Eggs Benedict Casserole

Introduction

There’s something about Eggs Benedict that feels like an indulgent treat—creamy hollandaise sauce, poached eggs, and crispy bacon or ham all piled on a perfectly toasted English muffin. It’s a breakfast classic, right? But when you’re hosting a big brunch or trying to whip up something delicious without hovering over the stove for hours, Eggs Benedict can feel a little… complicated. That’s where this Eggs Benedict Casserole comes in. It has all the flavors you love about Eggs Benedict but with a fraction of the work.

This casserole is like a warm, cheesy hug, with layers of English muffins, savory Canadian bacon, and rich, custard-like egg mixture, all topped with a homemade hollandaise sauce that you pour right over before baking. No poaching eggs, no waiting for each individual plate to be prepared—just assemble, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen.

I first made this casserole for a family brunch on Easter Sunday. Everyone loves Eggs Benedict, but I wanted something that could serve a crowd without me standing over the stove making eggs one by one. The casserole was a hit! The creamy hollandaise, the salty ham, and the richness of the eggs made it feel just like the classic dish, but with the ease of a casserole. It’s since become my go-to recipe for large gatherings, and I know it’s going to be a new favorite for you too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Eggs Benedict Casserole isn’t just easy—it’s absolutely delicious. Here are a few reasons you’ll want to make it again and again:

• Easy to make: You don’t need any fancy cooking techniques here. There’s no need to poach eggs or babysit a stovetop—just layer your ingredients, pour over the egg mixture, and bake. It’s a stress-free way to serve this beloved dish.
• Feeds a crowd: Whether you’re hosting a brunch with friends or a family get-together, this casserole is perfect for serving a large group. It makes about 8-10 servings, depending on how hungry everyone is!
• Flavor-packed: The combination of the crispy English muffins, salty Canadian bacon, and rich, creamy hollandaise sauce will satisfy all of your flavor cravings. It’s like taking a traditional Eggs Benedict and turning it into a cozy, comforting casserole.
• Make ahead: This casserole is ideal for prepping ahead of time. You can assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning for an easy brunch or breakfast.
• Versatile: While this recipe uses Canadian bacon, you could swap it for turkey bacon or even sautéed spinach for a vegetarian version. You can customize the casserole to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 45 minutes (including prep time and baking)
• Servings: 8-10 servings
• Nutrition Facts:
  • Calories per serving: 450
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbs: 32g
  • Fat: 30g
    (Nutrition facts are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Ingredients

To make this casserole, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together beautifully to mimic the classic Eggs Benedict. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 8 large eggs: The base of your casserole’s custard. They bring the dish together with a creamy texture.
• 1 loaf of English muffins (cut into cubes): The hearty, toasted base that soaks up all the creamy goodness from the eggs and sauce.
• 12 oz Canadian bacon (sliced): For that salty, savory touch that’s the hallmark of Eggs Benedict. You can substitute turkey bacon or ham if you prefer.
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: For added flavor and that melty, cheesy goodness that holds everything together.
• 1 cup half-and-half: For a creamy custard consistency that makes the casserole rich and satisfying.
• 1/4 cup melted butter: Adds richness and helps everything bake up beautifully.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: For a subtle hint of savory flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper: Season to taste, ensuring your casserole has the right balance of flavors.

For the hollandaise sauce:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter: For a smooth, velvety sauce.
• 3 large egg yolks: The key to that creamy texture and golden color.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: For that zing that cuts through the richness.
• Pinch of salt: To bring the sauce together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

• Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This will ensure that the casserole doesn’t stick to the sides and that it comes out easily once baked.

2. Assemble the Casserole Base

• Cut your English muffins into cubes (about 1-inch pieces). Place them in an even layer in the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
• Slice the Canadian bacon into strips and layer it evenly over the English muffin cubes. You can also scatter small bits of bacon or even use crumbled turkey bacon if you prefer.

