Eggs Benedict Casserole Bake
Whip up a delicious Eggs Benedict Casserole Bake with this easy recipe that transforms a classic brunch favorite into a simple, hearty dish perfect for any morning or weekend gathering. This comforting casserole layers tender English muffins, savory ham, fluffy eggs, and creamy hollandaise, making it a dreamy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as satisfying as it is effortless to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation: This Eggs Benedict Casserole Bake combines all the flavors of traditional Eggs Benedict with minimal hands-on cooking time.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd: Easily scaled up to serve large brunch gatherings with no stress.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep it the night before and bake fresh in the morning for a stress-free start.
- Customizable flavors: Swap ham for smoked salmon or add veggies to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
- Comfort meets elegance: Enjoy a fancy-feeling dish that’s actually simple enough for everyday meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient is carefully chosen to balance taste, texture, and color. These simple staples come together effortlessly to create a dish that’s creamy, savory, and beautifully layered.
- English muffins: Provide a sturdy, slightly crunchy base that soaks up egg and sauce perfectly.
- Cooked ham: Adds salty, smoky flavor that complements the creamy ingredients.
- Eggs: The star protein that creates the custardy filling binding the casserole.
- Milk: Helps achieve the ideal custard-like texture in the egg mixture.
- Shredded cheese: Adds gooey richness and a golden finish when baked.
- Hollandaise sauce ingredients: Typically egg yolks, lemon juice, and butter, this sauce tops the casserole with luscious, tangy creaminess.
- Butter: Used for richness and to toast muffins for extra flavor and texture.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh herbs (optional): Like chives or parsley to brighten and add freshness.
Variations for Eggs Benedict Casserole Bake
Feel free to adapt this recipe to your liking—whether you want to add a little extra flair or cater to dietary needs, it’s simple to customize while keeping that classic Eggs Benedict spirit.
- Smoked salmon swap: Replace ham with smoked salmon for a luxurious twist on this casserole.
- Vegetarian version: Use sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus instead of ham for a veggie-forward dish.
- Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for subtle heat.
- Dairy-free adjustment: Use non-dairy milk and vegan butter substitutes and skip cheese for a lighter casserole.
- Herb variations: Experiment with tarragon, dill, or basil to complement your hollandaise sauce differently.
How to Make Eggs Benedict Casserole Bake
Step 1: Prepare the English Muffins and Ham
Start by lightly toasting the English muffins and cubing them into bite-sized pieces. Layer the cooked ham evenly over the muffin cubes in your casserole dish to build a savory base.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and slightly frothy. This will create the custard that binds the casserole beautifully.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the egg mixture over the English muffin and ham layer, making sure it soaks through evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top for a melty, golden crust.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Set
Bake your casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the cheese is bubbly and browned.
Step 5: Prepare the Hollandaise Sauce
While baking, whisk together egg yolks, lemon juice, and melted butter over gentle heat until thickened into a smooth hollandaise. Drizzle it over the warm casserole just before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Eggs Benedict Casserole Bake
- Use day-old English muffins: Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better without turning soggy.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole to avoid drying out the eggs—remove from oven as soon as set.
- Make hollandaise easy: Consider using a blender or food processor for smooth, speedy sauce preparation.
- Season layers: Lightly salt and pepper the ham and muffin layers for deeper, balanced taste.
- Fresh herbs on top: Sprinkle chopped chives or parsley after baking to add a fresh pop of flavor and color.
How to Serve Eggs Benedict Casserole Bake
Garnishes
Fresh chopped chives, a sprinkle of paprika, or a few halved cherry tomatoes can elevate the dish visually and add layers of bright flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp green salad, fresh fruit platter, or roasted breakfast potatoes to round out your brunch perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in small ramekins or muffin tins for a party-friendly presentation, or add microgreens on top for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Eggs Benedict Casserole Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This ensures freshness while letting the flavors meld beautifully.
Freezing
Cool the casserole completely before wrapping it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through, preserving the casserole’s creamy texture and melty cheese.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat English muffins for this casserole?
Yes! Whole wheat English muffins add a nuttier flavor and extra fiber while maintaining the texture that soaks up the egg mixture beautifully.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap milk with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free butter and cheese substitutes, or omit cheese entirely without compromising taste.
Can I prepare the hollandaise sauce ahead of time?
Hollandaise sauce is best made fresh but can be prepared up to a few hours in advance and kept warm over a double boiler. Re-whisk gently before serving.
What can I substitute for ham in this recipe?
Smoked salmon, cooked bacon, or sautéed vegetables like spinach and mushrooms all work wonderfully as alternatives, depending on your preference.
How do I reheat the casserole without it drying out?
Reheat in the oven covered with foil to retain moisture, or add a splash of milk before reheating to keep the egg custard creamy.
Final Thoughts
This Eggs Benedict Casserole Bake brings together the best of a classic brunch in an effortless, make-ahead dish ready to impress family and friends. Give it a try and experience the joy of a luxe breakfast without the fuss!
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Eggs Benedict Casserole Bake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Eggs Benedict Casserole Bake is a comforting and elegant brunch dish that layers toasted English muffins, savory ham, a fluffy egg custard, shredded cheese, and a creamy homemade hollandaise sauce. This recipe is perfect for effortless preparation, feeding a crowd, and can be easily customized to suit various dietary preferences. Ideal for make-ahead breakfasts or weekend gatherings, it combines classic Eggs Benedict flavors into a hearty baked casserole.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 6 English muffins, toasted and cubed
- 2 cups cooked ham, cubed
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Swiss)
Hollandaise Sauce
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Additional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter (for toasting muffins)
- Fresh herbs like chives or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the English Muffins and Ham: Lightly toast the English muffins and cut them into bite-sized cubes. Evenly spread the cooked ham over the muffin cubes in your casserole dish to create a savory base layer.
- Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. This will form the custard that binds the casserole.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers of English muffin and ham, allowing it to soak through thoroughly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top to achieve a melty, golden crust when baked.
- Bake Until Golden and Set: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the cheese is bubbly and browned.
- Prepare the Hollandaise Sauce: While the casserole bakes, whisk together egg yolks, lemon juice, and melted butter over gentle heat until the sauce thickens into a smooth and creamy consistency. Drizzle the warm hollandaise over the casserole just before serving.
Notes
- Use day-old English muffins for better custard absorption without sogginess.
- Do not overbake; remove the casserole as soon as the eggs are set to avoid dryness.
- For easier hollandaise, use a blender or food processor for smooth and quick sauce preparation.
- Lightly season the muffin and ham layers with salt and pepper for deeper flavor.
- Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley after baking to add brightness and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 280 mg
Keywords: Eggs Benedict, Casserole, Brunch, Breakfast Bake, Hollandaise, Make-Ahead, Savory, Easy Recipe
