Make-Ahead Eggs Benedict Casserole for Holiday Brunch

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a special breakfast baking on a holiday morning, and this Make-Ahead Eggs Benedict Casserole for Holiday Brunch delivers all the magic without the morning rush. Imagine tender English muffins, savory Canadian bacon, and rich Gruyere cheese, all enveloped in a custardy egg base, topped with a velvety Hollandaise. It’s truly a dish that makes any gathering feel like a celebration.

I remember countless mornings in my grandmother’s kitchen, the clatter of pots and pans, and the sweet anticipation of something wonderful to come. While she wasn’t making a savory casserole, her dedication to making every meal special, just like this brunch star, taught me the true joy of feeding loved ones. Those memories are what inspire me to share recipes that bring people together.

This casserole is a dream come true for busy hosts; it’s incredibly easy to prepare the night before, leaving you free to enjoy your guests when the big day arrives. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any festive occasion. My practical tip for truly stress-free mornings? Always have your serving platter ready to go!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

For this delightful Make-Ahead Eggs Benedict Casserole for Holiday Brunch, you’ll need simple yet quality ingredients like English muffins, Canadian bacon, and Gruyere cheese, bound by a luxurious egg custard. Using fresh ingredients truly makes all the difference for that comforting, homemade flavor. Find the full list in the recipe card below.

How to Make Make-Ahead Eggs Benedict Casserole for Holiday Brunch

Creating this stunning Make-Ahead Eggs Benedict Casserole for Holiday Brunch is a breeze! You’ll layer English muffins, Canadian bacon, and Gruyere, then pour over the rich egg custard and chill overnight. Bake it to golden perfection in the morning, whipping up that easy blender Hollandaise while it bakes. Serve warm with fresh herbs for a truly memorable meal.

Supreme Make-Ahead Eggs Benedict Casserole for Holiday Brunch

Enjoy a stress-free holiday morning with this indulgent make-ahead casserole that combines all the classic flavors of Eggs Benedict, from savory Canadian bacon and cheesy bread to a rich, easy blender hollandaise.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Casserole Base

• 6 none English muffins torn into 1-inch pieces, stale or lightly toasted
• 12 slices Canadian bacon diced (or ham)
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese divided

For the Egg Custard

• 12 none large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

For the Easy Blender Hollandaise

• 4 none large egg yolks
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper optional
• 1 cup unsalted butter melted and hot

For Garnish

• 2 tbsp fresh chives chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, optional

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Blender
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

Prepare the Casserole Base

1. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly spread the torn English muffin pieces in the bottom of the dish. Distribute the diced Canadian bacon over the muffins. Sprinkle 3/4 cup of the shredded Gruyere cheese evenly over the bacon layer.

Make the Egg Custard

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until well combined and slightly frothy.

Assemble and Chill

1. Carefully pour the egg custard mixture over the English muffins, bacon, and cheese in the baking dish, ensuring all pieces are moistened. Gently press down any floating muffin pieces to submerge them.
2. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight (up to 24 hours).

Bake the Casserole

1. The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes while the oven preheats. Remove the plastic wrap.
2. Bake the casserole, covered with aluminum foil, for 30 minutes.
3. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Gruyere cheese over the top, and continue to bake uncovered for another 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center, golden brown, and puffed. An inserted knife should come out clean.
4. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows it to set fully.

Prepare the Easy Blender Hollandaise

1. While the casserole is resting, prepare the hollandaise. In a blender, combine the egg yolks, lemon juice, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Blend on high for about 30 seconds until pale and frothy.
2. With the blender running on low speed, slowly and steadily drizzle the hot melted butter into the egg yolk mixture. Continue blending until the sauce is thick, creamy, and emulsified, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Keep warm until serving.

Serve

1. Cut the casserole into squares. Serve each portion with a generous spoonful of warm Hollandaise sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped chives and optional parsley.

Notes

For a Crispier Top: If you prefer a crispier top layer, use day-old or lightly toasted English muffins. You can also toast them slightly in a toaster or oven before tearing.
Meat Variation: Feel free to substitute Canadian bacon with cooked breakfast sausage, diced ham, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Cheese Options: Swiss, cheddar, or Monterey Jack cheese can be used instead of Gruyere.
Hollandaise Ahead: While best made fresh, the Hollandaise can be prepared up to 30 minutes in advance and kept warm in a thermos or a double boiler over very low heat. If it thickens too much, whisk in a teaspoon of hot water or lemon juice.
Storage: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Pro Tips for Making This Make-Ahead Eggs Benedict Casserole for Holiday Brunch

To ensure your Make-Ahead Eggs Benedict Casserole for Holiday Brunch turns out absolutely perfect every time, I’ve gathered a few of my tried-and-true tips.

