The Easy Eggs Benedict Recipe Everyone Can Master

Lazy weekend mornings beg for a decadent eggs benedict that promises pure comfort.

Crisp english muffins provide the perfect foundation for this classic brunch favorite.

Restaurant-quality dishes aren’t reserved for dining out anymore.

Creamy hollandaise sauce drapes over tender canadian bacon like a warm embrace.

You can craft this elegant meal with surprising ease and confidence.

Each bite delivers rich, luxurious flavors that feel simultaneously indulgent and homemade.

Challenge yourself to master this culinary masterpiece and impress everyone at the breakfast table.

Eggs Benedict FAQ Page

• What makes Hollandaise sauce so special in Eggs Benedict?

Hollandaise is a luxurious, silky sauce made by emulsifying egg yolks with warm butter and lemon juice. Its rich, creamy texture and tangy flavor elevate the entire dish, adding a velvety smoothness that perfectly complements the poached eggs and Canadian bacon.

• Why do I need to add vinegar when poaching eggs?

Vinegar helps the egg whites coagulate quickly and stay together, preventing them from spreading out in the water. This ensures a neat, compact poached egg with a beautifully rounded shape and intact, tender whites.

• Can I use regular bacon instead of Canadian bacon?

While you can substitute, Canadian bacon (which is actually more like ham) provides a leaner, more tender meat that pairs wonderfully with the delicate poached egg. Regular bacon will be crispier and fattier, changing the classic Eggs Benedict experience.

• How difficult is it to make Hollandaise sauce without breaking it?

The key is gentle heat and constant whisking. Use a double boiler to prevent direct high heat, and drizzle butter slowly while whisking continuously. This technique helps create a smooth, stable emulsion that won’t separate or curdle.

Why Eggs Benedict Feels Like Brunch Done Right

• Mastering Elegant Technique: This recipe teaches you sophisticated cooking skills like making hollandaise sauce and perfectly poaching eggs, which elevates home cooking from ordinary to restaurant-quality.
• Quick Weekend Brunch Champion: Eggs Benedict can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it an impressive yet manageable dish for leisurely weekend mornings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable Culinary Canvas: You can easily swap ingredients like using ham instead of Canadian bacon or adding smoked salmon to create different variations, allowing creativity and personal taste preferences to shine through.
• Balanced Breakfast Delight: The combination of protein from eggs and bacon, carbohydrates from English muffins, and rich hollandaise sauce provides a satisfying and nutritionally diverse breakfast that keeps you full and energized.

Everything In Eggs Benedict

• Eggs: Rich, creamy base for poaching that provides luxurious protein and smooth texture. Fresh eggs work best with tight, compact whites.
• Canadian Bacon: Lean, meaty protein with subtle smoky flavor. Look for high-quality, not too thin slices.

• Egg Yolks, Lemon Juice, Butter: Silky, tangy hollandaise sauce that adds richness and brightness. Select high-fat butter for best results.
• Salt, Cayenne: Enhances overall flavor with subtle heat and seasoning. Adjust to personal taste preference.

• English Muffins, Chives/Parsley: Crisp, toasted foundation with optional fresh herb garnish. Choose sturdy, well-textured muffins with good nooks and crannies.
• White Vinegar: Helps egg whites coagulate during poaching, creating neat, compact poached eggs.

How To Make Eggs Benedict

Step 1: Whisk Hollandaise Magic

Create a silky, dreamy sauce by setting up a double boiler. Gently whisk egg yolks and a splash of lemon juice until they transform into a creamy mixture. Slowly stream in warm melted butter, whisking with passion. Keep stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and luxurious. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and a whisper of cayenne for an extra kick. Set aside and keep warm.

Step 2: Toast Muffin Perfection

Split your English muffins and slide them into a toaster or under the broiler. Watch carefully as they turn a gorgeous golden brown, creating crispy edges that will cradle your delicious toppings.

Step 3: Sizzle Canadian Bacon

Heat a skillet over medium flame. Lay down Canadian bacon slices and let them dance in the pan. Cook until they develop a beautiful caramel-brown color and are warmed through to the core.

Step 4: Poach Egg Elegance

• Whites becoming cloud-like
• Yolks staying gloriously runny

Rescue the eggs after 3-4 minutes with a slotted spoon, letting excess water drip away on paper towels.

Step 5: Craft Your Masterpiece

• Place a slice of sizzling Canadian bacon on each toasted muffin half
• Nestle a perfectly poached egg on top
• Drizzle hollandaise sauce in generous waves
• Sprinkle chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color

Serve immediately and bask in breakfast brilliance!

