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🇺🇸 USA · Food

Classic Eggs Benedict

25 min
A relaxed effort
🔥 650 kcal
Feast-worthy
🍽 4 servings
Great for the family

By eatmundo · July 5, 2026

Classic Eggs Benedict🇺🇸 USJon Mountjoy · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Eggs Benedict is a quintessential American brunch dish, featuring perfectly poached eggs and savory Canadian bacon (or ham) atop toasted English muffins. It's all generously draped in a rich, velvety Hollandaise sauce, creating a harmonious symphony of textures and flavors that defines brunch luxury.

Ingredients

How to Make It

  • 1

    Toast 2 English muffin halves until golden brown. Place 2 slices of Canadian bacon or ham on each muffin half.

  • 2

    Poach 4 large eggs: Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. Carefully crack eggs into the water and cook for 3-4 minutes until whites are set and yolks are runny.

  • 3

    Prepare Hollandaise sauce: Melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. In a blender, combine 3 egg yolks, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, a pinch of salt and pepper. While blending, slowly drizzle in the melted butter until thick and creamy.

  • 4

    Assemble: Place two muffin halves with ham on a plate. Top each with a poached egg, then generously spoon Hollandaise sauce over them. Garnish with chives or paprika if desired, and serve immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eggs Benedict?+

Eggs Benedict is a United States breakfast dish consisting of an English muffin topped with ham, a poached egg, and hollandaise sauce. It is typically served as a savory brunch item.

What's the best type of ham to use for Classic Eggs Benedict?+

Traditionally, Canadian bacon (back bacon) is preferred due to its lean texture and mild flavor that complements the hollandaise without overpowering it. Thin slices of deli ham are a suitable alternative.

How can I ensure my poached eggs have a perfectly runny yolk with firm whites?+

To achieve a runny yolk and firm whites, gently poach large eggs for 3-4 minutes in simmering water with a splash of vinegar, which helps the whites set quickly.

What's a common mistake when making hollandaise sauce, and how can I fix it if it separates?+

A frequent mistake is adding butter too rapidly or overheating the sauce, causing it to break. To fix it, whisk an extra egg yolk with a teaspoon of cold water, then slowly incorporate the separated sauce.

How should I prepare the English muffins for Classic Eggs Benedict to ensure they hold up well?+

Split and lightly toast the English muffins until golden and crisp. For extra richness and to prevent sogginess, you can also lightly butter and pan-fry them cut-side down.

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