Eggs Benedict Casserole: The Ultimate Breakfast Indulgence
There are certain dishes that instantly transport you to a place of comfort and indulgence, and Eggs Benedict is one of them. With its perfect combination of poached eggs, smoky Canadian bacon, lightly toasted English muffins, and a decadent, creamy hollandaise sauce, this iconic dish has earned its spot as a brunch favorite. However, the traditional version of Eggs Benedict can be somewhat time-consuming and requires precision. It involves perfecting poached eggs, making hollandaise from scratch, and assembling everything at just the right moment. For those who love the flavors of Eggs Benedict but want a quicker and easier option, the Eggs Benedict Casserole is a dream come true. This dish takes all the elements you love about Eggs Benedict and transforms them into a comforting, make-ahead casserole that’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just a delightful breakfast any day of the week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Canadian Bacon: The cornerstone of this casserole is the Canadian bacon. Unlike traditional bacon, which is crispy and fatty, Canadian bacon is lean, slightly smoky, and tender. It’s a great choice for this dish because it doesn’t overwhelm the other ingredients but still provides that savory, meaty flavor that’s essential to Eggs Benedict. You can easily find it in most grocery stores, and if you prefer a different type of meat, you can substitute it with ham or even smoked salmon for a twist on the classic.
- English Muffins: The English muffin serves as the base of the casserole and is key to achieving the right texture. When toasted and buttered, the English muffins take on a slightly crispy exterior while still maintaining a soft, pillowy interior. This contrast is what makes each bite of the casserole so satisfying. The muffins absorb the creamy egg mixture, making them soft and flavorful, without becoming soggy. They also provide that subtle tang that you get from the classic English muffin, which pairs beautifully with the richness of the other ingredients.
- Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: Cheese is a crucial element in this casserole, providing a creamy, gooey texture that ties the entire dish together. Monterey Jack cheese is mild and melts beautifully, creating a smooth and luscious layer on top of the casserole. While other cheeses like cheddar or Swiss could be used, Monterey Jack is an excellent choice because of its neutral flavor, which doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. It adds richness and a bit of depth to the casserole without stealing the spotlight.
- Egg Mixture: The egg mixture is the heart of the casserole, binding all the ingredients together and infusing them with a rich, custardy texture. The combination of eggs, heavy cream, and whole milk creates a smooth, velvety custard that coats the English muffins and the bacon. Seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, the egg mixture is flavorful but not overpowering, allowing the natural flavors of the other ingredients to shine through. Whisking the eggs together with the cream and milk ensures that the custard is smooth and free of any lumps.
- The Hollandaise-like Sauce: The sauce is what makes this casserole truly indulgent. Traditional hollandaise is made by whisking egg yolks with melted butter and lemon juice, creating a rich and velvety sauce. In this casserole version, the sauce is made with egg yolks, cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and melted butter, which come together to create a creamy, tangy sauce that perfectly complements the richness of the casserole. The sauce is poured over the casserole just before serving, adding a luxurious finish to each bite.
Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13 casserole dish with baking spray to ensure that the casserole doesn’t stick. Start by sprinkling half of the chopped Canadian bacon at the bottom of the dish. This will create a savory base layer for the casserole.
- Toast the English Muffins: Toast the English muffins to a light golden brown. This step helps to give the muffins a slightly crispy texture, so they hold up well when combined with the egg mixture. Spread softened butter on each half and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Add half of the chopped muffins to the casserole dish, layering them evenly over the Canadian bacon.
- Layer the Remaining Ingredients: Add the remaining Canadian bacon to the casserole and layer the rest of the chopped English muffins on top. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top, creating a cheesy layer that will melt and form a beautiful golden crust when baked.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole, ensuring that all of the English muffin pieces are soaked in the custard. Cover the casserole with foil and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the muffins to absorb the egg mixture.
- Bake the Casserole: When you’re ready to bake the casserole, preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the casserole dish in the oven, still covered with foil, and bake for 35 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the casserole to become golden brown and crispy on the top. The center of the casserole should be set, with no liquid remaining.
- Make the Sauce: While the casserole is baking, prepare the hollandaise-like sauce. In a blender, combine the egg yolks, cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and cayenne pepper. Blend on high speed for about a minute to aerate the mixture and create a light, fluffy base. Slowly add the melted butter while the blender is running, ensuring that the butter emulsifies with the egg mixture. Continue blending until the sauce is smooth and thick.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the casserole is done baking, slice it into servings and drizzle the warm sauce over the top. You can also pour the sauce over the casserole in the dish before slicing it, depending on your preference. Either way, the creamy sauce will add a rich and tangy finish to the dish.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Option: This casserole is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it the night before and refrigerate it overnight, then bake it the next morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to swap out the Monterey Jack cheese for other cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère. Each will add a unique flavor to the casserole.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, replace the Canadian bacon with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Meat Variations: You can also use ham, smoked sausage, or even bacon in place of the Canadian bacon if you prefer a different type of meat.
- Sauce Substitutes: If you’re looking for a lighter sauce, you can substitute the heavy cream with milk or use a store-bought hollandaise mix for convenience.