Everything Bagel French Toast Casserole

I have a love hate relationship with casseroles like this. The casserole is prepared the night before and then baked the following morning. I always plan casseroles like this for Saturday morning, because I love that I am not stuck in the kitchen baking and I can relax with the family. However, when Friday night rolls around the last thing I want to do is prepare a casserole. I am usually tired and ready for bed. But then when Saturday morning rolls around I am very thankful I prepared it the night before. 

This casserole had a nice savory flavor to it and is loaded with sausage, eggs and cheese. The bagels baked up crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and the cream cheese adds a nice creaminess to the dish.

Everything Bagel French Toast Casserole

Ingredients:

• 6 everything bagels
• 8 ounces breakfast sausage
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon dried chives
• black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In skillet over medium-high heat cook the sausage until completely cooked and crumbled. Drain any grease and set the sausage aside.
3. Cut the bagels into pieces and place in the prepared baking dish.
4. Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the bagels.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, chives and pepper.
6. Pour the egg mixture over the bagels.
7. Cut the cream cheese into pieces and place around the top of the casserole.
8. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight or for 6-8 hours.
10. Preheat the oven to 450º F.
11. Bake the casserole covered for 40 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Serves: 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories 605
Total Fat		35.6g
Saturated Fat		18.1g
Polyunsaturated Fat		1.1g
Monounsaturated Fat		0.4g
Trans Fat		0g
Cholesterol		275mg
Sodium		778.8mg
Potassium		100.9mg
Total Carbohydrates		43.3g
Dietary Fiber		2.3g
Sugars		9.3g
Protein		25.8g
Vitamin A 17.84% Vitamin C 0.77%
Calcium 27.78% Iron 17.03%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from The Cookie Rookie.