Everything Bagel Breakfast Sandwich Casserole Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that’s both crowd-pleasing and morning-changing, look no further than this Everything Bagel Breakfast Sandwich Casserole! It’s one of those rare recipes that captures all the flavors of your favorite New York deli breakfast in a bubbling, golden sliceable bake. The everything bagels provide that signature crunch and punch of garlic, onion, and seeds, while silky eggs, crispy bacon, and a double dose of melty cheese tie everything together. Whether you’re feeding overnight guests or meal-prepping for hectic weekdays, this casserole brings the beloved breakfast sandwich to your table in utterly irresistible form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every item in this recipe has a place and a purpose—nothing fussy, just pure breakfast magic in every bite. Simple staples like bagels and eggs transform with crispy bacon, melty cheese, and handfuls of fresh herbs into a comforting brunch everyone will crave.

• Everything bagels: The hearty, flavorful foundation; let them get a little stale so they hold up during baking and absorb that delicious custard.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the bagel pieces toast up beautifully in the oven.
• Bacon: Crispy, salty, smoky perfection in every forkful; cook until golden and drain for best texture.
• Large eggs: The backbone of any breakfast casserole, giving that classic fluffy structure.
• Heavy cream: Creates a rich, custardy base—don’t skimp, it makes the casserole extra luscious.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Go for sharp cheddar for extra flavor and a gorgeous golden melt.
• Gruyere: Adds a nutty, complex depth—this cheese takes things into “fancy brunch” territory.
• Chopped basil: Fresh, fragrant, and bright—herbs lift all the savory flavors.
• Chopped parsley: Brings a gentle grassy note and vibrant color.
• Black pepper: A subtle kick that complements eggs and cheese.
• Salt: Just a pinch, especially with bacon and cheese already adding flavor.
• Minced chives (optional): Perfect for a fresh, slightly oniony finish as a garnish.

How to Make Everything Bagel Breakfast Sandwich Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350° F. This gives you a perfect temperature for a set-yet-creamy casserole. While the oven works its magic, gather all your ingredients and let the bagels sit out (if they aren’t already a little bit stale). Stale bagels soak up more of the egg mixture without turning mushy—trust me, it’s a game changer for texture!

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon and Prep Everything

In a large skillet, cook the bacon over low to medium heat until it’s perfectly crispy and most of the fat has rendered out. Lay the bacon onto paper towels to avoid any extra greasiness. While the bacon sizzles away, cut your bagels into bite-sized chunks and measure out the cheeses and herbs. Melt your unsalted butter so it’s ready to drizzle. These little prep steps guarantee a smooth assembly—and you’ll appreciate the head start once the delicious smells start creeping through your kitchen.

Step 3: Make the Casserole Base

Tumble the bagel chunks into a greased baking dish and drizzle the melted butter generously on top. Use your hands to toss the pieces so every nook and crevice gets a touch of buttery love. In a big mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and heavy cream until smooth. Stir in the cheddar, Gruyere, basil, parsley, black pepper, and salt. This custard mixture is crucial for turning Everything Bagel Breakfast Sandwich Casserole into a fluffy, savory masterpiece. Pour it evenly over the bagel pieces—make sure every bite will be loaded with flavor.

Step 4: Layer and Toss in the Bacon

After pouring over the egg and cheese mixture, gently toss the bagel chunks to ensure every piece is coated—don’t be afraid to get hands-on here! Break or chop the cooled bacon into hearty bite-sized bits and scatter them all over the dish, making sure there’s bacon in every corner. Give everything a final gentle toss and pat down so the mixture is evenly spread in the pan.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. To check for doneness, press lightly on a piece of bagel—the eggs should be set, with no visible liquid. When you see the cheese bubbling and a golden hue across the top, it’s ready! Sprinkle on a handful of minced chives for that fresh pop of color and flavor before serving. Enjoy your Everything Bagel Breakfast Sandwich Casserole warm, as-is, or with your favorite sauce or spread.

How to Serve Everything Bagel Breakfast Sandwich Casserole

Garnishes

The right garnish makes this casserole restaurant-worthy. A shower of minced chives adds a clean, fresh note that really enhances everything in the dish. If you want to go big, add a small handful of extra chopped parsley or basil for even more color. And, if you’re a fan of a little heat, a dash of hot sauce or a spoonful of spicy ketchup on the side brings zingy contrast.

Side Dishes

This casserole stands tall as the star of any breakfast or brunch spread, but it’s also superb with simple sides like a green salad dressed in lemony vinaigrette or a bowl of fresh fruit. Roasted breakfast potatoes or sautéed greens turn it into a full-on feast, and a pitcher of cold-brew coffee or fresh-squeezed juice makes it feel extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Everything Bagel Breakfast Sandwich Casserole to new heights by serving it on a wooden board, sliced into generous squares with pickles and little ramekins of spicy dips. Or, portion it into muffin tins for individual casseroles—absolutely perfect for showers, brunch buffets, and meal prep. For an extra-fun twist, try stacking slices with avocado or tomato for a layered breakfast sandwich effect!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a lifesaver! Let your Everything Bagel Breakfast Sandwich Casserole cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly (or transfer slices to an airtight container). Pop it in the fridge for up to three days—you’ll love how the flavors deepen after a little overnight rest.

Freezing

To freeze, slice the completely cooled casserole into individual portions, wrap each one in plastic wrap, then foil, and stash them in a freezer bag. Everything Bagel Breakfast Sandwich Casserole keeps beautifully in the freezer for up to two months! Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

For the freshest-from-the-oven taste, reheat portions in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just do it in short bursts and cover lightly to keep things moist.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bagel?

Absolutely! While everything bagels bring a signature flavor, plain, sesame, or poppyseed bagels all work well. Just avoid super-sweet styles like cinnamon raisin for this savory bake.

What if I want to make it vegetarian?

You can leave out the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted red peppers for a tasty, meatless version of the casserole. Smoked gouda or extra Gruyere also boost the richness if you want to replace the bacon’s savory note.

Can I assemble Everything Bagel Breakfast Sandwich Casserole the night before?

Yes! Prep everything right up to baking, cover tightly, and store in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven for a super-easy breakfast.

How do I prevent a soggy casserole?

Make sure your bagels are a little stale (it helps them hold up!), and check that the eggs are fully set before removing the casserole from the oven. Letting it cool for a couple minutes before slicing also helps everything stay together.

Can I add other cheeses or toppings?

Definitely—this recipe is tailor-made for swapping in your favorites! Try pepper jack for spice, Swiss for extra creaminess, or add sliced tomatoes or scallions before baking for an extra flavor punch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to elevate your breakfast game or simply want to bring a smile to your family and friends, give this Everything Bagel Breakfast Sandwich Casserole a try. There’s nothing quite like that combination of melty cheese, crispy bacon, eggs, and herby goodness all in one easy bake. Trust me, it’ll quickly become your new brunch tradition!

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