Classic and Creamy Eggs Benedict Recipe

Ingredients

4 English muffins
8 slices of Canadian bacon
8 large eggs
2 tablespoons of white vinegar
1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
For the Hollandaise sauce:
4 egg yolks
1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Salt to taste
Optional: Freshly chopped parsley for garnish

Steps and instructions

Start by making the Hollandaise sauce. To a blender, add the egg yolks, freshly squeezed lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and salt. Blend until the yolks lighten in color, about 20-30 seconds.
With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the melted butter, a little at a time. The sauce will start to thicken. If it gets too thick, add a few drops of warm water. Keep the sauce warm until ready to use.
Next, poach the eggs. Fill a large saucepan with a few inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Add the vinegar. Crack the eggs into individual bowls or ramekins. Swirl the water in the saucepan and gently slide an egg into the swirling water. Repeat with the remaining eggs. Cook for 3-4 minutes for a runny yolk, or 4-5 minutes for a firmer yolk. Carefully remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
While the eggs are poaching, toast the English muffins to desired doneness and warm the Canadian bacon in a skillet over medium heat.
Once everything is ready, assemble the Eggs Benedict. Spread a little butter onto each half of the English muffins. Top with a slice of Canadian bacon, followed by a poached egg. Drizzle Hollandaise sauce over the top and optionally, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Tools for making

Blender - Needed to make the Hollandaise sauce.
Large saucepan - Used for poaching the eggs.
Slotted spoon - Used to carefully remove the poached eggs from the water.
Skillet - Used to warm the Canadian bacon.
Toaster - Used to toast the English muffins.
Bowls or ramekins - Used to crack and hold the eggs before poaching.

Recipe variations

Replace English muffins with toasted bagels or croissants.
Substitute Canadian bacon with smoked salmon or sautéed spinach for a meat-free option.
Add sliced avocado or tomato as an additional layer.
Try a different type of cheese, such as Swiss or Gouda, instead of the traditional Hollandaise sauce.
Experiment with different herbs or spices to flavor the Hollandaise sauce, like dill or paprika.
Create a "Florentine" version by using a bed of sautéed spinach instead of the Canadian bacon.
For a spicy twist, incorporate a few drops of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper on top.
Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free English muffins or bread.
Include additional toppings like crispy bacon, caramelized onions, or roasted red peppers.
Add a poached shrimp or lobster tail for a luxurious Eggs Benedict variation.

Recipe overview

Eggs Benedict is a classic, indulgent breakfast dish that's perfect for weekends, brunches, or special occasions. Despite its fancy reputation, with a bit of practice, it's entirely manageable to make at home. This recipe breaks down each component of Eggs Benedict: the toasted English muffins, warm Canadian bacon, perfectly poached eggs, and creamy, tangy Hollandaise sauce. With these elements combined, you'll have a delectable dish that's sure to impress. Expect to spend a bit of time on this recipe, but the result is absolutely worth it. Enjoy the process, and more importantly, enjoy your homemade Eggs Benedict!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of bread instead of English muffins? Yes, you can use other types of bread such as brioche, sourdough, or even a bagel as a substitute for English muffins. Just make sure to toast the bread before assembling the Eggs Benedict.
Is it possible to make the Hollandaise sauce in advance? It is not recommended to make the Hollandaise sauce too far in advance, as it is best served fresh. However, you can prepare it a couple of hours ahead and keep it warm in a thermos or a heatproof bowl placed over warm water. Just give it a good whisk before using.
Can I use regular bacon instead of Canadian bacon? While Canadian bacon is the traditional choice for Eggs Benedict, you can use regular bacon if you prefer. Cook the bacon until crispy, and then proceed with the recipe as usual.
How can I make a vegetarian version of Eggs Benedict? To make a vegetarian Eggs Benedict, you can replace the Canadian bacon with sautéed spinach or sliced avocado. You can also try using a vegetarian alternative, such as vegetarian bacon or tofu bacon.
What can I serve as a side dish with Eggs Benedict? Eggs Benedict pairs well with a side of roasted potatoes, hash browns, or a fresh fruit salad. You can also serve it with a side of steamed asparagus or sautéed greens for a complete meal.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing bowls - Used for preparing the Hollandaise sauce and any other mixing needs.
Blender - Essential for blending the ingredients of the Hollandaise sauce until smooth and creamy.
Large saucepan - Used for poaching the eggs in simmering water.
Slotted spoon - Ideal for gently removing the poached eggs from the water without excess liquid.
Skillet - Used for warming the Canadian bacon before assembling the Eggs Benedict.
Toaster - Necessary for toasting the English muffins to the desired level of crispness.
Knife - Helpful for spreading butter onto the English muffins or any other cutting needs.
Optional: Fresh parsley - Can be used for garnishing the finished Eggs Benedict for added visual appeal.

Origin stories

Eggs Benedict, that luxurious brunch staple, has a few origin stories attributed to its inception. One of the most accepted tales takes us back to 1894 New York City. A Wall Street broker named Lemuel Benedict, grappling with a hangover, wandered into the Waldorf Hotel's restaurant seeking a remedy. He ordered "buttered toast, poached eggs, crisp bacon, and a hooker of hollandaise" to soothe his pounding head. The maitre d'hotel, Oscar Tschirky, was so impressed with the unconventional order that he adapted it into the hotel's regular menu, substituting English muffins and Canadian bacon to create the dish we know and love today. So next time you're enjoying your Eggs Benedict, give a nod to Mr. Benedict and his inspired, culinary hangover cure.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.