Chicken Sausage Everything Bagel Breakfast Bake: An Easy, Flavorful Morning Favorite

When it comes to breakfast that’s both comforting and convenient, this Chicken Sausage Everything Bagel Breakfast Bake hits the mark. It brings together the savory goodness of bagels, the richness of eggs and cheese, and the satisfying bite of chicken sausage—all in one simple dish. Whether you’re feeding a weekend crowd or looking to prep your weekday breakfasts, this recipe makes mornings smoother and tastier.

This casserole-style bake delivers contrasting textures: crispy edges, a creamy center, and chewy bagel bites, all wrapped in familiar, savory flavors. Everything bagels offer a built-in seasoning blend, while the sausage and vegetables provide depth and balance. The best part? You can assemble it ahead of time, pop it in the oven, and enjoy a warm, filling meal with very little morning effort.

Ingredient Rundown

Each ingredient in this dish plays a role in creating its comforting, well-rounded flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and some options for flexibility.

Everything Bagels
These are essential. The mix of garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seeds gives the dish character, while the dense texture soaks up the custard beautifully. Slightly stale bagels work best, but fresh ones can be dried in the oven before baking. If everything bagels aren’t available, try plain, onion, or sesame.

Chicken Sausage
Lean yet flavorful, chicken sausage adds protein without making the dish feel heavy. Look for pre-cooked links and slice them before browning. Turkey sausage or vegetarian sausage can also work, depending on your needs.

Eggs
They form the base of the custard and hold everything together. Use whole eggs for richness, or swap in some egg whites if you want to lighten it up.

Milk and Cream
This blend adds a creamy, tender consistency to the bake. You can use all milk for a lighter version or a plant-based milk substitute like almond or oat milk. Avoid sweetened varieties.

Cheese
Sharp cheddar melts easily and gives a tangy richness to the dish. Monterey Jack, Swiss, or a blend of cheeses are great alternatives if you’re looking to change the flavor.

Bell Peppers and Onion
Fresh vegetables give brightness and slight sweetness to balance the savory elements. Red bell pepper and yellow onion are great choices, but feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or kale.

Seasoning
Keep it simple with salt and pepper. You can add herbs like thyme or chives, but the bagels already provide a strong savory base, so a light hand is best.

How to Prepare This Breakfast Bake

1. Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

2. Brown the sausage. Slice your pre-cooked chicken sausage and cook it in a skillet for 5–7 minutes over medium heat until it’s nicely browned. Set it aside.

3. Dry the bagels. Cut your bagels into 1-inch cubes. If they’re fresh, dry them out slightly in the oven for about 5–10 minutes so they absorb the custard properly.

4. Cook the vegetables. In the same pan, sauté the diced onions and bell peppers for a few minutes until soft and fragrant. This helps remove excess moisture and enhances their flavor.

5. Make the egg mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and cream. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in half of the shredded cheese.

6. Layer the ingredients. In your baking dish, spread out the toasted bagel pieces. Top with the sausage and sautéed vegetables. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, pressing the bagel cubes gently to help them soak up the custard.

7. Add cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheese across the top.

8. Let it sit. Allow the mixture to rest for 20–30 minutes so the liquid is absorbed. For make-ahead prep, cover the dish and refrigerate overnight.

9. Bake. Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes. The top should be golden and the center set.

10. Cool slightly. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to help it hold together when sliced.

Smart Tips & Easy Tweaks

Prep in Advance
This bake is ideal for overnight assembly. Put everything together the evening before and refrigerate. In the morning, bake as directed, adding a few minutes to account for the chill.

Swap for Dietary Needs
Use gluten-free bagels if needed. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and cheese. Just be sure they’re plain and unsweetened.

Add More Vegetables
Chopped spinach, cooked mushrooms, or roasted broccoli are excellent additions. Sauté them first to avoid extra moisture.

Try Other Cheeses
Mix it up with gouda, feta, or mozzarella. Smoked cheeses add a great twist.

Spice it Up
Add chopped jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.

Serving Suggestions & Meal Ideas

Serve this breakfast bake hot out of the oven with simple sides like a green salad, sliced fruit, or crispy potatoes. It’s perfect for brunch with friends, a relaxed holiday morning, or even as a quick weeknight dinner.

Pair it with coffee or fresh juice for a well-rounded meal. If serving a crowd, include something sweet like muffins or fruit salad to complement the savory bake.

Leftovers reheat well and make an excellent grab-and-go breakfast for busy mornings.

Nutrition Overview

This dish offers a solid balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, making it both filling and nourishing. Chicken sausage and eggs bring high-quality protein, while the vegetables provide fiber and essential nutrients.

Using everything bagels does increase the carb content, but the combination with fat and protein helps sustain energy. Lighten it up with reduced cheese or dairy-free swaps, and bulk it up with more vegetables if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare it the night before?
Yes. You can assemble everything, cover the dish, and refrigerate overnight. Just bake it in the morning as directed, adding 5–10 minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

Which chicken sausage works best?
Fully cooked varieties are easiest. Look for flavors like Italian herb, maple, or apple. Sautéing adds flavor and improves texture.

Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes. Bake and cool the dish first, then cut into individual portions and freeze. Wrap them well, and reheat as needed for a quick breakfast.

Can I use something besides bagels?
You can use crusty bread like sourdough or ciabatta, but avoid soft sandwich bread—it won’t hold up well during baking.

How long do leftovers last?
Stored in an airtight container, they’ll keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

What if I want a vegetarian version?
Skip the sausage and add more vegetables—think mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. A sprinkle of smoked paprika can add a touch of depth.

How do I reheat it without drying it out?
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the top to keep it moist.

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