Sausage Bagel Breakfast Casserole Recipe

If you love breakfast with a bit of a twist, then this Sausage Bagel Breakfast Casserole Recipe is going to be your new go-to. I absolutely love how it takes the familiar flavors of a breakfast sandwich — sausages, eggs, cheese, and, of course, everything bagels — and turns them into a warm, comforting, easy-to-make casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for busy mornings. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Sausage Bagel Breakfast Casserole Recipe is chosen for flavor and texture — from the savory sausage right down to the everything bagels that soak up all that eggy goodness. Here’s a quick heads-up on what to look for to make your casserole shine.

• Everything Bagels: These add crunch and those classic toasted sesame and onion flavors; if you find bagels with poppy seeds and onion, you’re in for a treat.
• Large Eggs: The base of the custard that holds everything together — fresh is best for richness and color.
• Half-and-Half: Using half-and-half instead of milk makes the casserole beautifully creamy without being too heavy.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the flavors just right.
• Vegetable Oil: For browning the sausage without overpowering the flavor.
• Breakfast Sausage (Sage-Flavored if Possible): It’s the star of the show — I love sage sausage for its warm, herbal notes that complement the bagel’s everything seasoning.
• Red Bell Pepper: Gives a pop of color and sweet crunch that balances the savory sausage.
• Small Yellow Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth once sautéed until soft.
• Fresh Parsley: A little freshness on top and inside keeps the dish from feeling too heavy.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Use good quality shredded cheddar for that melty, zesty kick everyone loves.

Variations

I love that the base of this Sausage Bagel Breakfast Casserole Recipe is so flexible. Over time, I’ve tweaked it depending on what I have in the fridge or who I’m feeding — and you can too!

• Vegetarian Twist: Swap the sausage for hearty mushrooms or a plant-based breakfast sausage — my vegetarian friends swear by this adjustment, and no one misses the meat.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use almond milk in place of half-and-half and dairy-free cheese; while it’s not quite as rich, it still hits that comfy breakfast spot.
• Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or some hot sauce mixed into the egg custard — I discovered this trick last winter and it adds awesome warmth.
• Seasonal Veggies: Feel free to toss in spinach, kale, or even some chopped sun-dried tomatoes when in season for a fresh twist.

How to Make Sausage Bagel Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Bagels and Custard

Start by greasing your 13×9-inch casserole dish — I use a little butter or nonstick spray so nothing sticks and cleanup is easy. Cut your everything bagels into bite-size pieces about an inch or less; I find slicing in half first and then into smaller chunks works well to keep things even. Meanwhile, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, kosher salt, and pepper until everything is smooth and uniform — you want no streaks of yolk showing. Toss your bagel pieces into the egg mixture so each one is soaked and ready to get all custardy in the oven. Let this sit while you cook the sausage mixture.

Step 2: Cook Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

Heat the vegetable oil over medium-high in a skillet. When it shimmers, add your breakfast sausage and start breaking it up with a wooden spoon — I aim for pistachio-size chunks, which gives the casserole nice texture versus crumbly bits. After about 5 minutes or when your sausage is perfectly browned, create a little well in the pan and toss in the diced red pepper and onion. Cook everything together for 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies are softened and glossy. Then, pour the mixture into a colander to drain excess fat and let it cool for 5 minutes — this part is key so you don’t end up with soggy casserole.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Once the sausage mixture is cool, add it to your bagel and egg mix. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the fresh parsley and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese so that everything is evenly combined. Pour this hearty mixture into your prepared casserole dish and cover tightly with foil. This seals in the moisture while baking, so your casserole stays wonderfully tender.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake covered with foil at 350°F for 20 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil — watch out for that steam! — and keep baking for another 25 minutes until the center is set and the top starts to brown. The middle shouldn’t jiggle when you gently shake the pan. As soon as it’s out of the oven, sprinkle on the remaining cheese and parsley so the cheese melts from the residual heat and the herbs stay bright. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving so it sets up nicely and slices clean.

How to Serve Sausage Bagel Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this casserole with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Sometimes, I sprinkle a bit of sliced green onions or chives over the top, which adds a nice mild oniony crunch without overpowering the other flavors. A dash of hot sauce on the side is optional but highly recommended for those who love a little heat.

Side Dishes

My family goes crazy for simple sides like fresh fruit salad, roasted breakfast potatoes crispy on the outside, and a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the casserole. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a mimosa on the side makes it feel extra special, especially for weekend brunches.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or brunch parties, I’ve tried baking this casserole in individual ramekins to give each guest their own portion, which is a total hit. You can also sprinkle colorful veggies like diced tomatoes or jalapeños on top before the final bake to jazz it up. Another fun way I like to serve it is alongside mini bagel “toothpicks” or skewers with fresh ingredients — it makes serving a breeze and gets everyone chatting about the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your Sausage Bagel Breakfast Casserole Recipe has cooled, I recommend transferring leftovers into an airtight container and storing them in the fridge. It stays good for about 3 to 4 days. Personally, I like to keep the casserole dish covered tightly with plastic wrap if I plan to eat the next day — it keeps the top nice and moist without drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole many times with great success. Just prepare and assemble as usual, then freeze before baking. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed, adding 10–15 extra minutes to ensure it heats through. It brings the casserole back to life almost like freshly made.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover my serving portion loosely with foil and bake it at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps that crispy top and melty cheese intact. If you like, add a sprinkle of extra cheddar before reheating for a fresh cheesy top.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Sausage Bagel Breakfast Casserole Recipe has become one of my favorite breakfast dishes to make when I want something hearty, delicious, and easy to feed a group. It’s like a warm hug on a plate and has saved me on more rushed mornings than I can count. If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s a little different but packed with all the flavors we crave, give this a shot. I promise it’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen too.

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