Eggs Benedict Recipe

Eggs Benedict is the brunch superhero! A toasted English muffin, layered with warm ham, a perfectly poached egg, and silky Hollandaise sauce, it’s everything you want to kick off a special morning. Whether it’s Sunday brunch at home or a way to impress someone with your “fancy breakfast” skills, this dish is bound to shine. Plus, it’s easier to put together than you’d think, and totally worth every step. Ready to channel your inner breakfast chef?

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About The Eggs Benedict Recipe

Eggs Benedict has been a brunch staple for decades. It’s believed to have started in New York City as a way for chefs to get creative with simple breakfast ingredients. The beauty of this dish lies in its combination of textures and flavors. You’ve got the crunch from the English muffin, the saltiness of ham (or whatever topping you choose), the gooey poached egg, and the buttery richness of Hollandaise sauce. It’s comfort food at its fanciest! At BellRecipes, we think everyone should have a go-to dish that’s both impressive and comforting, and this one ticks all the boxes. From experimenting with toppings to mastering the art of poached eggs, there’s a lot of fun to be had in making Eggs Benedict. Plus, isn’t it cool to serve something that sounds so fancy? No more brunch reservations needed!

Why You’ll Love Eggs Benedict Recipe

  • Perfect for a fancy brunch at home!
  • Classic combination of warm, crispy, and creamy textures.
  • Can be customized with various ingredients like smoked salmon or spinach.
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients like butter, eggs, and lemon juice.
  • Step-by-step instructions that even beginners can follow.
  • Rich in protein and healthy fats for a satisfying meal.

Key Ingredients for Eggs Benedict

  • English Muffins – No muffins? Use toasted bagels or sliced sourdough.
  • Ham – Canadian bacon or smoked salmon makes a great alternative!
  • Large Eggs – Go for fresh eggs for the best poaching results.
  • Unsalted Butter – Regular butter works, but unsalted lets you control the flavor.
  • Lemon Juice – If not fresh, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
  • Cayenne Pepper – Optional, but it adds a warm spice kick to the Hollandaise.

How to Make the Eggs Benedict Recipe (Step-by-Step)

  • Prep muffins and ham

    Toast your English muffin halves until golden brown. Warm each slice of ham in a skillet over medium heat just until slightly browned.

  • Poach eggs

    In a saucepan, bring water and white vinegar to a gentle simmer. Crack each egg into a small cup, and slide it carefully into the water. Let them poach for 3-4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the eggs and set them aside.

  • Make Hollandaise

    Whisk together egg yolks, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a heatproof bowl. Place the bowl over simmering water, slowly drizzle in melted butter, and whisk continuously until thickened. Optional: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

  • Assemble

    Place a slice of warmed ham on each English muffin half. Add a poached egg on top, followed by a generous drizzle of Hollandaise sauce. Sprinkle black pepper to taste.

  • Serve

    Best served warm, accompanied by mixed greens or a light fruit salad!

Expert Tips for Success for Eggs Benedict

Use fresh eggs for poaching—they hold their shape better.
Add a splash of vinegar to the poaching water so the whites stay together.
Don’t stop whisking when adding butter to the Hollandaise—it’s key to avoiding separation.
Toast the muffins in advance but keep them warm to save time during assembly.

Variations and Customizations of Eggs Benedict

Swap the ham for smoked salmon to turn this into Eggs Royale. Try sautéed spinach for a veggie-packed Florentine twist. Add your favorite herbs, like dill or parsley, into the Hollandaise for extra freshness. For a spicy kick, use a dash of hot sauce instead of cayenne pepper. Gluten-free? Substitute gluten-free bread for the English muffins. Dairy-free? Experiment with plant-based butter alternatives for the Hollandaise sauce.

Health Benefits of Eggs Benedict Recipe

Eggs Benedict isn’t just tasty but also a decent source of nutrients. Eggs are rich in protein and choline, which are essential for brain health. The Hollandaise has healthy fats, especially if you use quality butter. Add spinach or smoked salmon, and you’re introducing omega-3 fatty acids or iron into the meal. Even with indulgence, the dish can balance protein, carbs, and fats when made with fresh ingredients.

Nutritional Information about Eggs Benedict Recipe

Each serving of Eggs Benedict comes in at around 471 calories. This includes protein-packed eggs (21g), energy-boosting carbohydrates (29g), and satisfying fats (29g). It’s a treat meal that keeps you full and happy. Packed with Vitamin A, calcium, and iron, it’s not just delicious but also adds nutritional value. Note: You can tweak the recipe to be lighter by using fewer ingredients in the Hollandaise.

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Eggs Benedict Recipe

Eggs Benedict is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers: Store the components separately to avoid sogginess. Poached eggs can be stored in cold water and reheated in warm water for about a minute. Hollandaise doesn’t keep well, so try to finish it up fresh, but if needed, reheat it gently by placing the container in warm water while whisking. A quick toast and warm skillet will refresh your English muffins and ham.

Recipe Card of Eggs Benedict

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Melissa Taylor
Eggs Benedict is a classic brunch dish, consisting of poached eggs, ham, and hollandaise sauce atop a toasted English muffin, perfect for a luxurious morning meal.
Eggs Benedict recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Brunch
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 471 kcal

Ingredients list
  

  • 4 English muffins halved
  • 8 slices ham Canadian bacon or back bacon
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper optional
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
Eggs Benedict Recipe recipe ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions
 

  • Begin by toasting the English muffin halves. In a skillet over medium heat, warm and slightly brown the slices of ham.
  • Fill a saucepan with water, add the vinegar, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Crack each egg into a small bowl and gently slide it into the water. Cook each egg for about 3-4 minutes until the whites are set and yolks are still soft. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel.
  • In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Place over a saucepan with simmering water (double boiler) and slowly drizzle in the melted butter while whisking continuously until it becomes thick and creamy. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if desired.
  • Place a slice of ham on each English muffin half. Top with a poached egg and generously spoon over the hollandaise sauce. Season with black pepper to taste.
  • Serve the Eggs Benedict immediately while warm, with a side of mixed greens or fresh fruit for a complete brunch meal.

Notes

For variation, try substituting the ham with smoked salmon or sautéed spinach for a Florentine twist. Adjust the seasoning of your hollandaise sauce according to taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 471kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 21gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 401mgSodium: 1120mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1274IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 3mg
Keyword brunch, eggs benedict, poached eggs
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All Your Questions About Eggs Benedict Recipe

Can I make Hollandaise sauce in advance?

It’s better fresh, but you can make it an hour ahead and keep it warm over a double boiler.

What is the trick to perfect poached eggs?

Fresh eggs and simmering water with vinegar are your best friends here!

Can I use store-bought Hollandaise sauce?

Yes, but making it yourself gives the dish that extra-special homemade touch.

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