Meal Prep Breakfast Bagels

Why you'll love this recipe

• Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch of 8 breakfast bagels and keep them in the freezer for easy breakfasts throughout the week.
• High in protein: Eggs, cheese, bacon and sausages make these a filling and satisfying breakfast.
• Easy to customise: Choose bacon, sausage or a combination of both, and use your favourite cheese.
• Great for busy mornings: Simply defrost overnight and microwave when you're ready to eat.

Is This Recipe Healthy?

These breakfast bagels are a great option for a filling, balanced breakfast. They're a good source of protein from the eggs, cheese and meat, which helps keep you feeling satisfied throughout the morning.

You can also make a few simple swaps depending on your nutritional preferences. For example, choose wholemeal bagels for extra fibre!

Key Tips & Guidance

• Use a large, shallow baking tray: This makes it easy to roast the bacon and sausages together in the oven.
• Don't overcook the eggs: Bake until just set in the centre. They'll firm up slightly as they cool.
• Cool before wrapping: Allow all the fillings to cool completely before assembling and wrapping to help prevent excess moisture building up.
• Wrap individually: This makes it much easier to grab one breakfast bagel at a time from the freezer.

Ingredients

Bagels

Eggs

Cheese

Red pepper

Spinach

Bacon and sausages

Butter

Salt and pepper

Foil or baking parchment

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the bacon and sausages

Preheat the oven to 175c fan. I like to roast the bacon and sausages together on a large, shallow baking tray lined with baking parchment. Mine took around 30 minutes, but this will depend on the size of your sausages and bacon. Alternatively, you can cook them however you prefer, such as in an air fryer or frying pan.

2. Prepare the eggs

Line a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with baking parchment. Crack the eggs into a large bowl, season generously with salt and pepper, then whisk until combined.

3. Add the vegetables

Pour the eggs into the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle over the finely chopped red pepper and spinach.

4. Bake the eggs

Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the eggs are completely set in the centre. Allow to cool slightly before slicing into 8 equal squares.

5. Toast the bagels

Slice the bagels in half and lightly toast them under the grill, in the oven or in a toaster.

6. Assemble the bagels

Spread a little butter onto each bagel, if using. Layer with a square of baked egg, a slice of cheese and your choice of bacon or sausage, then add the top half of the bagel.

7. Wrap and freeze

Allow the fillings to cool completely before wrapping each bagel individually in foil or baking parchment. Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months.

Substitutions

• Bagels: Swap for English muffins if you prefer, or use wholemeal bagels for extra fibre.
• Meat: Use bacon, sausage or a combination of both. You could also use turkey sausages.
• Vegetables: Swap the red pepper and spinach for finely chopped mushrooms, spring onions etc.
• Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and skip the butter.

How to Prep This Recipe Ahead of Time

These breakfast bagels are designed to be made ahead and frozen, making them perfect for batch cooking.

You can prepare all 8 bagels in one go, allow them to cool completely, then wrap each one individually in foil or baking parchment. Store them together in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months.

For an easier morning, take one out of the freezer the night before and leave it to defrost in the fridge overnight. It'll then be ready to reheat for breakfast.

How to Store & Use Leftovers

In the freezer: Wrap each breakfast bagel individually and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.

In the fridge: If you don't want to freeze them, store the assembled bagels in an airtight container in the fridge and eat within 2 days.

Reheating: Remove the foil or baking parchment and microwave on medium-high power for 1–2 minutes, or until piping hot throughout and the cheese has melted. Cooking times will vary depending on your microwave.

What to Eat With Breakfast Bagels

These breakfast bagels are substantial enough to enjoy on their own, but you could also serve them with:

• Fresh fruit: Berries, sliced banana or an apple for something fresh on the side.
• Avocado: Add some sliced avocado or a little smashed avocado with lemon juice and black pepper.
• Yoghurt: A bowl of Greek yoghurt with fresh fruit makes a lovely addition.
• Hash browns: If you're after a more indulgent weekend breakfast, serve with some crispy hash browns.

FAQ

Can you freeze breakfast bagels?

Yes! These breakfast bagels freeze really well. Allow them to cool completely, wrap individually in foil or baking parchment and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Can you reheat breakfast bagels from frozen?

Yes, although I find it easiest to defrost them overnight in the fridge first. If reheating straight from frozen, remove the wrapping and microwave in short intervals until piping hot throughout.

How long do breakfast bagels last in the fridge?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge and eat within 2 days.

Can I make these without bacon or sausages?

Absolutely! You can leave out the meat altogether and simply make egg and cheese breakfast bagels. You could also add extra vegetables to the baked eggs.

Can I use English muffins instead of bagels?

Yes! English muffins work just as well. Simply follow the same instructions for assembling, wrapping and freezing.

Do I need to toast the bagels before freezing?

I recommend lightly toasting them before assembling, as it gives them a better texture. You can also toast the top half again when reheating for a little extra crunch.