This classic Eggs Benedict recipe is the ultimate in brunch indulgence and making it at home is easier than you might think!
Love all the components of eggs benny, but not all the work? Try our cheater Eggs Benedict Casserole!
Classic Eggs Benedict Recipe
Eggs Benedict is my absolute favorite breakfast ever and always my first choice when we go out to eat. On occasion I’ve passed it up for something else, which has always ended in regret!
It’s definitely one of those dishes that so many people flock to on a restaurant menu, but feel very intimidated to make for themselves at home. It’s easier than you might think, though.
Making an Eggs Benedict recipe might seem complicated because of the several steps involved, but each one in particular is not difficult. The first time you take a stab at it, just give yourself plenty of time; the second time you’ll know what to expect and it will be super easy!
Fun fact!
Essential Components to Eggs Benedict
There are a lot of fun variations on this classic recipe, but in order to make it the traditional way, you need some specific ingredients.
- Poached Eggs
- Pan-fried Canadian bacon
- Toasted and buttered English muffins
- Hollandaise sauce
- Smoked paprika (optional, but not in my opinion! Ha.)
How to Make Eggs Benedict
Here are the steps to make this Eggs Benedict recipe:
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Make the Poached Eggs – Make your poached eggs and set them aside.
- Toast the English Muffins – Using a toaster, toaster oven, or regular oven, toast the English muffins until crisp, golden brown, and sturdy.
- Cook the Canadian Bacon – Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat and cook 4 slices of the Canadian bacon, flipping once, until heated through and browned in spots, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to a large plate and repeat with the remaining slices.
- Make the Hollandaise Sauce –
- Melt butter in a small pot over medium heat until it’s foamy but not yet beginning to brown, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Place egg yolks and water in a blender. Start blending, and, working very slowly, add the hot, melted butter until it’s all incorporated. (If it starts to get too thick to blend, add 1/2 teaspoon of water.) Add lemon juice, mustard, and cayenne, though feel free to adjust the amounts to taste, and season with salt and pepper. Transfer the hollandaise to a small bowl, and place plastic wrap directly on the surface so it doesn’t form a skin. Set aside. (It will keep at room temperature while you work.)
- Assemble the Benedict –
- Place two muffin halves on a warm plate and butter them generously. Top each with a slice of Canadian bacon, then a poached egg. Spoon hollandaise sauce over and sprinkle with chives, flaky sea salt, and black pepper. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Serve immediately with a small side of home fries or cup of fresh fruit…and swoon!
Recipe Variations
All Eggs Benedict recipes include poached eggs, toasted English muffins, and Hollandaise sauce. It’s the Canadian bacon that often gets replaced for a different delicious spin.
- Seafood Benedict. Substitute the Canadian bacon with crab or salmon for a seafood delight.
- California Benedict. Add a few slices of ripe avocado for a California flair.
- Eggs Florentine. Cooked spinach goes in place of the ham.
- Try it with potato. Replace the Canadian bacon with cooked potato.
Serving Suggestions
With Canadian bacon, eggs, and an English muffin, this is a hearty and filling dish on its own. To round out the meal, you can serve portions with roasted asparagus or oven roasted potatoes. Or a light fruit salad provides a nice balance. And don’t forget the mimosas to wash it all down!
Proper Storage
Eggs Benedict will last in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to store the eggs, hollandaise sauce, and Canadian bacon all separately to prevent it from spoiling. To reheat, place everything in a nonstick skillet over low heat until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the eggs.
More Breakfast Egg Recipes:
- Absolute best Scrambled Eggs
- Hash Brown Avocado Toast
- Huevos Rancheros
- Eggs in Purgatory
- Scotch Eggs
- Just Crack an Egg
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Eggs Benedict
Ingredients
For the Benedict
- 8 large eggs
- 4 English muffins , split in half
- 8 (1/4-inch-thick) rounds of Canadian bacon
- 2 tablespoons salted butter , softened
- pinch of paprika , for garnish (optional)
- diced fresh chives , for garnish (optional)
For the Hollandaise Sauce
- 1 & 1/2 cups unsalted butter
- 6 large egg yolks
- 4 teaspoons water
- 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice , plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon mustard , optional
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne , or a few drops of hot sauce, plus more to taste
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper , to taste
Instructions
- Make the poached eggs; set aside.
- Using a toaster, toaster oven, or regular oven, toast the English muffins until crisp, golden brown, and sturdy. Set aside.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and cook 4 slices of the Canadian bacon, flipping once, until heated through and browned in spots, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to a large plate and repeat with the remaining slices.
- Make the hollandaise: Melt butter in a small pot over medium heat until it’s foamy but not yet beginning to brown, 3 to 4 minutes.Place egg yolks and the water in a blender. Start blending, and, working very slowly, add the hot, melted butter until it’s all incorporated. (If it starts to get too thick to blend, add 1/2 teaspoon of water.) Add lemon juice, mustard, and cayenne, though feel free to adjust the amounts to taste, and season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Benedict: place two muffin halves on a warm plate and butter them generously. Top each with a slice of Canadian bacon, then a poached egg. Spoon hollandaise sauce over and sprinkle with chives, flaky sea salt, and black pepper. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Serve immediately with a small side of home fries or cup of fresh fruit.
Excellent and easier than I ever imagined. I want to eat this hollandaise on everything!