The Best Bagel Breakfast Casserole for Easy Mornings

Bagel Breakfast Casserole is my ultimate solution for fast, family-friendly morning meals. Whether you’re feeding a house full of weekend guests or meal-prepping for the week, this savory bake is full of flavor and ultra-satisfying. The best part? It’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that’s a lifesaver for busy mornings. Minimal prep, maximum deliciousness.

Traditional breakfast casseroles can take hours of prep and assembly. But this easy bagel casserole slashes your hands-on time to just 20 minutes. The bagels soak up a creamy egg mixture overnight, the sausage adds a rich, hearty flavor, and the cream cheese takes the texture over the top. If your mornings are anything like mine—always a race against the clock—you’re going to love how this fits right into your schedule.

Why This Bagel Breakfast Casserole Is a Game-Changer

• Hands-off baking: Once it’s in the oven, you’ve got 90 blissful hands-off minutes to focus on your family or your to-do list.
• Make-ahead convenience: Assemble everything the night before, and pop it in the oven in the morning. No morning mess means less stress for you.
• Built-in flavor: Using everything bagel seasoning plus cream cheese gives you a savory, satisfying bite every time—no extra seasoning needed.
• Time-saving prep: Ditch the bread slicing—bagels are the perfect pre-cut carb base. Just cube and toss!
• Flexible serving size: Feeds 8-10 people, making it great for gatherings, but leftovers reheat beautifully for days when you’re short on time.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Bagel Breakfast Casserole

This recipe doesn’t need anything fancy beyond your trusty oven and a few basics:

• Baking dish: A 9×13-inch dish is perfect for evenly cooking this casserole. Remember to grease it well to avoid sticking.
• Skillet: You’ll need this to brown the sausage before mixing it into the casserole.
• Whisk: Whisking the egg mixture together ensures a creamy, even texture throughout.
• Foil: Essential for the two-step baking process, where you cover the dish to keep moisture in before removing it for that gorgeous golden top.

If you’re in the market for a new baking dish, look for one with sturdy handles and a non-stick coating—it’s a game-changer for easy cleanup.

Simple Ingredients for Bagel Breakfast Casserole

Here are a few key ingredients that make this dish shine. Bonus: all are easy to find at your local grocery store.

• Plain bagels: Regular bagels soak up the egg mixture perfectly, but feel free to use day-old bagels for extra texture and less waste.
• Breakfast sausage: I recommend using uncooked sausage to brown fresh at home for the richest flavor. Crumbled pre-cooked sausage works well too if you’re short on time.
• Spinach: Fresh baby spinach adds a pop of color and extra nutrients without making the dish feel heavy. Frozen spinach can work if you drain it well.
• Cream cheese: Dotting your casserole with cream cheese creates rich, creamy bites throughout. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this!

Pro tip: Grab pre-shredded cheese and pre-washed spinach to cut your prep even further.

Bagel Breakfast Casserole Recipe Details

• Servings: 8 to 10 servings
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling)

Ingredients for Bagel Breakfast Casserole

• Unsalted butter or nonstick cooking spray, for greasing the baking dish
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 ounces breakfast sausage, casing removed (8 sausages)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 3/4 cup half-and-half
• Pinch of cayenne
• 8 large eggs
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/3 cups packed baby spinach
• 2 large plain bagels, split and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 1/3 cups shredded provolone
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning

Step-by-Step Bagel Breakfast Casserole Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned (about 5 minutes). Transfer the sausage to a bowl using a slotted spoon.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, half-and-half, cayenne, eggs, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add the sausage, spinach, bagels, and 3/4 cup of provolone. Stir to combine, then pour the mixture into the prepared dish.
4. Scatter the cream cheese cubes over the top, then sprinkle everything bagel seasoning and the remaining provolone evenly across the surface.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 45 minutes until the casserole is puffed and golden around the edges.
6. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Jake’s Tips for the Best Bagel Breakfast Casserole

• Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Let it sit out for 15 minutes before baking.
• Freeze leftovers: Cut into individual portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for quick grab-and-go breakfasts.
• Reheat like a pro: Use the oven or microwave, but cover to prevent drying out.
• Customize it: Swap spinach for chopped bell peppers or the provolone for cheddar if that’s what you have on hand.
• Don’t overbake: Look for puffed edges and set centers—it should still be moist, not dry or browned too much.

Easy Bagel Breakfast Casserole Variations

• Veggie-packed: Add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers to sneak in extra veggies.
• Southwest twist: Replace provolone with pepper jack and add a can of diced green chilies.
• Ham & cheese: Sub the sausage for diced ham and use Swiss cheese for a classic flavor combo.
• Build-your-own: Use leftover chopped meats or cheeses—it’s a great way to clean out your fridge!

Bagel Breakfast Casserole FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking.

What’s the best substitute for breakfast sausage?

You can use ham, crumbled bacon, or even a plant-based sausage alternative. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding.

How do I prevent the casserole from being soggy?

Use day-old bagels or toast the bagel cubes lightly to help them hold up to the egg mixture.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.

Do I need to use everything bagel seasoning?

It’s highly recommended for flavor, but if you’re out, you can mix dried garlic, onion, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds for a DIY version.

This Bagel Breakfast Casserole is your ticket to stress-free mornings. Ready to give it a try? Let me know in the comments how you customized yours!