Craving a breakfast that’s both hearty and gourmet, yet surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than this incredible Everything Bagel Squash Egg in the Hole. Imagine your favorite breakfast sandwich – the perfect runny egg, savory sausage, and tangy cheese – but elegantly reimagined as a fork-and-knife experience, nestled within tender roasted squash. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an elevated morning ritual, combining the comforting flavors of fall with the irresistible zest of everything bagel seasoning.
Embracing the Everything Bagel Craze: A Culinary Journey
The “everything bagel” phenomenon has swept the culinary world by storm, and for good reason. It’s a flavor profile that truly lives up to its name, offering a harmonious blend of savory, nutty, and slightly pungent notes that awaken the senses. From the classic bagel itself to cream cheese, dips, and even unexpected treats, everything bagel seasoning adds an undeniable magic. I’ve been a devoted fan for years, captivated by its perfect balance of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and a hint of sea salt.
For a long time, the famed “Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend” from Trader Joe’s felt like a distant dream, as a store wasn’t conveniently located near me. However, a lucky encounter through a friend’s step-mom, who works there, brought a bottle into my kitchen – a truly joyful moment! And yes, it was every bit as fantastic as I had hoped. For those who, like me, don’t have a Trader Joe’s nearby, you have options! You can easily purchase it online here, or you can craft your own blend at home. Simply combine white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced onion, dried garlic flakes, and a good quality coarse sea salt. It’s surprisingly easy to replicate and customize to your taste!
The Genesis of a Brilliant Breakfast Idea
The true inspiration for this dish struck one Saturday morning while watching “The Kitchen,” a favorite weekly ritual. Katie Lee’s ingenious creation of a squash egg in the hole immediately captured my imagination. Coincidentally, I had just received a beautiful acorn squash in my Melissa’s produce box, and I knew instantly what its destiny would be.
While Katie Lee’s concept was brilliant, I wanted to infuse my own unique twist. How could I elevate it further? A quick glance into my pantry revealed the answer: my beloved everything bagel seasoning. The vibrant mixture of seeds and spices seemed to be staring right back at me, practically begging to be included. It was a match made in breakfast heaven.
But the creative process didn’t stop there. When I enjoy an everything bagel, what do I typically pair with it besides an egg? Cream cheese and sausage often come to mind. And so, the full vision for this Everything Bagel Squash Egg in the Hole with Sausage and Goat Cheese was born – a complete, satisfying, and utterly delicious breakfast experience.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try for Your Fall Menu
This delightful recipe isn’t just a clever twist on a classic; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. Here’s why you need to add this to your breakfast (or even brunch and dinner!) rotation:
- Unforgettable Flavor Combination: The natural sweetness of roasted acorn squash provides a perfect counterpoint to the sharp, savory notes of everything bagel seasoning, complemented by rich sausage and creamy, tangy goat cheese.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Acorn squash is packed with fiber and vitamins, while eggs provide essential protein. It’s a balanced meal that will keep you full and energized.
- Effortlessly Elegant: While simple to prepare, this dish looks impressive, making it perfect for entertaining guests or simply treating yourself to a special morning meal.
- Seasonal Delight: Acorn squash shines during the fall and winter months, making this a timely and comforting dish to enjoy as the weather cools.
- Customizable: Easily adapt it to your preferences with different cheeses, proteins, or even other types of squash.
The Star Ingredients: A Deeper Dive
Each component of this Everything Bagel Squash Egg in the Hole plays a crucial role in its overall deliciousness. Let’s explore what makes them so special:
Acorn Squash: The Perfect Vessel
Acorn squash, with its distinctive ridges and sweet, nutty flavor, is ideal for this recipe. When roasted, its flesh becomes incredibly tender and slightly caramelized, creating a natural “bowl” for the egg and other toppings. Choosing a firm, heavy squash is key. To make cutting easier and safer, especially with tougher winter squashes, a quick trick is to pierce it several times with a fork and microwave it for 2-3 minutes. This softens the skin just enough to slice it without a struggle.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: The Flavor Powerhouse
This seasoning blend is what truly elevates the dish from a simple egg-in-the-hole to a culinary masterpiece. The combination of toasted sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and sea salt provides layers of texture and an explosion of savory flavor that mimics the beloved bagel. Whether you buy it or make your own, don’t skimp on this essential ingredient!
Farm-Fresh Eggs: The Heart of the Dish
A perfectly cooked egg with a runny yolk is the crowning glory of this breakfast. As it breaks, the rich, golden yolk mingles with the other ingredients, creating a creamy sauce that coats every bite. Fresh, high-quality eggs make all the difference here.
Savory Breakfast Sausage: A Protein Punch
Crumbled breakfast sausage adds a hearty, savory depth that perfectly complements the squash and egg. The rich, seasoned pork (or turkey/chicken alternative) brings a satisfying meatiness to the dish, making it a complete meal.
Tangy Goat Cheese: The Finishing Touch
The delicate tang and creamy texture of crumbled goat cheese cut through the richness of the egg and sausage, adding a bright, zesty counterpoint. Its mild acidity brightens the entire dish, creating a more complex and satisfying flavor profile. If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, feta or a mild cream cheese could also work.
