Eggs Benedict Recipe – Classic Brunch Dish with Poached Eggs

Eggs Benedict is a beloved brunch dish that combines the richness of poached eggs, the savory taste of Canadian bacon, and the creamy decadence of hollandaise sauce. With its sophisticated flavors and textures, this dish has earned a permanent spot on breakfast menus worldwide. Whether you’re hosting a brunch gathering or simply craving something indulgent to start your day, this Eggs Benedict recipe will impress.

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Introduction:

Eggs Benedict is one of the most iconic dishes in brunch culture. Originating in the United States, it has evolved into a timeless favorite across the globe. The dish consists of two halves of an English muffin topped with Canadian bacon, a perfectly poached egg, and a generous drizzle of silky hollandaise sauce. This combination of flavors creates a balance between rich, savory, and creamy elements, making it the perfect choice for a leisurely brunch or special occasion.

Though the preparation may seem elaborate at first glance, with a little practice, making Eggs Benedict at home is entirely achievable. In this detailed recipe, we’ll guide you through the process step by step, so you can enjoy this classic dish in the comfort of your kitchen.

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Prep Time:

15 minutes

Active Time:

25 minutes

Resting Time:

None

Total Time:

40 minutes

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Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 560 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 41g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 290mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

Note: Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients used.

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Cuisines:

American, Brunch

Course:

Breakfast, Brunch

Servings:

2 servings

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Equipment Needed:

• A large pot for poaching eggs
• A small saucepan for hollandaise sauce
• A whisk
• A spatula
• A knife
• A spoon
• A griddle or skillet for cooking the bacon
• A toaster or grill to toast the English muffins
• A slotted spoon for poaching eggs

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Ingredients:

For the Hollandaise Sauce:

• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Eggs Benedict:

• 2 English muffins, halved
• 4 slices of Canadian bacon (or substitute with ham)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar (for poaching the eggs)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting the muffins)
• Fresh chives or parsley (optional garnish)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Hollandaise Sauce

1. In a medium heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until smooth and pale in color.
2. Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method), ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Continuously whisk the mixture to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
3. Gradually add the melted butter to the egg mixture, a little bit at a time, while whisking constantly. The sauce should begin to thicken as the butter is incorporated.
4. Once the sauce has reached a creamy consistency, remove it from the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. If needed, you can add more lemon juice for extra acidity.
5. Keep the hollandaise sauce warm by covering it with a lid or a clean towel while you prepare the other components of the dish.

Step 2: Poach the Eggs

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add the white vinegar to the water, which helps the egg whites coagulate and form neatly around the yolk.
2. Crack one egg into a small cup or ramekin. Carefully slide the egg into the simmering water. Repeat with the remaining eggs.
3. Poach the eggs for about 3-4 minutes for soft, runny yolks or longer if you prefer a firmer yolk. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the eggs from the water and set them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess water.

Step 3: Cook the Canadian Bacon

1. While the eggs are poaching, heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Add the Canadian bacon slices and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they are lightly browned and heated through.
2. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Step 4: Toast the English Muffins

1. Toast the halved English muffins until golden brown. You can either toast them in a toaster or on a griddle with a little butter for extra flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the Eggs Benedict

1. Place the toasted muffin halves on a serving plate. Top each muffin half with a slice of Canadian bacon.
2. Gently place a poached egg on top of each bacon-covered muffin half.
3. Spoon a generous amount of the warm hollandaise sauce over the eggs.
4. Garnish with finely chopped chives or parsley for a fresh touch.

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Serving Suggestions:

Eggs Benedict pairs beautifully with a variety of sides such as crispy roasted potatoes, a mixed green salad, or sautéed spinach. You can also serve it with fresh fruit or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice for a well-rounded brunch spread.

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Tips for Perfect Eggs Benedict:

1. Poaching Eggs: Poaching eggs can be tricky, but don’t worry – practice makes perfect! Use the freshest eggs possible to get the best results. The vinegar in the water helps the egg whites coagulate quickly, giving you a neat poached egg with a runny yolk.
2. Making Hollandaise Sauce: Keep the heat low while making the hollandaise sauce to avoid scrambling the eggs. If your sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a few drops of warm water.
3. Alternative Proteins: While Canadian bacon is traditional, feel free to substitute with other proteins like smoked salmon (for a “Smoked Salmon Benedict”), prosciutto, or even sautéed spinach for a vegetarian version.
4. Serving Immediately: Eggs Benedict is best served immediately after assembling. The eggs are most delicious when their yolks are still runny, and the hollandaise sauce is creamy and warm.

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Conclusion:

Eggs Benedict is the epitome of a satisfying brunch. With its layers of toasted muffin, savory bacon, soft poached egg, and velvety hollandaise sauce, it’s no wonder this dish is a favorite. It may seem complex at first, but with a few simple techniques and a little practice, you can master this dish and impress your family and friends. Whether you’re serving it on a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a luxurious breakfast, this Eggs Benedict recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.