Eggs Benedict Casserole

Eggs Benedict Casserole is your new go-to for a no-stress, flavor-packed brunch experience. This baked version transforms the traditional Eggs Benedict into a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish layered with toasted English muffins, Canadian bacon, and creamy eggs—topped with golden cheddar and finished with warm hollandaise. Not only is this dish perfect for special gatherings and holidays, it’s also a lifesaver when you want to serve a gourmet meal without standing over the stove. With simple prep and rich, balanced flavors in every bite, this casserole brings the indulgence of brunch straight to your table with minimal effort.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

12 large eggs
3 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
8 English muffins, quartered
8 ounces Canadian bacon or ham
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup hollandaise sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Chopped chives or parsley, for garnish

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cut English muffins into quarters and toast lightly in the oven or on a skillet.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and Dijon mustard.
In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer the toasted muffin pieces evenly.
Add Canadian bacon or ham over the muffin layer.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden.
Let cool for 5–10 minutes, drizzle with hollandaise sauce, and garnish with fresh chives or parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 8 servings

What is Eggs Benedict Casserole?

Eggs Benedict Casserole is a hearty, baked spin on the classic Eggs Benedict—a brunch staple known for its poached eggs, Canadian bacon, toasted English muffins, and hollandaise sauce. Traditionally, preparing Eggs Benedict requires careful timing and attention, especially when poaching eggs to perfection and whisking a delicate hollandaise sauce. But with this casserole version, all the signature flavors are layered into one dish and baked together, making it far easier to serve to a crowd.

This casserole variation brings together quartered English muffins, rich egg custard, savory bacon or ham, melted cheese, and a drizzle of creamy hollandaise. It simplifies preparation while maintaining the luxurious flavors people expect from a brunch centerpiece. The end result is a satisfying and visually appealing meal that works for casual mornings, special holidays, or potluck brunches.

A Brief History of Eggs Benedict

Eggs Benedict has roots dating back to the late 19th century in New York City. Several origin stories exist, but one of the most popular attributes its creation to a hungover stockbroker named Lemuel Benedict, who ordered buttered toast, poached eggs, bacon, and hollandaise sauce at the Waldorf Hotel in 1894. The dish was later refined and adopted by the hotel, where chefs swapped the toast for an English muffin and ham for bacon.

Over time, Eggs Benedict became synonymous with indulgent weekend brunches. Its rich, buttery hollandaise and the delicate balance of protein and carbs made it a menu favorite. The casserole format we see today is a more recent evolution, born from the need to make this restaurant-style favorite accessible and practical for home cooks.

Why Eggs Benedict Casserole is a Brunch Game-Changer

While the original is undeniably delicious, it has a reputation for being labor-intensive. Poaching eggs and preparing hollandaise sauce can intimidate even seasoned cooks, especially when feeding more than two people.

Eggs Benedict Casserole changes all of that. Here’s why it stands out:

Time-Saving: You can prep the entire dish the night before. Come morning, just pop it in the oven. Perfect for holidays like Christmas, Easter, or Mother’s Day.
Crowd-Friendly: The casserole yields 8 servings or more, making it ideal for feeding a group without the hassle of individual plating.
Versatile: You can swap in ingredients to fit dietary preferences—use smoked salmon for a pescatarian version, vegetarian sausage, gluten-free bread, or even add sautéed spinach for a Florentine twist.
Delicious and Balanced: It hits every note—protein, fat, carbs, and just the right amount of spice. It’s indulgent without being overwhelming.
Make-Ahead Capability: Letting the ingredients sit overnight allows the flavors to meld, creating a deeply satisfying bite in every forkful.

The Secret to Perfect Texture and Flavor

What makes this dish truly special is how each element contributes to a perfect bite. Toasting the English muffins prevents sogginess, helping maintain structure even after soaking in the egg custard. The cheese creates a bubbly, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior. The bacon or ham adds smoky, savory depth, while the final drizzle of hollandaise elevates the whole experience.

