The Joanna Gaines Eggs Benedict Casserole is a beautiful fusion of traditional brunch elegance and comforting Southern flavors. Layered with toasted English muffins, Canadian bacon, and creamy eggs, it captures the essence of the beloved Eggs Benedict but transforms it into a hearty baked dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Finished with a silky, homemade hollandaise and a touch of green onion for freshness, this casserole is ideal for holidays, weekend gatherings, or lazy Sunday mornings. Prepare it the night before for an easy, satisfying morning that lets you enjoy more time at the table and less in the kitchen.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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8 English muffins, split and toasted
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16 slices Canadian bacon
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8 large eggs
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2 cups whole milk
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup chopped green onions
For the Hollandaise Sauce:
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3 large egg yolks
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and warm
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Pinch of cayenne pepper
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Salt to taste
Directions:
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Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer the bottom with half the toasted English muffins.
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Add a layer of Canadian bacon slices. Repeat layers with the remaining muffins and bacon.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard, salt, and pepper.
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Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole layers. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 35–40 minutes until set and lightly golden.
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Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top and return to the oven for 5 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
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For the hollandaise sauce, whisk egg yolks and lemon juice in a heatproof bowl over simmering water until thickened.
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Slowly drizzle in melted butter while whisking continuously until the sauce is thick and creamy.
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Season with salt and cayenne, then pour over the baked casserole. Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve warm.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Joanna Gaines Eggs Benedict Casserole: A Make-Ahead Brunch Masterpiece
When it comes to Southern hospitality and hearty, comforting meals, Joanna Gaines has set the gold standard. From farmhouse interiors to soulful recipes, everything she touches seems to bring warmth and charm. One such gem is the Eggs Benedict Casserole — a recipe that transforms the classic, sophisticated brunch dish into a rustic, crowd-pleasing bake. This dish isn’t just a recipe; it’s a celebration of make-ahead convenience, bold breakfast flavor, and stress-free hosting.
A Classic Dish Reimagined
Eggs Benedict has long held its place as the crown jewel of brunch menus. Traditionally composed of a toasted English muffin, poached egg, Canadian bacon, and luscious hollandaise sauce, it’s rich, indulgent, and utterly satisfying. But anyone who’s tried making traditional Eggs Benedict for a group knows the logistical challenge: poaching individual eggs, toasting muffins, warming bacon, and whipping up hollandaise — all while guests wait.
That’s where the Eggs Benedict Casserole enters the scene like a brunch-time superhero. This version, popularized by Joanna Gaines and embraced by home cooks everywhere, captures all the essence of the original dish but in a simple, fuss-free baked format. It’s layered with toasted English muffins, slices of Canadian bacon, a creamy egg custard, and topped with a buttery hollandaise sauce after baking. The result is a warm, golden, savory dish that serves a crowd and tastes like it took all morning — even though it didn’t.
Origins and Inspiration
While the exact roots of this baked version are unclear, the casserole-style take on Eggs Benedict gained traction thanks to celebrity chefs and food bloggers like Joanna Gaines. Known for her accessible and family-centered approach to cooking, Gaines’ recipes often reflect both her Southern heritage and a practical, home-cook-friendly twist.
The idea is simple: turn complicated meals into something approachable. By deconstructing the traditional dish and layering the flavors into a casserole, she made it possible to enjoy gourmet brunch without standing at the stove all morning. It’s a quintessential example of her ability to blend elegance with ease.
Why This Recipe Works — The Benefits
1. Perfect for Entertaining
Whether you’re hosting a baby shower, holiday brunch, or family get-together, this dish takes the pressure off. You can assemble it the night before and simply bake in the morning. That means less prep, less mess, and more time to enjoy your guests.
2. Big Flavor, Low Effort
By layering ingredients in a baking dish, the classic elements of Eggs Benedict meld together. The muffins absorb the seasoned egg custard, the Canadian bacon adds a smoky touch, and the cheese gives it that gooey richness. Then the homemade hollandaise, poured warm over the top, ties everything together in a silky finish.
