Eggs Benedict Casserole for breakfast
Eggs Benedict Casserole is a cozy and delicious twist on the classic brunch favorite. It layers the rich flavors of Canadian bacon, creamy hollandaise sauce, and soft poached eggs over…
Tip: save now, cook later.Eggs Benedict Casserole is a cozy and delicious twist on the classic brunch favorite. It layers the rich flavors of Canadian bacon, creamy hollandaise sauce, and soft poached eggs over a bed of toasted English muffins, all baked together into one comforting dish. The casserole comes out warm and bubbly with a lovely mix of textures—crispy on top and soft and creamy inside.
I love making this casserole when I have guests over for breakfast or when I want something easy that can cook itself in the oven while I get ready. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is actually super simple to throw together the night before. Plus, everyone always asks for seconds, which is a good sign in my book!
My favorite way to serve this is with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad to add a little brightness to the meal. It’s perfect for a weekend brunch or a special holiday morning. If you want to switch things up, try using smoked salmon instead of ham—it’s delicious either way and makes your breakfast feel like a treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: They’re the star here, giving the casserole its creamy texture. I like using fresh large eggs for the best flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, try using almond or oat milk instead of half-and-half.
English Muffins: Toasted cubes add a nice chewy base. If you don’t have English muffins, you can swap with day-old bread like brioche or sourdough.
Canadian Bacon/Ham: This brings a salty, meaty flavor. For a vegetarian twist, try smoked tofu or sautéed mushrooms. Turkey bacon works well too.
Cheese: Swiss or Gruyère melts beautifully, adding richness. If you want a milder taste, use mozzarella or cheddar.
Hollandaise Sauce: It’s key for that classic Eggs Benedict taste. You can use store-bought if short on time or make it fresh. For a lighter option, try a yogurt-based sauce.
How Do I Get Perfect Eggs on Top Without Overcooking?
Adding whole eggs on top can be tricky. Here’s how I do it to keep the yolks soft:
- After baking the base mixture for 30 minutes, remove from oven and gently make small wells.
- Crack each egg into a well carefully to keep yolks intact.
- Bake at a slightly lower temperature (350°F) for about 12-15 minutes.
- Check near the end: egg whites should be set but yolks still soft. Baking time varies by oven, so keep an eye on it.
- Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving; this helps the eggs finish cooking just right.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – perfect size to hold all the layers and bake evenly.
- Mixing bowl – for whisking eggs and milk smoothly together.
- Whisk – helps blend eggs, mustard, and seasonings without lumps.
- Knife and cutting board – to chop the muffins and Canadian bacon easily.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – to gently press the egg mixture over the muffins.
- Measuring cups and spoons – ensures the right amounts of ingredients.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Canadian bacon with smoked salmon for a rich, slightly salty twist that mimics classic eggs benedict flavors.
- Add sautéed spinach or kale for a fresh, green boost that balances the richness.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of Swiss for a little kick of heat and extra creaminess.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms to add earthiness and texture, which pairs well with the creamy eggs and cheese.
How to Make Eggs Benedict Casserole?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs, plus 2 large eggs for topping
- 1 ½ cups half-and-half or whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 English muffins, cut into 1-inch cubes and toasted
- 8 oz Canadian bacon or ham, chopped
- 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Fresh chives, chopped, for garnish
- Hollandaise sauce (store-bought or homemade), for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 45 minutes to bake, including baking the base and finishing with the eggs on top. Then, allow an extra 5 minutes to cool before serving. Overall, you’ll spend around one hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Dish and Mix Eggs:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 eggs, half-and-half, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Layer English Muffins, Bacon, and Cheese:
Spread the toasted English muffin cubes evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle chopped Canadian bacon evenly over the muffins, then top with the shredded cheese.
3. Add Egg Mixture and Bake:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients. Gently press to help the muffins soak up the liquid. Drizzle the melted butter on top. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
4. Add Eggs on Top and Continue Baking:
Remove the casserole from the oven and create 4 evenly spaced wells. Carefully crack one egg into each well. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still soft.
5. Finish and Serve:
Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh chives on top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve warm with hollandaise sauce drizzled over each portion.
Enjoy your cozy, savory Eggs Benedict Casserole perfect for a special breakfast or brunch!
Can I Use Frozen English Muffins for This Casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen English muffins. Just make sure to thaw them fully and toast them before cubing to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Can I Make This Casserole the Night Before?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole through step 6, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, add the eggs on top and bake as directed for fresher eggs and great flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a little extra hollandaise sauce if desired.
Can I Substitute the Canadian Bacon?
Definitely! Ham, smoked salmon, or turkey bacon all work well. For a vegetarian version, try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead.