Eggs Benedict Casserole Recipe
If you’re a fan of Eggs Benedict, you’re going to love this casserole version. It combines all the rich flavors of the classic dish—poached eggs, English muffins, Canadian bacon, and hollandaise sauce—into a decadent, make-ahead casserole that’s perfect for brunch, holidays, or any occasion when you want to impress your guests. In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into how to make Eggs Benedict Casserole, from ingredients to preparation, tips for success, and some delicious variations. Let’s get started!
What is Eggs Benedict Casserole?
Eggs Benedict is a classic breakfast or brunch dish that typically features poached eggs, English muffins, Canadian bacon, and hollandaise sauce. The richness of the eggs and sauce, paired with the crispy muffin and savory bacon, makes it a beloved treat for many.
Eggs Benedict Casserole takes all of these beloved ingredients and turns them into an easy, baked version. Instead of poaching eggs individually and assembling each plate by hand, everything is layered together and baked in the oven, making it much more convenient, especially when you have a crowd to feed. This casserole is both comforting and elegant, bringing the flavors of Eggs Benedict into a one-pan dish that’s easy to prepare ahead of time.
Why You’ll Love This Eggs Benedict Casserole Recipe
- Time-Saving: Instead of preparing Eggs Benedict one at a time, this casserole allows you to make everything in one dish and bake it.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the casserole the night before and simply bake it in the morning.
- Flavor Packed: With layers of English muffins, Canadian bacon, eggs, and hollandaise sauce, every bite is full of rich, savory goodness.
- Impressive: It’s a stunning dish to serve at brunches, holidays, or gatherings, and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients for Eggs Benedict Casserole
To make this delicious casserole, you’ll need a few key ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. Here’s the full list:
For the Casserole Base:
- English muffins – 4 large muffins, cut into cubes. The English muffin is the perfect base for the casserole, absorbing the creamy sauce while maintaining a slight texture.
- Canadian bacon – 8 slices, cut into smaller pieces. The savory and slightly salty Canadian bacon mimics the traditional Eggs Benedict topping.
- Eggs – 8 large eggs. These are the heart of the casserole, providing the richness and structure to the dish.
- Milk – 2 cups of whole milk. This adds creaminess to the casserole and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Heavy cream – 1 cup. The combination of milk and heavy cream will create a rich, custard-like base for the casserole.
- Salt and pepper – For seasoning the eggs and milk mixture.
- Chopped fresh parsley – For garnish (optional).
For the Hollandaise Sauce:
- Unsalted butter – 1 cup (2 sticks), melted. This rich butter is the foundation of the sauce, adding the signature richness.
- Egg yolks – 4 large egg yolks. These help to thicken the sauce and provide that velvety texture.
- Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons. A touch of lemon juice will balance the richness of the sauce with a hint of acidity.
- Dijon mustard – 1 teaspoon. This adds a subtle tangy flavor that complements the richness of the butter.
- Cayenne pepper – A pinch, for a slight kick of heat (optional).
- Salt – To taste, for seasoning.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Eggs Benedict Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Casserole Base
- Cube the English Muffins: Start by cutting the English muffins into small cubes, around 1-inch pieces. These will form the base layer of the casserole.
- Prepare the Canadian Bacon: Slice the Canadian bacon into smaller pieces. You can also use thinly sliced ham if you prefer.
- Layer the Casserole: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the cubed English muffins and Canadian bacon. Try to distribute them evenly across the dish for consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
- Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until smooth and well-combined.
- Add Dairy: To the eggs, add the milk, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Whisk until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. This will create the custard base that binds all the ingredients together.
- Pour Over the Base: Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the English muffin and Canadian bacon layers in the baking dish. Press down gently to make sure the bread absorbs the mixture.
- Let it Soak: For the best results, let the casserole soak in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully soak up the egg mixture, creating a moist and custardy texture once baked.
Step 3: Prepare the Hollandaise Sauce
- Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, set it aside.
- Whisk the Egg Yolks: In a heatproof bowl, whisk the egg yolks, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (if using). The egg yolks should be pale and slightly thickened.
