1-First things first, pull together all your ingredients as listed earlier to avoid any last-minute scrambles. Chop your bell pepper, quarter the cherry tomatoes, and cut the bagels into bite-size pieces using day-old bagels helps them hold up better, but if yours are fresh, pop them in the oven for a quick toast. Now’s a great time to think about adaptations, like adding smoked salmon for a twist if you’re skipping bacon.

2-Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish generously that’s your first step to a non-stick success! Layer the bagel pieces, chopped bell pepper, tomatoes, and bacon evenly in the dish for that perfect mix of textures and flavors. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, shredded cheese, ground mustard, salt, and pepper until it’s nice and smooth, then pour it over your layered ingredients. Top it off with those cream cheese pieces and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning if you’re feeling extra.

3-Bake the casserole for 40-50 minutes, keeping an eye on it until the center is set and the edges turn a beautiful golden brown your kitchen will smell incredible! Let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving, and don’t forget to add scallions as a fresh garnish if you like. For make-ahead options, you can assemble up to step three, cover it, and chill in the fridge for a day, or even freeze it for up to three months and bake later. This makes Everything Bagel Casserole a lifesaver for busy mornings, and if you’re looking for more egg-based ideas, try our cheese and bacon breakfast strata for another crowd-pleaser.