This Eggs Benedict Casserole is a warm, tasty dish that’s perfect for brunch. It layers fluffy bread, savory ham, and creamy eggs, all topped with a rich hollandaise sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: Fresh, large eggs are essential for this dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, egg whites can replace some whole eggs. You may miss the richness but still get a great taste.
Bread: I love using brioche for its softness and flavor. However, feel free to substitute with any sturdy bread like sourdough or even bagels. Just make sure it’s a bit stale, so it absorbs the egg mixture nicely.
Ham: The traditional choice is cooked ham, but it can easily be swapped for turkey or even cooked sausage. For a vegetarian take, skip the meat entirely or use sautéed spinach or mushrooms instead.
Cheese: Swiss is my top pick for its creamy texture, but cheddar or Gruyère work wonderfully too. Looking for a dairy-free version? Use a plant-based cheese that melts well.
How Do You Make the Perfect Hollandaise Sauce?
Hollandaise sauce can sound complicated, but it’s really all about patience and temperature control. Here’s how to do it right:
- Whisk egg yolks and lemon juice until the mixture lightens in color.
- Use a double boiler to avoid direct heat; this helps prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Drizzle the melted butter slowly while whisking vigorously. This helps emulsify the sauce and gives it that creamy texture.
- Once thickened, season to taste with salt and cayenne pepper for a little kick.
Take your time and don’t rush! If you notice it thickening too much, just whisk in a splash of warm water to reach your desired consistency.
Eggs Benedict Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups cubed bread (such as French bread or brioche), crusts on
- 8 oz cooked ham, chopped or sliced
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or parsley (for garnish)
For the Hollandaise Sauce:
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and warm
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce (optional)
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 40 minutes to bake, plus an additional few minutes to prepare the hollandaise sauce. Overall, you should plan for about 1 hour of cooking time before sitting down to enjoy this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×9-inch baking dish and grease it well so your casserole doesn’t stick.
2. Mix the Egg Base:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until everything is nicely combined. It should be smooth and frothy!
3. Add the Main Ingredients:
Gently stir in the cubed bread, chopped ham, and shredded cheese into the egg mixture. Make sure the bread gets soaked but try not to break it apart too much.
4. Bake the Casserole:
Pour your mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top looks golden and crispy.
5. Prepare the Hollandaise Sauce:
While the casserole is baking, let’s whip up the hollandaise! In a heatproof bowl, whisk the egg yolks and lemon juice together until it’s light and frothy.
6. Double Boiler Method:
Set the bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water (make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water). This helps your eggs cook slowly and evenly!
7. Whisk in the Butter:
Slowly drizzle in the warm melted butter while whisking continuously. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. If it gets too thick, you can add a bit of warm water to adjust it. Stir in the cayenne pepper and salt for flavor.
8. Serve the Casserole:
Once the casserole is baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut it into squares and generously drizzle the hollandaise sauce on top.
9. Garnish and Enjoy!
Sprinkle some chopped chives or parsley on top for a pop of color. Now it’s time to dig in and enjoy this beautiful casserole!
This Eggs Benedict Casserole combines all the classic flavors in one delicious dish. Perfect for brunch or any day you’re craving something special! Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While French bread and brioche are great options, you can use any sturdy bread like sourdough, challah, or even bagels. Just make sure it’s stale or dried out so that it absorbs the egg mixture properly.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, but add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave for a quick option.
Can I Make This Gluten-Free?
Yes! Use gluten-free bread for the base of the casserole. Just ensure the ham and any cheese you use are also gluten-free to keep the entire dish compliant with your dietary needs.