Classic Eggs Benedict with Blender Hollandaise
Toasted English muffin halves topped with seared Canadian bacon, gently poached farm-fresh eggs with molten runny yolks, and velvety, warm lemon-butter hollandaise.
Eggs Benedict is the undisputed crown jewel of weekend brunch: crunchy toasted English muffins, salty seared Canadian bacon, tender poached eggs with molten liquid golden yolks, and a luxurious drape of warm, buttery hollandaise sauce.
The intimidation surrounding hollandaise disappears with the modern blender technique: streaming bubbling-hot melted butter into egg yolks, lemon juice, and Dijon creates an unbreakable, velvety emulsion in sixty seconds.
Straining excess watery egg white through a fine-mesh sieve before poaching ensures round, tear-drop eggs with zero ragged white tendrils.
Why This Method Works
Fine-Mesh Sieve Straining
Raw eggs contain a watery outer white and a firm inner white. Straining away the watery white guarantees neat, restaurant-shaped poached eggs.
Hot Butter Blender Hollandaise
Streaming 190°F (88°C) melted butter into blender blades gently cooks the egg yolks while rapidly shearing fat into an unbreakable emulsion.
Gentle Water Poaching (180°F / 82°C)
Poaching in barely simmering water (never a violent rolling boil) keeps the egg whites tender and the yolk molten.
Ingredient Notes & Regional Substitutions
Farm-Fresh Eggs
Fresh eggs have tighter albumen (whites) that hold their shape in water.
Regional naming: Large free-range eggs.
Substitutions: Grade AA large eggs.
Canadian Bacon
Lean, cured round pork loin ham.
Regional naming: Back bacon in the UK; leg ham in Australia.
Substitutions: Thick-cut smoked ham or crispy bacon.
English Muffins
Fork-split English muffins for maximum nooks and crannies to catch runny egg yolk.
Regional naming: English muffins.
Substitutions: Toasted brioche rounds or sourdough.
Classic Eggs Benedict with Blender Hollandaise
Ingredients
- 8 large fresh eggs (for poaching)
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar (for poaching water)
- 4 English muffins, split with a fork
- 8 slices Canadian bacon (or thick-cut ham)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for searing bacon)
- 3 large egg yolks, room temperature (for hollandaise)
- 1.5 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted until bubbling hot
- Finely chopped fresh chives or smoked paprika, for garnish
Instructions
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Make the Blender Hollandaise
In a blender or food processor, combine 3 egg yolks, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and cayenne. Blend on medium speed for 10 seconds until pale and frothy. With the blender running on low, slowly drizzle in the bubbling-hot melted butter in a thin, continuous stream until thick and creamy. Transfer to a small thermos or keep warm in a water bath.
Texture Cue Glossy, buttery, pale yellow sauce that gently coats a spoon. -
Sear the Bacon & Toast Muffins
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear Canadian bacon slices for 1.5 minutes per side until lightly browned and warmed through. Toast English muffin halves until crisp and deeply golden.
Visual Cue Bacon is lightly browned; muffins are crunchy with dark golden ridges. -
Prepare the Poaching Water
Fill a wide, deep skillet or Dutch oven with 3 inches of water. Add 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat until small bubbles form at the bottom (180°F / 82°C; do not let it boil violently).
Visual Cue Gentle steaming water with pinprick bubbles on the bottom. -
Strain and Poach the Eggs
Crack one egg into a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl to drain away watery white. Gently transfer egg to a small ramekin. Create a gentle whirlpool in the simmering water with a spoon. Slip egg into the center of the swirl. Repeat with remaining eggs (poach 4 at a time). Poach undisturbed for 3 to 3.5 minutes.
Texture Cue Whites are firm and opaque, while yolk remains soft and pillowy when touched. -
Drain Eggs on Towel
Use a slotted spoon to lift each poached egg from the water. Dab the bottom of the spoon briefly on a folded paper towel to remove excess water.
Visual Cue Clean, plump poached eggs with no dripping water. -
Assemble and Serve
Arrange toasted English muffin halves on plates. Top each with a slice of warm Canadian bacon and a poached egg. Spoon generous warm hollandaise over each egg. Garnish with chopped fresh chives and a dusting of cayenne or paprika.
Visual Cue Velvety yellow hollandaise cascading over round poached eggs.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calculated using USDA ingredient data estimates; actual values will vary depending on specific brands.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Recipe Variations
Eggs Royale (Smoked Salmon)
Swap the Canadian bacon for silky ribbons of smoked salmon and fresh dill.
Eggs Florentine (Spinach)
Replace the meat with a mound of sautéed garlic butter baby spinach.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crispy breakfast skillet home fries or roasted asparagus spears.
- Pair with freshly squeezed orange juice, mimosas, or rich drip coffee.
Storage, Reheating & Freezing Guidance
Refrigeration: Best assembled and enjoyed fresh. Poached eggs can be stored in cold water in the fridge for 24 hours and warmed in hot water for 1 minute.
Freezing: Freezing is not possible.
Reheating: Reheat hollandaise very gently over a warm water bath (bain-marie) with a splash of warm water.