Eggs Benedict: The Classic Brunch Recipe

My easy eggs benedict recipe makes brunch a breeze! Perfect hollandaise, poached eggs & toasted muffins. Impress your friends with this classic!

June 8, 2025
By Zelia Thorne.
Updated June 7, 2025

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Okay, buckle up buttercups! I’m about to spill the tea on a brunch classic.

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wonder how to become the brunch hero? This eggs benedict recipe is your secret weapon. It's got that tangy hollandaise sauce , perfectly runny eggs, and it just screams "weekend vibes!"

Brief Overview

Eggs Benny. This iconic dish of eggs and hollandaise sauce is thought to have originated in New York City. It's medium difficulty, taking about 35 minutes total. This recipe yields 2 servings.

Main Benefits

Honestly, the best thing is that first bite . this recipe is perfect for weekend brunch or special occasions. what makes this eggs benedict recipe special is our method for foolproof easy hollandaise sauce and perfectly poached eggs.

Craving that creamy, dreamy breakfast? You know, the kind that makes you feel like you're at a fancy hotel?

Eggs Benedict: The Classic Brunch Recipe Recipe Card

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Preparation time:25 Mins

Cooking time:10 Mins

Servings:2 servings

Ingredients:

• For the Hollandaise Sauce:
• 3 large egg yolks, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and kept warm
• For the Poached Eggs:
• 4 large eggs, very fresh
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• Water
• For the Benedict:
• 2 English muffins, split and toasted
• 4 slices Canadian bacon or cooked ham, warmed
• Optional: Fresh chives, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

• Prepare the Hollandaise Sauce: In a heatproof bowl set over a simmering pot of water (double boiler), whisk egg yolks, lemon juice, salt, and cayenne until pale and thickened.
• Emulsify the Hollandaise: Gradually whisk in the melted butter, drop by drop at first, then in a slow, steady stream, until the sauce is thick and smooth. Remove from heat and keep warm.
• Prepare the Poaching Water: Fill a wide saucepan with about 3 inches of water. Add vinegar and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Poach the Eggs: Crack eggs into individual ramekins. Swirl the simmering water to create a vortex. Gently slip the eggs into the water, one at a time.
• Cook the Eggs: Poach for 3-4 minutes for a runny yolk, or longer for a firmer yolk. Use a slotted spoon to remove the eggs and drain on paper towels.
• Warm the Ham: Lightly pan-fry or microwave the Canadian bacon/ham slices until warmed through.
• Assemble the Benedict: Place toasted English muffin halves on plates. Top with warmed ham, poached egg, and generous spoonfuls of hollandaise sauce.
• Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped chives, if desired, and serve immediately. This is an eggs benedict recipe that is sure to impress.

Eggs Benedict: Your Guide to Brunch Bliss

Let’s be real. Eggs Benedict is the king of breakfast brunch recipes , isn’t it? And I'm here to show you it is way easier than you think! Don't be scared of that Hollandaise Sauce !

What You Need to Know

Did you know that some people add a dash of smoked paprika to their hollandaise sauce ? gives it a real kick! you will need about 35 minutes to make this and this will feed two hungry souls.

I think it is time to get cooking.

What ingredients do you need?

• 3 large egg yolks, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup (113g or 4 ounces) unsalted butter, melted and kept warm
• 4 large eggs, very fresh
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 2 English muffins, split and toasted
• 4 slices Canadian bacon or cooked ham, warmed
• Optional: Fresh chives, chopped, for garnish.

Let's Get Saucy: Making the Best Hollandaise Sauce

Okay, so hollandaise sauce gets a bad rap. people think it's super tricky, but it's totally manageable if you follow my tips! i am gonna reveal my secret for easy hollandaise .

Sauce hollandaise is one of the best hollandaise sauce that i have ever tried. when you are starting, using homemade sauce is always better than pre made ones, as it will have all the relish you want.

First up: melt that butter and keep it warm! We want to keep the Easy Hollandaise Sauce as yummy as it can. Trust me on this. Nobody likes cold Hollandaise Sauce.

Poach Those Eggs Like a Pro

Fresh eggs are essential here, folks. seriously. get the freshest ones you can find. the fresher they are, the better they'll hold their shape in the simmering water, you know?.

