This Eggs Benedict Casserole is a yummy twist on a breakfast classic! It’s filled with eggs, English muffins, Canadian bacon, and topped with creamy hollandaise sauce. Perfect for brunch!
Making breakfast for friends? This dish is a total crowd-pleaser. Just prepare it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and let the good times roll. Who doesn’t love breakfast in a pan? 🍳😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: You need a total of 10 eggs for this dish: 6 for the casserole and 4 for poaching. For a lighter option, you could use egg whites instead, but remember that it may change the texture a bit.
Milk: Whole milk gives the best creaminess, but you can substitute with 2% milk or even almond milk for a dairy-free option. Just note that almond milk might slightly alter the flavor.
English Muffins: These are essential for the casserole base. If you can’t find them, try using bagels or even leftover bread! Just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even soaking.
Canadian Bacon: Traditional, but if you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try turkey bacon. It won’t be the same, but it can work well here.
Cheese: I love cheddar in this dish, but feel free to swap it for Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a little kick! Cottage cheese adds creaminess, but you could skip it for more cheese if you prefer.
How Do You Make the Perfect Hollandaise Sauce?
Making hollandaise can be a bit tricky, but here are some tips to help you nail it:
- Use a double boiler: This helps prevent the eggs from cooking too quickly and turning into scrambled eggs. Just simmer some water and place your bowl on top.
- Whisk constantly: As you add the melted butter, keep whisking to ensure a smooth sauce. Nobody likes clumps!
- If it thickens too much, just add a teaspoon of warm water to loosen it up. This can happen, so don’t stress!
With these tips, you’ll have a lovely, creamy sauce to drizzle over your casserole. Enjoy!
How to Make Eggs Benedict Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 English muffins, cubed (about 6 cups)
- 1 cup cooked Canadian bacon or ham, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
- 4 large eggs, poached or soft boiled (for serving)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions (for garnish)
For the Hollandaise Sauce:
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and warm
- Salt and cayenne pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time, and then you’ll bake it for 40-45 minutes, followed by some time for the hollandaise sauce. Overall, you can have this ready in about 1 hour. Perfect for a brunch gathering or a special breakfast treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t forget to grease a 9×13 inch baking dish so the casserole comes out easily!
2. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the 6 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder until everything is well combined. This will be the base for your casserole.
3. Layer the Casserole Ingredients:
In the greased baking dish, start layering! First, evenly distribute the cubed English muffins across the bottom. Then sprinkle on the chopped Canadian bacon, followed by the shredded cheddar and cottage cheese. This will create delicious layers of flavor!
4. Pour the Egg Mixture:
Now, pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients. Make sure to gently press down on the bread cubes to help them soak up the liquid. Let this sit for about 10 minutes to soak in all that yummy goodness.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking dish into the oven and bake uncovered for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set and the top is a lovely golden brown!
6. Prepare the Hollandaise Sauce:
While the casserole is baking, it’s time to make the hollandaise sauce. Use a heatproof bowl and place it over a pot of simmering water (this is your double boiler). In that bowl, whisk the 3 egg yolks with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice until it’s light and frothy. This takes a bit of wrist action! 😊
7. Drizzle in the Butter:
Slowly drizzle the warm melted butter into the egg mixture while continuously whisking. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens—it’s all about the motion! Once thick, remove from heat and season with salt and a pinch of cayenne for a bit of spice!
8. Poach Your Eggs:
Next, poach or soft boil the remaining 4 eggs for serving. These will be the stars on top of your casserole!
9. Serve It Up:
When the casserole is done baking, carefully remove it from the oven. Scoop out portions onto plates and place a warm poached egg on top of each serving.
10. Drizzle with Sauce:
Generously drizzle the hollandaise sauce over the poached eggs. Trust me, this adds the final touch!
11. Garnish and Enjoy:
Sprinkle chopped fresh chives or green onions over the top for a burst of flavor and color. If you’d like, you can add extra bits of Canadian bacon too. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, savory flavors of your Eggs Benedict Casserole!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole the night before, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven in the morning, and it may require an additional 5-10 minutes of baking time to heat through.
What Can I Substitute for Canadian Bacon?
If you prefer, you can substitute Canadian bacon with cooked ham, turkey bacon, or even crispy bacon. Each will give the casserole a slightly different flavor but still taste delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or warm them up in the oven until heated through.
Can I Use Whole Wheat English Muffins?
Of course! Whole wheat English muffins work great and add a nice nutty flavor to the casserole. You can also use gluten-free muffins if you need a gluten-free option.