Description
This Everything Bagel Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole is a savory and satisfying dish featuring layers of everything bagel cubes, crispy bacon, creamy Gruyere, and cream cheese, all soaked in a rich egg and heavy cream custard. Perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings, it can be prepared in advance and baked fresh when ready to serve.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 5 Everything bagels, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 ounces bacon, cooked and diced
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Chives for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the casserole dish: Grease a 13×9 inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add first layer: Place half of the everything bagel cubes evenly in the casserole dish. Sprinkle evenly with half of the cooked and diced bacon, half of the shredded Gruyere cheese, and half of the cream cheese cubes.
- Add second layer: Repeat layering with the remaining bagel cubes, bacon, Gruyere, and cream cheese to build a second layer.
- Mix egg custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined to create a creamy custard.
- Pour custard over layers: Slowly pour the egg mixture over the layered bagels and cheese, making sure all the pieces are soaked and covered.
- Refrigerate: Tightly cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and the custard soak into the bagels.
- Preheat oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Bake covered: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 40 minutes to gently cook through.
- Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes to brown the top and finish setting the casserole.
- Cool and garnish: Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh chives for a burst of color and flavor, then serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- This casserole can be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning for convenient meal prep.
- Use fresh everything bagels for best texture; slightly stale bagels work well too as they absorb the custard better.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute bacon with sautéed mushrooms or omit entirely.
- Gruyere cheese can be swapped with Swiss or cheddar for different flavor profiles.
- Ensure the casserole is covered tightly during refrigeration to prevent drying out.
