Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this amazing eggs benedict casserole! It’s a delightful twist on the classic dish that takes all those rich, savory flavors and bakes them into a cozy, hearty casserole. Trust me, the first time I made it, my family couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was! Imagine fluffy eggs, creamy hollandaise, and tender Canadian bacon all wrapped up in a warm, cheesy embrace. It’s perfect for brunch gatherings or a lazy Sunday morning when you just want something comforting. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, which means you can spend more time enjoying it with your loved ones instead of slaving away in the kitchen!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this scrumptious eggs benedict casserole. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that delicious flavor and comforting texture we all love!
- 12 eggs: Large eggs work best for this recipe. They’ll provide the protein base and help everything come together smoothly.
- 2 cups milk: Whole milk adds richness, but you can also use 2% if that’s what you have on hand.
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed: I recommend using a hearty bread like sourdough or French bread for the best texture. Just cut it into bite-sized cubes.
- 1 cup Canadian bacon, diced: This gives that classic eggs benedict flavor. Feel free to swap it out for ham or even cooked sausage if you prefer.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Sharp cheddar is my go-to, but you can mix it up with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or even a bit of pepper jack for some heat!
- 1/2 cup hollandaise sauce: You can use store-bought for convenience, but homemade is always a treat if you have the time. It adds that creamy deliciousness on top!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season! A little salt and freshly cracked pepper will elevate all those flavors beautifully.
How to Prepare Eggs Benedict Casserole
Making this eggs benedict casserole is a breeze! I promise it’ll feel like a fun and rewarding experience as you whip up this delightful dish. Just follow these simple steps, and soon you’ll be savoring every cheesy, eggy bite!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want to get that warm, cozy environment ready for your casserole.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until they’re well combined. You want that fluffy texture, so really get in there!
- Next, gently fold in the cubed bread, diced Canadian bacon, and shredded cheese. Be careful not to overmix; you want everything to be evenly coated without mashing it all together. It should look like a delicious, colorful mixture!
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Seriously, don’t skip this step! A little seasoning goes a long way in enhancing those flavors.
- Now, pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. I usually use a 9×13-inch dish, but whatever you have on hand should work just fine!
- Bake it in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is lightly browned and the center is set. Keep an eye on it, as oven times can vary!
- When it’s ready, drizzle the delicious hollandaise sauce over the top just before serving. This gives it that signature eggs benedict flair!
And there you have it! Your eggs benedict casserole is ready to be devoured. Enjoy it warm and watch as it disappears in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This eggs benedict casserole is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavor and convenience! Here are just a few reasons why you’ll absolutely adore making it:
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious meal in the oven and relax while it bakes!
- Delicious Flavors: All the classic eggs benedict flavors are packed into this casserole, from creamy hollandaise to savory Canadian bacon and cheesy goodness.
- Perfect for a Crowd: This recipe serves 8, making it ideal for brunch gatherings, holidays, or just a hearty family breakfast.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to switch up the ingredients! Add your favorite veggies, or even a different type of cheese to make it your own.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready, which is a game changer for busy mornings.
- Comforting and Filling: It’s a warm, hearty dish that will keep you satisfied and cozy, perfect for those chilly weekends!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your eggs benedict casserole turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some pro tips I’ve picked up along the way that’ll help you elevate this dish:
- Stale Bread Works Wonders: If you have leftover bread that’s a bit stale, this is the perfect recipe to use it up! Stale bread soaks up the egg mixture better and adds a lovely texture.
- Don’t Skip the Hollandaise: A drizzle of hollandaise goes a long way in tying the flavors together, so don’t skimp on it! If you’re short on time, you can buy a good quality store-bought version, but homemade is a real treat!
- Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to play around with herbs and spices! Adding a pinch of paprika or some fresh chives can really enhance the flavors and add a beautiful touch.
- Let It Rest: After baking, let the casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set a little more and makes slicing easier!
