Easy Eggs Benedict: Your Ultimate Brunch Game-Changer

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Antoni Recipes Team

After a long week of busy schedules and fast food runs, I found myself yearning for a breakfast that felt both indulgent and satisfying. That s when I decided it was time to bring a classic brunch favorite into my kitchen: Eggs Benedict. Imagine the delightful combination of perfectly poached eggs, crispy Canadian bacon, and a rich, velvety hollandaise sauce, all lovingly perched atop toasted English muffins. The warm aroma wafting through my home as I prepared this dish was exactly the comfort I needed.

What s even better? You can achieve this restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for a leisurely weekend brunch or an impressive surprise for guests. Grab your immersion blender for a quick hollandaise that feels like a gourmet reward. Trust me, one bite of this heavenly assembly will have you forgetting all about those takeout menus! Let s dive into this scrumptious recipe that s easy enough for any home cook, yet fancy enough to impress.

Why is Eggs Benedict a Must-Try?

Indulgent Flavor: The blend of runny yolks, crispy bacon, and silky hollandaise creates an unforgettable taste experience.
Quick Preparation: With the help of an immersion blender, you can whip up this classic dish in just 30 minutes.
Versatile Options: Swap Canadian bacon for smoked salmon or sautéed spinach to customize your brunch.
Impressive Presentation: Serve this dish to guests for a charming brunch centerpiece that looks as good as it tastes.
Feel-Good Comfort: Perfect for those weekends when you want to treat yourself without the hassle of dining out!

Eggs Benedict Ingredients

For the Hollandaise Sauce

• Large Egg Yolks Essential for hollandaise, providing richness. Use fresh, high-quality yolks for best flavor.
• Fresh Lemon Juice Adds brightness and acidity to hollandaise. Always use fresh, not bottled, for optimal flavor.
• Kosher Salt Enhances flavors in both hollandaise and poached eggs. Adjust to taste, but don t omit.
• Unsalted Butter Provides creaminess to hollandaise. Melted butter should be added gradually to avoid curdling.

For the Poached Eggs

• Large Eggs Core ingredient for poached eggs, providing protein and texture. Use high-quality eggs for maximum freshness.

For the Assembly

• Canadian Bacon Traditional choice for protein in Eggs Benedict. Can be substituted with regular bacon or smoked salmon for variety.
• English Muffins Serve as the base for the dish, offering a chewy texture. To elevate flavor, toast them in leftover bacon fat if desired.
• Sliced Fresh Chives Optional garnish for added freshness and color. Can be replaced with green onions if chives are unavailable.

How to Make Eggs Benedict

1. Prepare Hollandaise: In your immersion blender cup, combine the egg yolks, lemon juice, kosher salt, and a splash of water. Blend until frothy, then gradually add melted butter while blending until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

2. Poach Eggs: Fill a skillet with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Create a whirlpool with a spoon, then gently lower in the eggs using a small bowl. Cook until the whites are set, and the yolks have a slight jiggle.

3. Crisp Bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the Canadian bacon until it s nicely browned and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Toast Muffins: Toast English muffins using a toaster or in the skillet used for bacon until golden brown and slightly crispy.

5. Assemble: On each toasted English muffin half, layer with crispy Canadian bacon, add a poached egg on top, drizzle with the hollandaise sauce, and garnish with fresh chives.

Optional: Add a sprinkle of paprika for an extra touch of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Eggs Benedict are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time on busy mornings! You can prepare the hollandaise sauce up to 2 days in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its creamy texture. Additionally, you can cook the Canadian bacon and poach the eggs up to 24 hours ahead of time. Simply refrigerate them and reheat gently before serving to prevent overcooking. For an effortless assembly, toast the English muffins just before serving, layering them with the reheated bacon and eggs, and finishing with that luxurious hollandaise sauce. This way, you ll enjoy a restaurant-quality brunch with minimal last-minute effort!

Expert Tips for Eggs Benedict

• Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh egg yolks and lemon juice for hollandaise; they ensure the best flavor and texture, making your Eggs Benedict shine.
• Control the Heat: Keep the water at a gentle simmer when poaching eggs. Boiling water can make the whites tough and rubbery instead of tender.
• Slow Butter Addition: When making hollandaise, pour in the melted butter slowly while blending. This prevents curdling and helps achieve a velvety consistency.
• Egg Cracking Technique: Crack your eggs into separate bowls before lowering them into the water. This way, you can avoid any shell fragments and poach eggs perfectly.
• Alternative Toppings: Feel free to swap Canadian bacon for smoked salmon, sautéed spinach, or even avocado to add variety to your Eggs Benedict experience.

