Best Eggs Benedict Recipe : A Classic Breakfast Favorite with Homemade Hollandaise Sauce

There’s nothing quite like a perfectly made Eggs Benedict to start your day with a little indulgence. This classic breakfast dish, featuring rich Hollandaise sauce poured over poached eggs, crispy English muffins, and savory ham or bacon, is the epitome of breakfast luxury. Whether you’re looking for the best Eggs Benedict recipe for a special brunch or trying your hand at making Egg Benedict at home, this recipe will guide you through the steps to create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. And don’t worry, it’s easier than you might think, especially with the added bonus of a homemade Hollandaise sauce that takes this dish to the next level!

Why You’ll Love This Eggs Benedict Recipe

This Eggs Benedict recipe is everything you want in a decadent breakfast. From the buttery, velvety Hollandaise sauce to the perfectly poached eggs and crispy, golden English muffin halves, every bite is a balance of texture and flavor. Whether you’re making it for a holiday brunch, a weekend breakfast, or just because, this dish is sure to impress anyone you’re serving. Plus, the clean eating and healthy eggs Benedict versions can be customized for anyone who wants to make this classic dish just a little lighter. If you love breakfast dishes like Avocado Toast or Shakshuka, you’re going to adore this one.

Who This Recipe Is For

This recipe is for anyone who loves the classic flavors of Eggs Benedict but wants to make it themselves at home. Whether you’re hosting a breakfast or brunch for friends and family, or just treating yourself to a luxurious meal, Egg Benedict is a perfect choice. It’s also great for those who appreciate homemade eggs Benedict recipes, where you get to control the quality of ingredients, like fresh eggs and homemade Hollandaise sauce. This recipe works well for special occasions or for anyone who enjoys a sophisticated, comforting breakfast that’s sure to satisfy.

Save

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make the best Eggs Benedict recipe:

For the Hollandaise Sauce:

• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

For the Eggs Benedict:

• 4 large eggs
• 2 English muffins (cut in half)
• 4 slices of ham or Canadian bacon (or you can use smoked salmon for a variation)
• Fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

For a healthier twist, try Healthy Eggs Benedict Clean Eating.

Ingredient Notes and Variations

• English Muffins: English muffins are the classic base for Eggs Benedict, but you can also use whole-grain muffins or even gluten-free options if needed.
• Ham: Traditionally, Eggs Benedict is made with Canadian bacon or ham, but you can also swap in smoked salmon or vegetarian options like sautéed spinach or mushrooms for a more unique take on the dish.
• Hollandaise Sauce: While the classic Hollandaise sauce uses butter, you can make a lighter version by using olive oil instead of butter or opting for a Greek yogurt Hollandaise sauce for a healthier option.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Double Boiler: For making the Hollandaise sauce. If you don’t have one, you can use a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water.
• Small Whisk: To make sure your Hollandaise sauce is silky smooth.
• Slotted Spoon: For carefully removing your poached eggs from the water.
• Saucepan: For poaching your eggs.
• Toaster or Grill Pan: For toasting the English muffins to perfection.

Step-by-Step Preparation: How to Make Eggs Benedict

Step 1: Prepare the Hollandaise Sauce
Start by making the Hollandaise sauce. In a heatproof bowl (or double boiler), combine the egg yolks and lemon juice. Set the bowl over a simmering pot of water, making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Whisk constantly until the mixture begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes. Slowly drizzle in the melted butter while continuing to whisk until the sauce is thick and smooth. If desired, whisk in the Dijon mustard, salt, and cayenne pepper for extra flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Toast the English Muffins
While you’re preparing the sauce, slice your English muffins in half and toast them until golden brown. You can use a toaster or a grill pan for this. Set the toasted muffins aside.

Step 3: Poach the Eggs
In a saucepan, bring about 3 inches of water to a simmer. Add a small splash of vinegar (optional, but helps the eggs hold their shape). Crack the eggs into individual small bowls or cups. Gently slide the eggs into the simmering water, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Poach the eggs for about 3-4 minutes, until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny. Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon and set them on a paper towel to drain.

