A Chocolate Chip Bagel Casserole is the perfect blend of comfort food and indulgence, transforming everyday breakfast bagels into a sweet, custardy masterpiece. This delightful dish features chunks of soft, chocolate-studded bagels soaked in a creamy mixture of eggs, milk, vanilla, and sugar. When baked, it becomes a warm, fluffy casserole with gooey pockets of melted chocolate—ideal for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or dessert-like breakfasts.
Chocolate Chip Bagel Casserole:
This recipe shines because it offers the best of both worlds: the hearty texture of bagels and the soft, comforting consistency of bread pudding. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and always impresses a crowd. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a brunch party, this casserole guarantees a memorable, sweet start to the day.
History:
The roots of bagel casseroles stem from traditional bread puddings, which date back to 13th-century Europe as a way to use stale bread. As bagels became popular in the United States through Eastern European Jewish immigrants, cooks began experimenting with them in sweet and savory dishes. The Chocolate Chip Bagel Casserole is a modern twist, combining classic bagel texture with a dessert-inspired custard, creating a dish loved for its simplicity and indulgence.
Subscribe to our youtube channel Kitchenpedia for more delicious recipes and hit the like button if you enjoyed this youtubevideo. Share it with your friends and Family.
Chocolate Chip Bagel Casserole
Ingredients
- 4–5 chocolate chip bagels, cut into cubes
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional for richness)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- ½–1 cup chocolate chips (optional extra)
- Powdered sugar, maple syrup, or whipped cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Add the cubed chocolate chip bagels to the dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bagel pieces.
- Sprinkle extra chocolate chips over the top, if desired.
- Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes (or refrigerate overnight).
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until set and golden brown.
- Serve warm with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or syrup.
Notes
- Stale bagels work best because they absorb the custard more effectively.
- You can mix different flavored bagels for a fun twist.
- For a richer casserole, replace more milk with heavy cream.
- Letting the mixture soak overnight deepens flavor and texture.
- Serve warm for the best chocolatey gooeyness.
Tips for Chocolate Chip Bagel Casserole:
- Add a handful of nuts (walnuts, pecans) for a crunchy texture.
- Drizzle with chocolate sauce to make it a dessert casserole.
- Substitute half the milk with flavored coffee creamer for unique variations.
- Use mini chocolate chips for more even distribution.
- Cover with foil for the first 25 minutes to prevent over-browning.
FAQ’s for Chocolate Chip Bagel Casserole:
Q1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it the night before and refrigerate. Bake in the morning.
Q2. Can I use plain bagels instead of chocolate chip?
Absolutely—just add chocolate chips or skip the chocolate entirely for a vanilla version.
Q3. Can I make it dairy-free?
Use almond milk, coconut milk, and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Q4. Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes. Bake, cool completely, then freeze up to 2 months. Reheat before serving.
Q5. How do I keep the casserole from getting soggy?
Use stale bagels and bake until the center is firm and fully set.
Conclusion:
The Chocolate Chip Bagel Casserole is a deliciously simple recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary. Sweet, warm, and bursting with chocolatey goodness, it’s a reliable favorite for breakfast, brunch, or special gatherings. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this casserole is guaranteed to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.