Overnight Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole

Introduction

If you're looking for the perfect breakfast or brunch dish that is easy, flavorful, and feeds a crowd, look no further than this Overnight Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole. This dish takes the classic flavors of an everything bagel—garlic, onion, sesame, poppy seeds, and a touch of salt—and transforms them into a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying baked casserole. 

The best part? You can prepare it the night before, allowing the flavors to meld together and making your morning stress-free. Whether you're hosting brunch, preparing for a holiday breakfast, or just want to make mornings easier, this dish is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Make-Ahead Convenience – Prepare everything the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning.

• Incredible Flavor – The everything bagel seasoning infuses the dish with bold, savory flavors.

• Versatile Ingredients – You can easily customize this casserole with your favorite add-ins like veggies, meats, or extra cheese.

• Feeds a Crowd – This recipe makes enough to serve multiple people, making it perfect for gatherings.

• Minimal Effort, Maximum Reward – With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 6 everything bagels, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 8 large eggs

• 2 cups milk (whole or 2% preferred)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning (plus extra for topping)

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup cooked bacon or sausage, crumbled (optional)

• ½ cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bagels

Cut the everything bagels into 1-inch cubes. Spread them evenly in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. If your bagels are fresh, let them sit out for a couple of hours or toast them lightly to dry them out—this helps them absorb the egg mixture better.

Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and everything bagel seasoning. Whisk until well combined and slightly frothy.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Evenly sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the bagel cubes. If using cooked bacon or sausage, sprinkle that in as well. Pour the egg mixture over the bagels, pressing down gently to make sure all the pieces absorb the liquid. Top with the remaining cheese.

Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6-8 hours). This step is crucial as it allows the bagels to soak up the egg mixture, resulting in a soft yet sturdy texture.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes while the oven preheats. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra everything bagel seasoning and chopped green onions. Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of sour cream.

Customization Ideas

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon or sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.

• Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.

• Extra Creamy: Mix in a little cream cheese before baking for a richer texture.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bagels and check that your seasoning blend is gluten-free.

• Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk and cream with a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk and use dairy-free cheese.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of bagels?

Yes! While everything bagels provide the most flavor, you can use plain, sesame, or even onion bagels for a slightly different taste.

2. How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! You can freeze it after baking. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until warmed through.

4. What can I serve with this casserole?

This dish pairs well with fresh fruit, avocado slices, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with a side of smoked salmon for an elevated brunch experience.

5. Can I make this casserole the same day instead of overnight?

Yes, but the texture may not be as custardy. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before baking to allow the bagels to absorb some of the liquid.

6. Can I make this in a smaller portion?

Absolutely! Halve the ingredients and bake in an 8x8-inch dish for about 35-40 minutes.

Conclusion

This Overnight Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole is a game-changer for anyone who loves an easy yet satisfying breakfast. Whether you're preparing for a weekend brunch, holiday gathering, or just want a fuss-free morning, this dish delivers on flavor and convenience. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a staple in your breakfast rotation!