If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing breakfast dish that’s as elegant as it is easy to make, look no further than eggs benedict casserole. This delightful twist on the classic Eggs Benedict combines the beloved flavors of English muffins, Canadian bacon, eggs, and creamy hollandaise sauce into a simple, bake-and-serve casserole.
Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving a hearty morning meal, this dish delivers the indulgence of traditional Eggs Benedict without the stress of last-minute preparation. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making, serving, and customizing the ultimate eggs benedict casserole.
What Is Eggs Benedict Casserole?
Eggs benedict casserole is a baked breakfast dish inspired by the classic Eggs Benedict. Traditional Eggs Benedict involves individually preparing toasted English muffins, poached eggs, Canadian bacon, and hollandaise sauce, then assembling them just before serving. While delicious, the process can be time-consuming and tricky, especially for feeding a crowd.
This casserole simplifies the dish by layering all the ingredients in a single baking dish. The result? A rich, creamy, and satisfying breakfast that’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing.
Why Is Eggs Benedict Casserole So Popular?
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the dish the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
- Scalable: Perfect for both small family breakfasts and large gatherings.
- Customizable: Add vegetables, substitute proteins, or adapt to dietary restrictions.
For more tips on hosting stress-free breakfasts, visit this handy brunch guide.
Ingredients for Eggs Benedict Casserole
Casserole Base
- 6 English muffins, toasted and cubed
- 12 slices of Canadian bacon or ham, diced
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika (optional, for garnish)
Homemade Hollandaise Sauce
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Toast the Muffins: Toast English muffins lightly and cut them into 1-inch cubes. This helps prevent sogginess during baking.
- Layer the Ingredients: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Add the cubed muffins and sprinkle the diced Canadian bacon evenly over them.
2: Make the Egg Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the muffin and bacon layers.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
3: Bake the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the plastic wrap from the casserole and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
4: Prepare the Hollandaise Sauce
- In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, lemon juice, and salt.
- Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double-boiler style), ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
- Gradually whisk in the melted butter, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens.
- Add cayenne pepper, if desired, for a spicy kick.
5: Assemble and Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Drizzle the hollandaise sauce generously over the top of the casserole.
- Garnish with paprika, fresh herbs, or chives, and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Eggs Benedict Casserole
- Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh eggs, premium Canadian bacon, and real butter make a significant difference in flavor.
- Toast for Texture: Toasted muffins add a slight crunch that elevates the dish.
- Don’t Overbake: Check the casserole at 40 minutes to ensure the eggs don’t become rubbery.
- Make Extra Hollandaise: Guests will love having extra sauce to drizzle on their portions.
- Customize with Add-Ins: Add sautéed spinach, diced tomatoes, or caramelized onions for additional flavor.
Variations of Eggs Benedict Casserole
1. Eggs Royale Casserole
Replace Canadian bacon with smoked salmon for a luxurious, seafood-inspired version. Add fresh dill and capers as garnish.
2. Eggs Florentine Casserole
Incorporate sautéed spinach or kale into the layers for a nutritious twist. This is a great way to add greens to your breakfast.
3. Irish Benedict Casserole
Use corned beef or breakfast sausage instead of Canadian bacon. Pair with a mustard-spiked hollandaise for an Irish touch.
4. Gluten-Free Option
Swap out the English muffins for gluten-free bread or muffins to accommodate dietary restrictions.
For more brunch inspiration, explore this list of creative breakfast casseroles.
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Nutritional Information
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one serving (serves 8):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 22g
- Sodium: 900mg
This dish is hearty and indulgent, perfect for special occasions or treating yourself to a luxurious morning meal.
How to Serve Eggs Benedict Casserole
This casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with other brunch staples. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Adds a refreshing, light contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Hash Browns: Crispy potatoes are always a hit alongside eggs.
- Mimosas or Coffee: Classic beverages to elevate your brunch experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the secret of Eggs Benedict?
The secret lies in balancing textures and flavors: crispy muffins, creamy hollandaise, and perfectly cooked eggs.
What is the difference between Eggs Benedict and eggs royale?
Eggs Benedict uses Canadian bacon, while eggs royale features smoked salmon. The latter is lighter and has a slightly smoky flavor.
What is the difference between Eggs Benedict and Florentine?
Eggs Florentine includes sautéed spinach or kale, making it a healthier, veggie-forward variation.
What is the difference between Eggs Benedict and Irish Benedict?
Irish Benedict substitutes Canadian bacon with corned beef or sausage, giving it a distinctly hearty and savory twist.
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