Bagel Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Egg, and Cheese

Take your favorite egg and cheese bagel sandwich and turn it into a make-ahead breakfast casserole instead! This breakfast bake is an easy crowd-pleaser. The slightly sweet, chewy bagels get crisp right along the edge of the casserole, while the hints of sage in the sausage and the sharp cheddar meld to give a savory tang that makes it a hallmark breakfast dish. Breakfast bakes like this make mornings bearable because they require minimal effort to prepare, and they can often be prepped the evening before you want to enjoy them. They are ideal if you have to feed a morning crowd.

The night before, just chug along with the recipe’s instructions, wrap the dish in foil, and put it into the refrigerator. In the morning, pull the dish from the fridge and let it warm for a few minutes on the counter while the oven preheats (this takes the chill off). Then just put it into your hot oven, and bake as directed. This casserole is not only economical, it’s one of the most filling and versatile meals I’ve ever created. Alter the flavors by using chorizo instead of sage sausage; or use Swiss cheese instead of cheddar. If you’re allergic to seeds, swap out the everything bagels for the plain or whole wheat instead. The combos you can create from this basic recipe are virtually endless.

Ingredients:

• 6 (20-ounce package) everything bagels
• 7 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 pound breakfast sausage (I used sage-flavored)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 small yellow onion, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided
• 3 cups (8 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided