Looking for a hearty, comforting breakfast or brunch idea that’s both satisfying and vegetarian-friendly? This Bagel Egg Casserole recipe is exactly what you need to start your day on the right note.
Combining the chewy texture of bagels with fluffy, savory eggs and melty cheese, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser for any meal. It’s perfect for family gatherings, weekend brunches, or even meal prepping for busy mornings.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile — you can customize it with your favorite veggies and cheeses to suit your taste. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this dish is straightforward to prepare and yields delicious results every time.
Not only does it satisfy your cravings, but it also packs in protein and veggies, making it a balanced meal. If you love dishes like Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe or want to try something sweet alongside, check out our Glazed Twist Donut Recipe for a perfect pairing.
Ready to dive into this flavorful casserole? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Bagel Egg Casserole is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. The toasted bagels provide a sturdy, chewy base that soaks up the savory custard made from eggs and milk, creating a moist and satisfying bite.
It’s packed with fresh vegetables like spinach and bell peppers, adding vibrant color and nutrition without overpowering the dish.
The cheese melts beautifully throughout, lending a creamy, indulgent finish that elevates every mouthful. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead recipe — assemble it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
This casserole is ideal for vegetarians, but meat lovers can easily add sausage or bacon if desired. It’s gluten-friendly if you use gluten-free bagels, and you can swap out dairy for plant-based alternatives to suit dietary needs.
Ingredients
- 6 plain or everything bagels, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (or plant-based milk)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup diced red bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
- Skillet for sautéing vegetables
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Prepare the bagels: Cut the bagels into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and spinach: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped spinach, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Remove from heat.
- Whisk the custard: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly. Add whole milk, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Whisk until combined and slightly frothy.
- Mix cheese and veggies: Stir the sautéed vegetables and shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture.
- Pour the mixture: Carefully pour the egg and veggie mixture evenly over the cubed bagels in the baking dish. Press down lightly to ensure the bagels soak up the custard.
- Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top for an extra cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the eggs are fully set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Tips & Variations
For fluffy eggs, make sure not to overbake the casserole. Keep an eye on the oven starting at the 35-minute mark.
Feel free to swap bagels for other bread like croissants or English muffins for a different texture.
Try adding mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for more veggie goodness.
For a vegan twist, use tofu scramble in place of eggs and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Make ahead tip: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh in the morning for convenience.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 26 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Calcium | 250 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad for a light and refreshing contrast. You can also serve it alongside roasted potatoes or a crisp green salad for a more substantial brunch.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet to complement the savory flavors, try our Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe or the Goat Milk Ice Cream Recipe No Eggs for a delightful finish.
Conclusion
Our Bagel Egg Casserole Recipe is a fantastic addition to any breakfast or brunch menu, offering a delicious and nutritious start to your day. It’s easy to make, adaptable to your favorite ingredients, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for busy mornings.
The marriage of toasted bagels with rich eggs, fresh vegetables, and melty cheese creates a comforting dish that’s both filling and flavorful.
Whether you’re catering to vegetarians, looking to use up leftover bagels, or simply want a new breakfast favorite, this casserole hits all the right notes. Don’t forget to experiment with different veggies and cheeses to make it your own.
For more comforting and creative recipes, be sure to visit our collection including Half Runner Beans Recipe and German Stuffing Recipe. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Bagel Egg Casserole Recipe Vegetarian
Description: A hearty and delicious vegetarian casserole featuring bagels, eggs, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a brunch or make-ahead breakfast.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 plain bagels, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until soft.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add bagel cubes, sautéed vegetables, spinach, and half the cheese to the egg mixture. Stir gently.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until eggs are set and top is golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 28 g
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