Also, vinegar in the water? don't skip it! it's key to getting that perfect poached egg shape.

Warm it Up

Pop that Canadian bacon in a pan and give it a little sizzle. Honestly, the smell alone is enough to make my mouth water!

Assembly Time

Alright, now for the fun part! toasted muffin, warm ham, perfectly poached egg, and a generous drizzle of that gorgeous hollandaise sauce .

Oh my gosh! garnish with some fresh chives to make it look extra fancy.

Tips and Tricks for Eggs Benny Perfection

Honestly, patience is key. don't rush the hollandaise sauce . and definitely don't overcook those eggs! a runny yolk is the whole point, right? it is one of the best breakfast dishes .

Don’t be scared, try the eggs benedict recipe and tell me what you think.

Get creative!

Feeling adventurous? Why not swap the ham for wilted spinach ( Florentine Benedict ) or pulled pork ( Benedict Arnold )? The possibilities are endless!

So, there you have it! My guide to nailing the perfect Eggs Benedict. Get in the kitchen and give this eggs benedict recipe a go! Happy brunching!

Okay, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this delicious eggs benedict recipe ! I'm telling you, it's easier than it looks.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Eggs Benny

Right, let’s get down to brass tacks. Here's what you'll need to make this brunch classic. And trust me, even if it sounds a bit cheffy, it's totally doable at home.

Main Ingredients for Eggs Benedict

• Hollandaise:
  • 3 large egg yolks (room temperature is key!)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed, always!)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • 1/2 cup (113g or 4 ounces) unsalted butter, melted.
• Poached Eggs:
  • 4 large eggs (fresh, fresh, fresh!).
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar.
• The Rest:
  • 2 English muffins, split.
  • 4 slices Canadian bacon or cooked ham (about 2 ounces).
  • Optional: Fresh chives.

Quality Check: Go for the best butter you can find. It truly makes a difference to the Hollandaise Sauce . A good quality butter will lend the best hollandaise sauce !

Seasoning Notes for Your Breakfast Dishes

For that classic flavour, don't skimp on the salt and cayenne in the hollandaise. this homemade sauce needs that little kick ! want a flavour enhancer ? a dash of white pepper can elevate the sauce beautifully.

If you don't have lemon juice, white wine vinegar is an easy hollandaise sauce substitute. seriously, just a splash will do.

These essential spice combinations and a great way to take your breakfast brunch recipes to the next level!

Equipment Needed for the Egg Benedict Recipe

You really don't need a load of fancy kit for this eggs benedict recipe .

• Medium saucepan.
• Whisk.
• Mixing bowl.
• Slotted spoon.
• Small skillet.
• Toaster.

Don't have a double boiler? a heatproof bowl over a simmering pot works perfectly! just make sure the bowl isn't touching the water.

Honestly, that's what i use all the time. no shame! if you don't have a skillet, use a pot or frying pan.

Seriously the easier the better, like for easy hollandaise .

Honestly, perfecting the sauce hollandaise is the key. it can be a bit fiddly, but with a bit of practice, you'll be making easy hollandaise sauce like a pro.

And trust me, once you've nailed this eggs benedict recipe , you'll be serving it up every weekend. enjoy!

Alright, let's dive headfirst into making the ultimate eggs benedict recipe , right? honestly, it’s easier than you think. don't be intimidated.

We got this. i remember the first time i tried making hollandaise sauce ... disaster! but with a few tricks, you'll nail it every time.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Your Mate

First things first: Get organised. It's the secret to stress-free cooking. Think of it as your culinary therapy.

• Essential Mise en Place: Get those 3 large egg yolks ready. Measure out your 1 tbsp lemon juice , 1/4 tsp salt , and a pinch of cayenne pepper . Melt 1/2 cup butter and keep it warm. Toast your 2 English muffins and warm your 4 slices of ham or Canadian bacon. It's like having your ingredients ready to go before the show starts.
• Time-Saving Tips: I always crack my eggs into separate ramekins. It just makes slipping them into the water so much easier. Trust me on this.
• Safety First: Hot butter burns. 'Nuff said. Be careful.

