Looking for the easiest holiday breakfast? This Christmas morning everything **casserole** is the ultimate make-ahead dish that feeds a crowd perfectly.
Christmas morning is a magical time filled with unwrapping gifts, laughter, and the warmth of family. However, it is also notoriously chaotic in the kitchen. Between managing excitement and trying to get a decent meal on the table, stress levels can rise. That is where this hearty breakfast bake comes in to save the day.
Imagine combining the chewy, savory goodness of your favorite NYC deli bagel with the fluffy, comforting texture of a holiday strata. This dish does exactly that. By utilizing day-old bagels, pockets of rich cream cheese, and a savory custard, you create a **casserole** that is decadent enough for a holiday celebration but easy enough that you don’t miss the festivities.
In this guide, we will walk you through how to construct this savory masterpiece, ensuring your holiday morning is spent with your loved ones, not stuck behind a stove flipping individual omelets.
Why This Casserole Recipe Works
There are hundreds of breakfast recipes out there, so why choose this one? The secret lies in the balance of textures and the “make-ahead” science.
Unlike standard white bread stratas which can sometimes turn mushy if soaked too long, bagels have a dense crumb structure. They hold up incredibly well against the egg and milk mixture, resulting in a **casserole** that has a satisfying chew rather than a soggy bottom.
Furthermore, the “Everything” seasoning—a blend of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt—infuses the milk and egg mixture overnight. This ensures that every single bite is packed with savory flavor, not just the top crust. The pockets of cream cheese melt slightly during baking, creating creamy surprises that cut through the richness of the bacon and eggs.
Ingredients Needed
To build this flavor-packed breakfast, you will need high-quality ingredients. Since this is a holiday meal, we recommend splurging on fresh bakery bagels rather than the pre-packaged grocery store variety if possible.
**The Core Components:**
* **Everything Bagels:** 6 large bagels. You want them preferably 1-2 days old. Stale bread absorbs the custard better than fresh bread.
* **Cream Cheese:** 1 (8oz) block, cold. Do not use whipped cream cheese; you need the block so it can be cubed and hold its shape.
* **Eggs:** 8 large eggs. These provide the structure for the **casserole**.
* **Dairy:** 1 cup whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream. This 50/50 split ensures the custard is rich but not overly heavy.
* **Meat:** 1 lb bacon or breakfast sausage. Cooked until crisp and crumbled.
* **Cheese:** 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded. Sharp cheddar pairs best with the garlic and onion notes of the bagels.
* **Vegetables:** 1 small red onion (finely diced) and 2 tablespoons fresh chives.
* **Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon dried mustard powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and extra Everything Bagel Seasoning for topping.
Equipment Required
You don’t need fancy gadgets for this recipe, but having the right tools ensures even baking.
* **9×13 Baking Dish:** Ceramic or glass works best for heat distribution.
* **Large Skillet:** For frying the bacon or sausage.
* **Large Mixing Bowl:** For whisking the custard.
* **Serrated Knife:** Essential for cutting the bagels cleanly without squishing them.
* **Whisk:** To incorporate enough air into the eggs.
Step by Step Guide to the Ultimate Casserole
Follow these steps to ensure your breakfast is perfectly cooked and golden brown.
Step 1: Prep the Components
Start by cutting your everything bagels into 1-inch cubes. If the bagels are very fresh, you can toast the cubes on a baking sheet at 300°F for 10 minutes to dry them out slightly. Next, cube your cold cream cheese into small, dime-sized chunks. Keep them cold until assembly so they don’t smear. Fry your bacon or sausage until crispy, drain the grease, and chop into bits.
Step 2: Assemble the Layers
Grease your 9×13 baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Place half of the bagel cubes in the bottom of the dish. Top with half of the cream cheese cubes, half of the bacon, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients to create a second layer.
Step 3: Create the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, onion, dried mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously for about 60 seconds until the mixture is pale yellow and frothy.
Step 4: The Soak
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bagel layers. Use a spatula to gently press the bagels down to ensure they are submerged and soaking up the liquid. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
**Critical Step:** Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. This allows the dense bagels to hydrate fully, which prevents the **casserole** from being dry.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge while the oven heats up to take the chill off. Bake covered for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil, sprinkle with extra Everything Bagel seasoning, and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
To Incorporate With
Since this dish is rich and savory, it pairs beautifully with lighter, acidic sides or sweet treats to round out the palate.
* **Fresh Fruit Salad:** Citrus fruits like grapefruit or oranges cut through the cream cheese richness.
* **Beverages:** A strong dark roast coffee or a spicy Bloody Mary complements the onion and garlic flavors.
* **Sweet Options:** If you have guests who have a sweet tooth, you might want to offer a dessert option. Our Matcha Christmas Tree Cookies look stunning on a holiday table next to this main dish. Alternatively, if you want a complete spread of savory and sweet mains, serve a smaller portion of this bake alongside our fluffy Christmas Pancakes.
Varieties and Substitutions
This **casserole** is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to adapt it:
* **Vegetarian:** Simply omit the bacon. You can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to bulk it up.
* **Spicy Kick:** Add 1 chopped jalapeño to the egg mixture or swap the cheddar for Pepper Jack cheese.
* **Gluten-Free:** This works perfectly with gluten-free bagels. Just be aware that GF bread tends to dry out faster, so the overnight soak is mandatory.
* **Different Meats:** Leftover holiday ham creates a delicious twist on this recipe, similar to a search for ham breakfast bakes on AllRecipes.
Tips for Success
To ensure this is the “Never Fail” dish promised in the title, keep these pro-tips in mind:
1. **Don’t Skimp on Fat:** Use whole milk and full-fat cream cheese. Low-fat versions can separate and curdle during the baking process.
2. **Room Temperature Eggs:** When whisking your custard, room temperature eggs incorporate better with the cream than cold eggs.
3. **Rest After Baking:** Let the **casserole** sit for 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This allows the internal custard to set firmly, making it much easier to slice into neat squares.
10 FAQ
1. Can I make this casserole 2 days in advance?
Ideally, you should bake it within 24 hours of assembling. If left longer than that, the bagels may begin to break down too much.
2. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! You can bake it, let it cool completely, and freeze individual slices. Reheat in the microwave or toaster oven.
3. Why is my casserole soggy?
This usually happens if the ratio of liquid to bread is too high, or if you used vegetables (like raw spinach) that released water during cooking. Sauté veggies first.
4. Can I use plain bagels?
Absolutely. If you use plain bagels, increase the amount of Everything Seasoning you sprinkle on top and consider adding garlic powder to the egg mixture.
5. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half, but avoid using skim milk as it won’t yield a creamy custard.
6. How do I know when it is done?
Insert a knife into the center. If it comes out clean (no raw egg), it is ready. The internal temperature should reach 160°F.
7. Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon works well. Just ensure it is cooked crispy before adding it to the mix.
8. Is this recipe spicy?
No, the standard recipe is savory but not spicy. The dried mustard adds tang, not heat.
9. Where can I find more ideas?
For more visual inspiration on plating, you can search for Christmas Breakfast Casserole on Pinterest.
10. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but you will need two 9×13 pans. Do not try to pack double the ingredients into one deep dish, as the center will not cook before the top burns.
Conclusion
This Christmas Morning Everything **Casserole** with Bagels and Cream Cheese is more than just a breakfast; it is a gift of time. By prepping it on Christmas Eve, you grant yourself the freedom to enjoy the morning’s magic without the hassle of cooking. With its savory, creamy, and crunchy layers, it is destined to become a new holiday tradition for your family.