Eggs Benedict Casserole

This Eggs Benedict Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for brunch lovers. The combination of creamy eggs, savory Canadian bacon, and a rich hollandaise sauce makes each bite feel indulgent. Topped with fresh parsley, it’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Perfect for family gatherings or holiday brunches, this casserole is a showstopper. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a fantastic choice when you need a meal that’s both satisfying and simple to serve. You can even make it ahead of time, so all you need to do is pop it in the oven and enjoy!

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf French bread (cubed)

• 12 large eggs

• 1 1/2 cups milk

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

• 1 cup Canadian bacon, chopped

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Hollandaise Sauce:

• • 3 egg yolks

  • 1/4 cup lemon juice

  • 1/2 cup butter, melted

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

2. Arrange the cubed French bread evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish.

3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring the bread is soaked evenly.

4. Sprinkle the chopped Canadian bacon and shredded cheddar cheese on top.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden on top.

6. While the casserole is baking, prepare the hollandaise sauce. In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and lemon juice.

7. Place the bowl over simmering water, and slowly drizzle in the melted butter, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.

8. Stir in salt and cayenne pepper to taste.

9. Once the casserole is ready, remove it from the oven and drizzle the hollandaise sauce on top.

10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes

Kcal: 400 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Eggs Benedict

Eggs Benedict is a beloved brunch classic that’s known for its delicious combination of poached eggs, Canadian bacon, and a rich, buttery hollandaise sauce. Traditionally served on an English muffin, this dish can be a little too time-consuming to prepare on busy mornings. That’s where the genius of Eggs Benedict Casserole comes in. This recipe simplifies the process, making it just as delicious while being much easier to prepare and serve to a group.

A Brief History of Eggs Benedict

The origins of Eggs Benedict are somewhat mysterious, with several theories about its creation. One popular story attributes the dish to a man named Lemuel Benedict, who supposedly requested a special breakfast at Delmonico’s Restaurant in New York City in the late 1800s. He ordered buttered toast, poached eggs, bacon, and hollandaise sauce, and the dish became a hit. Others claim that the dish was named after a wealthy New York socialite, Mrs. Benedict, and was created by a chef at the restaurant to satisfy her request for something decadent.

Regardless of its origins, Eggs Benedict has become a staple of brunch menus everywhere, loved for its rich, comforting flavors and the way the velvety hollandaise sauce complements the delicate poached eggs. By turning it into a casserole, this recipe makes preparing this indulgent dish faster and more convenient, without sacrificing the essence of what makes it so irresistible.

Why Eggs Benedict Casserole Is the Perfect Brunch Dish

One of the biggest challenges with traditional Eggs Benedict is the need for perfectly poached eggs. Poaching eggs can be tricky for many home cooks, and it often requires constant attention to ensure they are cooked just right. With this casserole version, you skip the poaching process entirely. Instead, the eggs are whisked together with milk and poured over bread cubes, where they bake to perfection in the oven, creating a creamy, eggy base that mimics the rich texture of the original dish.

Another advantage of this casserole is that it can be assembled ahead of time. You can prepare the dish the night before, store it in the refrigerator, and then bake it in the morning. This makes it an ideal choice for hosting brunches, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations where you need to feed a crowd but don’t want to spend all morning in the kitchen. The casserole style ensures that everyone gets a bite of the delicious layers, and you don’t need to worry about assembling individual servings of traditional Eggs Benedict.

Ingredients That Make This Casserole Special

The core ingredients of this casserole are fairly simple, but they come together to create a flavorful, satisfying dish. The French bread provides a sturdy base, soaking up the egg mixture and absorbing all the delicious flavors. The addition of Canadian bacon adds savory richness, while the shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the casserole, giving it a gooey, cheesy texture that complements the other ingredients. Fresh parsley adds a touch of brightness and a pop of color to the dish, making it visually appealing as well as tasty.

The hollandaise sauce, typically made with butter, egg yolks, and lemon juice, is essential to achieving that characteristic tangy richness that makes Eggs Benedict so special. In this casserole, the sauce is drizzled on top of the baked dish, ensuring that every bite is infused with that buttery goodness.

Health Benefits of Eggs Benedict Casserole

While Eggs Benedict Casserole is undoubtedly indulgent, it does offer some health benefits. Eggs are a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin D, B vitamins, and selenium. They’re also rich in healthy fats that help support brain function and provide lasting energy. Canadian bacon, which is leaner than traditional bacon, provides a source of protein without too much fat. Cheddar cheese adds calcium and vitamin A, important for bone health and maintaining good vision.

However, since this casserole is rich in calories and fat, it’s best enjoyed in moderation. You can also make some adjustments to the recipe to make it a bit lighter, such as using reduced-fat cheese or opting for turkey bacon instead of Canadian bacon. For a more wholesome twist, you could even add vegetables like spinach or tomatoes to increase the fiber content and add extra nutrients.

Perfect for Special Occasions and Gatherings

Eggs Benedict Casserole is the ultimate dish for special occasions and gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, a family reunion, or a casual get-together with friends, this dish will impress your guests. Not only does it taste incredible, but it also looks stunning when served straight from the oven, with the golden top and creamy hollandaise sauce drizzling over the eggs and bacon.

This casserole also caters to a variety of dietary preferences. If you have guests who are vegetarian, you can easily swap out the Canadian bacon for vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers. The eggs and hollandaise sauce will still deliver that rich, indulgent flavor, but with a lighter, plant-based twist. If you need to accommodate gluten-free eaters, simply use gluten-free bread, and you’re good to go.

How to Make the Casserole Ahead of Time

One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is how easy it is to make ahead of time. You can prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the bread cubes to soak up all the egg mixture and flavors, resulting in a more flavorful dish. The next morning, simply pop it in the oven and bake it while you prepare the rest of your brunch spread.

Making it ahead of time also frees you up to enjoy your time with family and friends. Instead of spending hours in the kitchen, you can relax and mingle, knowing that the casserole is already prepped and ready to go. This makes it a stress-free option for busy mornings, and it’s perfect for large gatherings where you need to prepare enough food for a crowd.

Tips for Success

To make sure your Eggs Benedict Casserole turns out perfect every time, here are a few tips:

1. Choose the right bread: Use a sturdy bread like French bread, which holds up well when soaked in the egg mixture. Avoid using too-soft bread, as it may fall apart during baking.

2. Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking. The eggs should be set but not dry, and the cheese should be melted and golden brown. If the casserole is overbaked, it may become too dry and lose its creamy texture.

3. Let it rest: Once the casserole is finished baking, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the dish set and makes it easier to slice.

4. Serve with a side salad: For a light balance to the richness of the casserole, serve it with a fresh green salad. A simple mix of arugula, spinach, and a light vinaigrette will complement the dish perfectly.

Conclusion

Eggs Benedict Casserole is a fantastic twist on the classic Eggs Benedict dish, offering all the flavors you love without the fuss. It’s easy to prepare, customizable to your preferences, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a holiday meal, or simply want a delicious breakfast, this casserole is sure to become a favorite. With its rich, creamy eggs, savory bacon, and indulgent hollandaise sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Enjoy it with loved ones and create memories around a meal that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.