- Use a Meat Thermometer: If you want to be extra sure it’s cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check that the center has reached at least 160°F (71°C).
- Make It Ahead: If you’re planning for a brunch, you can assemble everything the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning. Trust me, your future self will thank you for this!
Variations
One of the best things about this eggs benedict casserole is how customizable it is! You can easily tweak it to match your taste buds or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Protein Swaps: If you’re not a fan of Canadian bacon, why not try diced ham or crumbled bacon? You could even use cooked sausage or turkey bacon for a lighter option!
- Add Veggies: Sneak in some nutritious veggies! Spinach, diced tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms can add a lovely pop of color and flavor. Just make sure to sauté any veggies that release moisture before adding them to prevent a soggy casserole.
- Cheesy Goodness: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses! Gruyère or fontina will add a nice, melty texture, while pepper jack can give it a spicy kick!
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs can really elevate the dish. Try adding chopped parsley, chives, or even a bit of dill for a fresh burst of flavor!
- Spicy Twist: If you like a little heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into the mix. It’ll definitely give your casserole a fun kick!
- Gluten-Free Option: You can make this casserole gluten-free by using a gluten-free bread. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up to the egg mixture!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas! The beauty of this eggs benedict casserole is that it’s versatile, so you can create a version that’s uniquely yours. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious eggs benedict casserole and now you have some leftovers. No worries, I’ve got you covered on how to store and reheat it so it stays just as tasty!
First, to store your leftovers, let the casserole cool down to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days—perfect for those busy mornings when you’d love a quick breakfast!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, covering it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat it for about 20-25 minutes or until it’s warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but be sure to heat it in short bursts, checking often so it doesn’t get rubbery. Just a couple of minutes on medium power should do the trick!
And there you have it! Enjoy those leftovers just as much as the first serving. Trust me, they’re still going to be a hit!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delicious eggs benedict casserole! While I can’t provide exact figures since ingredients can vary, I can give you a general idea of what to expect. Here are some estimated nutritional values based on standard ingredients:
- Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
- Fat: About 18g
- Protein: Roughly 15g
- Carbohydrates: Around 20g
- Sugar: About 2g
- Sodium: Approximately 600mg
These are just estimates, of course, and can change depending on the specific brands or variations you use. If you’re keeping an eye on your diet, it’s always a good idea to check the labels of your ingredients and adjust accordingly. Enjoy your cooking, and remember that hearty meals like this are meant to be enjoyed!
FAQ Section
Can I make this eggs benedict casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this casserole is that you can assemble it the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. You’ll save time and still have a delicious breakfast ready to go!
Can I use a different type of bread?
Definitely! While I love using sourdough or French bread for their texture, feel free to experiment with any bread you have on hand. Whole wheat, challah, or even bagels can work great! Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up to the egg mixture.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
You’ll want to look for a lightly browned top and a set center. If you insert a knife into the middle, it should come out clean. If it jiggles too much, give it a few more minutes in the oven. Remember, every oven is a little different!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can! Just let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as directed.
What can I serve with eggs benedict casserole?
This casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a simple fruit salad, some crispy hash browns, or even a light green salad. You could also serve it with extra hollandaise on the side for those who want an extra drizzle!
Eggs Benedict Casserole: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Try It
- Całkowity Czas: 50 minutes
- Ustępować: 8 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A delicious twist on classic eggs benedict, baked as a casserole.
Składniki
- 12 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 cup Canadian bacon, diced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup hollandaise sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Add cubed bread, Canadian bacon, and cheese to the egg mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until set and lightly browned.
- Drizzle with hollandaise sauce before serving.
Uwagi
- You can substitute ham for Canadian bacon.
- Try adding vegetables like spinach or tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 35 minutes
- Kategoria: Breakfast
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 300
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 18g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 8g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 20g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 15g
- Cholesterol: 300mg
Słowa kluczowe: eggs benedict casserole, breakfast casserole, baked eggs
