Eggs Benedict is one of the most iconic and luxurious brunch dishes, a staple on breakfast menus around the world. It’s a dish that brings together poached eggs, Canadian bacon (or other meats), English muffins, and the creamy richness of hollandaise sauce, all working in perfect harmony. Whether you’re at a fancy restaurant or making it in your own kitchen, Eggs Benedict is the ultimate indulgence for any breakfast or brunch lover.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of this beloved dish, walk you through a step-by-step recipe, and discuss some popular variations you can try at home. So, grab your apron and prepare to master Eggs Benedict!
A Brief History of Eggs Benedict
The origin of Eggs Benedict is a topic of debate and legend, but two main stories stand out.
- The Delmonico’s Legend: One of the earliest claims comes from Delmonico’s, a renowned New York City restaurant. In the 1860s, a customer named Mrs. LeGrand Benedict reportedly grew tired of the regular menu items and asked Chef Charles Ranhofer to prepare something new. The chef responded with a dish of poached eggs on toasted English muffins, topped with ham and hollandaise sauce. Chef Ranhofer is even credited with including the recipe in his 1894 cookbook, The Epicurean, cementing his claim to the invention.
- The Waldorf Story: Another popular version attributes the creation of Eggs Benedict to Lemuel Benedict, a Wall Street broker. The story goes that in 1894, Benedict, recovering from a hangover, wandered into the Waldorf Hotel and requested “buttered toast, poached eggs, crispy bacon, and a hooker of hollandaise.” Oscar Tschirky, the maître d’hôtel, was so impressed that he put the dish on the hotel’s breakfast menu, replacing the toast with an English muffin and the bacon with ham or Canadian bacon.
Though we may never know the true origin, one thing is certain: Eggs Benedict has become an enduring favorite.
Classic Eggs Benedict Recipe
If you’ve never made Eggs Benedict at home, it may seem like a complex dish, but with some patience and practice, you can master it! Below is a step-by-step recipe for classic Eggs Benedict, with tips to help you along the way.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the hollandaise sauce:
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A dash of cayenne pepper (optional)
For the rest of the dish:
- 4 English muffins, split and toasted
- 8 slices of Canadian bacon (or ham)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar (for poaching eggs)
- Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Make the Hollandaise Sauce
Start by preparing the hollandaise sauce. It’s the most delicate part of the dish and should be made just before serving.
- Place the egg yolks and lemon juice in a heatproof bowl or the top part of a double boiler.
- Whisk them together vigorously until they thicken slightly.
- Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
- Slowly drizzle the melted butter into the egg yolks while continuing to whisk. The mixture should thicken into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Remove from heat, and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne if using. Keep the sauce warm by placing it in a bowl over lukewarm water.
2. Toast the English Muffins and Cook the Canadian Bacon
- While preparing the hollandaise, you can also cook the Canadian bacon. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly sear the bacon slices until they are just warmed through and slightly crispy around the edges.
- Split and toast the English muffins until golden brown.
3. Poach the Eggs
- In a medium saucepan, bring about 3 inches of water to a gentle simmer. Add the white vinegar (this helps the egg whites hold together).
- Crack each egg into a small bowl or ramekin, and carefully slide it into the simmering water. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain soft and runny.
- Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove each egg and transfer it to a paper towel to drain.
4. Assemble the Eggs Benedict
- Place two halves of toasted English muffins on each plate.
- Top each muffin half with a slice of Canadian bacon.
- Carefully place a poached egg on top of each bacon slice.
- Spoon the warm hollandaise sauce generously over the eggs.
- Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Voilà! You have a classic Eggs Benedict ready to enjoy.
Variations on Eggs Benedict
One of the best things about Eggs Benedict is its versatility. While the traditional recipe features Canadian bacon, there are countless variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few popular spins on this classic dish:
1. Eggs Florentine
Eggs Florentine is a vegetarian version of Eggs Benedict. Instead of Canadian bacon, it uses sautéed spinach, often mixed with garlic or shallots, as the base. It’s a fantastic option if you want something lighter or more nutritious.
2. Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict (Eggs Royale)
This variation swaps out the Canadian bacon for smoked salmon. Eggs Royale is particularly popular among seafood lovers, and the smoked salmon pairs beautifully with the creamy hollandaise sauce. Capers and red onions are sometimes added for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Crab Cake Eggs Benedict
For a more decadent version, try replacing the Canadian bacon with crab cakes. This luxurious twist adds a seafood element that is both rich and satisfying. You can also substitute shrimp or lobster if you’re feeling adventurous.
4. Southern Benedict
The Southern Benedict replaces the English muffin with a biscuit and swaps the Canadian bacon for country ham or sausage. It’s topped with hollandaise sauce and often a dash of hot sauce for some extra Southern flair.
5. Avocado Eggs Benedict
Avocado lovers, rejoice! In this healthier version, mashed avocado takes the place of Canadian bacon, adding creaminess and heart-healthy fats. It’s often paired with a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick.
6. Eggs Blackstone
Eggs Blackstone is a bacon lover’s dream. In this variation, crispy strips of bacon replace Canadian bacon, and the dish is often served with grilled tomatoes for added flavor.
7. Vegan Eggs Benedict
If you follow a plant-based diet, you can still enjoy Eggs Benedict! There are many vegan versions that use tofu or tempeh in place of the poached eggs and vegan hollandaise sauce made from cashews, nutritional yeast, or silken tofu. You can also replace the Canadian bacon with vegan bacon or avocado.
Tips for Perfect Eggs Benedict
Mastering Eggs Benedict can take some practice, but these tips will help you along the way:
- Use fresh eggs for poaching, as fresh eggs hold their shape better in the water.
- Keep the water at a gentle simmer for poaching eggs. If the water boils, the eggs will overcook and become tough.
- Hollandaise sauce can be tricky, so if it starts to break or become too thick, whisk in a little warm water to bring it back to the right consistency.
- Assemble quickly and serve immediately to keep everything warm and the textures just right.
Final Thoughts
Eggs Benedict is a timeless dish, beloved by food enthusiasts around the globe. Whether you prefer the classic version or one of the countless variations, this dish is sure to impress at any breakfast or brunch. With its rich history, luxurious flavors, and endless possibilities for customization, Eggs Benedict is truly a must-try.
So, why not give it a go this weekend? With a little practice, you’ll be creating restaurant-worthy Eggs Benedict from the comfort of your own kitchen!