3. Make the Egg Mixture

• In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. The mixture should be well combined, with no visible streaks of egg or butter.
• Pour this egg mixture evenly over the layered muffins and Canadian bacon in the baking dish. Use a spoon to gently press the muffins down so they soak up the egg mixture.

4. Add the Cheese

• Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt during baking and create a deliciously gooey layer.

5. Let it Soak

• Cover the baking dish with foil and let it sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This allows the egg mixture to soak into the muffins, which helps everything cook together evenly and results in a softer texture.

6. Bake the Casserole

• Once your casserole has soaked, place it in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. You can check if it’s done by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.

7. Make the Hollandaise Sauce

• While your casserole is baking, it’s time to prepare the hollandaise sauce. In a medium heatproof bowl, melt the unsalted butter in the microwave or on the stove.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they’re pale and thickened. Add the lemon juice and a pinch of salt, and whisk again until well combined.
• Slowly drizzle the melted butter into the egg mixture while constantly whisking. This is key to making sure the sauce emulsifies properly. Keep whisking until the sauce is thick and smooth.

8. Finish and Serve

• Once your casserole is out of the oven, drizzle the hollandaise sauce over the top, letting it cascade down the sides. Serve immediately while it’s still warm and bubbly.

How to Serve

This casserole is fantastic on its own, but you can add some sides to complete the meal. Here are a few serving ideas:

• Serve with a side salad: A light, fresh arugula salad with a simple vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy casserole.
• Roasted vegetables: If you’re looking for a bit of color and crunch, roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach would be great alongside this dish.
• Fruit: For a refreshing contrast, serve with a bowl of mixed fresh fruit like berries, melons, or citrus slices.

This casserole is perfect for brunch, holidays like Easter or Mother’s Day, or even a cozy weekend breakfast with the family. Pair it with mimosas or a rich cup of coffee, and you’ve got a meal to remember!

Additional Tips

• Use day-old bread: If you have leftover English muffins, they work great for this casserole! The drier bread soaks up the egg mixture better, giving you a rich, custardy texture.
• Let it rest: After baking, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to cut into clean slices.
• Bake in advance: You can prepare this casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. The next morning, just bake it for an additional 10 minutes or so to heat it through.
• Customizing the hollandaise: If you love a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of Dijon mustard to your hollandaise sauce for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different herbs like chives or tarragon for a fresh twist.
• Make it vegetarian: Swap out the Canadian bacon for sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes for a vegetarian version that’s still packed with flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make this Eggs Benedict Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be prepared the night before. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, you can bake it directly from the fridge, adding about 10 extra minutes of baking time to ensure it’s heated through and fully cooked. This makes it perfect for brunches or holiday mornings when you want to save time!

2. Can I substitute the Canadian bacon for something else?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of Canadian bacon or want to try something different, you can use regular bacon, ham, turkey bacon, or even a vegetarian option like sautéed spinach or mushrooms. Feel free to get creative with your choice of protein or vegetables to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

3. Can I use regular bread instead of English muffins?

While English muffins are the classic choice for an Eggs Benedict casserole due to their texture and ability to absorb the egg mixture, you can certainly substitute regular bread if needed. Day-old bread works best because it will absorb the custard mixture without becoming too soggy. Just cut it into cubes and use it as you would the English muffins.

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Conclusion

This Eggs Benedict Casserole brings all the flavors you love from the classic dish into one easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe. The rich hollandaise sauce, savory Canadian bacon, and tender eggs make for a satisfying breakfast or brunch that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, so you can tweak it to suit your taste preferences, whether you’re looking for a vegetarian option or a lighter version with turkey bacon.

Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion, hosting a brunch with friends, or simply looking for a way to treat yourself on the weekend, this casserole is sure to impress. Make it ahead of time for easy entertaining, or enjoy it fresh from the oven—either way, it’s a guaranteed hit. So gather your ingredients, get cozy in the kitchen, and treat yourself to the comforting goodness of this Eggs Benedict Casserole. Happy cooking!