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Flavorful Eggs Benedict Four Ways

flavorful eggs benedict - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for Eggs Benedict with four delicious variations, perfect for impressive brunches and family gatherings.

Ingredients

  • English muffins, halved and toasted
  • Unsalted butter, softened and melted
  • Large eggs, fresh (room temperature)
  • White vinegar (optional)
  • Egg yolks (room temperature)
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Canadian bacon or ham slices (for Classic)
  • Thinly sliced smoked salmon (for Smoked Salmon)
  • Fresh baby spinach, minced garlic, pinch of nutmeg (for Spinach Florentine)
  • Ripe avocado slices and vine-ripened cherry tomatoes, halved (for Avocado & Tomato)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Hollandaise Sauce: In a heatproof bowl over gently simmering water, whisk together 3 large egg yolks and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice until thickened and doubled in volume (3-5 minutes). Slowly drizzle in 6 ounces melted unsalted butter while whisking continuously. Season with salt and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Keep warm without overheating.
  2. Poach the Eggs: Bring a large pot of water to a gentle simmer and add 1 tablespoon white vinegar (optional). Crack eggs into small cups. Swirl water gently and slide eggs in one at a time. Poach for 3-4 minutes for runny yolks or 5 minutes for medium. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  3. Toast the English Muffins and Prepare Toppings: Split and toast muffins until golden. Warm Canadian bacon or ham in a skillet. For spinach variation, sauté baby spinach with minced garlic and nutmeg until wilted. Slice avocado and halve cherry tomatoes for fresh topping.
  4. Assemble Your Eggs Benedict: Butter each muffin half lightly. Layer with chosen topping—Canadian bacon, smoked salmon, sautéed spinach, or avocado and tomato. Gently place a poached egg on top and spoon over warm hollandaise sauce.
  5. Serve Immediately: Garnish with chopped chives or paprika if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

If hollandaise sauce thickens too much, whisk in a teaspoon of warm water to loosen. Use fresh eggs for better poaching results. Poach eggs in batches to avoid overcrowding. Keep heat low when making hollandaise to prevent scrambling. Reheat hollandaise gently with a splash of water if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Eggs Benedict, brunch, hollandaise sauce, poached eggs, smoked salmon, spinach florentine, avocado, tomato, Canadian bacon