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Classic Eggs Benedict Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Overview:
Eggs Benedict is a classic brunch dish that combines poached eggs, Canadian bacon, and creamy hollandaise sauce atop a toasted English muffin. With a delicate balance of flavors and textures, it’s a favorite among brunch enthusiasts for good reason. Originating from New York City, this dish is both refined and versatile, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality breakfast at home.
Classic Eggs Benedict
Description
This Classic Eggs Benedict recipe brings a gourmet brunch favorite to your home kitchen. With buttery hollandaise sauce, savory Canadian bacon, and perfectly poached eggs atop toasted English muffins, it’s a delicious combination of creamy, tangy, and smoky flavors. Impress family or guests with this restaurant-quality dish that’s easier to make than it looks!
Ingredients
For the Hollandaise Sauce:
- 2 sticks unsalted butter
- 3 large egg yolks
- 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 pinches of cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt
For the Eggs Benedict:
- 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
- 8 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for spreading
- 8 slices Canadian bacon
- 4 English muffins, split
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Hollandaise Sauce:
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it’s clear and foamy. Separate the clarified butter by discarding the milk solids.
- In a stainless-steel bowl, combine egg yolks, water, and lemon juice. Place the bowl over a pot with steaming water (bowl shouldn’t touch the water) and whisk constantly until the mixture thickens and turns pale yellow.
- Gradually add the clarified butter, whisking continuously to create a smooth sauce. Add more lemon juice, cayenne, and salt to taste. If it’s too thick, add warm water a tablespoon at a time to reach the desired consistency.
- Poach the Eggs:
- Heat water and vinegar in a wide pot until it steams with gentle bubbles. Crack each egg into a small bowl and gently slide them into the water one at a time, ensuring they’re spaced out.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until the whites are set but yolks are still soft. Transfer the eggs to a towel-lined plate to drain and pat dry.
- Assemble the Eggs Benedict:
- Melt the butter in a skillet and brown the Canadian bacon on both sides. Toast the English muffins and spread them with butter.
- Place a slice of Canadian bacon on each English muffin half, followed by a poached egg. Drizzle with hollandaise sauce and garnish with chopped chives.
The Art of Making Classic Eggs Benedict
Title: Bringing Brunch Home: How to Make Classic Eggs Benedict
Eggs Benedict is a classic American dish often enjoyed as a luxurious brunch option. Its origin story adds to its charm, believed to have been created in the late 19th century at Delmonico’s in New York City. This dish has become iconic for its combination of textures—crispy English muffin, savory Canadian bacon, creamy hollandaise, and the soft, runny yolk of a perfectly poached egg.
The beauty of Eggs Benedict lies in its layers, each component enhancing the other. While it may seem like a complex dish, the recipe is straightforward and doable at home. With a few techniques and a bit of patience, you can create a restaurant-quality brunch without stepping out of your kitchen.
Why Eggs Benedict is Worth the Effort:
- Elevated Brunch at Home: Making your own Eggs Benedict means you can control the ingredients and customize the flavors. Add herbs to your hollandaise, or switch out the Canadian bacon for smoked salmon or even spinach for a Florentine twist.
- Perfecting the Poached Egg: Poaching eggs can be intimidating, but with the vinegar technique and a little practice, you’ll get consistent results every time. A soft yolk elevates the dish, blending with the hollandaise for a creamy, luxurious experience.
- Mastering Hollandaise Sauce: Hollandaise is a simple emulsion of butter and egg yolks, with a hint of lemon. It requires constant whisking and a steady hand, but the result is a silky, buttery sauce that’s worth the effort.
Fun Facts About Eggs Benedict:
- Debate on Origin: Though most credit Delmonico’s, another story claims it was created at the Waldorf Hotel for a hungover customer named Lemuel Benedict who requested “buttered toast, poached eggs, crisp bacon, and hollandaise.”
- Versatile Variations: Beyond the classic, Eggs Benedict has inspired variations like Eggs Florentine (with spinach), Eggs Royale (with smoked salmon), and even crab or avocado variations.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Traditionally a brunch item, Eggs Benedict can work as a savory breakfast, light lunch, or indulgent dinner.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this classic Eggs Benedict recipe will impress. Gather the ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the satisfaction of making a timeless brunch favorite.
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