3. Customizable for Every Diet
This recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the bacon or substituting with spinach or sautéed mushrooms. Want a gluten-free option? Use gluten-free English muffins. Watching your dairy? Use plant-based cheese or milk alternatives. It’s a foundation for creativity.
4. Easy to Scale Up or Down
Cooking for two? Halve the recipe. Feeding a crowd of 12? Double it and use two pans. The measurements and layering make it foolproof to multiply.
5. Nutrient-Dense and Satisfying
With eggs for protein, milk for calcium, and customizable add-ins like veggies, this casserole provides real nourishment. Plus, it’s satiating — one serving can keep you full and energized for hours.
Tips for Making the Best Eggs Benedict Casserole
If you want to achieve brunch perfection, here are a few tips that elevate the dish even further:
Toast the Muffins First:
This adds structure and prevents sogginess. Lightly toasting the English muffins gives them the resilience to soak up the custard without turning to mush.
Use High-Quality Canadian Bacon:
Not all Canadian bacon is created equal. Choose one that’s thick-cut and minimally processed for the best flavor and texture.
Let It Soak Overnight:
This step is critical. Allowing the egg mixture to soak into the layers overnight ensures every bite is moist and flavorful.
Make Hollandaise Just Before Serving:
While the casserole can be made ahead, the hollandaise is best made fresh. It takes just a few minutes and makes a huge difference in the final taste.
Add a Touch of Freshness:
Chopped green onions or fresh herbs like chives or parsley give a pop of color and brightness that balances the richness of the dish.
A Versatile Dish for Every Occasion
What makes this dish so magical is how versatile it is. You can serve it at nearly any event:
- Holiday Brunch: Christmas, Easter, or Mother’s Day — this casserole shines on special mornings.
- Potlucks or Church Gatherings: It travels well and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for group settings.
- Weekend Meal Prep: Make a big tray on Sunday, and have breakfast ready for several days.
- Breakfast-for-Dinner Nights: Pair with a salad or roasted vegetables for a satisfying dinner twist.
Hollandaise Sauce: The Crown Jewel
No Eggs Benedict is complete without hollandaise sauce. And while it may sound intimidating, it’s actually quite simple. Joanna Gaines’ method involves gently whisking egg yolks and lemon juice over a simmering water bath, then slowly streaming in melted butter until thickened. Add a pinch of cayenne for heat and a touch of salt — and voila! You’ve made one of the most iconic sauces in French cuisine.
This sauce brings creaminess and acidity, cutting through the richness of the eggs and bacon. It also turns a casserole from “great” to “gourmet.”
Why Readers Love This Recipe
If you look through social media or recipe review sites, you’ll notice glowing reviews for this dish. People love it because it:
- Feels fancy without being fussy
- Is budget-friendly but elegant
- Feeds large groups with minimal prep
- Wins over even picky eaters
- Can be reheated without losing flavor or texture
Busy parents, brunch hosts, and comfort food lovers all agree: this is one of the best baked breakfast casseroles out there.
Storage and Leftovers
This dish stores beautifully. Here’s how to handle leftovers:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Freezer: You can freeze the unbaked or baked casserole. For best results, wrap tightly with foil and use within 1 month. Reheat from frozen at 350°F until warmed through.
Note: Hollandaise sauce does not freeze well, so make that fresh when serving.
Conclusion
There’s something inherently joyful about a dish like this. It’s warm, inviting, and made to be shared. Whether you’re trying to impress at brunch or just want to treat your family to a special breakfast, Joanna Gaines’ Eggs Benedict Casserole is the kind of recipe that turns a regular meal into a memory. It takes the best parts of the traditional Eggs Benedict the textures, the richness, the balance and makes them accessible to everyday home cooks. With minimal prep, customizable ingredients, and guaranteed wow-factor, it’s a brunch hero in every sense of the word.