Let’s talk comfort food with a twist! Imagine the rich, decadent flavors of Eggs Benedict, all cozy and baked together in a ridiculously delicious way. What is a easy What is a good egg Benedict casserole? Is it less fussy than making individual Eggs Benedict? Everything melds together beautifully. If you love a good breakfast bake, like strata or French Toast casserole, you absolutely HAVE to. I’ve seen a lot of people hooked on grilled chicken. I can’t wait to try it.
What is Eggs Benedict casserole?
Think of it as deconstructed Eggs Benedict, all snuggled together in a baking dish. What’s essentially a bread pudding-like base, soaked in creamy, eggy custard, studded with savory berries. What is the best way to cook ham, and then bake until golden and bubbly. What’s the best way to smother it in Hollandaise sauce? Why is it more expensive than you think What is magic? Is it like a breakfast potluck where all the best parts of Eggs Benedict get invited? Is it just breakfast?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What I love about this Eggs Benedict Casserole is that it takes all the stress out of making it. No more poaching eggs one at a time and praying they turn out right!
Flavor Explosion:The combination of ham, tangy Hollandaise, and the rich, eggy bread base is just right. What is that perfect balance of salty, creamy, and bright that makes your taste buds sing?
Super Simple:What is the best egg Benedict recipe? Can I bake it the night before? What is a breakfast win?
Budget Friendly You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and fridge. No fancy, expensive stuff required! I often use leftover ham from the holidays, which makes it even more economical.
Crowd-Pleaser:What is the perfect dish to serve for a holiday brunch? How do you impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen? Is it a hit and everyone raves about it? Can you make it vegetarian? Throw in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms. If you’re a fan of make-ahead breakfasts like my Overnight French Toast Bake or my Sweet Potato and Eggs Benedict, why not try them both? If you like Eggs Benedict Casserole, then you will absolutely adore it. What’s a different flavor profile?
How do I make a Benedict casserole?
Quick Overview
What is the best way to bake bread and ham in a baking dish? Bake it until golden brown. What are some ways to make Hollandaise sauce while baking? Then, you smother the casserole in Hollandaise, and boom – breakfast perfection! What is the magic of this recipe? How do the flavors blend when hot out of the oven?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
• 1 loaf (about 1 pound) of crusty bread, like French or sourdough, cut into 1-inch cubes. I usually use day-old bread – it soaks up the custard better.
• 6 large eggs. Make sure they’re fresh! It makes a difference.
• 2 cups of whole milk. Is whole milk a good substitute for 2%?
• 1 cup of heavy cream. Don’t skimp! This is what makes it extra decadent. I tried it once with half-and-half, and it just wasn’t the same.
• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Adds a nice tang.
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Or more, to taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Freshly ground is always best.
• 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Just a touch for flavor.
For the Filling:
• 1 pound of cooked ham, diced. I like to use leftover holiday ham, but leftovers work perfectly too! Can you use Canadian bacon?
• 2 tablespoons of butter. For greasing the baking dish.
What is the Hollandaise Sauce?
• 6 large egg yolks. Save the whites for an omelet!
• 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Freshly squeezed is a must!
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Or more, to taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Just a pinch for kick.
• 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, melted and hot. Make sure it’s HOT! What is the key to a smooth Hollandaise?
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. Make sure you get all the corners! This will prevent the casserole from sticking.
Step 2: Layer Bread and Ham
Arrange half of the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. Top with half the diced ham. What is the best way to make bread with ham? Just spread it evenly.
Step 3: Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic. Set aside. Whisk until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Pour Custard Over Bread
How do you spread the egg mixture evenly over bread and ham in a baking dish? How do you make sure bread is submerged in custard? This is important for even baking!
Step 5: Let It Soak (Optional)
For best results, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. What do you think of the “S What is the best way to cook bread with custard? I almost always do this the night before!
Step 6: Bake
Remove the plastic wrap and bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown. Golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil.
