Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole Recipe
I don’t know about you, but weekends with a big, comforting brunch always feel extra special. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole Recipe with you! It’s like having all the rich, delicious flavors of classic Eggs Benedict, but without the fuss of poaching eggs and making hollandaise at the last minute. Plus, prepping it the night before means you can wake up to a ready-to-bake breakfast that fills your home with the most appetizing aroma.
What makes this Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole Recipe truly worth trying is how effortlessly it comes together and how satisfying it is to serve. Whether you’re hosting friends, family, or just craving a hearty brunch yourself, this dish saves you time without compromising on flavor or texture. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you ever made eggs benedict any other way!
Why This Recipe Works
- Overnight Prep Saves Time: You assemble everything ahead so mornings are stress-free and deliciously easy.
- Classic Flavors Made Simple: It combines familiar Eggs Benedict components without complicated steps like poaching eggs perfectly each time.
- Hollandaise Sauce Freshness: The sauce is blended fresh while the casserole bakes, ensuring its silky texture and bright flavor.
- Perfect for Groups: This casserole feeds a crowd easily, making it ideal for weekend gatherings or brunch parties.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole Recipe is a beautiful balance of hearty base ingredients and fresh flavors. Each one plays a key role—from the sturdy English muffins that soak up those eggy custards to the rich Canadian bacon that adds a smoky, savory touch. Choosing quality ingredients, like fresh eggs and good butter, really makes a difference here.
- English muffins: They provide the ideal texture—absorbing the egg mixture without getting too soggy, adding a subtle crunch after baking.
- Canadian bacon or ham: Offers a smoky, salty depth; look for thicker-cut slices for the best bite in the casserole.
- Eggs: The backbone of the custard, they bind all the components together while adding protein and richness.
- Milk (whole preferred): Helps create that creamy, custard-like consistency essential for a luscious bake.
- Butter (unsalted): Melts into the hollandaise for a velvety sauce; unsalted lets you control the seasoning precisely.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the hollandaise with acidity, balancing the richness perfectly.
- Chives: A simple garnish adding a fresh herbal note and color burst.
Make It Your Way
I love how forgiving and versatile this Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole Recipe is—you can tailor it to suit your tastes or dietary needs without losing any of the magic. I often swap out Canadian bacon for smoked turkey or even add some sautéed spinach for a veggie boost. The key is to keep the layers balanced so the custard can soak everything perfectly.
- Gluten-Free Variation: Using gluten-free English muffins or bread cubes works beautifully; just be sure they can absorb liquid well without getting mushy.
- Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace the Canadian bacon with grilled mushrooms and spinach for a rich, earthy flavor that feels just as indulgent.
- Spicy Hollandaise: Try adding a dash more cayenne or a few drops of hot sauce for a subtle kick that wakes up the whole dish.
- Cheesy Boost: Sprinkle sharp cheddar or gruyere between the layers or on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a melty, golden crust.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Base with Love
Start by splitting your English muffins into halves and then cutting each half into about ½-inch cubes. This size works perfectly to soak up the custard without turning to mush. Spray your 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray and layer those cubes evenly across the bottom. Next, cut your Canadian bacon or ham into bite-sized chunks. I like to toss half the meat gently into the bread cubes right in the dish—this helps distribute flavor evenly before the egg mixture goes in.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together your whole eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined and slightly frothy. Pour this nice mixture gently over the bread and meat in your pan, then top with the remaining Canadian bacon cubes. Press down lightly to make sure all meat is submerged in the custard—this step helps everything bake evenly and prevents dry spots.
Step 3: Let It Rest Overnight
Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge overnight—or up to 24 hours if your schedule allows. I promise this resting time makes a huge difference in texture, allowing the custard to fully soak into every nook and cranny of bread and bacon. Trust me, I’ve made this both immediately and after overnight rest—and the difference is night and day!
Step 4: Bring to Room Temp & Bake
About an hour and a half before you want to serve, pull the casserole out so it can warm up a bit—about 30 minutes at room temperature works nicely. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then remove the cover and slide the dish in. Bake for 50 minutes to an hour, covering loosely with foil during the last 20 minutes to prevent the top from over-browning. When done, the eggs should be set but still tender. Leave the casserole covered until you’re ready to serve.
Step 5: Make Fresh Hollandaise Sauce
While your casserole bakes, melt the butter and keep it warm but not too hot. In your blender, combine the egg yolks, fresh lemon juice, salt, and a splash of hot sauce or cayenne if you like a little heat. Blend on high for a few seconds, then with the blender running on low speed, slowly stream in the warm melted butter. The sauce will thicken and become silky smooth. This fresh hollandaise ties everything together beautifully—just pour it over slices right before serving.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Room Temperature Rest: Allowing the casserole to sit out before baking helps it cook evenly, avoiding a rubbery texture in the middle.
- Slowly Adding Butter: When making the hollandaise, don’t rush the butter stream—it prevents the sauce from breaking and keeps it creamy.
