Everything Bagel Casserole: The Ultimate Savory Breakfast & Brunch Bake (WW Friendly!)

If you’re searching for a standout dish to impress at your next holiday breakfast, family gathering, or even just a cozy weekend brunch, look no further than this incredible Everything Bagel Casserole. For years, holiday mornings at our house often featured delightful sweet treats like my popular Cinnamon French Toast Bubble Up. However, this year, I felt a creative urge to pivot and explore something decidedly savory, and boy, did this recipe deliver! This cheesy, hearty breakfast bake infused with the iconic “Everything But The Bagel” flavor is truly EVERYTHING you could want in a morning meal.

What makes this casserole an absolute game-changer? It’s the unique combination of homemade, low-point bagels and a rich, savory egg mixture, all brought to life with that unmistakable “Everything But The Bagel” seasoning. This dish manages to pack an incredible flavor punch without weighing you down, making it a fantastic option for those who are mindful of their diet or following programs like Weight Watchers. While it does require a little bit of foresight – ideally, you’ll make the bagels the day before to achieve the perfect texture – the depth of flavor and satisfying experience it provides are absolutely worth the minimal prep. Get ready to delight every breakfast and brunch enthusiast at your table!

Why This Everything Bagel Casserole is a Must-Try

This savory casserole isn’t just another breakfast dish; it’s a culinary experience designed to satisfy and energize. Here are three compelling reasons why this Everything Bagel Casserole deserves a prime spot on your menu:

1. It’s Savory, Protein-Packed, and Bursting with Flavor

Unlike many sweet breakfast options that can lead to a mid-morning sugar crash, this casserole provides sustained energy thanks to its generous protein content. The eggs form a robust base, offering a powerful protein boost that keeps you feeling full and focused well past breakfast. Coupled with the distinct, aromatic crunch of Everything But The Bagel seasoning, every bite is a delightful explosion of garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seeds. It’s a truly satisfying start to your day that keeps those hunger pangs at bay until lunch, making it a smart and delicious choice for a healthy lifestyle.

2. Master Two Recipes in One Go: Homemade Bagels Included!

The secret to this casserole’s success lies in the easy-to-make, two-ingredient dough bagels. This recipe not only guides you through creating a fantastic casserole but also teaches you how to whip up surprisingly simple bagels from scratch! Since you’re already going through the effort of making the bagels for the casserole, why not make a few extra? Having a stash of these fresh, homemade bagels on hand means you can enjoy them toasted with cream cheese, as sandwich buns, or in other creative ways throughout the week. This “cook once, eat twice” philosophy is a fantastic strategy for efficient meal prep, saving you time and effort in the long run while ensuring you always have wholesome options ready.

3. Effortless Customization for Every Palate

While the Everything But The Bagel seasoning is the star of this particular casserole, the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Don’t fancy the classic bagel seasoning? No problem! You can easily swap it out for your favorite spice blend. Imagine a Mediterranean twist with oregano and sun-dried tomatoes, or a spicy kick with chili powder and cumin. Beyond seasonings, feel free to experiment with different cheeses, incorporate your favorite vegetables like sautéed peppers or spinach, or even substitute the bacon with lean ground turkey or sausage for a different protein profile. The core cheesy, egg-based breakfast bake remains incredibly delicious and healthy, no matter how you choose to personalize it.

Essential Ingredients for Your Everything Bagel Casserole

Crafting this delightful breakfast casserole requires a few simple yet essential ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is that many components are versatile, allowing for substitutions to fit your dietary needs or preferences. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• 1 cup self-rising flour: This is the magic behind our easy two-ingredient bagels. Its leavening agents make the dough light and fluffy.
• 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt: The second hero of our two-ingredient dough, providing moisture and a tangy flavor. Opt for plain to keep the savory profile.
• Everything But The Bagel seasoning: The namesake and flavor powerhouse! While Trader Joe’s brand is popular, any brand will deliver that signature savory, garlicky, oniony kick. Don’t be shy with this!
• 6 wedges Laughing Cow herb and garlic cheese: These creamy cheese wedges melt beautifully and infuse the casserole with a subtle, savory herb and garlic note, adding richness without excessive calories.
• 6 slices cooked and crumbled Oscar Mayer center cut bacon: Center-cut bacon is a leaner option, providing that irresistible salty, crispy texture. Cook it to your desired crispness and crumble it for even distribution.
• 1 ½ cups milk: I prefer unsweetened cashew milk for its low-calorie count, but feel free to use any milk you have on hand. Just remember to check the nutritional points if you’re tracking!
• 6 eggs: The foundation of our casserole’s custardy texture, binding all the delicious elements together and adding essential protein.
• Dash salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the overall flavor of the egg mixture.
• ⅔ cup reduced-fat shredded cheese: I used a 3-cheese blend for complexity, but your favorite reduced-fat shredded cheese will work wonderfully to create that gooey, satisfying top layer.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Everything Bagel Casserole

