Is there anything better than waking up to the aroma of a savory breakfast bake? This Everything Bagel Breakfast Bake is the perfect way to start your day, combining the satisfying chew of everything bagels with a creamy, cheesy, and bacony filling. But here’s the secret: we’re ditching the dreaded tough bagel texture. This recipe uses a simple trick to ensure your breakfast bake is always soft, tender, and utterly delicious. Get ready to transform your breakfast routine!
Why You’ll Love This Everything Bagel Breakfast Bake
This isn’t just another breakfast casserole; it’s a game-changer. Here’s why you’ll be making this again and again:
- Soft, Tender Bagels: Say goodbye to chewy, disappointing bagel bakes. Our soaking method guarantees perfectly tender bagels every time.
- Easy to Customize: Add your favorite veggies, cheeses, or protein to create your own signature breakfast bake.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for brunch gatherings, holiday mornings, or a special weekend treat.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Everything Bagel Breakfast Bake
Before we dive into baking, let’s talk about the stars of the show – the ingredients! This breakfast bake is all about layers of flavor and texture, starting with a hearty bagel base, elevated with a creamy egg mixture, and topped with savory bacon and cheese. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a breakfast bake that is not only delicious but also satisfying.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Everything Bagels: The foundation of our bake! You’ll need 4 everything bagels. The “everything” seasoning adds a fantastic savory flavor, but feel free to use plain bagels if you prefer, or even another type of bagel. Day-old bagels work great for this recipe!
- Large Eggs: These are essential for creating the creamy, custard-like base that binds everything together. You’ll need 6 large eggs.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Cheese is a must! We are using 1 1/2 cups. Sharp cheddar provides a bold, tangy flavor that complements the bagels and bacon perfectly. Feel free to use a different cheese like Monterey Jack or Gruyere if you’re looking for a more mild flavor.
- Milk: This adds moisture and helps create the perfect consistency for the egg mixture. You’ll need 1 cup of milk. You can substitute whole milk, 2% milk, or even unsweetened almond milk.
- Bacon: Adds a salty, smoky crunch that takes this breakfast bake to the next level. You will need 6 strips of bacon.
- Salt and Black Pepper: These seasonings enhance all the other flavors and bring everything together. You’ll need 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Crafting Your Everything Bagel Breakfast Bake: Step-by-Step
Ready to transform those ingredients into a delicious breakfast bake? Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! The key to success lies in the simple soaking method that guarantees soft, tender bagels. Let’s get started!
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents the bake from sticking and makes it easier to serve.
- Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined. Whisking ensures that all ingredients are evenly distributed, which leads to a more uniform texture.
- Soak the Bagels: Add the bagel pieces to the egg mixture. Gently press them down to ensure they are submerged. This is the crucial step for preventing tough bagels! Allow them to soak for 10 minutes, occasionally stirring gently to ensure even soaking.
- Incorporate Flavor: After the bagels have soaked, add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the crumbled bacon to the bagel and egg mixture. Stir gently to distribute everything evenly.
- Assemble the Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top It Off: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and the remaining bacon over the top of the bake. This creates a beautiful, cheesy, and bacony crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and bubbly. To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center of the bake; if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
- Rest and Serve: Let the bake stand for 5 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly and makes it easier to cut.
Tips for Perfect Everything Bagel Breakfast Bake Every Time
Want to ensure your Everything Bagel Breakfast Bake is a resounding success? Here are a few pro tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t Skip the Soaking: This is the key to preventing tough bagels. Make sure the bagels are fully submerged in the egg mixture and allow them to soak for the full 10 minutes.
- Use Day-Old Bagels: Slightly stale bagels actually work best for this recipe, as they absorb the egg mixture more readily.
- Customize Your Cheese: While sharp cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses.
- Add Veggies: Sautéed onions, peppers, mushrooms, or spinach would be delicious additions to this bake.
- Make it Ahead: Assemble the bake the night before and store it in the refrigerator, covered, until ready to bake. This is perfect for busy mornings. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Storage: Leftover breakfast bake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
What to Serve With Everything Bagel Breakfast Bake
This Everything Bagel Breakfast Bake is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a fresh fruit salad for a light and refreshing contrast or alongside some savory biscuits with turkey gravy. You could also check out our recipe for savory zucchini fritters with herbed yogurt, which would be a delicious twist on breakfast.
Your Everything Bagel Breakfast Bake Questions Answered (FAQ)
Got questions about making this Everything Bagel Breakfast Bake? Here are some common queries answered:
Can I use a different type of bagel?
Absolutely! While everything bagels provide a signature savory flavor, you can use plain bagels, sesame bagels, or any other type of bagel you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly.
Can I make this breakfast bake vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon to make this bake vegetarian. You can add in sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, peppers, or spinach to add more flavor and texture. To make the breakfast bake vegan, you will need to omit both the bacon and cheese, as well as swap the milk and eggs for vegan alternatives. You may need to find a Vegan cheese substitute to prevent loss of flavor.
Can I freeze this breakfast bake?
Yes, you can freeze this breakfast bake after baking it. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Why are my bagels still tough after baking?
The most common reason for tough bagels is not soaking them long enough. Make sure the bagel pieces are fully submerged in the egg mixture and allow them to soak for the full 10 minutes. Another potential issue is overbaking. Keep a close eye on the bake and remove it from the oven as soon as the eggs are set.
Can I add meat other than bacon?
Yes, you can substitute the bacon with cooked chicken or other alternatives. Just make sure they are cooked prior to assembly to prevent loss of flavor and texture.
Enjoy Your Homemade Everything Bagel Breakfast Bake!
There you have it – a foolproof recipe for an Everything Bagel Breakfast Bake that’s guaranteed to be a hit! With its soft, tender bagels, cheesy filling, and customizable ingredients, this bake is perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a breakfast that’s both delicious and satisfying. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your bake turned out! Share your creations on social media using #EasyRecipesChef.