Step 7: Make the Hollandaise Sauce
While the casserole is baking, make the Hollandaise sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the egg yolks, lemon juice, salt, and cayenne pepper. Set aside. Process for about 30 seconds, or until the mixture is pale and frothy.
Step 8: Slowly Drizzle in Butter
With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the hot, melted butter in a thin, steady stream. If you add butter too soon, the sauce will break. Continue processing until sauce is thick and smooth.
Step 9: Serve Immediately
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Spoon a generous amount of Hollandaise sauce over each serving. Serve immediately and enjoy!
What to Serve It With
This Eggs Benedict Casserole is pretty fantastic on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level:
For Breakfast: Serve it with a side of fresh fruit salad and a cup of strong coffee or a mimosa. It’s the perfect way to start a special day.
For Brunch: Dress it up with a sprig of fresh parsley and a side of roasted asparagus. A glass of chilled white wine or a Bellini would be a lovely addition.
As Dessert: Okay, maybe not *as* dessert, but you could totally get away with serving a small slice after a light dinner. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a sweet and savory treat.
For Cozy Snacks: Sometimes, I just crave a piece of this casserole in the afternoon! It’s so comforting and satisfying. I like to enjoy it with a cup of tea or a glass of milk. One year, my grandma started serving this at thanksgiving and everyone was absolutely floored!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Eggs Benedict Casserole
Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to make sure your Eggs Benedict Casserole turns out perfectly every time:
Bread Choice: Use a good quality crusty bread that will hold its shape and texture during baking. French or sourdough work best. Avoid soft, squishy bread, as it will turn to mush.
Custard Consistency: Make sure the custard is well combined and smooth before pouring it over the bread. This will ensure even baking and a creamy texture.
Soaking Time: Don’t skip the soaking step! This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a richer, more flavorful casserole. If you’re short on time, at least soak it for 30 minutes.
Ham Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of ham or other proteins. Canadian bacon, bacon, sausage, or even smoked salmon would all be delicious additions. I’ve also used shredded rotisserie chicken in a pinch, and it was surprisingly good!
Hollandaise Heat: The key to a smooth Hollandaise sauce is to slowly drizzle in hot, melted butter. If the butter is too cool or added too quickly, the sauce will break.
Hollandaise Flavor: Don’t be afraid to adjust the lemon juice, salt, and cayenne pepper to your taste. You can also add a touch of Dijon mustard for extra tang.
Make Ahead: The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated overnight. Just wait to make the Hollandaise sauce until right before serving.
I once accidentally used brown sugar instead of salt for the custard and had to throw the whole thing out! So, yeah, double-check your ingredients. And don’t be afraid to experiment! This recipe is really forgiving.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover Eggs Benedict Casserole (which is rare!), here’s how to store and reheat it:
Room Temperature: The casserole can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it should be refrigerated.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen). Then, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re storing the casserole with the Hollandaise sauce already on it, the sauce may separate slightly during storage. You can whisk it back together before serving, or just add fresh Hollandaise sauce when you reheat it. I usually make a fresh batch of Hollandaise when I’m reheating, just to be safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Eggs Benedict Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to bring joy and deliciousness to your breakfast table. It’s easy enough for a weekend brunch, but special enough for a holiday gathering. I love how it takes the classic flavors of Eggs Benedict and transforms them into a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing dish. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my Sausage and Cheese Strata or my Baked French Toast Casserole. Both are equally comforting and delicious! I’m so excited for you to try this Eggs Benedict Casserole! I know you’re going to love it as much as my family does. Don’t forget to come back and leave a comment to let me know how it turned out. And if you make any fun variations, be sure to share them with me! Happy baking!
Eggs Benedict Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread
- 6 large Eggs
- 1 cup Milk
- 0.5 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces Canadian bacon diced
- 1 tablespoon Butter
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Cut the French bread into 1-inch thick slices and arrange them in the baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread slices.
- Top with Canadian bacon and cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
