Eggs Benedict Casserole Recipe | Easy Make-Ahead Brunch Dish

Opening Hook

Eggs Benedict Casserole is the brunch hero you didn’t know you needed. While traditional Eggs Benedict is undeniably delicious, it can be a logistical challenge—poaching eggs to order, whisking hollandaise at the last minute, and juggling timing so everything hits the table warm. This casserole takes all the flavors you love—English muffins, Canadian bacon, eggs, and creamy hollandaise—and transforms them into a make-ahead dish that’s stress-free and crowd-pleasing. Imagine waking up on Mother’s Day, Christmas morning, or a lazy Sunday brunch with friends, and simply sliding a bubbling casserole out of the oven. No stovetop chaos, no juggling pans, just golden, savory comfort ready to serve. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and convenience, making it a go-to recipe for holidays, potlucks, or any weekend when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.

What Is Eggs Benedict Casserole?

Eggs Benedict Casserole is a baked breakfast dish that captures the essence of classic Eggs Benedict in a simplified, family-style format. Instead of individually poached eggs perched on toasted English muffins, this casserole layers cubed muffins with Canadian bacon or ham, then pours a custard of eggs and milk over the top. After resting—often overnight—the mixture bakes into a savory, bread-pudding-like dish that’s hearty yet elegant.

The crowning touch is hollandaise sauce, drizzled generously over each portion before serving. This sauce delivers the signature tangy richness that makes Eggs Benedict iconic. Unlike the traditional version, there’s no need to poach eggs or assemble plates at the last minute. The casserole method eliminates stress, allowing you to prep ahead and bake when ready.

It’s easier, more forgiving, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting brunch or simply want a special breakfast without the fuss, Eggs Benedict Casserole delivers all the flavor with half the effort.

History & Popularity

Eggs Benedict itself dates back to late 19th-century New York, often credited to Delmonico’s restaurant or a creative diner named Lemuel Benedict. Its combination of English muffins, ham, poached eggs, and hollandaise quickly became a brunch staple.

Casseroles, meanwhile, rose to popularity in mid-20th-century America as convenient, family-friendly meals. Breakfast casseroles—layered with bread, eggs, and meat—became especially beloved for holidays and gatherings.

Eggs Benedict Casserole is the natural fusion of these traditions: the elegance of Eggs Benedict with the practicality of a casserole. Its rise coincides with the popularity of overnight breakfast bakes, which allow hosts to prep the night before and bake in the morning. Today, it’s a highly rated recipe across platforms like Allrecipes, Food.com, and Baker Bettie, praised for convenience, flavor, and versatility.

Core Ingredients Breakdown

• English muffins: The classic base, cubed for easy layering. Day-old muffins work best, as they absorb custard without turning mushy.
• Canadian bacon or ham: Adds savory, smoky flavor. Substitutions include turkey bacon, prosciutto, or plant-based alternatives.
• Eggs & milk: Whisked together to form the custard that binds the casserole. Whole milk or half-and-half yields creamier texture.
• Seasonings: Onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for depth.
• Hollandaise sauce: The finishing touch. Options include homemade blender hollandaise, microwave shortcuts, or packet mixes for convenience.

Substitutions: Croissants or brioche for richer texture; gluten-free bread for dietary needs; dairy-free milk for lighter versions.

Tip: Use day-old bread for best texture—it soaks up custard beautifully without collapsing.

Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

1. Prep the base: Cube 6 English muffins and layer them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Scatter chopped Canadian bacon or ham over the top.
2. Make the custard: Whisk together 8 eggs, 2 cups milk, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour evenly over the muffin and meat mixture.
3. Overnight rest: Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours (or overnight). This ensures the bread absorbs custard fully.
4. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake covered with foil for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 25–30 minutes until eggs are set and top is golden.
5. Prepare hollandaise: Options include:
   • Blender method: Blend egg yolks, lemon juice, and melted butter until creamy.
   • Microwave shortcut: Whisk yolks, lemon juice, and butter; heat gently, whisking often.
   • Packet mix: Quick and reliable for busy mornings.
6. Serve: Slice casserole into squares. Drizzle hollandaise generously over each portion. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Pair with fruit salad or roasted asparagus for balance.

Serving suggestions: Fresh herbs brighten the dish; paprika adds color; fruit sides or mimosas complete the brunch spread.

Recipe Variations

• Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole: Prep the night before; bake in the morning. Perfect for holidays.
• Easy Eggs Benedict Casserole: Skip overnight rest; bake immediately for quicker results.
• Make-Ahead Casserole: Assemble and freeze unbaked; thaw overnight before baking.
• Gluten-free adaptation: Use gluten-free bread or muffins.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Substitute almond or oat milk; use dairy-free hollandaise.
• Holiday-themed versions: Add red peppers and spinach for Christmas colors; use pastel garnishes for Easter brunch.

Tips & Tricks from Top Recipes

• Avoid soggy texture: Refrigerate overnight so bread fully absorbs custard.
• Don’t overbake: Eggs should be just set; overbaking leads to dryness.
• Double the hollandaise: Many reviewers recommend extra sauce for maximum flavor.
• Add fresh herbs: Parsley, chives, or dill brighten richness.
• Use day-old bread: Prevents mushy texture.
• Customize fillings: Try smoked salmon, sautéed spinach, or mushrooms for gourmet flair.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Eggs Benedict Casserole with fruit salad, mimosas, and coffee for a complete brunch. Garnish with parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of paprika for color. Pair with roasted vegetables or a light green salad to balance richness.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked casserole up to 1 month; thaw overnight before baking.
• Reheating: Oven reheating preserves texture; microwave works for quick portions but may soften bread.

FAQ Section

• Can you make Eggs Benedict Casserole ahead of time? Yes—assemble the night before and refrigerate.
• What’s the best bread? English muffins are traditional; croissants or brioche add richness.
• How do you keep casserole from getting soggy? Use day-old bread and refrigerate overnight.
• Can you freeze it? Yes—freeze unbaked for best results.
• Is hollandaise safe to make ahead? Yes—store in fridge up to 2 days; reheat gently.
• Difference between Eggs Benedict and casserole? Traditional requires poached eggs; casserole is baked and stress-free.
• Vegetarian option? Replace meat with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or plant-based bacon.

Final Thoughts

Eggs Benedict Casserole is the ultimate blend of convenience and flavor. It captures the elegance of Eggs Benedict while eliminating the stress of poaching eggs or whisking sauce at the last minute. Perfect for holidays, Mother’s Day, or any weekend brunch, it’s a dish that brings joy to the table with half the effort. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.