Overnight Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Ready for a breakfast that tastes like you’ve been working on it all morning, but is secretly almost effortless? Meet the Overnight Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole. This dish is a lifesaver on busy mornings, blending all the beloved, savory flavors of an everything bagel shop into a satisfying, hearty casserole. Toasty bagels soak up a rich, flavorful custard, then play host to melty cheese, creamy pockets of cream cheese, flavorful sausage, pops of bell pepper, and even a tater tot topping—each bite delivers a perfect balance of soft, creamy, chewy, and crispy that’s downright irresistible. Prep it all the night before and you’ll wake up to a ready-to-bake breakfast that will make your whole kitchen smell like pure comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Everything bagels: The backbone—providing chewiness, salt, garlic, sesame, and poppy seed flavor. Best if lightly toasted for maximum custard absorption.
• Eggs: The golden base of your casserole, binding everything into a savory breakfast custard.
• Half and half: Gives the custard richness and ensures every bite is luxuriously soft.
• Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life.
• Dijon mustard: Adds depth and a gentle tang that makes the whole casserole pop.
• Cayenne pepper: Just a touch for warmth—adjust to your heat preference!
• Parmesan cheese: For savoriness and a boost of umami.
• Cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp, and utterly necessary on both the inside and top.
• Cooked sausage links: Meaty, hearty protein that helps fill you up and gives great flavor. Use your favorite variety!
• Bell pepper: Adds a pop of sweetness and color. Red, yellow, or orange are perfect.
• Cream cheese: Those creamy, decadent bites scattered throughout the casserole.
• Tater tots: For extra texture and a surprise crunch on top (and honestly, who can resist tater tots?).
• Green onions: A bright, fresh garnish that wakes up every serving.

Variations

• Swap the Protein: Not a sausage fan? Use cooked bacon, diced Canadian bacon, or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
• Change the Cheese: Try mozzarella for a mellower melt, or pepper jack for extra kick.
• Add More Veggies: Toss in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions for bonus flavor and color.
• Spicer Version: Up the cayenne or add chopped jalapeños.
• Bagel Flavors: Use different bagel flavors like onion, cheddar, or plain if you want something less intense than “everything.”

How to Make Overnight Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Bagels

Start by lightly toasting your everything bagels, then tear them into bite-sized pieces and arrange them in a buttered casserole dish. This step helps them absorb all the delicious custard without getting soggy.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard

In a large bowl, crack your eggs and add the half and half, Dijon, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Give it a thorough whisk—about one minute—to make sure everything’s well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bagel pieces, making sure to coat as much as possible. Sprinkle in Parmesan and half the cheddar, then gently toss so all the bagel cubes get some love.

Step 4: Layer on the Good Stuff

Cut the cream cheese into chunks and distribute them over the casserole, followed by the diced sausage, bell peppers, and tater tots. Top everything with the remaining cheddar—don’t hold back!

Step 5: Chill Overnight

Cover the casserole tightly and refrigerate for at least four hours (overnight is best). This step is key for letting all the flavors meld and the bagels to soak thoroughly.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

In the morning, bake the casserole, covered, at 350°F for 40 minutes. Remove the cover and bake another 15 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crisp. Let it cool for about 10 minutes, then serve with a sprinkle of green onions and hot coffee.

How to Serve

Serve generous squares of this casserole hot from the oven. It’s especially fantastic alongside a cup of strong coffee or fresh orange juice. Add a simple fruit salad or mixed greens to round out the meal. For a brunch spread, pair with smoked salmon, sliced tomatoes, and extra bagels for the true deli experience. And don’t be afraid to set out a little hot sauce or extra Dijon on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover casserole covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. It holds up beautifully for breakfast all week.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. Cut into individual squares, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or re-crisp larger portions in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes. For best texture, cover with foil for most of the reheating, then uncover for a few minutes at the end.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Overnight Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole takes everything wonderful about a deli breakfast and transforms it into a hands-off, crowd-pleasing bake. It’s a weeknight (or weekend) miracle—easy, adaptable, and always a hit. If you crave comforting flavors with minimal morning effort, this casserole is the recipe to add to your rotation. Get ready to make breakfast the best meal of the day!

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