If you’ve been looking to elevate your breakfast game, this casserole is it. It’s easy to make and the most delicious crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch option for weekday mornings, lazy weekends, holiday entertaining, or something to look forward to for meal-prep. The bagels work so well in this recipe. Their crunchy exterior adds a satisfying texture to this casserole and when baked, the bagel cubes soak up the egg mixture while maintaining their chewy texture, creating a delicious contrast in each bite. Ugh, it’s just the best!
Everything bagels: The star of the show! These bagels give the casserole its signature flavor. See my expert tips below about the bagels. Eggs: The base of the casserole, providing fluffiness and structure. I recommend using large eggs. Cheese: Feel free to use a combination of your favorite cheeses: Cheddar, Mozzarella, Swiss, Gruyère, or pepper jack for more complexity. Cream cheese: Cut the cream cheese into small cubes so that you get pockets of creamy goodness throughout the casserole. You can use flavored cream cheese (like chive or veggie) for extra flavor. Everything But The Bagel Seasoning: If you want to enhance the everything bagel flavor, sprinkle a bit of extra everything bagel seasoning on top before baking and after baking/before serving. Cherry Tomatoes: I like to roast the tomatoes first, I love the color they add to the casserole. Other ingredients needed: olive oil, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, cayenne, and green onions.
Expert Tips
Use day-old or slightly stale everything bagels if possible, as they absorb the egg mixture better without getting too soggy. If you only have fresh bagels, you can toast them briefly before adding them to the casserole. Grate the cheese fresh from a block yourself, it will melt better and make for a better tasting casserole, too. Make-Ahead Friendly: This casserole can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning, making it perfect for a stress-free breakfast or brunch.
