🍳🥐 Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole
Introduction
If you love the rich, savory flavors of Eggs Benedict but don’t want the hassle of poaching eggs and assembling each plate individually, this Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole is the perfect solution. It transforms the beloved breakfast into an easy, crowd-pleasing bake that can be prepared the night before and simply baked in the morning.
This casserole features toasted bread, savory ham (or Canadian bacon), creamy eggs, and a luscious homemade hollandaise sauce drizzled on top. The overnight rest allows the bread to soak up the custard mixture, resulting in a soft, flavorful interior with a lightly crisp top.
Perfect for brunch gatherings, holidays, or weekend treats, this dish delivers elegance with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 6 English muffins, cut into cubes
- 2 cups cooked ham or Canadian bacon, chopped
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, such as Swiss or cheddar)
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives (optional)
For the hollandaise sauce:
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- Salt to taste
- A pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper
Why This Recipe Works
This casserole simplifies a traditionally complex dish while maintaining its signature flavors:
- Make-ahead convenience: prepare at night, bake in the morning
- Rich and creamy texture from the egg custard
- Savory depth from ham and seasonings
- Classic finish with velvety hollandaise
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Spread the cubed English muffins evenly across the bottom of the dish. These will act as the base, absorbing the custard mixture overnight.
Add the chopped ham or Canadian bacon evenly over the bread.
If using cheese, sprinkle it on top at this stage.
Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Heavy cream
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Whisk until fully combined and slightly frothy.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and ham layers. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure all the bread pieces are soaked.
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight
Place the casserole in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight.
This resting time allows the bread to fully absorb the liquid, resulting in a custardy, cohesive texture after baking.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes.
Step 6: Prepare the Hollandaise Sauce
While the casserole is baking, prepare the hollandaise sauce.
In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and lemon juice.
Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method), making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.
Slowly drizzle in the melted butter while whisking continuously. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
Season with salt and a pinch of paprika or cayenne.
👉 Tip: Keep the heat low to avoid scrambling the eggs.
Step 7: Serve
Once the casserole is baked, let it cool slightly for 5–10 minutes.
Slice into portions and drizzle generously with warm hollandaise sauce.
Garnish with chopped chives for a fresh finish.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Roasted potatoes
- A simple green salad
- Fresh orange juice or coffee
It’s ideal for brunch tables and holiday breakfasts.
Variations
Vegetarian Version
Replace ham with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes.
Smoked Salmon Version
Use smoked salmon instead of ham for a luxurious twist.
Spicy Version
Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
Cheese Lover’s Version
Use a mix of cheeses like Gruyère, cheddar, and mozzarella.
Tips for Success
- Use slightly stale bread for better absorption
- Don’t skip the overnight step for best texture
- Whisk constantly when making hollandaise
- Bake until fully set to avoid a soggy center
- Let it rest before slicing for clean portions
Storage
- Refrigerator: store leftovers for up to 3 days
- Reheating: warm in oven or microwave
- Freezing: possible without hollandaise (add fresh sauce later)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole combines everything people love about brunch:
- Comforting and hearty
- Rich and flavorful
- Easy to prepare ahead
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
It eliminates the stress of traditional Eggs Benedict while keeping its essence intact.
Final Thoughts
This casserole is a game-changer for anyone who loves brunch but wants to simplify the process. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it turns a classic dish into something accessible and practical.
Inspired by Eggs Benedict, this baked version delivers the same indulgent experience in a convenient format. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating your family, this dish is sure to impress.