Baked Eggs Benedict Casserole – A Brunch Favorite for a Crowd

Eggs Benedict is a classic brunch dish loved for its combination of perfectly poached eggs, crispy bacon or ham, buttery English muffins, and creamy hollandaise sauce. But what if you could make it easier, quicker, and still just as delicious? Enter the Eggs Benedict Casserole—a baked version of this beloved dish that’s perfect for serving a crowd without all the individual poaching and sauce-making. In just 45 minutes, you can enjoy all the rich flavors of Eggs Benedict in casserole form.

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Introduction

This Eggs Benedict Casserole takes all the delicious elements of the classic and turns them into a bakeable, make-ahead brunch dish that’s simple yet luxurious. Instead of worrying about poaching eggs or making hollandaise from scratch, this casserole layers English muffins, ham or bacon, eggs, and a creamy sauce—baked together until golden and perfect. Top it off with a drizzle of hollandaise sauce, and you have a brunch dish that’s guaranteed to impress.

Ideal for:

• Weekend brunches

• Holiday gatherings like Easter or Mother’s Day

• Make-ahead meals for busy mornings

• Crowd-pleasing brunch buffets

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Ingredients Overview

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients to create this easy Eggs Benedict Casserole:

For the Casserole:

• 6 large eggs – the heart of this dish

• 4 English muffins – torn into pieces (about 4 cups)

• 1 1/2 cups cooked ham or Canadian bacon – chopped or sliced thin

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – or a mix of cheddar and Swiss

• 1 cup whole milk – for creaminess

• 1/2 cup heavy cream – adds richness to the casserole

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – for a subtle flavor boost

• 1/4 teaspoon salt – to season the eggs and milk mixture

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – for seasoning

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – for greasing the baking dish

For the Hollandaise Sauce:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter – melted

• 2 large egg yolks – for richness

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – to cut through the richness

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – adds a bit of tang

• Pinch of salt – to season the sauce

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Casserole Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of butter.

Tear the English muffins into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish. Add the chopped ham or Canadian bacon over the muffin pieces, followed by 1 cup of shredded cheese (reserve the other half for later).

2. Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the 6 large eggs, milk, heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the muffin and ham mixture in the baking dish. Press the muffins down slightly with a spoon so they soak up the egg mixture. Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the mixture.

3. Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the eggs are set, and the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven, and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Return the casserole to the oven for another 5 minutes to melt the cheese.

4. Make the Hollandaise Sauce

While the casserole bakes, make the hollandaise sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt. Gradually drizzle in the melted butter, whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little bit of warm water to thin it out. Keep the sauce warm until ready to serve.

5. Serve

Once the casserole is baked, let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Drizzle each serving with hollandaise sauce and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives.

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Chef Tips:

• Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before baking to let the bread absorb the egg mixture—it helps create a creamier texture.

• Use a variety of cheeses: Try mixing cheddar with Swiss, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for added flavor complexity.

• Don’t skip the butter when greasing the baking dish; it adds a little extra richness and prevents sticking.

Variations:

• Add spinach or tomatoes for a veggie boost.

• Swap out ham for bacon, sausage, or even leftover roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.

• Use whole-wheat or gluten-free English muffins for a healthier twist.

Substitutions:

• Heavy cream → Whole milk for a lighter option, though it may not be as rich.

• Egg yolks → Whole eggs in the hollandaise sauce if you prefer a lighter sauce.

• Dijon mustard → Yellow mustard if you prefer a milder flavor.

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

This casserole is perfect for:

• Brunch with friends or family

• Holiday gatherings (Easter, Mother’s Day, Christmas morning)

• Meal prep (easy to store and reheat)

• Weekend breakfast or brunch—feeds a crowd with minimal effort!

Pair With:

• Fresh fruit salad or roasted vegetables for balance

• A side of crispy hashbrowns or crispy bacon

• A light green salad to cut through the richness

• Mimosas or bloody marys for the ultimate brunch experience

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Nutritional & Health Notes

While this casserole is rich and indulgent, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Protein-packed from eggs and ham.

• Customizable to be lower in fat by using reduced-fat cheese and lighter cream or milk.

• Vegetable-packed if you add spinach, tomatoes, or other vegetables.

To lighten the dish:

• Use low-fat cheese, egg whites, and low-fat milk for a lighter version.

• Add more veggies and fewer carbs by using cauliflower instead of English muffins.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Just bake it the next day for about 40-45 minutes.

2. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! This casserole freezes well. Assemble it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

3. What other meats can I use instead of ham or bacon?

You can use sausage, chicken, or even leftover turkey for variety. Just make sure the meat is cooked before adding it to the casserole.

4. Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes! While English muffins are traditional, you can use crusty bread or even croissants for a flakier texture.

5. How do I make this casserole vegetarian?

To make this casserole vegetarian, simply skip the meat and add more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes.

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