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
Scale
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.
