Wake Up to Your New Favorite Brunch: The Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole
Hey there, friend! Can you smell that? It’s the scent of toasted garlic and onion, savory sausage, and a rich, custardy egg base all mingling together in the warm air of my kitchen. It’s the kind of aroma that has everyone, and I mean everyone, wandering in from the living room, still in their pajamas, asking with hopeful eyes, “Is it ready yet?”
Today, we’re making magic. We’re taking the absolute glory of a New York-style everything bagel—the one with all the seeds and spices clinging to a chewy, perfect crust—and transforming it into the ultimate shareable breakfast feast: my Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole.
This isn’t just another egg bake. This is a recipe built for joy. It’s for those lazy Saturday mornings when you want something spectacular without the fuss. It’s for holiday brunches when you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that frees you up to sip mimosa and chat with your guests. It’s hearty, it’s packed with flavor, and it has these incredible little pockets of melty, tangy cream cheese that will make you close your eyes and sigh with happiness.
So, if you’ve ever stood in line at a bagel shop and thought, “I wish I could have this feeling at home, for a whole crowd,” then you’re in the right place. Grab your favorite baking dish, and let’s make something unforgettable together.
The Sunday Morning Ritual That Inspired It All
This recipe has its roots in a very specific, very delicious memory. Growing up, Sunday mornings were sacred in our house. It was the one day my dad wasn’t rushing out the door for work, and the ritual was always the same: he’d head to our local bakery and come back with a brown paper bag stuffed with a dozen warm, fresh bagels. The scent of that bag hitting the kitchen table is practically woven into my DNA.
My mission, every single time, was to snag an everything bagel. I was obsessed with the crunchy, savory topping. But the best part was watching my dad carefully slice and schmear his bagel with a thick layer of cream cheese. I’d do the same, and we’d sit there in comfortable silence, just chewing and smiling. It was pure, simple comfort.
This casserole is my love letter to those mornings. It captures the essence of that perfect bagel-and-cream-cheese combo but turns it into a warm, communal dish meant for sharing. It’s the feeling of a lazy Sunday, baked right into one glorious pan.
Gathering Your Cast of Characters
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how the ingredients work together. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that iconic flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 Everything Bagels, cut into 1-inch cubes: This is our star! The bagels give the casserole its structure and that unmistakable everything-bagel flavor. Chef’s Insight: Stale bagels are actually perfect here—they soak up the egg custard like a dream without getting mushy. No stale bagels? No problem! Just pop fresh ones in a low oven for 10 minutes to dry them out a bit.
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, cut into small cubes: These little cubes are the hidden treasure. They melt into creamy, tangy pockets that contrast beautifully with the savory eggs and sausage. Substitution Tip: Feel free to use whipped or block-style. For a fun twist, try a flavored cream cheese like chive or onion!
- 1 lb Breakfast Sausage, cooked and crumbled: This adds a hearty, savory, and slightly spicy element. Substitution Tip: Not a sausage fan? Crispy bacon, diced ham, or even a plant-based sausage crumble work wonderfully. For a veggie-packed version, sautéed mushrooms and spinach are fantastic.
- 8 Large Eggs: The backbone of our custard. They bind everything together and create that rich, satisfying texture.
- 1 ½ cups Milk: This creates the creamy custard base. Chef’s Insight: Using whole milk will give you the richest result. But for an extra-indulgent, almost soufflé-like texture, use half-and-half. If you’re watching calories, 2% milk works just fine!
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder & ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder: These might seem like small additions, but they amplify the flavors already present in the bagel seasoning, creating a deeper, more robust taste.
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper: A little kick to balance the richness.
- Optional Toppings: Extra everything bagel seasoning, chopped fresh chives, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. These aren’t just for looks—they add a final punch of flavor and freshness!
Let’s Build Our Masterpiece: Step-by-Step
Okay, apron on! Let’s get cooking. This process is simple, but a few little tricks will take your casserole from good to “can-I-get-this-recipe?!” great.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for even baking. Then, grab your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a good coating of non-stick spray or a light brush of butter. Chef’s Hack: If you’re worried about sticking, you can also line the dish with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
Step 2: The Bagel Base. Spread your cubed bagels evenly in the prepared dish. Don’t pack them down too tightly—we want the custard to seep into all the nooks and crannies. Now, sprinkle those glorious cream cheese cubes and the cooked, crumbled sausage over the bagels. Try to distribute them fairly evenly so every serving gets a bit of everything.
Step 3: The Golden Custard. In a large bowl, crack your 8 eggs. Give them a good initial whisk to break up the yolks and whites. Now, slowly whisk in the milk, followed by the onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Chef’s Secret: Whisk until the mixture is just combined. Over-whipping can incorporate too much air, which might lead to a foamy top. We want it smooth and creamy!
Step 4: The Soak. Slowly and evenly pour the egg mixture over the bagels, sausage, and cream cheese. Now, here’s a crucial step: take a spatula or clean hands and gently press down on the bagels. This helps them start soaking up that delicious custard right away. Little Tip: Let the dish sit for about 5-10 minutes before baking if you have time. This soak time ensures the bread absorbs the liquid fully, leading to a more uniform texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This initial covered baking steams the casserole, cooking the eggs gently and ensuring the center sets without the top burning. After 30 minutes, remove the foil. The casserole should look a bit pale and wobbly—that’s perfect! Return it to the oven, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the center is set (no liquid jiggles when you give the pan a gentle shake).
