There’s something truly magical about waking up to a breakfast that feels both indulgent and comforting, and that’s exactly what the Eggs Benedict Casserole: A Cozy, Make-Ahead Breakfast Delight Recipe delivers. Imagine all the rich flavors of classic Eggs Benedict—creamy hollandaise, savory Canadian bacon, toasted English muffins, and fluffy eggs—layered into a warm, bubbly casserole that you can prepare ahead of time. It’s the perfect dish for weekend brunches, special occasions, or whenever you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to a breakfast that feels extra special without the morning rush. This recipe effortlessly brings elegance and ease together in one heartwarming dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Eggs Benedict Casserole is surprisingly simple to throw together, relying on a handful of staple ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the eggs that create a tender base, to the sharp cheddar melting beautifully on top, every element adds the perfect color, texture, and flavor punch you crave in a savory breakfast bake.
- 12 large eggs: Provide a rich, fluffy custard that holds the casserole together perfectly.
- 3 cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and tenderizes the eggs for a soft, silky texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the savory flavors in the dish without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Introduces gentle warmth and subtle spice.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: A small kick of heat that wakes up the palate gently.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Brings a bright tang that deepens the overall taste.
- 8 pieces English muffins, quartered: Serve as the classic base, soaking up the egg mixture while adding structure.
- 8 ounces Canadian bacon or ham: The salty, meaty layer that makes every bite hearty and satisfying.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to golden perfection and adds sharp richness.
- 1 cup hollandaise sauce: A silky, buttery topping that transforms this bake into a decadent brunch treat.
- Chopped chives or parsley for garnish: Fresh herbs that brighten the dish with color and a hint of earthiness.
How to Make Eggs Benedict Casserole: A Cozy, Make-Ahead Breakfast Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing the baking dish is key—it prevents sticking and helps create those beautiful, crispy edges that give your casserole extra personality. This simple step sets the stage for a smooth baking experience.
Step 2: Whisk Together Your Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk the 12 eggs with the whole milk, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and Dijon mustard until the mixture is frothy and well combined. This frothiness is a secret to a light, tender bake. Think of this as the creamy glue binding every other ingredient into a harmonious whole.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Layer the quartered English muffins evenly across the bottom of the dish, then top with the Canadian bacon or ham. Pour the egg mixture over the top, ensuring the muffins soak up that flavorful custard. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese across the surface—it will melt and brown beautifully in the oven, adding that irresistible golden crust.
Step 4: Bake Covered, Then Uncovered
Cover your dish with foil to keep everything moist and bake for 30 minutes. This covered baking allows the casserole to cook evenly without drying out. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, letting the cheese get bubbly and golden brown. Your kitchen will start to smell like heaven at this point.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Once your casserole is slightly cooled, drizzle it generously with the hollandaise sauce. This luscious sauce is what truly elevates the dish to classic Eggs Benedict status. Finally, sprinkle chopped chives or parsley on top for a fresh, eye-catching pop of green that makes every slice picture perfect.
How to Serve Eggs Benedict Casserole: A Cozy, Make-Ahead Breakfast Delight Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped chives or parsley aren’t just for looks—they add a subtle oniony brightness or earthy note that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the hollandaise and cheese. Feel free to add a pinch of smoked paprika or a squeeze of lemon for an extra tangy touch that wakes up the flavors.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides to balance its richness. Consider crisp fruit salad, a tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or roasted seasonal vegetables. For something heartier, crispy breakfast potatoes or sautéed mushrooms complement the savory layers brilliantly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch spread, bake the casserole in a pretty ceramic dish straight to the table and let everyone serve themselves. If you want to impress guests, cut parfait-sized squares and plate with a drizzle of hollandaise artfully swirled on the side, garnished with microgreens or edible flowers. You can even build mini individual portions in ramekins for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s tightly wrapped or in an airtight container to preserve moisture and freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the flavors will have even more time to meld deliciously.
Freezing
This Eggs Benedict Casserole: A Cozy, Make-Ahead Breakfast Delight Recipe freezes well, making it a super convenient meal prep option. Freeze in individual portions or the whole dish before baking. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking according to the recipe instructions—you’re set for a stress-free morning.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through to keep the texture just right. A quick zap in the microwave works too but may soften the crispy top a bit. Adding a small sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating helps revive that melty, golden crust sensation.
FAQs
Can I use regular ham instead of Canadian bacon?
Absolutely! Regular ham works just fine in this casserole. Canadian bacon is traditional for its lean texture and smoky flavor, but diced or sliced ham will add a similar savory element that pairs well with the eggs and cheese.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
You can easily make this casseroles vegetarian by swapping out the Canadian bacon for sautéed mushrooms, roasted asparagus, or even crispy tofu. These alternatives add wonderful texture and flavor without missing the meat.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the English muffins with a gluten-free variety or use gluten-free bread cubes. Just make sure your hollandaise sauce ingredients are gluten-free as well, and you’re good to go.
How far in advance can I prepare this casserole?
This is truly a make-ahead star! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours before baking. Keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to pop it in the oven for a fresh, hot breakfast.
What can I substitute for hollandaise sauce if I’m short on time?
If you’re in a hurry, a simple drizzle of hot sauce or a cheesy béchamel can do the trick, but nothing quite replaces the luxurious richness that hollandaise adds. You can also find ready-made hollandaise in stores to cut down prep time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about pulling a warm, cheesy Eggs Benedict Casserole: A Cozy, Make-Ahead Breakfast Delight Recipe straight from the oven—it’s like a big breakfast hug on a plate. This recipe is a fantastic way to bring together the elegance of a classic dish with the convenience that busy mornings demand. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, this casserole promises satisfaction with every bite. So go ahead, give it a try and watch it quickly become your new favorite weekend ritual.
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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Eggs Benedict Casserole transforms the classic brunch favorite into a comforting baked dish perfect for serving a crowd. With layers of toasted English muffins, savory Canadian bacon, and a rich egg custard topped with melted cheddar cheese and creamy hollandaise sauce, this casserole offers all the flavors of traditional Eggs Benedict in a cozy, easy-to-make format.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 12 large eggs
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Casserole Base
- 8 pieces English muffins, quartered
- 8 ounces Canadian bacon or ham
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Topping & Garnish
- 1 cup hollandaise sauce
- Chopped chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Mix the Egg Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and Dijon mustard until the mixture becomes frothy, ensuring a well-combined custard base.
- Assemble the Layers: In the prepared baking dish, layer the quartered English muffins evenly. Next, distribute the Canadian bacon or ham over the muffins. Pour the frothy egg mixture over the layered ingredients, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set in the middle.
- Finish and Garnish: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before drizzling it generously with hollandaise sauce. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley to add freshness and a pop of color before serving.
Notes
- Use day-old English muffins for better texture and to prevent sogginess.
- To make ahead: assemble the casserole the night before, cover, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Substitute Canadian bacon with smoked ham or turkey for variations.
- Homemade hollandaise or store-bought sauce both work well depending on your time and preference.
- Adjust spices like cayenne pepper to taste for mild or spicy flavor.