Benedict Bootcamp: Step-by-Step to Brunch Bliss

Okay, now for the good stuff. Follow these steps and you'll be Instagramming your perfect Eggs Benedict in no time.

1. Hollandaise Hustle: Whisk the egg yolks , lemon juice , salt , and cayenne in a bowl over simmering water. Aim for 160° F ( 71° C). Honestly, this feels like hard work!
2. Butter Bliss: Slowly, so slowly, whisk in the warm melted butter. Start drop by drop, then a steady stream. Aim for a silky Hollandaise Sauce .
3. Poaching Prep: Get about 3 inches of water simmering with 1 tbsp white vinegar . The vinegar helps the eggs hold their shape.
4. Egg-cellent Entry: Swirl the water, and gently slide each egg in. One at a time. This is where those ramekins come in handy.
5. Poach Perfection: Poach for 3- 4 minutes for a runny yolk. Don't overcook them, or you will be sad.
6. Ham It Up: Warm up your ham. Frying works great.
7. Assemble the Dream: Muffins, ham, poached egg, Hollandaise Sauce . You know, the drill.
8. Garnish & Glory: Sprinkle with chives if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately.

Benedict Brainwaves: Pro Tips

Alright, here's where I spill all my secrets, learned the hard way.

• Freshness is Key: Seriously, use fresh eggs. They poach better.
• Hollandaise SOS: If your Easy Hollandaise breaks, whisk in a tablespoon of ice water. It usually saves it.
• Avoid the Overcook: Watch those eggs closely. Nobody wants a hard-boiled yolk in their Breakfast Dishes .

This breakfast brunch recipes is a show stopper, especially when topped with the best hollandaise sauce . it's a homemade sauce that elevates simple ingredients into something truly special.

Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. add a little relish for a unique twist.

I know what you're thinking: is it worth it? sauce hollandaise , poaching the eggs…honestly, yes. there’s nothing quite like it.

Once you nail this easy hollandaise sauce , this eggs benedict recipe is a brunch game changer. trust me. you won't be disappointed.

Alright, let's talk about those little extras, yeah? i love an eggs benedict recipe , and these notes can make or break it! honestly, it's the difference between "meh" and "omg, where has this been all my life?!" let's dive in.

Recipe Notes: Elevate Your Benedict!

Plating Like a Pro & Serving Suggestions

Listen, food presentation matters. first, always use warm plates! seriously. place each half of your eggs benedict recipe strategically. a sprig of parsley never hurt anyone.

A side of fresh fruit salad adds a lovely brightness. think berries! for drinks, i always suggest a mimosa or a bloody mary.

It’s the brunch move, isn't it? maybe some home fries if you're feeling extra hungry!

Keep it Fresh: Storage Tips

So, hollandaise sauce is at its best when freshly made. but life happens. if you need to store it, fridge is the key.

Place it in an airtight container. it will last up to 24 hours. reheat gently over low heat, whisking constantly.

Freezing isn't ideal. honestly, the texture will change. i don’t recommend it. reheat the ham and english muffins separately to keep them crispy.

Remix Time: Variations

Wanna shake things up? you know? try florentine benedict by swapping the ham for wilted spinach. or go wild with pulled pork for a benedict arnold .

Bbq sauce? yes, please! for my vegetarian mates, grilled asparagus works wonders. it's about using what you love. for easy hollandaise sauce , experiment with different citrus.

It's that simple.

Quick N' Dirty Nutrition Basics

Okay, numbers! each serving is around 700 calories. not exactly diet food, is it? but who cares? it's brunch! you're getting protein (around 30g), plus lots of good fats (about 55g).

Carbs are lower (20g). eggs benedict recipe can be part of a balanced diet, in moderation.

Homemade sauce is often better than store-bought because you control what goes in it. it's important to understand the nutrition profile of sauce hollandaise .

Did you know that eggs are high in choline?

Ultimately, making an eggs benedict recipe is about enjoyment! best hollandaise sauce starts with good butter, and patience. don't be afraid to experiment.

Get creative with your breakfast dishes and breakfast brunch recipes . even with easy hollandaise , you can add a little relish .

It might seem intimidating, but with this guide, you got this! so, go ahead, give it a go. you might just surprise yourself.

Now, go make some amazing brunch!