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Crispy Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole with Cream Cheese Swirl

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A quick and easy breakfast casserole featuring a crispy everything bagel seasoning crust and creamy pockets of cream cheese, perfect for brunch or busy mornings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (white or sourdough)
  • 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (100 g)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onions, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cube about 6 cups of day-old bread into roughly 1-inch pieces. Cut 8 ounces of cream cheese into small cubes about 1/2-inch.
  2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of butter.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs and 2 cups whole milk until smooth and slightly frothy. Add 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine.
  4. Add the cubed bread to the custard mixture and stir gently to coat. Let sit for 5-7 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
  5. Transfer half of the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Scatter half of the cream cheese cubes evenly over the cheese layer.
  6. Add the remaining bread mixture on top, then scatter the rest of the cream cheese cubes on the surface.
  7. Sprinkle an additional 1 tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning over the top.
  8. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
  9. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and custard is set.
  10. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh chives or green onions if desired.

Notes

Use day-old bread to avoid a mushy casserole. Do not over-soak the bread; 5-7 minutes is ideal. Room temperature eggs and milk create a smoother custard. Full-fat cream cheese melts better and adds richness. Cover with foil during baking to prevent over-browning. The final sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on top is essential for the signature crispy crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: everything bagel seasoning, breakfast casserole, cream cheese swirl, brunch recipe, easy breakfast, savory casserole

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/crispy-everything-bagel-breakfast-casserole-with-cream-cheese-swirl-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-brunch/