National Eggs Benedict Day, the JJ way!
Updated: 23 February, 2024
National Eggs Benedict Day, the JJ way!
Updated: 23 February, 2024
Celebrated on 16th April every year is National Eggs Benedict Day. One whole day dedicated to runny golden eggs, a glossy hollandaise sauce, and a classic English muffin. The big question is – ham or bacon?
This staple breakfast or brunch dish is a popular choice on cafe, brasserie and restaurant menus. Although they say not to mess with a classic, there are multiple different variations that have come around since, including Eggs Florentine and Eggs Royale.
Check out our favourites below to whip up on Saturday and celebrate Eggs Benedict Day the right way.
How to poach the perfect egg
First things first, it’s the poached egg that makes or breaks this dish. If you don’t get it right, you could jeapordise the whole thing. Here’s our step-by-step guide:
  • Place a large saucepan of water on to boil
  • Once nearly boiling, turn it down slightly – you want to see lots of small bubbles at the bottom of the pan
  • Add a small dash of white wine vinegar to the pan – this helps the egg to firm up in the water
  • Crack your first egg into a small dish or cup. For this next part you need to work quickly
  • Using a wooden spoon handle, swirl the water into a tight circle to create a whirlpool
  • As soon as you lift the wooden spoon out of the water, drop the egg quickly into the centre of the whirlpool
  • After two minutes, use a slotted spoon to remove your egg from the pan. Place on a sheet of kitchen roll to soak up the excess water
  • Your egg is now ready to assemble your dish
Whip up a hollandaise sauce
  • Melt 125g of butter in a saucepan. Once melted, skim any white solids from the surface and leave on a very low heat to keep warm
  • Place a saucepan of water on to boil and once boiling, reduce to a simmer
  • Place a heatproof bowl over the saucepan – make sure it fits snugly!
  • Crack three egg yolks into the bowl and whisk with 1/2 teaspoon white wine vinegar
  • Whisk for around 3-5 minutes continuously until pale and thick
  • Remove from the heat and gradually add in the melted butter, continuing to whisk slowly at the same time – you should end up with a creamy hollandaise
  • If it gets too thick, add in a splash of cold water
  • Season with a squeeze of lemon juice and keep warm until serving
Alternatively, you can buy pre-made hollandaise sauce and heat as required. We recommend our Macphie Hollandaise Sauce.
Five ways for a crackin’ brunch
Eggs Benedict
The OG, the classic.
Lightly toast two English muffin halves and set on a plate.
Lay on your crispy bacon or thickly sliced ham, the perfectly poached eggs, and top with your luscious, creamy hollandaise sauce.
Eggs Florentine
This meat free option replaces the ham or bacon with spinach for a healthier alternative.
Toast your English muffin and layer with spinach leaves. Top with a runny poached egg, and the hollandaise sauce.
It’s personal preference whether you want to steam your spinach to create a moist, silky base, or prefer the slight crisp of raw leaves.
For a more filling vegetarian breakfast, serve alongside some cherry tomatoes and sliced avocado.
Eggs Royale
Simple but effective, this variation features smoked salmon for a pescatarian favourite. The flavour of the fish pairs beautifully with the smooth, slightly tangy hollandaise sauce. Sprinkle some fresh chives on top and devour.
Layer your toasted English muffin with smoked salmon and spinach leaves, or avocado if you fancy.
Add on your poached egg and top with the hollandaise sauce.
Substitute the English muffin for some crusty bread, brioche rolls or ciabatta slices depending on your personal preference.
Eggs Neptune
Have you heard of Eggs Neptune before?
This variation uses fresh crab meat instead of bacon, ham or smoked salmon. Popular in America, this is a refreshing twist on the classic Eggs Benedict, if you can source some fresh crab meat of course!
If you’re using a whole crab, remove the meat. Wash and clean the meat then place in a frying pan on low heat for a couple of minutes. Season with salt and pepper, and any other seasonings you like, then shred into fine pieces.
Assemble the meat onto your lightly toasted English muffin, place on your poached egg and top with the silky hollandaise sauce. Enjoy!
Benedict Baked Potatoes
A new way to do breakfast potatoes! It would make a delicious dinner option too.
Bake your potatoes in a hot oven for around one hour, until soft when lightly squeezed. Once cooked, slice down the middle and ruffle up the flesh using a fork, then leave to cool slightly.
Meanwhile cook your bacon if you are using it, and poach your perfectly cooked eggs using our guide above.
Place your cooked bacon and poached egg inside the potato. Spoon over the hollandaise sauce, and sprinkle with some chopped chives, et voila!
Shop everything you need to make these delicious recipes here.