, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bagel mixture and gently stir to combine. Make sure the bagels are coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with extra everything bagel seasoning.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
