Fluffy pieces of everything bagel soaked in a French toast-like egg batter, tossed with ham and cheddar, then dotted with cream cheese, this golden breakfast bake is the stuff of lazy weekend mornings. It’s comforting, sized to feed a crowd, and because it can be assembled in advance, it’s perfect for entertaining friends…or your mooching adult children and their significant others.
The day-after-Christmas breakfast casserole has become an annual tradition in our home. Every year, my mom tries a new recipe, and this year, I’m making a pitch for this everything bagel version. While I’ve long been a fan of the sweet side of breakfast casseroles—I’d much rather pop this Blueberry Coconut French Toast Bake into the oven than stand at the stove and flip individual slices—this everything bagel breakfast casserole was my first foray into the savory breakfast casserole realm. I’m a fan! (Update: I’ve since taken another delicious foray into savory casserole land with this Crockpot Egg Casserole!) While I love a good maple-syrup-soaked French toast casserole as much as the next sane individual, the subsequent sugar crash is not as enticing. This everything bagel breakfast casserole kept me full and happy all afternoon long. Whether you are looking for a way to use up extra holiday ham or leftover bagels from your last baker’s dozen, or to entertain a full house of your own, this everything bagel breakfast casserole offers big flavor, quick prep, and make-ahead flexibility.
Recipe Adaptations
The recipe is delicious as written, but here are a few ideas for how to adapt it to your preferences or other ingredients you might have on hand:
Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole with Bacon. Swap the ham for cooked and crumbled bacon. Crumbled sausage (or all three) would also be delicious. Bagel Breakfast Casserole. Replace the everything bagels with sesame, sourdough, or a combination of flavors. Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole with Veggies. Fold in sautéed veggies, either for extra flavor or to make the breakfast casserole vegetarian (you could also try this Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole).
My biggest tip: Don’t skip the shredded cheese, and especially don’t skip the cream cheese. Its creamy texture against the lightly crispy top of the breakfast casserole is nothing short of marvelous.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
To Make Ahead. Casserole can be assembled and stored in the refrigerator up to 1 day in advance. To Store. Place leftover casserole in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To Freeze. Fully bake the casserole, then let cool and cover tightly. When ready to bake, let thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat, covered, in a 350 degree F oven.
More Breakfast Casserole Recipes
Whole30 Breakfast Casserole Overnight French Toast Overnight Peach French Toast
