# Eggs Benedict: The Ultimate Brunch Recipe
Eggs Benedict is a timeless brunch favorite that merges sophistication with comfort, making it perfect for holidays, weekends, or memorable events. This scrumptious recipe showcases smooth hollandaise sauce, savory ham, and delicately poached eggs, all set atop a toasted English muffin. Despite its refined look, Eggs Benedict is surprisingly simple to make, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish.
## What is Eggs Benedict?
Eggs Benedict features a toasted English muffin adorned with a slice of Canadian bacon, a flawlessly poached egg, and a drizzle of luxurious hollandaise sauce. This dish not only looks appealing but also provides a beautiful balance of flavors and textures.
### Key Features:
– **Skill Level**: Easy for beginners, thanks to a simple blender hollandaise sauce and an uncomplicated poaching technique.
– **Ingredient Swaps**: Canadian bacon can be substituted with ham, smoked salmon, or crispy bacon.
– **Time-Saving Tip**: For speedy assembly, consider using pre-made hollandaise sauce or pre-sliced Canadian bacon.
## Ingredient Notes
1. **English Muffins**: Any variety of English muffin performs well. In a pinch, toasted or halved dinner rolls can suffice.
2. **Canadian Bacon**: Options include ham, smoked salmon, or crispy bacon.
3. **Eggs**: Fresher eggs retain their shape better during poaching. Use a slotted spoon to gently lift them from the water.
4. **Hollandaise Sauce**: While store-bought sauce is a convenient option, homemade blender hollandaise offers unmatched flavor and texture.
5. **Variations**: Try variations like incorporating creamy spinach (Eggs Benedict Florentine) or salmon (Eggs Benedict Royale) for a personalized touch.
## The Simplest Hollandaise Sauce
Creating hollandaise sauce is easy and can be accomplished in a blender within minutes. If you prefer to avoid raw egg yolks, you may choose a packet mix or the double boiler method.
### Steps to Prepare Hollandaise:
1. Combine egg yolks, fresh lemon juice, and seasonings in a blender.
2. Blend on low while gradually adding melted butter until the mixture is thick and creamy.
## How to Prepare Eggs Benedict
### Instructions:
1. **Make Hollandaise**: Prepare the hollandaise sauce and set it aside.
2. **Toast Muffins**: Position English muffins and Canadian bacon on a sheet pan and broil until lightly toasted.
3. **Poach Eggs**: Poach the eggs and place them atop each half of the toasted English muffins with Canadian bacon.
4. **Serve**: Season each half and drizzle with hollandaise sauce. Serve promptly.
## Tips for Perfect Eggs Benedict
– Add a teaspoon of vinegar to the poaching water to help the egg whites stay intact.
– To prep in advance, poach eggs beforehand, cool in ice water, and reheat in simmering water for a minute.
– Keep a gentle simmer in the poaching water to prevent ragged egg whites.
– Drain poached eggs on paper towels before adding them to the muffins.
– If hollandaise thickens too much, whisk in a small splash of warm water to adjust the consistency.
## How to Store and Reheat
– Refrigerate poached eggs in cold water for up to two days. Toasted muffins and Canadian bacon can be stored separately for up to four days.
– Reheat poached eggs by placing them in simmering water for 30 to 60 seconds.
– Hollandaise sauce is best enjoyed fresh but can be gently reheated with a splash of warm water if needed.
## Conclusion
Eggs Benedict is a flexible and appetizing brunch choice that can be tailored to accommodate various preferences. Whether you’re serving it for a special event or a leisurely weekend breakfast, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Savor the delightful combination of flavors and the joy of crafting a classic brunch delight!