There is nothing quite like the rich, buttery delight of the classic Eggs Benedict Recipe to elevate your breakfast or brunch to a whole new level. This beloved dish features perfectly toasted English muffins, savory Canadian bacon or ham, delicately poached eggs, and a luscious hollandaise sauce draped on top—all finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a vibrant, fresh touch. Once you master this recipe, it will become your go-to indulgence for special mornings or whenever you simply crave a sophisticated, comforting meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six open English muffins placed inside a metal baking tray. Each muffin is split in half and laid flat with the textured, porous inside facing up. Some of the muffin halves have a light spread of butter, which appears creamy and slightly melted, contrasting with the pale beige, bumpy surface of the muffins. The tray is clean and sits on a dark green background, but for the prompt, it will be changed to a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Eggs Benedict Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in balancing taste, texture, and presentation, transforming everyday components into something spectacular. From the creamy butter that brings richness, to the fresh herbs that brighten the dish, every item is essential and easy to source.

Salted butter (6 tablespoons): Adds a silky richness and helps in toasting the muffins with a golden crust.
English muffins (6, cut in half): Provide a crisp, slightly chewy base that holds all the toppings perfectly.
Poached eggs (12): The crown jewel of the dish with their silky whites and irresistibly runny yolks.
Hollandaise sauce (1 cup): This creamy, tangy sauce ties everything together with its velvety texture.
Slices of ham or cooked Canadian bacon: Adds a salty, meaty layer that pairs beautifully with the eggs and sauce.
Fresh herbs (¼ cup minced chives, parsley, or dill): A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds freshness, color, and a pop of flavor.

How to Make Eggs Benedict Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Oven

Start by heating your oven to 375°F with a rack positioned in the center. This ensures even heat circulation for perfect toasting of the English muffins, which is a crucial foundation for the dish.

Step 2: Toast the English Muffins

Butter each half of the English muffins generously with about half a tablespoon of salted butter. Place them on a large sheet pan and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. This step creates a deliciously crunchy base that won’t get soggy under the eggs and sauce.

Step 3: Prepare Poached Eggs and Hollandaise Sauce

While the muffins are toasting, it’s time to focus on the star ingredients. Carefully poach your eggs so that the whites are firm but the yolks remain runny and luscious. Heat the hollandaise sauce gently according to your recipe or instructions—it should be warm but not hot to keep its silky consistency.

Step 4: Assemble Your Eggs Benedict Recipe

Arrange the toasted English muffin halves on a large serving platter. Layer each one with a slice of ham or Canadian bacon, then gently place a perfectly poached egg on top. Finally, drizzle the warm hollandaise sauce generously over everything. Don’t forget to sprinkle minced fresh herbs on top to add a burst of freshness and gorgeous color.

How to Serve Eggs Benedict Recipe

The dish shows six eggs Benedict served on a round black plate, placed on a white marble surface. Each portion has a base layer of toasted English muffin with a light brown, slightly crispy texture. On top of the muffins are vibrant green spinach leaves and green asparagus spears, adding freshness and color contrast. Next, there is a slice of browned ham with a slightly crispy edge. Each serving holds a perfectly poached egg with a smooth, white exterior, some showing a runny yellow yolk. The parts are generously covered with creamy light yellow hollandaise sauce, giving a rich silky texture, and sprinkled with finely chopped fresh green chives. Some sauce has dripped on the plate, adding to the inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides a subtle contrast to the richness of the hollandaise. A light dusting of smoked paprika or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten up the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Eggs Benedict pairs wonderfully with crisp, lightly dressed greens or a side of roasted asparagus to balance the richness. Roasted potatoes or a simple fruit salad are also fantastic accompaniments to round out the meal with texture and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to surprise your guests, try serving this Eggs Benedict Recipe on top of wilted spinach or substitute the classic ham with smoked salmon for a unique twist. You can also offer a trio of hollandaise options—classic, herb-infused, and spicy—letting everyone customize their own plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the components separately in airtight containers to preserve texture and flavor. English muffins can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two days, while the ham, eggs, and sauce last about one day best.

Freezing

While eggs Benedict is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze toasted English muffins and cooked ham for future use. Hollandaise sauce and poached eggs don’t freeze well and are best made just before serving to maintain their delicate textures.

Reheating

Reheat English muffins in a toaster or oven to retain their crispiness, gently warm the ham in a skillet, and warm hollandaise sauce over low heat while stirring constantly to avoid separation. Poached eggs are best freshly made, but if reheating, do so gently in a warm water bath to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ham with another protein?

Absolutely! Smoked salmon, sautéed spinach, or even crispy bacon are delicious alternatives that complement the eggs and hollandaise wonderfully.

Is hollandaise sauce difficult to make?

Hollandaise can seem intimidating, but it’s mainly about patience and gentle heat. Using a double boiler and whisking constantly will help you create a smooth, rich sauce. You can also find pre-made hollandaise in some stores to save time.

Can I prepare parts of this Eggs Benedict Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can toast muffins and cook your ham early. Poach eggs and make hollandaise just before serving to ensure everything is warm and fresh. This approach helps streamline the final assembly.

What’s the best way to poach eggs perfectly?

Use fresh eggs, simmer water with a splash of vinegar, and create a gentle whirlpool before sliding in the eggs. Poach just until the whites are set but yolks remain runny, usually 3-4 minutes.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

For a vegan version, consider using plant-based butter and hollandaise sauces made from cashews or aquafaba. Replace eggs with tofu or other substitutes, and choose plant-based proteins to keep the spirit of the dish alive.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about mastering this Eggs Benedict Recipe and serving it to friends or family. It feels luxurious but is surprisingly straightforward, giving you a rewarding cooking experience and a plate packed with flavor and elegance. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you’ll love how this classic brunch favorite can brighten any morning with its perfect balance of rich, savory, and fresh notes.