This Eggs Benedict Bake is a showstopper brunch dish that combines the creamy richness of traditional Eggs Benedict with the convenience of a baked casserole. It layers toasted English muffins, smoky Canadian bacon, eggs, and a velvety hollandaise sauce into a bubbling, golden masterpiece. This is the perfect dish for feeding a crowd without the hassle of poaching eggs individually, making it ideal for special occasions or weekend brunch.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Base:
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6 English muffins, split and toasted
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12 slices Canadian bacon
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6 large eggs
For the Hollandaise Sauce:
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
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3 egg yolks
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2 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
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Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
Directions
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Toast the Muffins: Split the English muffins in half and toast them lightly. This helps prevent sogginess and creates a slight crunch. Layer the toasted muffin halves into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Layer with Canadian Bacon: Place the Canadian bacon slices evenly over the muffin halves, slightly overlapping if necessary to cover the entire base.
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Crack the Eggs: Crack one egg over each muffin and bacon section to ensure even distribution of eggs.
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Make the Hollandaise Sauce: In a double boiler or heatproof bowl set over simmering water, whisk together the egg yolks, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Gradually add the melted butter while whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Pour the Sauce: Once the hollandaise sauce is ready, spoon it generously over the entire casserole, covering the eggs and bacon.
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Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the dish for 20-25 minutes, or until the egg whites are set and yolks are just slightly runny.
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Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top and serve immediately.
Nutrients (Per Serving)
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Calories: 350 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 25g
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Protein: 16g
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Fat: 20g
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Saturated Fat: 7g
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Cholesterol: 240mg
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Sodium: 550mg
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Potassium: 270mg
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 4g
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Vitamin A: 400 IU
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Vitamin C: 4mg
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Calcium: 80mg
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Iron: 2mg
This delicious bake is perfect for brunch gatherings or as a hearty breakfast. It combines all the flavors of classic Eggs Benedict with the ease of a casserole, making it an irresistible dish for any occasion!
Why This Dish Works
Convenience
The main draw of this Eggs Benedict Bake is its convenience. Traditional Eggs Benedict requires individual poaching of eggs, which can be time-consuming and tricky, especially when serving a large group. This casserole eliminates that hassle, allowing you to prepare it all in one baking dish and bake it together in the oven.
Rich and Indulgent
The hollandaise sauce is the star of the show—buttery, lemony, and a perfect complement to the eggs, Canadian bacon, and muffins. The sauce is made easily by whisking egg yolks with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and melted butter to create a velvety smooth consistency. This rich sauce is poured over the entire casserole, creating a comforting, luxurious bite in every spoonful.
Classic Flavors with a Twist
All the classic flavors of Eggs Benedict are here, but in a more streamlined and casserole-friendly form. The English muffins provide a slightly crispy base that holds up well against the rich hollandaise, while the Canadian bacon adds just the right amount of smokiness and savory depth. The eggs provide the creamy texture that blends beautifully with the sauce, making every bite feel like a indulgent treat.
Perfect for Special Occasions or Weekend Brunch
This dish is ideal for a weekend brunch or special gatherings like Easter brunch or Mother’s Day. You can easily serve a large group, and because it’s all baked together, you can focus on preparing sides or simply enjoying your time with loved ones. You can even prepare it the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready to serve!
How to Make Eggs Benedict Bake
1. Toast the Muffins
Begin by splitting the English muffins in half and toasting them lightly. This helps prevent them from becoming soggy during the baking process and gives them a slight crunch. Once toasted, layer the muffin halves into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange them in a single layer, slightly overlapping if needed.
2. Layer with Canadian Bacon
Next, place the Canadian bacon slices evenly over the toasted muffin halves. Depending on the size of your baking dish, you might need to slightly overlap the slices to cover the muffins completely.
3. Crack the Eggs
Carefully crack one egg over each muffin and bacon section, ensuring the eggs are evenly distributed across the casserole. The eggs will cook into the sauce and muffin layers, creating a satisfying and creamy texture.
4. Make the Hollandaise Sauce
In a double boiler or heatproof bowl set over simmering water, whisk together the egg yolks, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Gradually add the melted butter while whisking constantly. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Pour the Sauce
Once your hollandaise sauce is ready, spoon it generously over the casserole, covering the eggs, bacon, and muffins. Be sure to coat everything evenly with the sauce to ensure that every bite is flavorful and creamy.
6. Bake the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the egg whites are set and the yolks are just slightly runny. The top should be golden and bubbling.
7. Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with lime wedges and a dollop of plain yogurt if desired.
What to Serve With Eggs Benedict Bake
While Eggs Benedict Bake is hearty and rich on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can elevate the meal even further:
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Fresh Salad: A crisp side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the dish and add freshness to the meal.
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Roasted Potatoes: Crispy, golden roasted potatoes are a great side to serve alongside this casserole. The crispy texture pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
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Fresh Fruit: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits like berries, melon, and citrus is a great way to add a touch of sweetness and lighten up the meal.
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Mimosas or Fresh Juices: For brunch, serve the Eggs Benedict Bake with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a classic mimosa to make the meal extra special.
Health Considerations
While Eggs Benedict Bake is a rich and indulgent dish, it’s also a source of protein and calcium from the eggs, Canadian bacon, and Parmesan cheese. However, the buttery hollandaise and cheese contribute to the dish’s high fat content, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation.
To make the dish slightly lighter, you can use low-fat butter or Greek yogurt in the hollandaise sauce, though it may alter the texture. You could also substitute the Canadian bacon with a leaner protein like turkey bacon or even vegetarian alternatives like mushrooms for a plant-based version.
Conclusion
This Eggs Benedict Bake is the perfect dish for any occasion, combining all the flavors of the classic Eggs Benedict with the ease and convenience of a casserole. It’s indulgent, rich, and creamy, with a deliciously crisp crust thanks to the toasted English muffins and smoky Canadian bacon. The addition of hollandaise sauce and a garnish of fresh herbs makes it an irresistible showstopper for brunch, especially when paired with sides like fresh fruit and a side salad. Whether you’re hosting a special brunch or simply craving a decadent meal, this bake is sure to impress!