Can I use different types of bagels?

Absolutely! While everything bagels add the most flavor, any variety works. Try plain, onion, or even asiago bagels for a fun twist. Just be sure to toast them first so they soak up the custard properly.

Do I have to let the casserole sit overnight?

If you’re short on time, a minimum of 4 hours in the fridge will work. That said, an overnight rest gives the bagels time to soak in flavor and creates a creamier texture.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the sausage or replace it with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free breakfast that’s still full of flavor.

What’s the best way to prevent a soggy casserole?

Toasting your bagels before assembly and not skimping on the overnight soak are key. Also, don’t overdo the half and half; use just enough to saturate but not drench the bagels.

Overnight Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Description

This Overnight Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole is a savory, make-ahead dish packed with flavor from everything bagels, creamy cheeses, sausage, and vegetables. Perfect for busy mornings, brunch, or special occasions, this filling casserole can be prepped in advance and baked fresh, making breakfast effortless.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Bagels & Dairy

6 everything bagels, lightly toasted
8 large eggs
1 cup half and half
8 oz cream cheese, cut into 14 squares
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated (divided)

Meats & Vegetables

8 oz cooked sausage links, diced
1/2 bell pepper, diced
1 cup tater tots
Green onions, to garnish

Seasonings

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/3 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Bagels: Break the lightly toasted everything bagels into bite-sized pieces and place them evenly into a buttered 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Make the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, crack all 8 eggs. Add in the half and half, Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk the mixture briskly for about 1 minute, until well combined and slightly frothy.
Combine Bagels and Custard: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bagel pieces in the casserole dish, ensuring each piece is moistened and coated.
Add Cheeses: Sprinkle ½ cup of the grated cheddar cheese and all of the shredded Parmesan over the casserole. Gently toss the mixture with a spoon to combine the ingredients throughout the dish.
Add Fillings: Distribute the cream cheese cubes, diced sausage, diced bell peppers, and tater tots evenly across the top of the casserole.
Top and Chill: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top. Cover the casserole dish with foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, for best moisture and flavor.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Keeping the casserole dish covered, bake for 40 minutes.
Finish Baking: Remove the cover, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the casserole is golden and set.
Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes before garnishing with green onions. Serve warm, ideally with coffee or your favorite breakfast beverage.

Notes

Lightly toasted bagels absorb the egg custard better while maintaining great flavor and texture. Stale bagels can also be used as a substitute.
For extra flavor, try adding more vegetables or substituting different cheeses.
The casserole can be assembled completely the night before for stress-free mornings.
Letting it cool for 10 minutes after baking helps the casserole set before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
Calories: 430
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 175mg