What to Serve with Eggs Benedict?

Elevate your brunch experience with delightful accompaniments that balance the rich flavors of this classic dish.

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful medley of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing sweetness that cleanses the palate between bites. This contrast brightens each mouthful of creamy Eggs Benedict.

• Crispy Hash Browns: Golden-brown, crunchy hash browns bring a satisfying texture and mild flavor, complementing the richness of the hollandaise. They can easily soak up any leftover sauce, adding to the indulgence.

• Light Green Salad: A simple arugula or spinach salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette provides a crisp, refreshing element that lightens the meal while adding a peppery flavor. Texture and taste come together beautifully.

• Savory Smoked Salmon: Instead of traditional Canadian bacon, smoked salmon offers a luxurious twist with its delicate flavor and silky texture. Top your Eggs Benedict for a gourmet take that feels like a special treat.

• Warm, Flaky Croissants: Buttery, flaky croissants take the meal to a whole new level of brunch elegance. Their lightness complements the richness of the eggs and hollandaise, providing an irresistible interplay of textures.

• Sparkling Mimosa: Start the meal with a refreshing mimosa made from chilled sparkling wine and fresh orange juice. This effervescent drink enhances the brunch experience with a delightful, zesty note.

• Coffee or Tea: A hot cup of coffee or your favorite herbal tea rounds out the meal, warming you from the inside out. It s the perfect partner to keep you cozy as you savor your Eggs Benedict.

• Miniature Desserts: Sweet bites like fruit tarts or macarons can come as a lovely finish to the savory indulgence of Eggs Benedict. They re light and satisfy the sweet tooth after a hearty brunch.

Storage Tips for Eggs Benedict

• Room Temperature: Eggs Benedict is best enjoyed fresh, serving immediately after assembly to maintain its delightful textures.
• Fridge: Store any leftover hollandaise sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat and whisk to restore creaminess.
• Freezer: It s not recommended to freeze complete Eggs Benedict due to the texture changes in poached eggs; however, hollandaise can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: If you have leftover poached eggs, gently reheat them in simmering water for about 3 minutes to warm through without cooking further.

Eggs Benedict Variations

Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize this delightful dish to suit your tastes and dietary needs!

• Vegetarian Delight: Substitute Canadian bacon with fresh sautéed spinach or your favorite veggies for a plant-based twist.
• Smoky Salmon: Swap in smoked salmon for a richer, ocean-inspired flavor that pairs beautifully with the hollandaise sauce.
• Herbed Hollandaise: Add fresh herbs like dill or tarragon to your hollandaise for an aromatic boost that s fragrant and tasty.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce into the hollandaise to fire things up!
• Avocado Bliss: Replace the bacon with creamy avocado slices for a healthful, satisfying alternative that won t skimp on flavor.
• Brioche Base: Switch English muffins for toasted brioche for a sweeter, softer base that adds a touch of luxury to your brunch.
• Egg White Alternative: For a lighter option, try using egg whites instead of whole eggs for poaching; simply whisk whisked egg whites till frothy.
• Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle some grated cheese, like Gruyère or feta, over the eggs and hollandaise for an indulgent cheesy delight.

Eggs Benedict Recipe FAQs

Can I use any type of eggs for poaching?
Absolutely! While large eggs are the go-to for poaching in Eggs Benedict, you can use medium or extra-large eggs if that s what you have on hand. Just be aware that the cooking time might vary slightly, with smaller eggs cooking a bit quicker than larger ones.

How should I store leftovers?
Eggs Benedict is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the hollandaise sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Gently reheat it on low heat and whisk to restore its silky texture. The poached eggs can be kept for about 1 day in the fridge, reheating in simmering water for 3 minutes before serving.

Can I freeze hollandaise sauce?
You can freeze hollandaise sauce! Pour it into an airtight container, allowing a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to a month. When you re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on low heat, whisking until it regains its creamy consistency.

What should I do if my hollandaise sauce curdles?
If your hollandaise curdles, don t panic! Simply transfer it to a blender, and blend in a tablespoon of warm water gradually. This can help bring everything back together to a smooth sauce. If it s too thick, add more warm water until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I make Eggs Benedict vegetarian-friendly?
Very! You can easily make Eggs Benedict vegetarian by substituting the Canadian bacon with sautéed spinach, avocado slices, or smoked salmon for a pescatarian option. You might also experiment with flavored hollandaise, such as adding fresh herbs like basil or dill to elevate the dish even further.