- Don’t Skip the Cotting: Pressing the top layer gently into the custard avoids dry pockets of ham or bread.
- Freshness is Key: Always make the hollandaise right before serving for the best temperature and flavor experience.
How to Serve Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish my casserole with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped chives—they add a bright, oniony pop that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I add a dash of smoked paprika on top for color and a subtle smoky note, which I think really elevates the presentation and flavor together.
Side Dishes
Serve your Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole with some fresh mixed greens tossed in lemon vinaigrette to lighten things up. Roasted breakfast potatoes or crispy hash browns are also classic sides that complement the creamy texture of the casserole just right.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to bake the casserole in individual ramekins for personal servings—it’s a fun way to dress up brunch and guests love having their own “mini benedict.” You can also serve slices topped with a poached egg for an extra indulgent touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers should be covered tightly and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find that the casserole holds together beautifully — just reheat gently to avoid drying it out and the custard stays lovely and creamy.
Freezing
I’ve frozen portions before by wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap and foil. When thawed overnight in the fridge, they reheat well in a low oven or toaster oven. The texture stays great, so it’s a wonderful make-ahead option for busy mornings.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a 325°F (160°C) oven covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Covering prevents the edges from getting too crusty or dry. Avoid the microwave if possible—that’s where I find the texture can suffer.
FAQs
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Can I make this Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole Recipe on the same day?
Absolutely! While the casserole develops better flavor and texture when left overnight, you can prepare and bake it immediately if you’re short on time. Just be aware the custard may be slightly less set and the flavors won’t be as melded as after resting.
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What if I don’t like Canadian bacon?
You can swap Canadian bacon for regular ham, smoked turkey, or even crispy cooked bacon pieces. Just keep the total quantity about the same so the casserole maintains balance.
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How do I prevent the hollandaise sauce from breaking?
The key is to slowly add the warm melted butter into the egg yolks while blending on low speed. Pouring too quickly or adding cold butter can cause the sauce to separate. Also, make sure the butter isn’t too hot to avoid cooking the eggs too fast.
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Can I make the hollandaise sauce ahead?
I recommend making the hollandaise fresh as you bake the casserole for the best texture and flavor. It tends to thicken and firm up if left to sit for too long, which can be less pleasant to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole Recipe has been a weekend game-changer for me and I feel confident it’ll do the same for you. It takes classic brunch flavors and transforms them into a stress-free, crowd-pleasing meal that you can prep ahead and actually enjoy serving. If you’re looking for a way to elevate your mornings without the morning chaos, this casserole deserves a spot on your recipe list. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite breakfast tradition!
PrintOvernight Eggs Benedict Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A delicious and comforting Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole featuring layers of English muffins, Canadian bacon, and eggs, topped with a rich homemade hollandaise sauce. Perfect for brunch or a special breakfast gathering, this easy-to-prepare casserole can be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 6 whole English muffins
- 450 grams (1 pound) thick cut Canadian bacon or ham
- 10 large whole eggs
- 227 grams (1 cup, 240 milliliters) milk, preferably whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- chives for garnish if desired
For the Hollandaise
- 170 grams (1 1/2 sticks, 3/4 cup) unsalted butter
- 6 large egg yolks
- 38 grams (2 1/2 tablespoons) fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- splash of hot sauce or pinch of ground cayenne, if desired
Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole Dish: Spray a 9 x 13 inch (22 x 33 cm) baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cube the English Muffins: Split the English muffins in half and slice into ½ inch (1.25 cm) cubes. Place them evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add Half the Canadian Bacon: Cube the Canadian bacon or ham and scatter half of it over the bread cubes. Toss lightly with your hands to combine evenly, then spread it out.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Pour Egg Mixture: Pour the egg mixture over the bread and meat in the casserole dish, then top with the remaining Canadian bacon cubes, pressing down so all meat is submerged.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or up to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld and the bread to soak.
- Bring to Room Temperature: About 1 hour 30 minutes before baking, remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Casserole: Remove cover and bake for 1 hour until eggs are set. Cover loosely with foil during the last 20 minutes to avoid over-browning. Keep covered after baking until ready to serve.
- Make the Hollandaise Sauce: Melt the butter and keep it warm. In a blender, combine egg yolks, lemon juice, salt, and hot sauce or cayenne. Blend on high briefly, then blend on low while slowly streaming in the warm melted butter. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Slice the casserole and pour hollandaise sauce over individual servings. Garnish with chives if desired.
- Store Leftovers: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
Notes
- If your Canadian bacon is not pre-cooked (common outside the US), cook it before adding to the casserole.
- For best texture, allow the casserole to soak overnight before baking.
- Use whole milk for a richer casserole, but you can substitute with 2% if preferred.
- Keep hollandaise sauce warm in a thermos or on a low heat to prevent it from solidifying before serving.
- To avoid over-browning, cover with foil loosely during the last 20 minutes of baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 280 mg