From the first season out, Transparent has been a constant on the awards circuit. Like House of Cards for Netflix, it put Amazon on the map. Though I can’t relate to a lot of the issues in the show, which is probably why it makes a great watch, I CAN relate to having a modern Jewish family that eats a lot of amazing food on holidays. Season two featured a big Yom Kippur scene complete with the remnants of bagels and lox, so I reinterpreted this mainstay Jewish option with something a little more imaginative.
I found this bagel casserole which basically just combined anything you’d want on a bagel typically and put it all together. I’ve made french toast casserole before, and this wasn’t so different in process, and it would make a great easy breakfast dish for a group.
I made half the recipe since the watch party was small, but even that could have fed 4-6.
bagel casserole
inspired by Transparent season 2, episode 7
serves 4-6 (original recipe serves 10)
- 3 leftover* everything bagels, cut or torn into bite-sized pieces (theoretically, you can use any type of bagel, but everything will be more flavorful)
- 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1/2 tsp. ground mustard (I don't like traditional mustard so I used fancy whole grain mustard)
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper
- 1 tbsp. fresh chives, plus more to sprinkle on top (I used scallions because I had them)
- 4 oz. cream cheese (anything but fat-free)
- optional breakfast meat - 3 oz. cooked ham, bacon or sausage (I didn't use meat)
Coat a 9x9-inch casserole dish with baking spray. Put bagel pieces into the bottom of the baking dish. If using meat, scatter it over the bagel pieces and sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheese.
In a large bowl, combine eggs, milk, mustard, salt and pepper until the mixture is smooth. Pour the egg mixture over the bagels and press down on the bagels so all of the pieces can absorb some of the egg mixture.
Cut the cream cheese into small pieces and dot them on top of the bagel pieces. Sprinkle on the chives or scallions and remaining cheese. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for at least two hours. You can even leave it overnight or up to one day.
When it's ready to bake. Let the casserole sit at room temperature while the oven preheats to 350ºF. Tent the casserole with foil while it bakes for 40 minutes. Take out of the oven and remove foil and put it back in the oven to cook for 15-20 more minutes, until it's golden at the edges and a knife or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool at room temperature for 10 minutes and serve warm.
*If using fresh or soft bagels, toast them first.
recipe adapted from Well Plated.
[cooked while watching Man in the High Castle (season 2)]
Bagels for all! Image: The Hollywood Reporter.