Eggs Benedict Casserole Bliss

This Eggs Benedict Casserole is an easy makeahead dish that combines rich flavors for a stress-free brunch experience. It's perfect for feeding a crowd without the fuss of individual plating and hollandaise sauce can be prepared quickly with a blender to save time.

I first made this on a lazy Sunday morning, and now it’s become my go-to for special occasions because it looks impressive but is so forgiving to assemble

Ingredients

• Eight ounces Canadian bacon: diced for smoky, meaty flavor. You can substitute with ham or cooked sausage depending on your preference. Look for thickcut and fresh for best results
• Two English muffins: cut into pieces provide the base and soak up custard. Choose whole wheat for extra fiber or classic for fluffiness
• Eight large eggs: create the custard that binds everything. Opt for farmfresh or organic if you can for richer yolks
• Two cups whole milk: for creaminess and to lighten the custard. Avoid skim milk as it affects texture
• One teaspoon each of onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika: adds subtle layers of flavor. Freshly ground spices punch it up even more
• One quarter cup fresh chives: chopped for garnishing, which adds color and a mild onion bite
• Ingredients for hollandaise sauce: egg yolks, heavy cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper for a gentle heat, salt, and melted butter to create a rich, creamy topping

Instructions

Prepare the baking dish:

Spray a 9x13inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup

Layer the ingredients:

Start by spreading half of the diced Canadian bacon evenly in the pan. Follow with the cut English muffins scattered across the bacon layer. Then add the remaining diced Canadian bacon on top. This layering ensures that every bite has some bacon and muffin

Mix the custard:

In a large mixing bowl whisk together the eggs, whole milk, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. This creates the base to soak into the muffins and bacon

Assemble and refrigerate:

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients. Gently press down on the muffins so they absorb the custard well. Cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least five hours or preferably overnight. This step lets the flavors meld and the muffins soak fully

Bake the casserole:

When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for thirty minutes. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Cover the dish with foil and bake for thirty five minutes. Removing the cover for the last fifteen minutes encourages a golden brown puffed top

Prepare the hollandaise sauce:

In a blender, combine egg yolks, heavy cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper, and salt. Blend until smooth. Slowly drizzle melted butter while blending until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. This technique prevents the sauce from curdling and creates a silky texture

Serve:

Slice the casserole into eight pieces. Serve warm topped with hollandaise sauce and sprinkle with fresh chives for a bright finish

I love the fresh chives on top because they add just the right pop of color and a mild hint of onion that cuts through the richness. One memorable brunch was when my family devoured this dish in record time and asked for seconds

Storage Tips

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within two days to keep the flavors fresh and textures enjoyable. You can freeze the unbaked casserole by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking, or bake straight from frozen adding extra bake time

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap Canadian bacon for diced ham or sausage depending on preference and availability. For a dairyfree version use almond or oat milk and vegan butter in the hollandaise, though texture and flavor will be lighter. Fresh herbs like parsley or tarragon can replace chives for a different flavor twist

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance richness. Pair with fresh fruit or a fruit compote to introduce brightness and sweetness. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or sparkling mimosas will round out the celebration feel

This makeahead casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd and can be prepped ahead to save morning stress. Enjoy warm slices topped with hollandaise and extra chives.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute Canadian bacon in this casserole?

Yes, you can replace Canadian bacon with ham or cooked sausage to suit your taste and preference.

→ How long should the casserole rest before baking?

Allow the layered casserole to refrigerate for at least 5 hours or overnight to absorb the flavors and set properly.

→ What temperature is best for baking the casserole?

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake covered for 35 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until golden.

→ How is the hollandaise sauce prepared for this dish?

Blend egg yolks, heavy cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper, and salt, then slowly incorporate melted butter until creamy.

→ What garnishes enhance the casserole's flavor?

Freshly chopped chives sprinkled on top provide a bright, herbal contrast to the rich flavors.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, the casserole can be assembled and refrigerated several hours in advance, making it ideal for stress-free brunch planning.