Andy Montoya
Eggs Benedict is a popular breakfast dish that typically consists of a poached egg and hollandaise sauce served on an English muffin. While the classic recipe does not include cheese, some variations of the dish substitute the hollandaise sauce with a cheese sauce or include cheese as an additional ingredient. These variations are often referred to as Cheesy Eggs Benedict or Eggs Benedict with Cheese Sauce. The type of cheese used can vary, with options such as cheddar, Havarti, or Irish shredded cheese being popular choices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Breakfast, lunch, or dinner |
| Main ingredients | Eggs, English muffins, Canadian bacon, and hollandaise sauce |
| Cheese | Havarti, cheddar, Irish shredded cheese, or Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar |
| Cheese sauce | Can be used as a substitute for hollandaise sauce |
| Poached eggs | Can be cooked in vinegar water for 2-4 minutes |
| Egg yolks | Can be mixed with lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and butter in a blender |
| Garnish | Chives, dill, parsley, or Tabasco sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Eggs Benedict with cheese sauce
Eggs Benedict is a classic breakfast dish that can be made in a variety of ways, including with cheese sauce. While traditional Eggs Benedict is made with a Hollandaise sauce, some people prefer to use a cheese sauce, which can be a nice change. This can be made with a basic cheddar cheese sauce, or you can get creative and experiment with different cheeses, such as Havarti, or Irish shredded cheese, to add a creamy texture and a tasty kick.
To make a cheese sauce, you will need to melt butter in a medium saucepan, then whisk in flour, keeping the temperature low to medium so it doesn't burn. Next, slowly add milk, continuing to whisk, and turn down the heat if it starts to bubble too much. If it gets too thick, simply add a little more milk. Then, whisk in the cheese, and add salt and pepper to taste.
To assemble your Eggs Benedict, you will need to start with a toasted English muffin, which can be organic or sourdough, or you can use your favourite bread. Fry some ham or Canadian bacon in a pan with a little butter, and place this on the bottom half of the muffin. You can also add some sliced cheese at this point, if you wish. Top with a poached egg, and then spoon over your cheese sauce. You can garnish with fresh herbs such as dill or parsley, or add some chopped chives and pepper.
If you want to add a little extra cheese, you can sprinkle some shredded cheddar on top of the muffin before adding the bacon and egg. This will melt and add an extra cheesy kick to your dish.
There are many variations on this classic dish, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients. You can switch up the protein and use bacon, sausage, or leftover holiday ham, or even try barbacoa for a change. You can also add some fresh avocado, marinated tomatoes, jalapenos, or spinach for a healthier twist.
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Hollandaise sauce vs cheese sauce
Hollandaise sauce and cheese sauce are both popular toppings for Eggs Benedict, and both have their unique characteristics and flavours.
Hollandaise Sauce
Hollandaise sauce is a classic choice for Eggs Benedict and is made with egg yolks, lemon juice, and butter. Some recipes also add cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. It is known for its rich, creamy texture and slightly tangy taste, which pairs well with the other components of the dish. This sauce is typically prepared by whisking the ingredients together over low heat until thickened, and it requires careful attention to avoid curdling.
Cheese Sauce
Cheese sauce, on the other hand, offers a different flavour profile and texture. It is often made with a combination of butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheese, creating a creamy and savoury topping. The type of cheese used can vary, with options such as cheddar, Havarti, or Irish shredded cheese being popular choices. Cheese sauce provides a more robust cheese flavour compared to Hollandaise, and it can be customised to suit individual preferences.
Comparison
Both sauces contribute to the indulgent nature of Eggs Benedict, but they differ in terms of richness and flavour intensity. Hollandaise sauce is known for its delicate balance of creaminess and tanginess, while cheese sauce offers a more pronounced cheese flavour and a heartier texture. Hollandaise is a traditional choice that is often favoured for its ability to complement the dish without overwhelming the other ingredients. Cheese sauce, however, can be a preferred option for those who want a stronger cheese presence in their Eggs Benedict.
Ultimately, the choice between Hollandaise sauce and cheese sauce comes down to personal preference. Some people may opt for the classic elegance of Hollandaise, while others may relish the indulgent cheesiness that a cheese sauce provides. Both options have their merits and can elevate the Eggs Benedict experience in their own unique ways.
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Best cheeses for Eggs Benedict
While the classic Eggs Benedict recipe does not include cheese, many variations of the dish do. Here are some of the best cheeses to use in your Eggs Benedict:
Havarti
Havarti is a semi-soft cheese with a buttery texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is a perfect rich and creamy addition to Eggs Benedict, as recommended by Real Housemoms.
Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar
Cabot Creamery recommends using their Seriously Sharp Cheddar cheese in their Cheesy Eggs Benedict Grilled Cheese with Hollandaise Sauce recipe. This extra-sharp cheddar has a bold, intense flavor that can add a nice kick to your Eggs Benedict.
Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is a good choice for those who want a more subtle cheese flavor in their Eggs Benedict. It has a mild, nutty flavor and a slightly creamy texture, which can add a nice touch to the dish without overwhelming the other flavors.
Hollandaise Sauce
While not technically a cheese, Hollandaise sauce is a classic component of Eggs Benedict and can provide a similar creamy texture and rich flavor to the dish. It is typically made with egg yolks, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and butter, creating a delicious sauce that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients in Eggs Benedict.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite variation of this classic breakfast dish!
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How to poach eggs for Eggs Benedict
Poaching eggs is an essential part of making Eggs Benedict, and it's easier than you might think. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to poach eggs to perfection for your Eggs Benedict:
Preparing the Eggs:
Start by cracking each egg into its own small bowl, ramekin, or teacup. This makes it easier to slide the eggs gently into the water without breaking them. You can prepare multiple eggs in advance and keep them in the fridge until you're ready to cook them.
Water Temperature and Add-Ins:
Fill a medium saucepan about two-thirds full with water and bring it to a mild rolling boil. You want a gentle simmer, not a vigorous boil, to avoid the egg jiggling too much and getting untidy wisps. Add a splash of vinegar to the water or directly to each egg. Vinegar helps the egg hold its shape better. You can also add a pinch of salt to the water if desired.
Cooking the Eggs:
Create a vortex or "whirlpool" in the center of the simmering water by stirring it with a spoon. Gently slide an egg into the center of the vortex, one at a time. The vortex will help the egg whites wrap around the yolk neatly. Set a timer, and cook for about 2-4 minutes for a soft to firm yolk. Use a slotted spoon to lift the egg out of the water to check its doneness. Place the cooked egg on a paper towel to absorb any excess water, and season with salt and pepper.
Reheating Poached Eggs:
If you're making a larger batch or want to reheat poached eggs, place them in simmering water for a few seconds to heat them through. You can use a metal steamer basket to reheat multiple eggs at once.
Assembling Eggs Benedict:
Now that you've mastered poaching eggs, you can assemble your Eggs Benedict. Toast and butter English muffins, and top each half with a slice of lightly sautéed Canadian bacon, ham, or your preferred protein. Place a poached egg on each muffin half, and don't forget to make the iconic hollandaise sauce to finish it off. Garnish with fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley, and serve immediately.
Enjoy your homemade Eggs Benedict, complete with perfectly poached eggs!
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Variations on the traditional recipe
The classic Eggs Benedict recipe features poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. However, there are several variations on the traditional recipe that you can try. Here are some ideas:
Cheesy Eggs Benedict
As the name suggests, this variation involves adding cheese to the classic recipe. You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as Havarti, Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar, or Irish shredded cheddar. Simply place the cheese on the cut side of an English muffin, top it with Canadian bacon and a poached egg, and finish it off with hollandaise sauce.
Eggs Benedict with Cheese Sauce
For a twist on the classic hollandaise sauce, you can make a cheese sauce instead. This can be done by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour, and slowly adding milk to create a creamy base. Then, whisk in your desired cheese, along with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce can be generously poured over the traditional eggs benedict stack.
Irish Eggs Benedict
This variation adds an Irish spin to the classic recipe by using corned beef instead of bacon. You can also make a creamy white cheddar cheese hollandaise sauce to drizzle over the poached egg.
Avocado and Veggie Eggs Benedict
For a healthier option, you can add fresh avocado, marinated tomatoes, jalapenos, and spinach to your eggs benedict. Experiment with different types of vegetables and cheeses to find your favorite combination.
Eggs Benedict Casserole
If you're feeding a crowd, you can try an Eggs Benedict Casserole. This variation combines all the flavors of classic eggs benedict into a hearty casserole dish. It's a great way to serve a large group and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not traditional. However, some recipes do include cheese, such as those that use a cheese sauce instead of hollandaise.
Cheddar, Havarti, and Irish shredded cheese are all good options.
To make eggs benedict with cheese, you can either use a cheese sauce or add slices of cheese. For a cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk. Whisk in the cheese, and add salt and pepper to taste. For slices of cheese, place the cheese on the bottom half of an English muffin, then top with ham or Canadian bacon and a cooked egg.
Yes, you can experiment with different proteins and vegetables. Some options include avocado, marinated tomatoes, jalapenos, spinach, sausage patties, and corned beef.
Yes, you can use any type of bread you like. English muffins are traditional, but you can also use sourdough, toast, or buns.
