Eggs Benedict Casserole

Eggs Benedict is the epitome of a luxurious breakfast, combining poached eggs, Canadian bacon, English muffins, and creamy hollandaise sauce into one decadent dish. While it’s a favorite for special occasions and brunches, its preparation can be labor-intensive when serving a crowd. Enter the Eggs Benedict Casserole—a simplified, make-ahead version of the classic dish that brings the same delicious flavors to your table with minimal effort.

This casserole layers toasted English muffins, savory Canadian bacon, and fluffy eggs, all baked to perfection in a rich custard. It’s then topped with a luscious homemade hollandaise sauce, turning it into a brunch-worthy masterpiece. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a holiday, or simply treating yourself to a luxurious morning meal, this Eggs Benedict Casserole is sure to impress and satisfy, offering the perfect balance of comfort and elegance.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Brunch Staple: Serves all the flavors of classic Eggs Benedict without the stress of poaching eggs.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep the casserole the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
• Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for gatherings or potlucks, serving 8–10 people with ease.
• Customizable: Add vegetables or swap proteins for a dish tailored to your tastes.
• Luxurious Flavors: The creamy hollandaise sauce and savory layers elevate this dish to gourmet status.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 40–45 minutes
• Chill time: At least 4 hours or overnight
• Total time: 5 hours (including chilling time)
• Yield: 8 servings
• Serving Size: 1 slice

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 6 English muffins, cubed and lightly toasted
• 1 pound (450g) Canadian bacon or ham, diced
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups (480ml) milk
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Hollandaise Sauce:

• 3 large egg yolks
• ½ cup (120g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Paprika or cayenne pepper for sprinkling
• Sliced green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Casserole Base

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Spread the cubed and toasted English muffins evenly across the bottom of the dish.
3. Scatter the diced Canadian bacon or ham over the English muffin cubes.

Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the English muffins and bacon in the baking dish.
3. Press down gently to ensure the bread soaks up the custard.

Step 3: Chill the Casserole

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
3. Bake, covered, for 30 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is lightly golden.

Step 5: Prepare the Hollandaise Sauce

1. While the casserole bakes, prepare the hollandaise sauce. In a heatproof bowl, whisk the egg yolks, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and cayenne pepper (if using) until smooth.
2. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
3. Gradually whisk in the melted butter, a little at a time, until the sauce is thick and creamy. Season with salt to taste.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

1. Drizzle the hollandaise sauce generously over the baked casserole.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley, paprika, or green onions as desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Ingredient Background

• English Muffins: Provide the classic flavor and texture of traditional Eggs Benedict, absorbing the custard for a soft, yet structured base.
• Canadian Bacon: A lean, flavorful protein that complements the richness of the hollandaise. Ham or turkey can be used as substitutes.
• Hollandaise Sauce: This creamy, buttery sauce is essential for capturing the luxurious taste of Eggs Benedict.
• Eggs and Cream: Create the rich custard that binds the casserole together.

Technique Tips

• Toast the Muffins: Toasting the English muffins helps them retain their structure and prevents the casserole from becoming soggy.
• Chill for Even Baking: Refrigerating the casserole allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, ensuring even cooking.
• Hollandaise Consistency: Whisk continuously while making the sauce to avoid curdling. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of warm water to loosen it.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Mini Casseroles: Divide the mixture into individual ramekins for personalized servings.
• Eggs Benedict Skillet: Layer the ingredients in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic presentation.
• Vegetable Layer: Add sautéed spinach or asparagus for a veggie-packed version.

Additional Tips for Success

• Use Day-Old Muffins: Slightly stale English muffins absorb the custard better.
• Reheat Carefully: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F (160°C) to maintain the casserole’s texture.
• Double the Sauce: Make extra hollandaise for guests who love to drizzle generously.

Recipe Variations

• Seafood Twist: Add cooked crab meat or smoked salmon for a coastal-inspired dish.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace Canadian bacon with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers.
• Spicy Version: Incorporate diced jalapeños into the casserole and use a spicy hollandaise sauce.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the baked casserole without the hollandaise sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before serving.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Low-Fat Dairy: Use skim milk and reduce the amount of cream for a lighter custard.
• Whole Grain Muffins: Substitute regular English muffins with whole grain or gluten-free options.
• Add Vegetables: Include nutrient-dense ingredients like spinach or kale for added fiber and vitamins.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Holiday Brunch: Pair with fresh fruit salad, mimosas, and pastries for a festive spread.
• Potluck Favorite: Bring this casserole to a potluck—it’s easy to transport and reheat.
• Elegant Presentation: Serve with a side of roasted asparagus and a dollop of hollandaise for a restaurant-worthy plate.

Special Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Heatproof bowl (for hollandaise)
• Spatula

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make this casserole without refrigerating overnight?
Yes, but letting it rest for at least an hour ensures the bread absorbs the custard properly.

Q2: What if I don’t have a double boiler for the hollandaise?
Use a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water to gently cook the sauce without scrambling the eggs.

Q3: Can I use store-bought hollandaise sauce?
Absolutely! It’s a time-saving alternative, but homemade sauce adds a fresher taste.

Q4: Can I add cheese to the casserole?
Yes, shredded Gruyère or Parmesan can be sprinkled over the casserole for extra richness.

Q5: How do I fix a broken hollandaise sauce?
Whisk in a teaspoon of warm water or an additional egg yolk to bring the sauce back together.

Q6: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free English muffins to make the casserole gluten-free.

Q7: Can I halve the recipe?
Yes, use a smaller baking dish and reduce the ingredients proportionally.

Q8: How do I keep the hollandaise warm?
Keep it in a heatproof bowl over warm water or a low-heat setting to maintain its creamy consistency.

Conclusion

Eggs Benedict Casserole transforms a gourmet breakfast favorite into an easy, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any occasion. By combining the rich flavors of Eggs Benedict with the convenience of a make-ahead casserole, this recipe ensures a stress-free, yet elegant start to your day. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a holiday, or treating your family to a special breakfast, this dish delivers all the decadence and flavor you could ask for. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the simplicity of an indulgent breakfast with none of the hassle!

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