If you’re searching for a hearty, flavorful breakfast that you can prepare ahead of time and simply pop in the oven in the morning, then you absolutely need to try this Everything Bagel Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole Recipe. It’s a brilliant combination of soft, savory everything bagel cubes layered with crispy bacon, melty Gruyere cheese, and creamy cubes of cream cheese—all bound together in a rich custard of eggs and heavy cream. The result is a decadent, crowd-pleasing dish that brings the best of everything bagel flavors to your breakfast table in a convenient casserole form. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a staple for your weekend brunches or busy weekday mornings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Everything Bagel Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole Recipe is not only simple but plays an essential role in creating its irresistible flavor and texture. From the hearty bagels adding a chewy base to the creamy cheeses and savory bacon, each element brings something special to the dish.
- Everything bagels: Using five bagels cut into 1-inch cubes provides a wonderful, textured base with that signature everything spice blend.
- Bacon: Eight ounces of cooked and diced bacon adds crispy, smoky depth that perfectly complements the cheesy flavors.
- Gruyere cheese: Two cups shredded Gruyere melt beautifully, bringing a mild nutty flavor that enhances the casserole.
- Cream cheese: Eight ounces, cut into 1-inch cubes, creates creamy pockets that melt into luscious bites.
- Eggs: Eight large eggs provide structure and richness to bind everything together.
- Heavy cream: Two cups lend a luxurious creaminess to the custard, ensuring every bite is moist and tender.
- Salt: Just half a teaspoon to balance and bring out all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Pepper: A quarter teaspoon adds a subtle touch of warmth and spice.
- Chives: Fresh chives for garnish add a burst of color and mild onion flavor that lightens the richness of the casserole.
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 to ensure the casserole won’t stick and will be easy to serve up later. This step is simple but fundamental—perfectly greased dishes make for a clean release after baking.
Step 2: Layer the First Half of Ingredients
Begin building your casserole by spreading half of the everything bagel cubes evenly in the dish. Then sprinkle half of the diced bacon across the bagels, follow it up with half of the shredded Gruyere cheese, and scatter half of the cream cheese cubes on top. This layering ensures every bite has a wonderful balance of textures and flavors right from the start.
Step 3: Repeat the Layers
Now repeat the same layering process: the remaining everything bagel cubes, bacon, Gruyere, and cream cheese cubes. This double layering creates a rich and satisfying casserole with a beautiful medley of flavors in every scoop.
Step 4: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and fully blended. This silky custard is the glue that holds all the delicious ingredients together while baking.
Step 5: Pour the Custard
Slowly pour the egg and cream mixture over the layered bagels, making sure to cover everything completely. The custard will soak into the bagel cubes and all the other ingredients, infusing them with creamy goodness while baking.
Step 6: Refrigerate to Marry Flavors
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the bagels to absorb the custard, setting you up for a perfectly textured dish when baked.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. When ready, cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake it for 40 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 8: Cool and Garnish
Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This brief rest makes it easier to cut and enhances the texture. Sprinkle fresh chives on top for a lovely pop of color and a subtle fresh bite.
How to Serve Everything Bagel Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chives scatter beautifully across this casserole, adding not only vibrant green pops of color but also a mild onion flavor that complements the rich and savory ingredients. You could also consider a light drizzle of sour cream or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with bright, fresh sides to balance its richness. Think crisp mixed greens tossed in a light vinaigrette or a refreshing fruit salad featuring berries and citrus segments. These lighter sides provide contrast and keep the meal feeling well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch party, serve this casserole in individual ramekins for a pretty, personalized touch. You could also garnish with edible flowers or even a dollop of cream cheese spread on the side for guests to add as they like. No matter how you serve it, this dish will steal the show on your breakfast table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the casserole completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When wrapped properly, it will keep well for up to 2 months, so you have a convenient breakfast option ready anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Then warm it in a 350-degree oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. This helps regain that fresh-baked texture and melty cheese goodness you first fell in love with.
FAQs
Can I use bagels other than everything bagels?
Absolutely! While everything bagels are what give this recipe its iconic flavor, you can experiment with plain, sesame, or even flavored bagels if you want to change things up. Just remember, the seasoning on the bagel plays a big role in the overall taste.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
This particular recipe is not gluten-free because it uses traditional everything bagels. However, you could try gluten-free bagels as a substitute to accommodate dietary needs, though texture may vary slightly.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with a vegetarian bacon substitute. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for extra flavor and heartiness.
How far ahead can I make the casserole?
This Everything Bagel Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole Recipe is perfect for making up to 24 hours in advance. The longer it sits soaking in the custard, the more flavorful it becomes. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated until baking.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just double the ingredient amounts and bake in a larger casserole dish or two separate dishes. Keep an eye on the baking time—larger dishes may need a bit more time to cook through.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about waking up to a breakfast casserole that has already been lovingly prepared the night before, and this Everything Bagel Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s creamy, cheesy, savory, and full of texture from those everything bagel cubes and crispy bacon. Whether you’re catering to a crowd or treating yourself to an indulgent weekend morning, I can’t recommend this dish enough. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever started your day without it!
Print
Everything Bagel Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes + 4 hours to overnight chilling
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Everything Bagel Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole is a savory and satisfying dish perfect for brunch or a hearty breakfast. Featuring layers of cubed everything bagels, crispy bacon, creamy Gruyere cheese, and cream cheese, all soaked in a rich egg and heavy cream mixture, this casserole can be prepared in advance and baked fresh when ready. Topped with fresh chives, it combines the delicious flavors of an everything bagel with the convenience of a baked casserole.
Ingredients
Bagel and Cheese Layers
- 5 Everything bagels, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
Meat
- 8 ounces bacon, cooked and diced
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Garnish
- Chives, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the dish: Grease a 13×9 inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Layer the first half: Place half of the cubed everything bagels evenly in the casserole dish. Sprinkle half of the cooked and diced bacon over the bagels, followed by half of the shredded Gruyere cheese, and then half of the cream cheese cubes.
- Repeat layers: Add the remaining everything bagel cubes as a second layer, then top with the remaining bacon, Gruyere, and cream cheese cubes, evenly distributing each ingredient.
- Mix egg custard: In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely combined and slightly frothy.
- Pour custard over layers: Carefully pour the egg and cream mixture over the layered ingredients in the casserole dish, ensuring all bagel cubes are moist and covered.
- Refrigerate to set: Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the custard to soak in fully.
- Preheat the oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake covered: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator, cover it with aluminum foil, and bake for 40 minutes to cook through while keeping moisture in.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes to set the top and allow it to brown nicely.
- Cool and garnish: Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped chives and enjoy your breakfast casserole warm.
Notes
- This casserole can be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning for convenience.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and substitute with vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Using day-old bagels helps them absorb the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; additional herbs like dill or parsley complement the flavors well.
- Covering the casserole during the initial baking ensures a moist custard without drying out.
