The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
This Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole Recipe Is ‘A Winner Every Time’
Looking for a delicious brunch option that will impress your guests without keeping you in the kitchen all morning? This Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole is just the ticket! With layers of buttery croissants, savory ham, and rich hollandaise sauce, it’s a breakfast dish that guarantees rave reviews every time.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Delicious Appeal of Eggs Benedict
- Health Benefits
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Making the Casserole
- The Overnight Preparation
- Cooking Tips for Perfect Results
- Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
- Conclusion
Introduction
Brunch has become a beloved tradition for many, and Eggs Benedict often tops the list of people’s favorite dishes. Yet, making it from scratch on the weekend can be a labor-intensive endeavor, especially when you want to sleep in just a bit longer. Enter this Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole! This recipe elegantly combines the festive flavors of traditional Eggs Benedict into one easy-to-prepare casserole that requires just a few minutes of hands-on time. Let’s dive into this winning recipe that will elevate your weekend brunch and perhaps become a staple at your table!
The Delicious Appeal of Eggs Benedict
What makes Eggs Benedict so crave-worthy? Well, it’s all about the irresistible combination: crispy English muffins, poached eggs, savory ham (or other proteins), and the luscious, creamy hollandaise sauce. This classic dish ticks all the boxes for flavor, texture, and richness, making it a popular choice for special occasions and Sunday brunch plans.
Why Choose a Casserole?
- Time-Saving: Preparing the casserole the night before allows you to enjoy your morning without fuss.
- Gathering Friends and Family: Casseroles are a perfect dish for feeding a crowd, making this recipe a great choice for family gatherings or brunch with friends.
- Versatile: This recipe can be customized with the ingredients you love, from various meats to different types of cheese or vegetables.
Health Benefits of Eggs
- Protein-Packed: Eggs are an excellent source of protein, which helps keep you full and satisfied.
- Nutrient-Rich: Eggs contain essential nutrients, including vitamins A, B12, and D, as well as choline, which is important for brain health.
- Versatile Nutrition: When combined with vegetables and lean proteins, such as ham or salmon, this dish can be quite nutritious!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start preparing this delicious Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. The list below serves about 8-12 people, making it perfect for brunch gatherings.
For the Casserole:
- 6 large croissants, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 oz ham or Canadian bacon, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- Fresh herbs, like chives or parsley, for garnishing
For the Hollandaise Sauce:
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Salt and cayenne pepper, to taste
Making the Casserole
Now that you have gathered your ingredients, it’s time to bring your Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole to life. Follow these steps to create this delicious baked dish.
1. Prepare the Base
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and add in the milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Place the diced croissant pieces in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle the diced ham over the croissants, ensuring even distribution.
- Pour the egg mixture over the croissants and ham, gently pressing down to ensure everything is soaked.
- Top with shredded cheese and cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate it overnight.
2. Making the Hollandaise Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and lemon juice together until slightly thickened. This step is crucial, as it forms the base of your sauce.
- Slowly drizzle in the melted butter while continuously whisking. You want to incorporate the butter gradually to get a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Season the sauce with salt and a pinch of cayenne pepper. If the sauce is too thick, whisk in a few drops of water to loosen it.
- Cover and place it in the fridge until ready to serve.
The Overnight Preparation
Letting the casserole rest overnight allows the croissants to become soft and absorb the egg mixture fully. This is what will create that delightful custard-like texture that melts in your mouth!
3. The Morning of Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for baking.
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking. This helps to ensure even cooking.
- Bake the casserole uncovered for about 35-45 minutes, or until it is puffed and golden brown. Insert a toothpick into the middle to make sure it comes out clean.
- While the casserole is baking, take the hollandaise sauce out of the fridge and briefly whisk it to reincorporate before serving.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Results
Here are some helpful tips that will ensure your Eggs Benedict Casserole turns out perfect every time:
- **Use Day-Old Croissants:** If possible, use slightly stale or day-old croissants for better absorption of the egg mixture.
- **Customize the Protein:** Swap out the ham for cooked sausage, smoked salmon, or sautéed vegetables for a different flavor profile.
- **Don’t Rush the Hollandaise:** If you’re nervous about making hollandaise from scratch, whisking constantly is key! Consider using a double boiler for more control over the heat.
- **Add Veggies:** Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be great add-ins for extra nutrition and flavor.
- **Sprinkle with Fresh Herbs:** Finish your casserole with fresh herbs before serving. They add a refreshing brightness and elevate the dish visually.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
Once your casserole is ready, you can serve it hot, drizzled with hollandaise sauce on top. Pair it with some delicious sides to create a complete brunch spread!
Suggested Side Dishes
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright and refreshing, a fruit salad can cut through the richness of the casserole.
- Hash Browns or Tater Tots: For crispy, satisfying sides, consider making crispy tater tots to accompany your meal.
- Mixed Greens Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the heaviness of the main dish.
- Coffee or Mimosa: Pair your casserole with a strong coffee, or indulge in a refreshing mimosa for a festive touch.
Conclusion
This Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole is truly a brunch game-changer! It captures all the deliciousness of classic Eggs Benedict but with the convenience of a make-ahead dish that your friends and family will love. Perfect for holiday breakfasts or lounging weekends, you’ll find that it quickly becomes a favorite in your recipe collection.