Smart Tips For Eggs Benedict

• Whisk Wisely: Use a gentle, consistent motion when making hollandaise sauce to prevent the eggs from scrambling and ensure a silky, smooth texture.
• Vinegar Trick: Add a splash of white vinegar to the poaching water to help the egg whites coagulate faster and create neater, more compact poached eggs.
• Temperature Control: Keep hollandaise sauce warm but not hot to prevent separation, using gentle heat from the residual warmth of the double boiler.
• Timing is Key: Coordinate the cooking of each component so all elements are ready simultaneously, ensuring the eggs and muffins stay warm and the sauce remains perfect.
• Swap and Adapt: Replace Canadian bacon with smoked salmon, ham, or spinach for different flavor profiles and to accommodate various dietary preferences.

How To Store Eggs Benedict

• Refrigerate leftover Hollandaise sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently in a double boiler, whisking frequently to prevent separation.
• Poached eggs and Canadian bacon stay fresh in the refrigerator for 1-2 days when stored separately in sealed containers.
• Never store assembled Eggs Benedict, as the English muffins will become soggy and lose their crisp texture.
• Discard any components that have been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent foodborne illness.
• When reheating, warm each ingredient separately to maintain quality – toast muffins quickly, warm Canadian bacon in a skillet, and carefully reheat poached eggs in warm water.
• Fresh ingredients are key to the best Eggs Benedict, so it's recommended to prepare this dish just before serving for optimal taste and texture.

Best Pairings With Eggs Benedict

• Elevate Breakfast Beverage: Pair this classic Eggs Benedict with a crisp mimosa or fresh-squeezed orange juice to complement the rich hollandaise sauce and cut through its creamy texture.
• Wine Harmony: Select a light, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the dish's buttery and tangy flavors, creating a sophisticated morning dining experience.
• Flavor-Boosting Side Kick: Add a small mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the decadent eggs benedict, introducing a clean, zesty element to the plate.
• Morning Coffee Match: Choose a strong, smooth espresso or cappuccino to enhance the dish's richness, with the coffee's robust profile perfectly counterbalancing the creamy hollandaise and delicate poached eggs.

New Ideas For Eggs Benedict

• Florentine Fusion: Replace Canadian bacon with sautéed spinach, creating a vegetarian version that packs a nutritious punch with wilted greens and creamy hollandaise.
• Mediterranean Medley: Swap English muffins for toasted ciabatta, add sliced prosciutto, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired breakfast.
• Smoked Salmon Special: Top the English muffin with thin slices of smoked salmon instead of Canadian bacon, adding a luxurious seafood element to the classic dish.
• Southwestern Splash: Introduce crispy chorizo instead of Canadian bacon, garnish with diced jalapeños, and serve with a side of salsa for a spicy southwestern kick.

Eggs Benedict Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Creamy eggs benedict brings brunch dreams to life with Canadian bacon and buttery hollandaise sauce nestled on perfectly toasted English muffins. Luxurious flavors and silky textures promise a restaurant-quality breakfast you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 large eggs
• 4 slices Canadian bacon
• 3 large egg yolks

Bread and Base:

• 2 English muffins, split and toasted

Sauce and Seasonings:

• ½ cup (1 stick / 113 grams) unsalted butter, melted and warm
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Chopped chives or parsley (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Craft the velvety hollandaise by whisking egg yolks and lemon juice in a heatproof bowl positioned over gently simmering water, creating a silky base that gradually transforms as you incorporate warm melted butter with consistent, careful motion.
2. Season the hollandaise with delicate hints of salt and cayenne, adjusting to personal preference, then set aside in a warm location while maintaining its luxurious texture.
3. Prepare the foundation by splitting English muffins and toasting them until they achieve a golden, crisp exterior that provides a perfect textural contrast.
4. In a skillet warmed to medium heat, sear Canadian bacon slices, allowing them to caramelize and develop a rich, appetizing color while heating thoroughly.
5. Create a gentle poaching liquid by filling a saucepan with water and introducing a splash of vinegar to help egg whites coalesce during cooking.
6. Carefully crack each egg into a small bowl, then gently release into the barely bubbling water, allowing them to cook undisturbed for three to four minutes until whites appear opaque and yolks remain delightfully runny.
7. Extract poached eggs with a slotted spoon, briefly resting on paper towels to remove excess moisture.
8. Assemble the dish by layering toasted muffin halves with Canadian bacon, crowned with a perfectly poached egg and generously draped with the luscious hollandaise sauce.
9. Optionally garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley for a vibrant finishing touch, then serve immediately to preserve the optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Preserve hollandaise sauce temperature by keeping it off direct heat, preventing separation and maintaining silky smooth texture.
• Create foolproof poached eggs by using fresh eggs and adding a splash of vinegar to help whites coagulate quickly and neatly.
• Customize Canadian bacon substitutions using ham, prosciutto, or veggie alternatives like grilled portobello mushrooms for dietary preferences.
• Elevate presentation by using a small ramekin or cup when sliding eggs into simmering water, ensuring perfectly shaped poached eggs with pristine whites.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 39 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 300 mg