All the goodness of Eggs Benedict without the fuss.
It’s a basic strata recipe but instead of plain old bread you use English Muffins…now how clever is that?
I love ‘combo-foods’. Hybrids if you will. Like Peach Cobbler Muffins or Chilies Rellenos Casserole. Where you take a couple really good things and morf them into one delicious dish! This Eggs Benedict Casserole is my fave so far!
This eggs benedict casserole does require some sitting time for the english muffins and egg mixture to become one. 4 hours will do it, or overnight…even better!
So lets chat about the Hollandaise. I cheated…I did, I said it and I’d do it again!
- I used a package mix by Knorr.
- I dolled it up with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a couple tablespoons of cream cheese and it was lovely.
- I actually liked it better than my homemade and it held up well with this casserole.
- I’ll share the homemade recipe but if you are in a pinch. Buy the package mix. Just make sure it’s Knorr brand (no compensation from Knorr…I just like their product). I’ve tried the cheaper brands and they are really, really bad.
Canadian Bacon vs. Ham – I like the Canadian bacon best, but it can be pricey. Ham is a great substitute for this casserole. You can buy it already cut in cubes. If you use Canadian bacon, try to get the thickest cut you can so it doesn’t get to crispy when cooking.
Another great brunch recipe is my Mexican Breakfast Casserole! Tortillas soaked in eggs and cream with sausage and chilies – yum!
Or something a little sweet? Blueberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole with a super easy blueberry sauce!
Clink!
Kathi
What do you think about this recipe? Have questions? Comment below! Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, and connect with us on Instagram and tag your @Laughingspatula recipes with #laughingspatula, while you’re at it…We love to see your pics!
Eggs Benedict for a Crowd! An overnight easy to make brunch casserole thats easy on the cook!
- 12 oz Canadian bacon - chopped
- 6 english muffins cut into one inch cubes approx 13 ounce package of muffins
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- a few dashes of hot sauce optional
- Hollandaise if using package
- 2 package Knorr Hollandaise Mix
- Prepare per instructions.
- Add:
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons cream cheese
- Hollandaise from scratch
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- For casserole:
- Place half of the Canadian bacon in a buttered 13x9-in. baking dish. Top with all english muffin cubes and remaining canadian bacon
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt and pepper. Pour over top of english muffin and bacon. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 375°. (
- Remove casserole from refrigerator to sit on counter and warm up a bit.
- Remove plastic wrap and cover with foil.
- Bake 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10-15 minutes longer or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Hollandaise (using package) - See above instructions
- For Hollandaise (from Scratch)
- In top of a double boiler or a metal bowl over simmering water, whisk egg yolks, cream, lemon juice and mustard until blended; cook until mixture is just thick enough to coat a metal spoon and temperature reaches 160°, whisking constantly. Reduce heat to very low. Very slowly drizzle in warm melted butter, whisking constantly. Serve immediately with casserole.
Hi, on this recipe do I pour the hollandaise sauce over the finished casserole or just let guests spoon it on their own serving? I wasn’t sure if I missed something…
May be a dumb question but do you precook the bacon?
Hi Shel! The bacon is canadian style which is like ham. So no need to precook. Thanks!
English muffins vary in thickness and circumference, depending upon vendor or kitchen. It would be helpful to include the exact cup measurement that your six cubed EMs makes.
Hi Joyce in Maine! One, 13 ounce package. Hope that helps. I’ll update the recipe!
Could you substitute smoked salmon for the ham?
Even by putting it on at the very end so the casserole warms it up?
Hi Catherine – I am the worst person to ask. I don’t like smoked anything so it doesn’t sound very good to me. I think it might be a bit oily too? You could leave the ham off and serve a few slices of salmon on the side – that might work?
Do you have to use whole milk?
2 percent should work fine. You are making a custard to pour over so whole milk would be the best but the eggs will thicken up with 2 percent as well. A little trick I use when I don’t have whole milk is to add about a half cup of half and half to reduced fat milk to kick it up
I made this for Easter and plan to make it tonight for 4th of July morning. My husband insisted I toast the english muffins before and I guess that worked, otherwise followed directions exactly and used one Knorr packet. Delicious!
Thanks for the great recipe!
Hi Jayme!
Funny you would mention the toasted english muffins. The original recipe required them but I got lazy (big surprise) the second time I made this and didn’t toast them. Couldn’t tell the difference so I took the low road 🙂 Your hubby is right on! Glad you like the recipe and the packaged Hollandaise! Its surprisingly good!
Kathi
I am an eggs benny fanatic and found this recipe on TOH a few years ago. I’ve made it numerous times since and it’s always a hit. I always use regular bacon but sprinkle it on top just before baking so it stays crispy. Please don’t recommend the packet Hollandaise!! This recipe for it is AMAZING!! And surprisingly easy!! I’ve doubled and even tripled it for a larger crowd and it always turns out well!
Hi Jackie – I have to recommend the packaged Hollandaise but only Knorr brand. -I kinda love it. I’ve been whisking it up for years in a pinch. If you add a glob of cream cheese and a big squeeze of lemon it is really good. Especially for those who are scared of making their own. I love your idea of regular bacon!
Thanks for the note!
Kathi
does this freeze well after cooking
.
Hi Patty – I have never frozen it but my best recommendation would be no. It’s an egg custard so I see mushiness if it’s frozen.
THanks!
Kathi
This was delicious and so easy. The only change I would make next time is to add spinach and mushrooms.
There’s no better way to celebrate Easter than with a great brunch menu. This looks perfect for entertaining.
Thanks Erin!
kathi
This really looks good, Kathi….I pinned this as it will be perfect for my planned Sunday brunch. Thanks 🙂
This sounds great – and perfect for an Easter brunch!
Yum! This casserole looks heavenly. I love casseroles. They go really well with my busy lifestyle! 🙂
350 degrees…you are right, I missed it! ugh!