Using a mix of whole milk and eggs forms a silky base that’s rich but not overly dense. A touch of cayenne and Dijon mustard brightens the flavor, ensuring that each serving tastes complex rather than flat or overly creamy.

Customization Ideas for All Dietary Needs

Eggs Benedict Casserole is incredibly adaptable, making it a reliable go-to for all kinds of households. Here are a few variations to consider:

Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon or replace it with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free English muffins or even gluten-free bread cubes.
Low-Carb Version: Substitute the English muffins with roasted cauliflower florets or cooked zucchini slices.
High-Protein Version: Add extra egg whites or use Greek yogurt in the egg mixture for added protein.
Cheese Variety: Instead of cheddar, try Gruyère, Monterey Jack, goat cheese, or a mix.

These variations can help accommodate different nutritional goals or simply breathe new life into your brunch rotation.

When to Serve Eggs Benedict Casserole

This casserole isn’t just for brunch gatherings—although it certainly shines during special occasions. It’s also perfect for:

Holiday Mornings: Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Day brunches.
Baby Showers and Bridal Showers: A savory balance to sweet pastries or cakes.
Weekend Family Breakfasts: Great for lazy Sundays when everyone sleeps in.
Potlucks: Easy to transport and reheat. Just bring a bottle of hollandaise sauce on the side!
Meal Prep: Make ahead, portion out, and enjoy through the week.

Whether served with mimosas and fresh fruit or reheated as a weekday breakfast, it adapts beautifully to any setting.

Tips for Making the Best Eggs Benedict Casserole

To guarantee success every time, keep these tips in mind:

Toast the Muffins: This helps them hold up to the egg mixture and prevents a soggy texture.
Whisk Thoroughly: Ensure the eggs, milk, and spices are fully blended before pouring them into the dish.
Cover While Baking: Start with foil to cook the eggs gently, then uncover to let the top brown.
Rest Before Serving: Let the dish sit for 5–10 minutes after baking to firm up and slice easily.
Drizzle, Don’t Drown: Add hollandaise just before serving so it stays creamy and doesn’t soak into the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes can go awry. Watch out for these pitfalls:

Overbaking: Check the casserole at the 45-minute mark. Overcooking can make the eggs rubbery.
Too Much Liquid: Stick to the measurements. Extra milk or cheese can make the dish watery.
Skipping Hollandaise: The sauce is essential to recreating the “Benedict” flavor. If using store-bought, warm it gently before serving.
Undertoasting the Muffins: Soft muffins will absorb too much moisture and lose their structure.

Pairing Suggestions

Complement this casserole with side dishes and drinks to round out the brunch experience:

Fruit Salad: A fresh mix of berries, melon, and citrus offsets the richness.
Roasted Potatoes: Season with rosemary and garlic for a crispy, flavorful side.
Fresh Salad: Mixed greens with a light vinaigrette balance the creamy dish.
Drinks: Mimosas, Bloody Marys, herbal tea, or cold brew coffee.

These additions elevate the meal into a memorable event your guests will rave about.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Eggs Benedict Casserole keeps beautifully:

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
Freezing: Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Why Your Guests Will Love It

This casserole combines nostalgia and comfort with modern ease. Guests will appreciate how it feels both indulgent and homemade. The balance of rich flavors, soft textures, and customizable toppings means there’s something for everyone on the table. Plus, it shows thoughtful preparation without requiring you to spend your entire morning cooking.

Conclusion

Eggs Benedict Casserole is more than just a shortcut—it’s an upgraded take on a timeless favorite. It solves the challenges of traditional Benedict while celebrating everything we love about it. Rich, flavorful, easy to make ahead, and incredibly satisfying, this dish deserves a spot on every brunch table.

Whether you’re a first-time cook or a seasoned entertainer, this recipe delivers elegance and comfort in equal measure. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again—especially when you want to impress without the stress.