'Everything I Own' Bagel Breakfast Casserole

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​I woke up sad today.  Grace had an earache last night and then this morning is sick, like sick sick, like barf-me-out sick.  So, we are home today licking our wounds and taking a moment to feel sorry for ourselves, me and her.  Sick day for her.  Mental Health day for me.

I prepared this casserole last night so I could just fire up the oven and bake it when I woke up this morning.  I put it in at 6:00, and before Molly and Griffin left out for the bus they were able to try it. Well, MOLLY tried it.  Griffin wouldn't even look at it, let alone sample a bite! Oh, well.  More for me thattaway.  Can I get an Amen?

Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole

1 lb bacon, cooked just until still floppy     ---(or)---        1 lb pork sausage (I didn't have sausage, but if i did and it had been the hot & spicy variety, I'd have sure used it!)
4 Everything bagels, cut into 1-inch chunks (appx 8 cups)
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
12 eggs
1-1/2 cups half & half  
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground pepper
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese ​

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​1.  Spray 13 x 9 -inch baking dish with cooking spray.  Whatever you use, bacon or sausage, needs to be prepared first.  Do your thang.  I didn't have any bacon on hand but I DID have a package of Real Bacon chunks.  Worked like a charm and less work, too.  If you loathe grease, be sure and drain your sausage or your bacon!

2.  In your pre-greased baking dish, toss bacon/sausage, bagel cubes, green onions, and bell pepper until well mixed.  Set aside.  

​3.  In large bowl, beat eggs, half & half, salt, and pepper with whisk until well blended.  Stir in 1 cup of the cheese.  Pour evenly over bagel mixture in baking dish.  Cover with foil; refrigerate at least 4 hours, but no longer than 24 hours.  That's my time frame, and I think I'm sticking to it.  

4.  After casserole has spent hard time in  the fridge overnight or at least 4 hours, heat oven to 375*.  Uncover baking dish.  Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown and knife inserted in center comes out clean.  Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese.  Bake about 5 minutes longer, or until cheese is melted.  

5.  Let stand 10 minutes before serving.  Then, just when you think you simply can't stand it anymore, serve it up and eat it down!  Enjoy!