Follow these detailed instructions to create a flawless and flavorful Everything Bagel Casserole that will become a new breakfast favorite. Remember, a little preparation makes all the difference!

1. Prepare the Two-Ingredient Dough Bagels: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly mist it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dough: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the self-rising flour and nonfat plain Greek yogurt. Mix thoroughly with a spoon or your hands until a cohesive, dough-like texture forms. If the dough feels too sticky, gradually add a tiny bit more flour until it’s manageable.
3. Shape and Season the Bagels: Divide the two-ingredient dough (2ID) into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a log shape, then bring the ends together to form a classic bagel ring. Repeat this process for all dough pieces. Brush the tops of each bagel with a light egg wash (a whisked egg with a splash of water works perfectly) and generously sprinkle with your Everything But The Bagel seasoning. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until the bagels are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Let them cool completely. *For best casserole results, make these bagels the day before so they are slightly stale and absorb the egg mixture better.*
4. Assemble the Casserole Base: When you’re ready to assemble the casserole (ensure your bacon is already cooked and crumbled), spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Carefully slice each of the 6 cooled bagels horizontally. Spread one Laughing Cow herb and garlic cheese wedge onto each whole bagel (so, half a wedge per bagel half). Arrange the cheese-topped bagel pieces evenly over the bottom of the casserole dish, creating a delicious foundation.
5. Add Bacon and Cheese Layers: Sprinkle about two-thirds of your cooked and crumbled bacon over the bagel pieces. Follow this with one-third cup of the shredded reduced-fat cheese, distributing it evenly.
6. Prepare and Pour the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl or a large measuring cup, whisk together the 6 eggs, 1 ½ cups of milk, a dash of salt, and a dash of pepper until well combined. Pour this savory egg mixture evenly over the bagel pieces, cheese, and bacon in the casserole dish. Ensure all the bagel pieces are saturated.
7. Final Topping and Soaking: Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheese, the last third of the crumbled bacon, and another generous dash of Everything But The Bagel seasoning for a beautiful crust. Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This crucial step allows the bagel pieces to thoroughly soak up the egg mixture, resulting in a tender, moist casserole. You can also prepare this the night before and let it soak overnight.
8. Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Keep the casserole dish covered with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, bubbly, and the eggs are fully set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
9. Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to cut. Slice into 6 equal servings and serve warm. Enjoy your perfectly savory and satisfying Everything Bagel Casserole!

This recipe yields 6 delicious servings. For those tracking their intake, here’s a general nutrition breakdown per serving:

Nutrition Info for 1 Serving: Calories 253, Fat 11 g, Saturated fat 4.4 g, Carbs 19 g, Fiber 1 g, Sugars 2.8 g, Sodium 794 mg, Protein 19 g.

Weight Watchers Points Breakdown

One of the fantastic aspects of this Everything Bagel Casserole is its incredible flavor paired with its Weight Watchers friendliness. By utilizing smart ingredient choices, we keep the points low without sacrificing taste. Here’s a breakdown of the points for the key ingredients:

• Self-rising flour: 13 points (for the entire recipe’s amount used in bagels)
• Nonfat plain Greek yogurt: 0 points
• Everything But The Bagel seasoning: 0 points
• Laughing Cow herb & garlic cheese: 6 points (for all 6 wedges)
• Cooked and crumbled center cut bacon: 6 points (for all 6 slices)
• Unsweetened nut milk (e.g., cashew milk): ~2 points (for 1.5 cups, depending on brand)
• Eggs: 0 points
• Salt and pepper: 0 points
• Reduced-fat shredded cheese: 9 points (for ⅔ cup)

Based on the Weight Watchers app recipe creator, this delightful casserole comes in at approximately 6 points per serving. This makes it a fantastic, satisfying option for anyone managing their points!

