Best Breakfast Ideas For A Crowd – If you’ve ever played short-order cook on a Sunday morning—juggling sizzling bacon, poaching eggs that refuse to cooperate, and trying to keep the Hollandaise from breaking—you know brunch for a group can feel like running a culinary marathon. Well, not anymore. Meet the Easy Eggs Benedict Casserole, your new secret weapon for stress-free, crowd-pleasing mornings.
This dish takes all the iconic elements of the traditional Eggs Benedict—fluffy eggs, buttery English muffins, salty Canadian bacon, and that golden, velvety sauce—and turns them into one glorious, make-ahead bake. No juggling toasters, no timing poached eggs, no kitchen chaos. Just layer, chill, bake, and drizzle.
Whether you’re hosting Easter brunch, a Breakfast For Ladies Group, or feeding a full house of sleepy holiday guests, this casserole brings all the charm and flavor of the original Benedict with a fraction of the effort. It’s the ultimate Summer Brunch Dish—simple, elegant, and a guaranteed crowd favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s get one thing out of the way: this casserole is dangerously easy. It’s the kind of recipe that makes people think you’ve been working since sunrise, when in reality, you were sipping your coffee and scrolling Instagram.
Here’s why you’ll want to keep it in your back pocket for every gathering:
- No-fuss brunch magic – Everything bakes in one pan. That’s right—no more babysitting poached eggs.
- Make-ahead friendly – Prep it the night before, pop it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready.
- Feeds a crowd easily – Perfect for potlucks or Breakfast For 25 People (just double it up!).
- Classic flavor combo – English muffins, Canadian bacon, and creamy Hollandaise—what’s not to love?
- Fancy without the fuss – It looks impressive but couldn’t be simpler.
Pro tip: You can assemble this in under 20 minutes, go to bed, and wake up to the best-smelling kitchen ever. That’s the kind of breakfast win I can get behind.
The Story Behind the Recipe
I first whipped up this casserole one chaotic Christmas morning when half my family decided to “help” make Eggs Benedict. Long story short: the blender broke, someone dropped an egg yolk on the floor, and my dad ended up eating his on toast with ketchup (a tragedy).
The next year, I vowed there would be no kitchen chaos. Enter: the Easy Eggs Benedict Casserole. It had all the nostalgic flavors we loved—just layered and baked instead of assembled à la minute. It was a hit! Now, it’s our go-to for holidays, summer weekends, and even lazy Sundays when we want something special without losing our minds.
Ingredients Breakdown (with a Little Flavor Commentary)
Here’s the lineup that makes this casserole shine:
- Eggs – The backbone of any great Egg Bake Ideas creation. They puff up beautifully, creating a light yet rich texture.
- Milk – Softens the muffins and helps create that perfect custardy consistency.
- Canadian Bacon – Adds that signature savory bite. If you want a little smokier flavor, you can sub regular bacon.
- English Muffins – The unsung hero here. Their nooks and crannies soak up the egg mixture like a dream.
- Green Onions + Onion Powder – These give the dish a subtle savory depth.
- Paprika – Adds a hint of smokiness and that pretty golden top.
- Hollandaise Sauce Mix – A clever shortcut that tastes surprisingly legit. Feel free to make homemade if you’re feeling fancy.
- Milk + Butter – The dynamic duo for silky, rich sauce perfection.
Pro tip: Use day-old muffins. Slightly dry ones absorb the egg mixture better and prevent sogginess. Think of it like French toast logic—it just works.

How to Make It (Without Losing Your Cool)
Alright, apron up—it’s time to bake. Don’t worry, this is going to be fun, not frantic.
Step 1: Prep the Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or spray. Trust me, you don’t want your brunch masterpiece sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Eggs
Whisk together 8 eggs, 2 cups of milk, green onions, onion powder, and salt. Think of this as your magic custard base.
Step 3: Layer It Up
Start with half the Canadian bacon, then layer in your chopped English muffins, and finish with the rest of the bacon. Pour the egg mixture over everything. Watch as it soaks into those muffins—it’s a beautiful sight.
Step 4: Chill Out (Literally)
Cover and refrigerate overnight. This step makes all the difference! The muffins get a full soak, creating that perfect tender interior.
Step 5: Bake
The next morning, preheat your oven to 375°F. Sprinkle a little paprika on top, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 15 minutes until set and slightly golden.
Step 6: Make the Sauce
While the casserole bakes, whip up your Hollandaise. In a saucepan, whisk milk with the mix and add butter. Stir until it thickens—just about a minute.
Step 7: Slice, Sauce, and Serve
Let the casserole cool for a couple minutes, slice into squares, and drizzle that creamy, buttery Hollandaise all over. Cue applause.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Let’s make sure your casserole comes out chef’s kiss perfect every time.
- Don’t skip the overnight chill. It’s what makes the texture amazing.
- Cover while baking. Keeps it tender and prevents the top from browning too quickly.
- Slice before saucing. Looks cleaner and keeps your sauce from running everywhere.
- Use quality ingredients. Especially the bacon—it’s the flavor star here.
- Serving for two? Cut the recipe in half for one of the best Breakfast Casseroles For Two out there.
Variations to Try
This casserole is like a blank brunch canvas. You can switch up ingredients and make it your own:
- Meat Swap: Sub the Canadian bacon for ham, sausage, or even smoked salmon for a luxe twist.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded Gruyère or Swiss into the egg mixture for a melty surprise.
- Veggie Version: Toss in spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted peppers.
- Spice It Up: A little hot sauce or diced jalapeños go a long way for heat lovers.
- Lighter Take: Try turkey bacon and low-fat milk for a leaner option.
