Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole

This breakfast casserole transforms the classic Eggs Benedict into a crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for holiday mornings or weekend brunches. I started making this when I needed something special yet simple for Christmas morning, and it's become our most requested family tradition.

I originally created this when hosting my in-laws for the holidays and needed something impressive that wouldn't keep me in the kitchen. Five years later, it's still requested whenever family visits.

Ingredients

• Milk gives the egg mixture a custardy texture that bakes up perfectly fluffy
• Large eggs create the rich base of this casserole and provide protein
• Green onions add a fresh, mild flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully
• Onion powder provides savory depth without the texture of raw onions
• Salt enhances all the flavors and brings the dish together
• Turkey bacon offers a leaner alternative to traditional bacon while still providing smoky flavor
• English muffins recreate the classic Benedict base while soaking up the egg mixture
• Paprika adds a touch of color and subtle warmth to the finished dish
• Hollandaise sauce mix creates an easy version of the classic sauce without the risk of breaking
• Butter enriches the hollandaise sauce with necessary fat for authentic flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish

Thoroughly grease a 9×13 baking dish ensuring you get into all corners and up the sides. This prevents sticking and makes serving much easier after baking.

Create the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, chopped green onions, onion powder, and salt until completely combined. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes to incorporate air which helps the casserole puff up beautifully during baking.

Layer the Ingredients

Start by spreading half the diced turkey bacon across the bottom of the greased dish. Next, evenly distribute all the diced English muffin pieces, pressing down lightly so they form a solid layer. Top with the remaining turkey bacon, making sure to distribute evenly.

Add the Egg Mixture

Slowly pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients, allowing it to seep between all the muffin pieces. Gently press down with a spatula to ensure all dry ingredients are soaked.

Overnight Rest

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 8 hours. This resting period is crucial as it allows the English muffins to fully absorb the egg mixture, creating a cohesive texture.

Baking Process

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator while the oven heats. First bake covered with foil for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

Prepare the Hollandaise

About 10 minutes before the casserole finishes baking, combine the milk, hollandaise sauce mix, and butter in a saucepan. Heat over medium low, whisking constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens to coat the back of a spoon.

Serve with Style

Cut the casserole into squares and transfer to plates. Drizzle each serving with warm hollandaise sauce and garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and fresh green onions if desired.

Bookmark

The overnight resting period is truly the secret to this recipe. I once tried to rush it by only soaking for 2 hours, and while still tasty, it didn't have that magical texture where the English muffins transform into something between bread pudding and soufflé.

Make Ahead and Storage

This casserole is designed to be made ahead, but you can prepare it even further in advance if needed. Assemble everything up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 1 month. If freezing, thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed. Leftover baked casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Ingredient Swaps

Traditional Eggs Benedict uses Canadian bacon or ham, which works perfectly in this recipe if you prefer it to turkey bacon. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat entirely and add sautéed mushrooms and spinach instead. The English muffins can be replaced with sourdough bread, croissants, or even bagels for a different twist. If you want to make this dairy free, use unsweetened almond milk and prepare a different sauce like avocado hollandaise.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple fruit salad to cut through the richness. For a special brunch, serve alongside mimosas or a Bloody Mary bar. If you want to add more vegetables to the meal, roasted asparagus makes an excellent side dish that echoes traditional Eggs Benedict plating. For a complete spread, add yogurt parfaits and a selection of pastries to create a memorable brunch buffet.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare this casserole without overnight refrigeration?

While overnight refrigeration allows the English muffins to fully absorb the egg mixture, you can shorten this time to a minimum of 4 hours if needed. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

→ Can I substitute regular bacon for turkey bacon?

Absolutely! Regular bacon works wonderfully in this casserole. Cook it until crisp before adding to ensure the best texture in the final dish.

→ How can I make homemade hollandaise sauce instead of using a mix?

For homemade hollandaise, whisk 4 egg yolks with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, then slowly add 1/2 cup melted butter while whisking constantly. Season with salt and cayenne pepper to taste.

→ Can this casserole be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole (without hollandaise) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat covered at 350°F until warm. Prepare fresh hollandaise before serving.

→ What can I serve with eggs benedict casserole?

This casserole pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, roasted potatoes, a simple green salad, or steamed asparagus for a complete brunch spread.

→ Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or asparagus make excellent additions. Add them between the bacon and English muffin layers.