It’s the bagels that bring the perfect chew to this deliciously creamy and cheesy breakfast casserole.
The first time I saw this recipe for everything bagel casserole, I thought, “Why hadn’t I thought about using bagels in a breakfast casserole before?” I make them all the time—when we have overnight guests, for holiday brunches, when I want to treat my family to something special on a lazy Sunday morning—but I always use sourdough or challah or day-old baguettes. And the weird thing is that I always serve bagels and cream cheese on the side! So why had it never occurred to me to put the beloved bagels in the casserole?
Well, that’s a moot point now, thanks to this everything bagel casserole. Bite-sized pieces of deliciously seasoned everything bagels give this casserole the most wonderful chewiness, not to mention great flavor. And speaking of flavor, this recipe includes three kinds of cheese: sharp cheddar, mellow tangy mozzarella, and cream cheese, because what’s a bagel without cream cheese? The spices in this recipe echo the seasonings on the everything bagel, and together, all of these flavors just turn this casserole into an absolutely mouthwatering treat.
Everything bagel casserole is very simple to make. It’s just a matter of mixing together the eggs, spices, and cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and then pouring that over the bagel pieces you’ve already placed in the baking dish. And then, before placing the casserole in the oven, you dot it with the cubes of cream cheese, which melt delectably over the top. When everything bagel casserole comes out of the oven with its gorgeous golden brown top and its creamy, chewy, and oh-so-cheesy interior, get ready for the oohs and ahhs from everyone lucky enough to dig in.
Everything (but the!) bagel seasoning
No one is exactly sure when the everything bagel debuted (though some attribute it to David Gussin, who claims to have invented it in a bagel shop in Queens in 1980), but pretty much everyone agrees that in 2017, when Trader Joe’s introduced “Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend,” this flavor-bomb combo of seeds and seasonings became such a hot culinary trend that it’s gone way beyond being just for topping bagels. The combination of white and black sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic and onion, and coarse sea salt brings delicious flavor and great texture to things like dips, spreads, avocado toast, and even these Air-Fryer Everything Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard Dip.
How do I store leftovers?
Cooled everything bagel casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in a 325°F oven for 20-30 minutes.
Serving suggestions
While Thick-Cut Bacon In The Oven is a favorite around here with everything bagel casserole, I have to admit that I prefer sausage. If I have time, I’ll make these delicious Sausage Patties, but if not, Oven-Baked Sausage links will fit the bill. And when I am trying to please myself and my bacon lovers or just want to wow breakfast or brunch guests, I will make this incredible Bacon-Wrapped Sausage. No matter what meat I serve with everything bagel casserole or to whom I am serving this impressive morning meal, I always complete it with Breakfast Potatoes, a basket of warm Delicious Blueberry Muffins, and a Citrus-Mint Fruit Salad.
Everything Bagel Casserole
Ingredients
- 6 everything bagels cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 large eggs
- 2 1/3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese cut into cubes
- Fresh chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Place the cut bagels in the greased baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Pour this mixture over the bagels in the dish. Dot the top evenly with cream cheese cubes.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to cut into portions.
- Serve topped with green onions.
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