This Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole is a savory and satisfying dish that’s perfect for brunch or a weekend breakfast. It’s packed with the flavors of everything bagels, breakfast sausage, cream cheese, and Gruyère cheese. This casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique and Flavorful: Combines the distinct flavor of everything bagels with classic breakfast ingredients.
- Hearty and Satisfying: A filling casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be assembled ahead of time and baked when needed.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole:
- Everything bagels: Cut into cubes, for a flavorful base.
- Breakfast sausage: Cooked and crumbled, for a savory protein.
- Cream cheese: Softened, for a creamy and tangy base.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and creaminess.
- Large eggs: For binding and richness.
- Everything bagel seasoning: Adds the signature everything bagel flavor.
- Gruyère cheese: Shredded, for a nutty and melty cheese.
- Sliced green onions: For garnish (optional).
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Bagels
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Spread the cubed everything bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Toast the bagels in the oven for about 8 minutes, stirring halfway through, until dry and toasty.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
- Heat the cream cheese in a large bowl in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until very soft.
- Use a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Slowly mix in the whole milk and everything bagel seasoning.
- Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Cheese
- Whisk in the large eggs.
- Stir in the shredded Gruyère cheese.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Once the bagel pieces are cooled, add them to a bowl with the cooked breakfast sausage and the egg mixture.
- Toss until fully combined.
- Cover and let soak for 15-20 minutes.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Spray a 4-quart baking dish with pan spray.
- Transfer the soaked mixture to the prepared dish.
- Sprinkle the top with additional everything bagel seasoning.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a knife comes out clean and the casserole doesn’t jiggle.
Step 6: Serve
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before adding sliced green onions for garnish.
- Serve warm.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Day-Old Bagels: Day-old bagels work best as they absorb the egg mixture better.
- Toast the Bagels: Toasting the bagels ensures they don’t get soggy in the casserole.
- Customize the Ingredients: Use your favorite breakfast meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
- Soak the Bagels: Soaking the bagels in the egg mixture allows them to absorb the flavors and become tender.
- Check for Doneness: The casserole is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
How to Serve
- Brunch: Serve this casserole as a main dish for brunch.
- Weekend Breakfast: A perfect dish for a leisurely weekend breakfast.
- Holiday Meal: A crowd-pleasing option for holiday mornings or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Freezing1
You can freeze cooked casserole. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use other cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, you can add cooked vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach.
Can I make this casserole without meat?
Yes, you can omit the breakfast sausage or use a vegetarian alternative.
Can I use milk instead of cream cheese?
Using a higher amount of milk will change the texture and flavor, it is recommended to use cream cheese for the creamiest results.
PrintEverything Bagel Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Soaking time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole is a savory and satisfying dish that’s perfect for brunch or a special breakfast. Cubed everything bagels are soaked in a creamy egg mixture with breakfast sausage, cream cheese, and Gruyère cheese, then baked to golden perfection. A sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning adds an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
- 5 large everything bagels, cut into 1/2 to 1-inch cubes (about 6 cups)
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 8 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning, plus more for topping
- 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Toast Bagels: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the cubed bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Toast for about 8 minutes, stirring halfway through, until dry and toasty. Let cool completely.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, microwave the cream cheese for 20-30 seconds until very soft. Use a hand mixer to beat until smooth. Gradually mix in the milk and 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning until smooth and creamy.
- Add Eggs and Cheese: Whisk in the eggs, then stir in the shredded Gruyère cheese.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled bagel cubes and crumbled breakfast sausage. Pour the egg mixture over the bagel and sausage mixture, and toss until well combined. Cover and let soak for 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 4-quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Bake: Transfer the soaked mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with additional everything bagel seasoning. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean and the casserole doesn’t jiggle when gently shaken.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before garnishing with sliced green onions and serving.
Notes
- You can use any type of breakfast sausage you prefer.
- Feel free to substitute other cheeses, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, for the Gruyère.
- If you don’t have everything bagel seasoning, you can make your own using a combination of dried minced onion, dried minced garlic, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and coarse salt.
- For a spicier casserole, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.
- Make sure the bagels are completely cooled before adding them to the egg mixture, or they may become soggy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 200mg