Step 4: Assemble the Eggs Benedict
Place a toasted English muffin half on each plate. Top with a slice of ham or Canadian bacon. Carefully place a poached egg on top of each muffin. Spoon the Hollandaise sauce over the egg and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Eggs Benedict immediately, enjoying each bite of this deliciously indulgent breakfast treat!

Pro Tips for the Best Eggs Benedict

• Don’t Overcook the Poached Eggs: The key to a perfect Eggs Benedict is the runny yolk, so make sure you don’t overcook your eggs. If you’re unsure, remove the eggs after 3-4 minutes and gently tap to check for doneness.
• Use Fresh Eggs: Fresh eggs hold together better during poaching and give the dish a more satisfying texture.
• Keep the Hollandaise Warm: Hollandaise sauce can be tricky to keep warm, so try placing it in a thermos or over a double boiler on low heat to prevent it from solidifying before serving.
• Make it in Stages: If you’re cooking for a crowd, you can prepare the components ahead of time (toast the muffins, poach the eggs, and make the sauce) and assemble everything just before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Eggs: The hallmark of a perfect Eggs Benedict is a soft, runny yolk. Make sure to remove the eggs from the water as soon as the whites are set and the yolk is still soft.
• Not Using a Double Boiler for the Hollandaise: Hollandaise sauce can easily separate or curdle if it gets too hot, so use a double boiler or a bowl over simmering water to keep the temperature low and consistent.
• Not Whisking the Sauce Constantly: You need to keep whisking the Hollandaise sauce constantly to ensure it thickens properly and doesn’t turn into scrambled eggs.

Serving Suggestions

Eggs Benedict is already a complete breakfast, but here are some great side options to round out your meal:

• Roasted Potatoes: Crispy, seasoned roasted potatoes pair perfectly with the rich eggs and Hollandaise sauce.
• Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh berries or a citrus salad adds a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
• Vegetarian Add-Ins: For a lighter or vegetarian version, swap out the ham for sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or avocado slices for a unique twist on the classic.

Creative Presentation Ideas

• Serve on a Platter: If you’re hosting a brunch, serve your Eggs Benedict on a large platter with all the components laid out, and let your guests assemble their own.
• Garnish with Microgreens: For a refined, elegant touch, garnish the top of each Egg Benedict with fresh microgreens or edible flowers.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

• Salmon: For a twist on the classic, substitute the ham with smoked salmon for a Salmon Eggs Benedict.
• Avocado: Add slices of avocado between the English muffin and egg for a creamy, healthy upgrade.
• Spicy Hollandaise: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or chipotle powder to the Hollandaise sauce for a smoky, spicy flavor.

Save

How to Store and Reheat

Eggs Benedict is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the components separately. Refrigerate the poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce (separately) for up to 1-2 days. To reheat, warm the Hollandaise sauce over a double boiler and reheat the eggs by gently warming them in hot water for a couple of minutes.

Make-Ahead Tips

To save time, you can make the Hollandaise sauce and toast the English muffins ahead of time. Poach the eggs just before serving to keep them at the perfect temperature and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Eggs Benedict ahead of time?
While Eggs Benedict is best served fresh, you can prepare the Hollandaise sauce and poach the eggs a few hours ahead of time. Just reheat the eggs in hot water before serving.

Can I make the sauce without butter?
Yes, you can make a lighter Hollandaise sauce using Greek yogurt or avocado for a healthier version of the classic sauce.

What other variations can I make?
You can swap the ham for bacon, smoked salmon, or even sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian Eggs Benedict.

Final Thoughts: Why Eggs Benedict Is a Keeper

This Eggs Benedict recipe is the perfect combination of indulgence and sophistication. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a luxurious breakfast, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. With homemade Hollandaise sauce, perfectly poached eggs, and savory ham, it’s the ultimate breakfast treat.

Print