Print Recipe
Everything Bagel Squash Egg in the Hole
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Total Time:
Author:
Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yields:
4 servings
This Everything Bagel Squash Egg in the Hole transforms your favorite breakfast sandwich into an elegant, fork-and-knife meal. Featuring tender roasted acorn squash, a perfectly cooked egg, savory sausage, tangy goat cheese, and a generous sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning, it’s the ultimate upgrade to your breakfast routine.
Ingredients
- 1 acorn squash, cut into 4 slices, about 1/2″ thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 large eggs
- 4 ounces breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 2 teaspoons Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend
- 2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a sheet pan with a Silpat baking mat or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the acorn squash: For easier cutting, you can pierce the squash a few times with a fork and microwave for 2-3 minutes to slightly soften it. Carefully cut the squash into 4 equal, approximately 1/2-inch thick slices.
- Place the squash slices onto the prepared sheet pan. Drizzle generously with olive oil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until it starts to soften.
- While the squash is roasting, cook the breakfast sausage in a separate pan over medium heat, crumbling it as it browns. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- After 25 minutes, carefully remove the sheet pan from the oven. Gently crack one egg into the “hole” of each roasted squash slice. Don’t worry if a little egg white leaks under the squash; this is normal and will still cook beautifully. Season the eggs with a pinch more salt and pepper.
- Return the sheet pan to the oven and continue to cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the egg whites are fully set and the yolks reach your desired level of doneness (runny, jammy, or firm).
- Once cooked, remove the Everything Bagel Squash Eggs from the oven and carefully transfer them to individual serving plates.
- Finish with flair: Generously sprinkle each egg-topped squash slice with about 1/2 teaspoon of Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend. Then, evenly distribute the cooked, crumbled sausage and goat cheese over each serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately and dig into this elevated breakfast delight!
Course:
Breakfast
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size:
1 serving (of 4)
Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
Calories | ||
% Daily Value | ||
Total Fat | 29% | |
Saturated Fat | 35% | |
Cholesterol | 70% | |
Sodium | 28% | |
Total Carbohydrates | 4% | |
Dietary Fiber | 8% | |
Protein | 26% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Everything Bagel Squash Egg in the Hole
Achieving breakfast perfection with this recipe is easy with a few simple tricks:
- Softening the Squash: As mentioned, microwaving the acorn squash for a couple of minutes before cutting makes slicing it significantly easier and safer. This is especially helpful for tough winter squash varieties.
- Preventing Egg Leakage: While some minor leakage is fine, to minimize it, ensure your squash slices are relatively even in thickness and that the “hole” is well-formed. Don’t worry too much if a little escapes; it often forms a delicious crispy edge on the baking sheet.
- Egg Doneness: The cooking time for the egg can vary based on your oven and your preference. For a truly runny yolk, stick closer to 8 minutes. For a firmer yolk, aim for 10-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them during the final few minutes of baking.
- Seasoning Generously: Don’t be shy with the everything bagel seasoning! A good sprinkle before and after baking maximizes its flavor impact.
- Silpat or Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet is crucial. A Silpat baking mat or parchment paper ensures easy release and prevents sticking, especially if any egg white spills.
Creative Variations and Customizations
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for endless creativity based on your preferences and what you have on hand:
- Other Squash Varieties: While acorn squash is fantastic, feel free to experiment with delicata squash (which can be eaten with the skin on) or even butternut squash cut into thick rounds.
- Cheese Swaps: Not a fan of goat cheese? Crumbled feta, shredded cheddar, or a dollop of cream cheese (added after baking) would also be delicious.
- Protein Alternatives: Instead of breakfast sausage, try crumbled bacon, diced ham, smoked salmon, or a vegetarian/vegan sausage substitute for a different twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Simply omit the sausage, or replace it with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or crumbled tofu for a meat-free version. You can also sprinkle nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Herb Additions: Beyond parsley, fresh chives, dill, or a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs could add another layer of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: A dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes on top would be a welcome addition for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
The Perfect Breakfast Experience Awaits
Imagine the sweet undertones of the roasted squash mingling with the sharp, savory crunch of the everything bagel seasoning. Pair that with the rich, runny yolk of a perfectly cooked egg, the hearty notes of breakfast sausage, and the creamy tang of goat cheese, and you’ve got a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to breakfast heaven. It’s truly an experience that elevates your morning meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
You’ve officially upgraded your “egg in the hole” game to a whole new level of sophistication and taste. Now, go forth and conquer your day with this incredible, satisfying, and utterly delicious breakfast! Don’t you agree that there’s nothing better than starting your morning with such a delightful combination?
Discover More Fabulous Fall Bounty
This recipe is part of our #FabulousFallBounty series, celebrating the rich harvest of the season. We hope you enjoy our diverse creations using fingerling potatoes; delicata, butternut, and acorn squashes; garlic and shallots; roasted chestnut and steamed beets; fennel and celery root; pears, and so much more! Keep an eye on these incredible blogs for more inspiration as we rush towards Thanksgiving and the cozy months ahead:
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I received produce from Melissa’s and a Silpat for recipe development in conjunction with #FabulousFallBounty, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.