If you are looking for a cozy, flavorful breakfast dish that blends the irresistible taste of everything bagels with a rich, cheesy, and savory twist, this Everything Bagel Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole Recipe is your new go-to. It’s perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches when you want to impress without stress. Layers of buttery everything bagel cubes, smoky bacon, creamy cheeses, and a luscious custard soak combine to create a satisfying, comforting meal that holds its own whether fresh out of the oven or reheated the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this casserole lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays an important role: the everything bagels provide a chewy base with a burst of zesty seasoning, bacon adds that smoky crunch, cheesy Gruyere brings a nutty melt, and cream cheese offers luxuriously creamy pockets. The eggs and heavy cream create the custard that binds everything together into a silky, fluffy bake.
- Everything bagels (5, cubed): The star of the dish, adding crunch and that classic everything seasoning punch.
- Bacon (8 ounces, cooked and diced): Adds savory smokiness and a satisfying crisp bite.
- Gruyere cheese (2 cups, shredded): Melts beautifully, giving a rich, slightly sweet flavor.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, cubed): Pockets of luscious creaminess contrast perfectly with the texture of the bagels.
- Eggs (8 large): The binding agent that creates the perfect custard texture.
- Heavy cream (2 cups): Adds richness and helps create a luxuriously creamy bake.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Provides a mild heat that balances the savory elements.
- Chives (for garnish): Adds a fresh, colorful, mild onion note to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Everything Bagel Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Casserole Dish
Start by greasing a 13×9 inch casserole dish generously. This ensures the casserole won’t stick and makes for easy serving later. A well-prepped dish sets the stage for an effortless bake with a golden crust on the edges.
Step 2: Layer the First Half of Ingredients
Fill the bottom of your casserole dish with half of the everything bagel cubes. Then, evenly sprinkle half of the cooked bacon, followed by half of the shredded Gruyere cheese, and finally layer half of the cream cheese cubes. This layering allows every bite to include all the distinct flavors and creamy textures.
Step 3: Repeat the Layers
Repeat the layering process exactly as before with the remaining everything bagels, bacon, Gruyere, and cream cheese cubes. These double layers promise a hearty, flavorful breakfast that feels indulgent but is incredibly simple to assemble.
Step 4: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creamy custard base will soak into the bagel cubes, transforming them into a soft, fluffy, savory centerpiece once baked.
Step 5: Pour the Egg Mixture
Pour the custard evenly over the layered ingredients in the casserole dish, ensuring every bagel cube is saturated. Don’t rush; soaking time is key for a tender texture throughout.
Step 6: Refrigerate to Marinate
Tightly cover the casserole dish and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. This make ahead step lets the flavors meld and the custard fully penetrate the everything bagel pieces, making every bite pure comfort.
Step 7: Preheat the Oven
When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. An even moderate temperature guarantees a gently cooked, golden casserole without drying it out.
Step 8: Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 15 minutes. This final step gives the top a beautiful golden crust and allows the casserole to set perfectly, ready to wow your morning crowd.
How to Serve Everything Bagel Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chives on top right before serving adds a gorgeous pop of green and a mild oniony brightness that complements the rich, cheesy casserole splendidly. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche for extra creaminess and tang if you like.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad, light mixed greens dressed in a citrus vinaigrette, or crispy roasted potatoes. The freshness of fruit balances the savory weight of the casserole, making it a beautifully rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch gathering, place the casserole in the center of the table surrounded by small bowls of chopped green onions, sliced avocado, and hot sauce so guests can personalize their plates. Alternatively, cut into individual portions and serve on warm plates with other breakfast favorites like sautéed mushrooms or tomato slices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to airtight containers. The casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this casserole either before baking or after it is cooked and cooled. Wrap tightly in foil or use freezer-safe containers, and it will keep up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings gently in the microwave or the entire casserole in a 350 degree oven (covered with foil) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. This helps preserve the creamy custard texture without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or your favorite veggies for a delicious vegetarian version of the Everything Bagel Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole Recipe.
Can I substitute different cheeses?
Yes, Gruyere is recommended for its melting qualities and flavor, but Swiss, mozzarella, or sharp cheddar can be great alternatives depending on your taste preferences.
How far ahead can I assemble this casserole?
You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, making it perfect for stress-free mornings or brunch parties.
Is it possible to use plain bagels?
While everything bagels give this casserole its signature flavor, you can absolutely use plain or other flavored bagels. Just consider adding your own seasoning to mimic that classic “everything” taste.
Can I add vegetables into the casserole?
Certainly! Adding finely chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach can add more layers of flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them lightly before layering to avoid excess moisture.
Final Thoughts
Don’t wait for a special occasion to enjoy this delightful Everything Bagel Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole Recipe. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a comforting breakfast for yourself, this recipe brings convenience and incredible flavor together in an exciting way. Trust me, once you try it, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
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Everything Bagel Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Everything Bagel Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole is a savory, cheesy dish featuring cubed everything bagels layered with crispy bacon, creamy Gruyere and cream cheese, all soaked in a rich egg and heavy cream custard. It can be prepared in advance, refrigerated overnight, and baked fresh in the morning for a delicious, crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 Everything bagels, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 ounces Bacon, cooked and diced
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces Cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large Eggs
- 2 cups Heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper
- Chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the casserole dish: Grease a 13×9 inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
- Layer the first half of ingredients: Spread half of the cubed everything bagels evenly in the casserole dish, then sprinkle half of the cooked diced bacon, half of the shredded Gruyere cheese, and half of the cubed cream cheese over the bagels.
- Layer the second half of ingredients: Repeat the layering process by adding the remaining bagel cubes, bacon, Gruyere, and cream cheese on top of the first layer to build a hearty casserole.
- Mix egg custard: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This custard will bind the casserole together.
- Pour custard over layers: Evenly pour the egg and cream mixture over the layered ingredients in the casserole dish, ensuring all the bagels are soaked to absorb flavor and moisture.
- Chill before baking: Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the bagels to soak up the custard fully.
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to bake the casserole evenly once removed from the fridge.
- Bake covered: Cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 40 minutes to cook through without drying out.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking the casserole for an additional 15 minutes to brown the top and create a golden, bubbly finish.
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly, garnish with fresh chives for color and freshness, then slice and serve warm for a satisfying breakfast dish.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole up to one day ahead to save time on busy mornings.
- Using day-old bagels helps them absorb more of the custard without becoming too mushy.
- Substitute bacon with turkey bacon or omit for a vegetarian version, adjusting the diet accordingly.
- Gruyere cheese can be replaced with mozzarella or cheddar if preferred, but will alter flavor slightly.
- Make sure to cover tightly while refrigerating to avoid drying out the casserole.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