- Heat the Butter: Slowly pour the warm melted butter into the egg yolk mixture while continuously whisking. The key here is to pour the butter in a thin stream to prevent the yolks from scrambling. Keep whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Season with salt to taste.
- Set Aside: Once the hollandaise sauce is ready, set it aside. You can reheat it gently before serving if needed, but do so carefully to avoid separating the sauce.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the middle. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean when the casserole is done.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes to allow it to firm up a bit before serving.
Step 5: Serve with Hollandaise Sauce
Once the casserole has rested, drizzle the homemade hollandaise sauce generously over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a bit of freshness. The casserole is now ready to be served!
Tips for the Best Eggs Benedict Casserole
- Let it Soak: For a perfectly moist and custardy casserole, make sure to let the bread soak in the egg mixture for at least an hour, or even overnight if you can. This will ensure the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Use Day-Old Bread: If possible, use slightly stale English muffins or bread for the casserole. Day-old bread soaks up the custard mixture much better than fresh bread.
- Customize the Meat: You can use Canadian bacon, ham, or even bacon in this recipe. Feel free to experiment with different types of meat to suit your taste.
- Add Veggies: For a healthier variation, consider adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even asparagus to the casserole. These vegetables will complement the richness of the eggs and hollandaise sauce.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the hollandaise sauce for a spicy kick.
- Serve with Fresh Fruit: Serve the casserole alongside fresh fruit or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
Variations of Eggs Benedict Casserole
While the classic Eggs Benedict casserole is undeniably delicious, there are several variations you can try to keep things exciting:
1. Veggie Eggs Benedict Casserole
For a lighter version, replace the Canadian bacon with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers. The combination of earthy vegetables with the creamy hollandaise is sure to delight.
2. Crab Cake Eggs Benedict Casserole
For a luxurious twist, substitute the Canadian bacon with crab cakes. The sweetness of the crab paired with the rich hollandaise sauce will elevate the dish to new heights.
3. Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict Casserole
If you’re a fan of smoked salmon, this variation is perfect. Layer smoked salmon instead of Canadian bacon and top with fresh dill and capers for a true twist on the classic.
How to Serve Eggs Benedict Casserole
Eggs Benedict Casserole is a perfect dish for brunch or a special holiday breakfast. Serve it alongside:
- Crispy hash browns or roasted potatoes for a satisfying side.
- Fresh fruit salad to add a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
- Mimosas or freshly brewed coffee to complete your brunch spread.
Final Thoughts
Eggs Benedict Casserole is the ultimate brunch recipe that combines the classic flavors of Eggs Benedict with the convenience of a casserole. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion, a holiday breakfast, or just a cozy weekend brunch, this dish is sure to impress. With a make-ahead option, layers of creamy egg custard, savory bacon, and decadent hollandaise sauce, every bite is a delightful experience. Add your own twist with some creative variations, and enjoy!
Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your Eggs Benedict Casserole creations with us!
Eggs Benedict Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
For the Casserole Base:
- 4 large English muffins cut into cubes
- 8 slices Canadian bacon cut into smaller pieces
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley optional, for garnish
For the Hollandaise Sauce:
- 1 cup unsalted butter 2 sticks, melted
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Pinch of cayenne pepper optional
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole Base: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer cubed English muffins and Canadian bacon evenly in the dish.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread and bacon layers. Press down gently and allow it to soak for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight in the fridge.
- Prepare the Hollandaise Sauce: In a heatproof bowl, whisk the egg yolks, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper (optional), and salt. Slowly add the melted butter while whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Set aside.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set. Let rest for 10 minutes.
- Serve: Drizzle the homemade hollandaise sauce over the casserole and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For the best texture, allow the casserole to soak overnight for a richer, custard-like consistency.
- Customize the meat: You can swap the Canadian bacon for ham or even bacon if preferred.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a veggie-packed version.
- This dish can be made a day in advance, making it perfect for brunch gatherings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.