Savory Eggs Benedict Casserole
Imagine the classic, beloved flavors of Eggs Benedict, reimagined into an effortlessly elegant casserole. This dish features a custardy egg mixture, savory Canadian bacon, and toasted English muffins, all baked together under a blanket of melted cheese. It's the perfect solution for serving a crowd at brunch, offering all the rich taste with minimal fuss.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
40-45 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 15 minutes
Servings
6-8 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Captures all the iconic flavors of Eggs Benedict in a convenient, easy-to-serve casserole format.
- Perfect for entertaining, effortlessly feeding a crowd without the individual poaching and assembly.
- Can be partially prepped ahead, making your morning routine much smoother.
- A hearty and satisfying dish that serves as a complete meal.
- Highly customizable with different cheeses, meats, or even added vegetables.
Ingredients
- 12 large eggs
- 480 ml (2 cups) milk
- 5 ml (1 teaspoon) Dijon mustard
- 5 g (1 teaspoon) salt
- 2.5 g (½ teaspoon) black pepper
- 15 ml (1 tablespoon) fresh chives, chopped
- 15 ml (1 tablespoon) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 package (280-340 g / 10-12 ounces) English muffins, toasted and cut into quarters
- 150-170 g (1 cup) Canadian bacon, diced
- 110-120 g (1 cup) shredded Swiss cheese or cheddar cheese
- 240 ml (1 cup) hollandaise sauce, for serving (optional)
- Extra chives or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (approx. 23×33 cm) baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. This ensures a consistent, custardy texture throughout the casserole. Gently fold in the chopped fresh chives and parsley, which will infuse the eggs with aromatic freshness.
- Arrange the toasted English muffin quarters evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. These will form the sturdy, flavorful base for the casserole, absorbing the rich egg mixture. Distribute the diced Canadian bacon over the English muffins; its savory notes are essential to the Eggs Benedict profile.
- Carefully pour the prepared egg mixture evenly over the layers of English muffins and Canadian bacon in the baking dish. Ensure that the liquid is distributed well, saturating the muffins and surrounding the bacon pieces.
- Sprinkle the shredded Swiss or cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole. This cheese layer will melt into a golden-brown, irresistible crust during baking, adding a creamy, savory finish.
- Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center of the casserole is set, and the top is beautifully golden brown. To test for doneness, a knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
- While the casserole bakes, prepare your hollandaise sauce if you are using it. Whether homemade or store-bought, warming it gently will ensure it's ready to serve alongside the hot casserole.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period is crucial as it allows the casserole to set further, making for cleaner cuts and preventing it from falling apart.
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch (approx. 23×33 cm) baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Small saucepan (for optional homemade hollandaise)
Essential Success Tips
- For best results, lightly toast the English muffins before quartering them. This helps them maintain their structure and prevents them from becoming overly soggy once soaked in the egg mixture.
- Avoid overbaking the casserole. Baking until just set ensures the eggs remain custardy and tender, not dry or rubbery.
- Allow the casserole to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This crucial step allows the eggs to finish setting and makes for cleaner, more stable slices.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially the eggs and herbs, as they significantly contribute to the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- If you're making this for a smaller gathering, consider baking it in individual ramekins for perfectly portioned servings and an elegant presentation.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To achieve an even richer, more luxurious texture, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half in the egg mixture. This adds a depth of flavor and velvety mouthfeel.
- For an extra layer of savory complexity, lightly sauté the diced Canadian bacon until slightly crispy before adding it to the casserole. This enhances its flavor and provides textural contrast.
- While store-bought hollandaise is convenient, making your own fresh hollandaise elevates this dish significantly. The bright, tangy, and rich homemade sauce is unmatched and truly completes the classic Eggs Benedict experience.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Instructions: The casserole can be assembled the night before. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. In the morning, remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking and then proceed with baking as directed, possibly adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cook time.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Variations: For a vegetarian option, replace Canadian bacon with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted asparagus. Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or white cheddar for varied flavor profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Eggs Benedict Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, and you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
What if I don't have Canadian bacon?
While Canadian bacon is traditional for Eggs Benedict, you can substitute it with diced ham, crispy crumbled bacon, or even a vegetarian option like sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a delicious alternative.
Is hollandaise sauce necessary for this casserole?
Hollandaise sauce is optional but highly recommended! It truly completes the classic Eggs Benedict experience by adding a rich, tangy, and creamy element. The casserole is delicious on its own, but the hollandaise elevates it to a special occasion dish.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: ~480, Protein: ~30g, Fat: ~32g, Carbs: ~20g per serving (estimates without optional hollandaise sauce).
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (milk, cheese), eggs, and gluten (English muffins). For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free English muffins or bread. For a dairy-free option, use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives, though the texture may vary.
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