What’s the ultimate breakfast dish to impress your family and friends? This eggs benedict bake with ham and homemade hollandaise sauce is a game changer for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or special occasion. Rich ham and creamy sauce make it a family favorite. Save this idea for a delicious homemade meal to try soon

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Introduction

Elevate your brunch game with this decadent Eggs Benedict Bake, featuring the perfect harmony of ham, eggs, and hollandaise sauce, all in a single, easy-to-make dish. By using everyday ingredients in a creative way, you can achieve restaurant-quality flavors without the fuss. This recipe is all about ease, flavor, and creativity, making it perfect for special occasions or a lazy Sunday morning. With its impressive presentation and minimal effort required, it’s sure to become a favorite among friends and family.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of salty ham, rich eggs, and creamy hollandaise sauce creates a balanced flavor profile that is both satisfying and indulgent. Using readily available ingredients makes this dish accessible to anyone looking to impress without breaking the bank.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its elegant appearance, this Eggs Benedict Bake is surprisingly easy to prepare. It requires minimal cooking skills and can be largely assembled ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The layered presentation of this dish, topped with a golden, creamy hollandaise sauce, is sure to impress even the most discerning guests. Yet, it requires remarkably little effort, especially considering the impact it makes.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include English muffins, ham (such as Canadian bacon), eggs, and hollandaise sauce. For the hollandaise, you’ll need egg yolks, lemon juice, butter, and a bit of cayenne pepper. Practical substitutions can be made, such as using regular bacon instead of Canadian bacon or store-bought hollandaise sauce for a quicker assembly. However, making your own hollandaise from scratch adds a depth of flavor that elevates the dish significantly. Other essential ingredients include salt, pepper, and chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, toast the English muffins and cook the Canadian bacon until it’s lightly browned. Set both aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, and pepper to make the egg mixture for the bake. Add a splash of milk or cream if you prefer a creamier texture. Pour the egg mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Step 3: Arrange the toasted English muffins and cooked Canadian bacon in the egg mixture, making sure they are fully submerged. If using, sprinkle some diced ham or bacon bits on top for extra flavor.
4. Step 4: Bake the egg mixture in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is lightly golden. While the bake is cooking, prepare the hollandaise sauce according to your recipe or package instructions.
5. Step 5: Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the warm hollandaise sauce over the top and garnish with chopped fresh herbs. Serve immediately and enjoy the ooohs and aahhs from your guests.

Handy Tips

• For an easier hollandaise sauce, consider using a blender or food processor to emulsify the egg yolks and butter. This method is quicker and less likely to result in a broken sauce.
• Avoid overcooking the eggs, as this can make the dish dry and unappetizing. Check the bake frequently towards the end of the cooking time to ensure the eggs are just set.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan, sprinkled on top of the bake before baking for an extra layer of flavor.

Heat Control

When baking the egg mixture, it’s crucial to monitor the heat to prevent overcooking. The ideal temperature is 375°F (190°C), and the bake should be cooked for 25-30 minutes, or until the eggs are just set and the top is lightly golden. Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center of the bake; if it comes out clean, the eggs are cooked through.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the toasted English muffins and the crispy top layer of the Canadian bacon. To achieve the perfect crunch, toast the English muffins until they are lightly browned and cook the Canadian bacon until it’s crispy. This texture contrast adds depth and interest to the dish, making each bite more engaging.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For a smoother hollandaise sauce, make sure the butter is at room temperature before whisking it into the egg yolks. This helps the sauce emulsify more easily and reduces the risk of it breaking.
• To prevent the eggs from cooking too quickly, you can cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes of baking. This helps retain moisture and ensures the eggs cook evenly.
• Consider making the hollandaise sauce ahead of time and refrigerating or freezing it until needed. This can save time during assembly and make the process less stressful.

Storage Tips

• Leftover storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Reheating tips: When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to the eggs to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Shelf life and best containers: The hollandaise sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months. Use airtight, moisture-proof containers to keep it fresh.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting this dish, perhaps for a brunch gathering or as part of a meal train, consider packaging it in a decorative baking dish covered with aluminum foil and tied with a ribbon. Include a side of fresh fruit or a green salad for a complete meal. For a more personal touch, add a handwritten note with reheating instructions and a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or dried thyme to the egg mixture for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
• Creative toppings: Top the bake with diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor and nutrients.
• Ingredient swaps: Substitute the Canadian bacon with prosciutto or serrano ham for a salty, sophisticated flavor. You can also use different types of cheese or add some diced onions for extra depth.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the eggs turn out too dry, it may be due to overcooking. Try reducing the baking time or covering the dish with foil to retain moisture.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have English muffins, you can substitute them with bread or even portobello mushroom caps for a low-carb option.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on the bake during the last 10 minutes of cooking. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil. If the eggs are not set, give it a few more minutes and check again.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the baked eggs before topping with hollandaise sauce. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
• Is it gluten-free? This recipe can be adapted to be gluten-free by using gluten-free English muffins or substituting them with gluten-free bread.
• Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re making a larger batch.

Conclusion

This Eggs Benedict Bake with ham and hollandaise heaven is a game-changer for any brunch enthusiast. With its ease of preparation, impressive presentation, and rich, satisfying flavors, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to make the dish your own, and consider sharing it with friends and family for a truly special occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is sure to delight and inspire, making it a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their brunch game.