Step 6: The Rest is Best. I know, the temptation to dive right in is overwhelming! But trust me on this: let the casserole rest on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the custard to fully set, making it much easier to cut into clean, beautiful squares.
How to Serve It Up in Style
Presentation is part of the fun! While this casserole is stunning straight from the pan, a few little touches make it feel extra special.
I love to sprinkle a generous pinch of extra everything bagel seasoning over the top right after it comes out of the oven. It reinforces the flavor and adds a lovely visual pop. A scattering of freshly chopped chives or parsley adds a welcome freshness and a touch of green.
When it comes to serving, I’m all about the contrasts. A bright, simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette on the side cuts through the richness beautifully. For a classic brunch spread, pair it with a big bowl of fresh fruit or some roasted breakfast potatoes.
And don’t forget the condiments! Set out a bottle of hot sauce for the spice lovers and a little dish of extra cream cheese for those who want to lean into the bagel theme even more. Serve it right from the baking dish in the middle of the table for a truly family-style feast.
Make It Your Own: Delicious Twists & Swaps
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Once you’ve mastered the base, feel free to get creative! Here are a few of my favorite variations:
- The Veggie Lover: Swap the sausage for 2 cups of sautéed vegetables. My go-to combo is diced bell peppers, onions, and spinach. Just make sure to sauté them first to release any excess water.
- The Smoked Salmon Supreme: Channel your inner NYC deli! Omit the sausage and stir in 4 ounces of chopped smoked salmon and a tablespoon of fresh dill into the egg mixture. It’s pure elegance.
- Cheese, Please!: Add a cup of shredded sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese to the egg mixture for an extra cheesy, gooey layer of flavor.
- Make-Ahead Marvel: This is a fantastic make-ahead dish. Assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, just let it sit on the counter for 20-30 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed (you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time).
- Gluten-Free/Dairy-Free Friendly: Use your favorite gluten-free everything bagels. For the dairy, substitute the milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
From My Kitchen to Yours: A Few Final Thoughts
This recipe has become a staple in my home, and it’s evolved a bit over the years. I remember the first time I made it, I was so worried about the cream cheese melting away completely that I used massive chunks. The result was delicious, but a little… goopy. I’ve since learned that smaller, dime-sized cubes are the way to go—they melt just enough to create creamy pockets without overwhelming a bite.
I also love that this casserole is forgiving. Did you only have three bagels? It’ll be fine. Want to use a mix of everything and plain bagels? Go for it! Cooking is about intuition and using what you have. The most important ingredient is always the love you put into it. Now, go make your kitchen smell amazing!
Your Questions, Answered!
Q: My casserole is still liquid in the middle after the suggested bake time. What happened?
A: Don’t worry, this is common! Oven temperatures can vary. The key is the “jiggle test.” If the center sloshes or looks very wet, just pop it back in the oven (uncovered) for 5-10 minute intervals until it’s set. Also, ensure your baking dish is the correct size—a smaller, deeper dish will take longer to cook through.
Q: Can I use a different type of bagel?
A: Absolutely! While everything bagels give the signature flavor, this recipe is a fantastic way to use up any bagels you have. Plain, sesame seed, or onion bagels all work beautifully. You might just want to add an extra pinch of the everything seasoning on top if you’re using a plain bagel.
Q: Why did my cream cheese cubes disappear/melt completely?
A: If your cream cheese is very soft or the cubes are too small, they can melt into the custard. For distinct pockets, make sure your cream cheese is cold and firm when you cube it, and aim for pieces about 1/2-inch in size.
Q: How long do leftovers last, and how should I reheat them?
A> Leftovers will keep covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The best way to reheat is in a toaster oven or a conventional oven at 350°F until warm. This keeps the top crispy. Microwaving is quick but can make the texture a bit rubbery.
A Quick Nutritional Glance
I believe in balance and enjoying delicious food without guilt! Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (based on 8 servings). Remember, these are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 45-50 minutes | Total Time: ~1 hour | Servings: 8
Per Serving (approx.):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 20g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 30g
To lighten it up, you can use turkey sausage, low-fat milk, and reduced-fat cream cheese. Adding vegetables like spinach and mushrooms can also increase the fiber and nutrient content. It’s a hearty dish designed to fuel your day, perfect for a weekend treat or a special occasion!
You’ve Got This!
Well, my friend, there you have it—my heart and soul in a casserole dish. This Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s about gathering people you love around a table and sharing something made with care.
I hope this recipe brings as much warmth and happiness to your home as it has to mine. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Did you add your own twist? Did it become an instant family favorite? Tag me on social @TastyChow with your creations—seeing your kitchen triumphs absolutely makes my day.
Now, go preheat that oven and get ready for the compliments to roll in. You’re about to become a brunch legend.
With a full heart and a happy belly,
Emily
