If you adore the iconic flavors of the classic everything bagel but want to enjoy them in a warm, comforting morning meal, the Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole is your new best friend. This dish beautifully combines the savory crunch of toasted bagel pieces with fresh veggies, crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and the magical pop of everything bagel seasoning. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a leisurely weekend breakfast, this casserole captures all those bagel shop favorites in one hearty, sliceable dish that’s sure to become a breakfast staple in your home.

Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is what sets this casserole apart — simple, fresh, and full of texture and flavor, each component plays an essential role in making this dish truly sing. Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect balance of creaminess, crisp, and spice.

Everything bagels: Use 3 day-old bagels cut into bite-size pieces; this ensures they soak up the custard without getting soggy.
Bell pepper: Adds a colorful crunch and a mild sweetness that balances the salts and spices.
Cherry tomatoes: Their juiciness and bright pop brighten up the casserole with fresh acidity.
Bacon: Chopped crispy bacon infuses the dish with irresistible smoky flavor and texture contrast.
Eggs: The foundation of the custard, binding everything together with rich, creamy goodness.
Whole milk: Adds silkiness to the custard, making every bite satisfyingly tender.
Shredded cheese: Melts throughout the casserole, creating pockets of gooey, cheesy delight.
Ground mustard: A subtle layering of tang that lifts the savory notes without overwhelming.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all other flavors.
Cream cheese: Cubed and scattered on top, it melts into creamy little pockets that surprise your taste buds.
Everything bagel seasoning (optional): The signature sprinkle that gives this casserole its fun, toasted seed and spice crunch.
Scallions (optional): Fresh, green garnish to finish with a crisp, oniony bite.

How to Make Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Prep and Layer Your Base

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (191°C) and generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. The greasing step is crucial to ensure your casserole releases easily after baking. Once your pan is ready, layer the bite-sized everything bagel pieces evenly, followed by chopped bell peppers, quartered cherry tomatoes, and crispy chopped bacon. This layering sets the stage for those vibrant textures and flavors to shine through every slice.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk your eggs, whole milk, shredded cheese, ground mustard, salt, and pepper until completely combined. This mixture will soak into the layered bagels and vegetables, binding everything while creating a fluffy, creamy custard that soaks up all the spices and saltiness from the toppings. The cheese folded into the custard also melts throughout the casserole, giving each bite a cheesy richness.

Step 3: Combine and Add Cream Cheese

Pour the custard evenly over the bagel mixture in the baking dish, making sure it reaches every corner and seeps between the layered ingredients. Then, scatter the bite-sized pieces of full-fat cream cheese evenly on top. These pockets of cream cheese melt during baking, giving you bursts of creamy decadence in every forkful.

Step 4: Final Touch and Bake

Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning generously over the top if you want that authentic everything bagel crunch and flavor. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the center is fully set and the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. When your kitchen starts smelling like a bagel shop, you’ll know it’s ready.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Once baked, allow your Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole to cool for about 10 minutes. This rest helps the casserole set further, making it easier to cut and serve. Top with fresh scallions if you like a crisp, fresh note to contrast the richness of the dish. Then slice up and serve warm with smiles all around.

How to Serve Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole

Garnishes

Fresh scallions or finely chopped chives add a crisp, oniony bite that brightens every forkful. You could also add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese on the side for extra creaminess that complements the baked cream cheese pockets.

Side Dishes

Consider pairing this casserole with a simple mixed greens salad for freshness or roasted breakfast potatoes for an extra hearty meal. Fresh fruit or a citrusy fruit salad can add a refreshing contrast to the savory richness of the casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual ramekins or small baking dishes for personalized casseroles at brunch. You could also layer the casserole in a glass trifle dish to showcase the beautiful colors and textures of the bell peppers, tomatoes, and golden crust. Adding a sprinkle of crispy bacon on top just before serving adds that finishing touch of irresistible crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. This makes it a convenient option for quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as instructed. For freezing leftovers, slice into portions, wrap individually, and freeze to make quick single servings.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the texture crisp on the edges. Microwaving is fine for a quick fix but may soften the crust. For frozen casseroles, thaw completely before reheating for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bagels instead of day-old?

Day-old bagels work best because they absorb the custard without getting too mushy. Fresh bagels might make the casserole overly soft, but if that’s what you have, try to dry them out by toasting lightly before cutting and layering.

What type of cheese is best for this casserole?

A medium sharp cheddar or a blend with Monterey Jack works wonderfully. Choose cheeses that melt well and add flavor; feel free to experiment with your favorites to give it your own twist.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon, or substitute it with plant-based bacon or smoked mushrooms for that smoky umami flavor that pops in the casserole.

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes! Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, just bake as directed. This makes it perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches with guests.

What if I don’t have everything bagel seasoning?

You can make your own by combining sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and coarse salt. Sprinkle it on generously for that essential crunch and flavor that defines this casserole.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting and exciting about the Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole — it takes all the best parts of your favorite bagel and transforms them into a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing dish everyone will love. Whether for a lazy weekend breakfast or a special occasion brunch, this casserole is easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen. Give it a try and watch everyone ask for seconds!