Eggs Benedict is a beloved brunch classic, but making it from scratch can be time-consuming especially when entertaining a crowd. This Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole transforms all the iconic flavors into an easy-to-prepare, make-ahead dish that’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or leisurely weekends. The combination of buttery English muffins, smoky ham, and a rich egg custard, all baked to perfection and finished with a creamy hollandaise drizzle, makes for a decadent and satisfying breakfast. One of the best features of this dish is its convenience. Assemble it the night before, let it soak in all the flavors, and simply bake it in the morning. The result? A golden, cheesy, and savory breakfast that pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, crispy bacon, or a glass of orange juice. Whether you’re serving it for Christmas morning or a weekend brunch, this dish is sure to impress and delight!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 (12 oz) package English muffins, split in half and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb Canadian bacon or smoked ham, cubed
- 2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 cups half and half or heavy cream
- 8 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp dry thyme
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 Tbsp butter, cubed
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 recipe Easy Blender Hollandaise Sauce OR 1.25 oz packet Hollandaise Sauce mix
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Place cubed English muffins on a baking sheet and leave them out overnight to dry or toast under the broiler until lightly golden.
- Grease a 12×8-inch or 13×9-inch deep baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Layer half of the English muffin cubes in the bottom of the dish. Top with half of the ham and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat layers, ending with cheese.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together half and half, eggs, salt, pepper, mustard powder, garlic, onion powder, thyme, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients. Press the muffins gently with the back of a spoon to ensure they absorb the custard.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge 15 minutes before baking.
- Remove plastic wrap, dot the top with butter, and sprinkle with paprika. Cover with foil.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until golden brown and set.
- While the casserole bakes, prepare the hollandaise sauce according to your preferred method.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with hollandaise sauce, garnish with fresh chives or parsley, and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 9 hours (including overnight refrigeration) Kcal: 276 kcal per serving Servings: 12
The Inspiration Behind the Dish
This recipe is a practical take on a classic restaurant favorite. While traditional Eggs Benedict is a delightful treat, it’s not the easiest dish to prepare especially for a crowd. It requires multiple steps, including toasting English muffins, cooking Canadian bacon, poaching eggs to perfection, and whisking up a hollandaise sauce all while trying to serve everything hot at the same time.
For those who love the taste of Eggs Benedict but want a simpler method, this casserole provides the perfect solution. By assembling everything the night before, the flavors have time to meld, making the dish even more delicious. Plus, with the ability to serve up to 12 people at once, it’s an ideal option for holidays, brunch parties, or weekend breakfasts with family and friends.
What Makes This Casserole Special?
1. It’s a Time-Saver
The biggest advantage of this recipe is its convenience. Instead of juggling multiple components on the stovetop, everything is layered in a baking dish, covered, and left to soak overnight. The next morning, you simply pop it in the oven, prepare the hollandaise sauce, and serve.
2. The Perfect Dish for Special Occasions
This casserole is a fantastic choice for holidays such as Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, or any occasion where you want to serve a memorable brunch without spending the whole morning in the kitchen. The make-ahead factor allows you to enjoy the company of your guests rather than worrying about last-minute cooking.
3. A Rich, Creamy Texture
The key to this dish’s incredible texture is the custard base. A mixture of eggs, half and half (or heavy cream), and seasonings is poured over the layers of English muffins and ham, soaking overnight to create a rich and fluffy texture. The result is a beautifully set casserole that’s soft inside with a golden, slightly crispy top.
4. A Customizable Recipe
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. While the classic version includes Canadian bacon or smoked ham, you can easily modify it to suit different tastes. For example, some people enjoy adding sautéed spinach, roasted asparagus, or even smoked salmon for a gourmet twist. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyère or Swiss, for added depth of flavor.
Pairing Suggestions: What to Serve with Eggs Benedict Casserole
To create a well-rounded brunch menu, consider pairing this casserole with a few complementary sides. Here are some excellent choices:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: The rich, savory nature of this dish pairs beautifully with a refreshing fruit salad featuring berries, citrus, or melon.
- Crispy Bacon or Sausage: For a heartier meal, serve the casserole with extra protein, such as bacon or breakfast sausage.
- Hash Browns or Roasted Potatoes: A side of crispy potatoes adds texture and makes for a satisfying brunch plate.
- Mimosas or Freshly Brewed Coffee: If you’re hosting a brunch, a classic mimosa (champagne and orange juice) or a strong cup of coffee will enhance the overall experience.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the greatest advantages of this casserole is its ability to be made in advance. Here are some tips to ensure the best results:
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the custard mixture to fully soak into the bread, enhancing the texture.
- Storage: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Reheating: To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for about a minute.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze this dish, do so before baking. Assemble the casserole as directed, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to two months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
A Note on Hollandaise Sauce
Hollandaise sauce is an essential part of Eggs Benedict, providing a creamy, buttery finish that ties all the flavors together. If you’re comfortable making a homemade version, a blender hollandaise is a quick and foolproof method. However, if you’re short on time, store-bought hollandaise sauce or a packet mix can work as well. The key is to drizzle it on just before serving to maintain its silky consistency.
Conclusion:
The Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of a classic brunch dish with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or simply want a comforting breakfast for your family, this dish delivers on both taste and convenience. The combination of buttery English muffins, smoky ham, a rich egg custard, and creamy hollandaise sauce creates a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
By preparing it the night before, you free yourself from the stress of morning cooking, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the meal and the company of loved ones. So the next time you’re planning a brunch, consider adding this dish to the menu it’s sure to become a favorite!