Bonus idea: Add a drizzle of pesto or sriracha over the finished plate for that “Instagram-level brunch” look.
What to Serve With It
Wondering What Goes Well With Salmon—wait, wrong recipe—but seriously, what pairs perfectly with this casserole? Here’s your brunch spread inspo:
- Fresh fruit salad: Adds color and freshness.
- Roasted asparagus: Light, seasonal, and adds a touch of green.
- Crispy hash browns: Because carbs on carbs just make sense.
- Mimosas or coffee: I mean… do I even have to explain?
It’s also perfect for potluck tables, bridal showers, or any Shareable Breakfast Dishes event.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips
Because the only thing better than a great brunch is one you don’t have to panic-prep for.
- Assemble Ahead: You can build the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate overnight.
- Freeze It: Wrap tightly before baking and freeze for up to 1 month.
- Defrost Overnight: Then bake fresh in the morning.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes or warm in the oven at 300°F.
Pro tip: Hollandaise sauce doesn’t freeze well—make that part fresh for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular bacon instead of Canadian bacon?
Absolutely. Just cook it first and crumble it in—it’ll add that smoky, salty goodness.
Can I bake it right away instead of chilling overnight?
Yep! Just let it soak for at least 30–60 minutes so the muffins absorb the mixture.
Can I use fresh English muffins?
Sure, but day-old ones work best for texture.
Can I make homemade Hollandaise?
Yes! If you’re feeling fancy, go for it. The packet just saves time.
How do I prevent sogginess?
Use the right ratio of milk to eggs, and bake uncovered for the last 15 minutes.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free English muffins and check your sauce mix—it’s that easy.
Can I add cheese?
Please do. Gruyère or cheddar takes it up a notch.
Serving a Crowd? You Got This.
Hosting a big brunch? This recipe is your best friend. Double it up in two pans and you’ve got one of the easiest Breakfast For 25 People ideas ever.
Want to keep it cozy and casual? Serve it family-style straight from the baking dish with a pitcher of mimosas nearby. Or for a Joanna Gaines Breakfast vibe, add some rustic touches—fresh herbs, a linen table runner, and maybe a vintage cake stand with fruit.
For a Summer Breakfast Casserole, serve it alongside a chilled melon salad and iced lattes. It feels indulgent but effortless—exactly what summer brunches should be.
Final Thoughts
The Easy Eggs Benedict Casserole is everything we love about brunch—rich, comforting, elegant—but without the chaos or early-morning panic. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, and every “let’s do brunch!” idea that pops up in your group chat.
It’s one of those Breakfast Casseroles For Two that can scale up for a party or stay small for a cozy weekend morning. You can prep it ahead, tweak it to your taste, and serve it with confidence knowing everyone will ask for seconds (and the recipe).
So next time you’re wondering what to make that feels special but doesn’t require a chef’s degree, this casserole’s your answer. Because sometimes, the best brunches aren’t about standing over a stove—they’re about sitting at the table, coffee in hand, enjoying every bite.
Now go make it happen—and don’t forget the mimosas. 🥂
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Easy Eggs Benedict Casserole — Best Breakfast Ideas For A Crowd
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
Description
Think of this Eggs Benedict Casserole as the stress-free cousin of your favorite brunch classic — same creamy, savory flavor, minus the balancing act of poaching eggs or keeping muffins warm. It’s cozy, hearty, and the kind of dish that’ll make everyone think you woke up at dawn to whip up breakfast magic (when in reality, you prepped it last night and hit “bake” this morning).
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 2 cups whole milk
- 8 large eggs
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ pound Canadian bacon, diced
- 6 English muffins, cut into cubes
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For the Hollandaise Sauce
- 1 cup milk
- 1 (0.9 oz) packet hollandaise sauce mix
- ¼ cup butter
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures your casserole slides out perfectly golden without sticking.
Step 2: Make the Egg Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, onion powder, salt, and green onions until smooth and combined. This creamy mixture is the base that will soak into every nook and cranny of your English muffins.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Scatter half of the Canadian bacon across the bottom of the prepared pan. Add all of the diced English muffins in an even layer, then top with the remaining bacon. Pour the egg mixture evenly over everything, letting it seep down into the bread.
Step 4: Chill Overnight
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. This step is key — it gives the English muffins time to absorb all the eggy goodness, ensuring a custardy, flavorful bake by morning.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Uncover the casserole and sprinkle the top with paprika for a pop of color and subtle smokiness. Cover again with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, then bake for another 15 minutes until the top is lightly golden and the center is fully set.
Step 6: Make the Hollandaise Sauce
While the casserole finishes baking, prepare your sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together the milk, hollandaise mix, and butter over medium heat. Stir constantly until it thickens and becomes velvety smooth — about 1 minute.
Step 7: Serve and Savor
Once the casserole is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve generous squares topped with a drizzle (or a flood, no judgment) of warm hollandaise sauce.
Notes
Notes & Tips
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For an extra creamy bite, stir a handful of shredded Swiss or cheddar cheese into the egg mixture before baking.
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Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours before baking. Just keep it covered and refrigerated.
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Switch it up: Ham, turkey bacon, or even cooked sausage make great substitutes for Canadian bacon.
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Add color: Toss in chopped spinach, roasted peppers, or mushrooms for a veggie-packed variation.
This Eggs Benedict Casserole is proof that you can have a brunch-worthy meal without the brunch-level chaos. Just assemble, chill, and bake — it’s that simple. One bite and you’ll see why it’s a total crowd-pleaser for holidays, special mornings, or whenever you just want to feel fancy without trying too hard.