Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise Sauce

Classic Eggs Benedict is a timeless brunch favorite made with soft, perfectly poached eggs layered over warm Canadian bacon and a toasted English muffin, then finished with a rich and buttery Hollandaise sauce. This classic Eggs Benedict recipe breaks down each step so it’s easy to recreate at home, including helpful tips for making flawless poached eggs and smooth homemade Hollandaise sauce.

The key elements of Eggs Benedict are the poached eggs and the Hollandaise sauce. While Hollandaise often sounds intimidating, it’s actually quite simple to prepare. The sauce uses just five basic ingredients and, with the right technique, comes together into a creamy, foolproof finish that elevates the entire dish.

Eggs Benedict is one of the most popular brunch items on restaurant menus, but it’s surprisingly approachable to make at home. With a little preparation, it can easily become part of a relaxed weekend brunch. The Hollandaise sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days, making assembly quick and stress-free.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Butter (Hollandaise)
Butter is essential for Hollandaise sauce, providing richness, a smooth texture, and the fat needed for proper emulsification.

Eggs (Hollandaise)
Only egg yolks are used for the sauce. The leftover egg whites can be saved for other recipes such as omelets, frittatas, baking, or cocktails. Store separated egg whites in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator and use within four days.

Liquid (Hollandaise)
Fresh lemon juice is the only liquid needed, along with the moisture from the melted butter. No additional liquid should be added, as it may affect the consistency of the sauce.

Meat (Eggs Benedict)
Canadian bacon is the traditional protein used in Eggs Benedict. Lightly searing it before assembling adds extra flavor and warmth.

Bread (Eggs Benedict)
An English muffin is the classic choice, but other breads can be used, including gluten-free options. If substituting, cutting the bread into smaller pieces can make serving easier and more uniform.

With simple ingredients and the right technique, Eggs Benedict is a satisfying and impressive brunch dish that’s well worth making at home.

Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise Sauce

Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise Sauce

Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise Sauce

Classic Eggs Benedict is a timeless brunch favorite made with soft, perfectly poached eggs layered over warm Canadian bacon and a toasted English muffin, then finished with a rich and buttery Hollandaise sauce. This classic Eggs Benedict recipe breaks down each step so it’s easy to recreate at home, including helpful tips for making flawless poached eggs and smooth homemade Hollandaise sauce.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

Hollandaise Sauce:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice about 1/2 lemon
  • 1 tsp sea salt or coarse salt
  • pinch cayenne pepper to taste

Eggs Benedict:

  • 4 English muffins
  • 8 eggs
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar for poaching eggs
  • 8 slices Canadian bacon
  • dill weed, parsley, or chives for garnish

Instructions

Step-By-Step Instructions

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Notes

  • Storing Hollandaise Sauce: Store this homemade sauce in an air-tight glass food storage container. Hollandaise sauce will be good in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • To reheat: I do not recommend using the microwave, because you run a high risk of it overheating quickly. Instead, reheat the sauce slowly in a bottom heavy sauce pot over medium-low heat. Make sure to stir it slowly while it’s reheating.

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