If you’re using an older version of WW, here’s an approximation of points:

• Personal Points: 5-7, depending on your individual ZeroPoint foods list.
• SmartPoints Freestyle (Blue & Purple Plans): 5 points using the WW recipe builder.
• SmartPoints (Green Plan): 7 points using the SP calculator.
• PointsPlus: 7 points using the PP calculator.

Creative Ways to Customize This Recipe

This Everything Bagel Casserole is a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity. While delicious as is, don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it!

• Bagel Options: For a quick shortcut, you can certainly use store-bought bagels. Be aware, however, that this will significantly increase the Weight Watchers points due to the difference in ingredients. If you do use pre-made bagels, opt for plain or savory varieties to complement the casserole’s flavors.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to swap out or add different cheeses! A sharp cheddar would add a robust flavor, while mozzarella could provide an even gooier texture. Pepper jack or a spicy Colby blend could introduce a lovely kick. Consider a mix of cheeses for a more complex profile.
• Protein Alternatives: If bacon isn’t your preference, or you’re looking for a different flavor, try substituting it with other lean proteins. Cooked and crumbled lean ground turkey or chicken sausage makes an excellent alternative for a savory sausage and egg breakfast experience. Diced lean ham or even smoked salmon could also be interesting additions for a unique twist.
• Vegetable Boost: Incorporate your favorite breakfast vegetables for added nutrients and flavor. Sautéed onions, bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or diced tomatoes would all be wonderful additions. Just be sure to cook them down slightly to remove excess moisture before adding to the casserole.
• Herb & Spice Swaps: Beyond Everything But The Bagel seasoning, consider other spice blends. Italian seasoning, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or a dash of red pepper flakes for heat could transform the flavor profile entirely. Fresh chives or parsley stirred into the egg mixture would also brighten the dish.

Tips and Tricks for Making the Perfect Everything Bagel Casserole

Achieving casserole perfection is easy with a few insider tips. These suggestions will help ensure your Everything Bagel Casserole turns out absolutely delicious every time, whether you’re making it for a special occasion or for everyday meal prep.

• The Day-Old Bagel Advantage: The key to a non-soggy, perfectly textured casserole is using slightly firm bagels. I highly recommend making the two-ingredient dough bagels the night before. This allows them to firm up slightly, ensuring they absorb the egg mixture without becoming mushy. If you’re pressed for time and making the bagels the same day, simply pop them into a toaster on a very light setting for just a few minutes. You don’t want them fully toasted, just slightly firmed up to improve their absorption capabilities.
• Excellent for Meal Prep: This casserole is a fantastic candidate for meal preparation! Once baked and cooled, you can easily cut it into individual servings. It freezes exceptionally well – wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and they’ll keep for up to a month. In the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 7 days, providing a convenient and healthy breakfast option for each weekday morning. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven.
• Laughing Cow Cheese Alternatives: I love the herb and garlic flavor of Laughing Cow cheese in this recipe, but I understand that not all flavors are available everywhere. Don’t let that stop you! Any flavor of Laughing Cow cheese will work wonderfully and be just as delicious. If you can’t find the herb and garlic, opt for plain, light, or another savory variety you enjoy. The goal is to add a creamy, flavorful element.
• Overnight Soaking for Optimal Flavor: While the recipe suggests soaking the casserole for 1 hour in the fridge before baking, an even better option for flavor infusion and texture is to prepare the entire casserole the night before. Assemble everything, cover it with foil, and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This extended soaking time allows the bagels to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in an incredibly moist and flavorful casserole with a custardy texture. Just pop it in the oven the next morning!
• Don’t Skimp on the Seasoning: The “Everything But The Bagel” seasoning is truly the star here. Be generous with it, both on the bagels themselves and as a final sprinkle before baking. This ensures that signature flavor permeates every bite and creates a wonderfully aromatic crust.

Similar Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed the hearty and flavorful nature of this Everything Bagel Casserole, you might also appreciate these other comforting and delicious recipes:

• Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup: A warming, savory soup perfect for cooler weather.
• Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup: All the flavors of classic cabbage rolls in an easy-to-make soup.
• Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Bubble Up: Another satisfying casserole-style dish, great for dinner.