Easy Bagel Breakfast Casserole
Introduction
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it can also be the most rushed. Between getting ready for work or school and trying to keep up with the daily grind, making a full breakfast from scratch each morning is often not realistic. That is why make-ahead recipes like this Easy Bagel Breakfast Casserole are true lifesavers. They bring all the delicious elements of a classic breakfast together in one simple dish that you can prepare ahead of time and pop in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
This casserole is warm, cheesy, filling, and loaded with flavor. The texture is just right. It is soft and custardy in the center, with perfectly toasted edges thanks to the bagels. If you are tired of the same old eggs and toast routine, this recipe is a fun and flavorful way to switch things up. The best part is that it is very forgiving. You can swap ingredients in and out depending on what you have in the fridge or what your family likes.
Whether you are planning a relaxed weekend brunch, hosting guests, or simply need something quick to reheat on weekday mornings, this recipe checks every box. It is easy to prepare, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Once you try it, you might find yourself making it every week.
Ingredients Needed
This casserole is made with everyday breakfast staples, and you probably have most of them on hand already. The combination of eggs, cheese, bagels, and breakfast meats makes for a hearty and flavorful dish that keeps you full for hours. You can use plain bagels or go with everything bagels if you want a little extra flavor baked in. Bell peppers and onions add a fresh touch, and the cheese brings everything together.
Here is a full list of the ingredients you will need to make this dish.
Ingredients List:
- 4 bagels (plain or everything)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- ¼ cup diced onion
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Below is a table with each ingredient and an estimate of the calorie content. This is based on typical serving sizes and may vary depending on brands or substitutions.
Ingredient Table with Calories
| Ingredient | Amount | Approximate Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Bagels | 4 whole | 1040 |
| Eggs | 6 large | 420 |
| Milk | 1 ¾ cups | 210 |
| Cheddar Cheese | 1 cup | 400 |
| Bacon or Sausage | ½ cup cooked | 200 |
| Bell Peppers | ½ cup diced | 25 |
| Onion | ¼ cup diced | 15 |
| Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper | To taste | 5 |
| Total Calories | 2315 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making this casserole is incredibly easy and doesn’t take a lot of time. The hardest part is waiting for it to bake because it smells so good in the oven. You can prep everything the night before and simply bake it in the morning.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Slice the bagels into cubes that are about one to two inches wide. If the bagels are a day or two old, even better. That helps them soak up the egg mixture.
Spread the bagel pieces evenly in the greased baking dish.
Sprinkle the cooked bacon or sausage over the bagels. Then add the diced bell peppers and onions. Sprinkle half of the cheese on top.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the ingredients in the baking dish. Press the bagel cubes down gently to help them absorb the liquid.
Top everything with the remaining cheese.
If you have time, cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Overnight works great too. This step helps the flavors soak in.
When ready to bake, place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes with the foil on. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is cooked through.
Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if you like.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. You can adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs without compromising the flavor or texture.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply skip the meat and add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. These all taste great and add a healthy boost.
Love spicy food? Add diced jalapeños to the egg mixture or use a spicy cheese like pepper jack. You can even drizzle hot sauce over each serving for extra heat.
For a meat lovers’ version, mix in ham, sausage, and bacon together. Just make sure it’s all pre-cooked before adding it to the casserole.
You can also use dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk if you are trying to avoid dairy. Almond or oat milk both work well.
Try different bagel flavors like onion or cheese for a twist. Each flavor brings its own personality to the dish.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutrition per serving. This recipe makes about six generous servings.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385 |
| Protein | 18 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 35 grams |
| Fat | 20 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 9 grams |
| Cholesterol | 210 milligrams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sodium | 620 milligrams |
These numbers are estimates and may vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is filling enough to be the main star of your breakfast or brunch. But it also pairs well with lighter sides if you want to round out the meal.
Try serving it with a fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. Hash browns or roasted potatoes also make a great side.
You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of salsa on top. A drizzle of maple syrup is surprisingly good too if you like a sweet and savory combo.
If you’re serving a crowd, consider pairing it with muffins, croissants, or fresh bread to make a full spread.
To drink, coffee or tea always work well. Fresh orange juice or a smoothie also complements the richness of the casserole nicely.
Conclusion
This easy bagel breakfast casserole is the perfect solution for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or holiday brunches. It is warm, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
The recipe is flexible and can be made ahead of time. It is easy to adapt to your tastes and dietary needs. You can use different meats, cheeses, vegetables, or bagel flavors to make it your own. It also reheats well, which makes it great for leftovers or meal prep.
Whether you are cooking for your family or hosting a brunch with friends, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and see why it is quickly becoming a breakfast favorite in so many kitchens.