• Prep Ahead Perfection: Don’t rush the overnight chilling! At least 8-24 hours allows the English muffins to soak up the custard, leading to an incredibly tender, flavorful result. This crucial step guarantees melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• My Secret Trick: I always warm my milk and cream slightly before whisking them into the eggs. It helps combine everything smoothly and prevents accidental scrambling, a little step that makes a big difference in custard perfection!
• Hollandaise Harmony: For the easiest Hollandaise, stick to the blender method and make it just before serving. A tiny splash of warm water or lemon juice can revive it if it thickens too much.

Fun Variations for This Brunch Casserole

Part of the joy of home baking is making a recipe your own, and this delicious brunch casserole is wonderfully versatile! Here are some creative twists to savor your Make-Ahead Eggs Benedict Casserole for Holiday Brunch.

Meat & Veggie Twists

Instead of Canadian bacon, try thinly sliced smoked ham, crumbled cooked sausage, or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option. My friend Sarah always swaps in turkey bacon! You can also stir in sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or finely chopped asparagus for extra color and freshness.

Cheesy Choices

While Gruyere is classic, don’t be afraid to try other cheeses! Sharp cheddar adds comfort, or for a touch of spice, Monterey Jack with jalapeños would be fantastic. My sister loves smoked provolone for an extra layer of flavor.

What to Serve With This Holiday Bake

When I think of the perfect holiday brunch, it’s not just the main dish, but everything that surrounds it! This Make-Ahead Eggs Benedict Casserole for Holiday Brunch is a showstopper, but simple accompaniments can truly elevate the experience.

• Fresh Fruit & Greens: A vibrant bowl of mixed berries and sliced melon offers a refreshing contrast. Pair it with a crisp green salad, perhaps with a light vinaigrette and candied pecans, to cut through the richness beautifully.
• Warm Bread & Beverages: Offer a basket of warm croissants or muffins. My mom always pairs a savory brunch with homemade sweet bread. For drinks, mimosas or sparkling cider, alongside plenty of coffee and tea, create a festive atmosphere.

How to Store Your Delicious Brunch Casserole

After the joy of brunch, you might have precious leftovers of this Make-Ahead Eggs Benedict Casserole for Holiday Brunch. With a little care, you can enjoy it again without losing that wonderful flavor!

Storing Leftovers in the Fridge

Once cooled, cover leftover casserole tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. My personal tip? Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent any dryness, especially for the English muffins.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave individual portions until warmed, or for a crispier top, warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 15-20 minutes. If you have leftover Hollandaise, gently warm it over low heat, whisking constantly.

Nutritional Benefits

This Make-Ahead Eggs Benedict Casserole for Holiday Brunch offers more than comfort; it’s a satisfying dish! Eggs provide high-quality protein, and Gruyere cheese adds calcium. Combined with wholesome English muffins, it’s a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing for any festive day.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I make the Hollandaise sauce ahead of time?
While you can prepare the Hollandaise a few hours in advance and keep it warm in a thermos, I always recommend making it fresh just before serving the Make-Ahead Eggs Benedict Casserole for Holiday Brunch for the best flavor and creamy texture.

Faq 2

What if I don’t have Canadian bacon?
No problem! You can easily substitute cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage, diced ham, or even sautéed spinach for a vegetarian option in your Make-Ahead Eggs Benedict Casserole for Holiday Brunch. Each variation brings its own delicious twist to the dish.

Faq 3

Can I freeze this casserole?
While technically possible, I don’t recommend freezing the entire assembled Make-Ahead Eggs Benedict Casserole for Holiday Brunch. The English muffins can become a bit soggy upon thawing. However, you can freeze portions of the baked casserole (without Hollandaise) for individual reheating.

Faq 4

How do I know when the casserole is fully baked?
Your Make-Ahead Eggs Benedict Casserole for Holiday Brunch is ready when the center is set, no longer jiggly, and the top is beautifully golden brown. An inserted knife should come out clean. Trust your eyes and your nose, as my grandmother always said for perfect results every time!

Conclusion

I truly hope this Make-Ahead Eggs Benedict Casserole for Holiday Brunch becomes a cherished part of your family’s traditions. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to slow down, savor precious moments, and create memories around the table. With its incredible flavors, ease of preparation, and impressive presentation, this casserole truly embodies the joy of home-baked desserts and comforting meals. So go ahead, gather your loved ones, and let the magic of homemade warmth fill your kitchen!