Make rich and creamy hollandaise sauce with ease, thanks to this recipe that requires only four ingredients and a blender.
Eggs Benedict has always been a breakfast indulgence of mine, though I never made it at home. It was a restaurant thing—a diner thing, in particular—served with fluffy home fries and maybe a slice of ham if I’m feeling particularly famished.
It was the hollandaise sauce that prevented eggs Benedict from becoming a part of my morning-meal rotation. First, it’s pretty rich, so making it whenever I wanted to is probably not a good habit to get into. Second, I just couldn’t get it right. All the recipes I consulted required clarifying the butter, double boiling, and extreme care so that the eggs didn’t scramble. Doing all that first thing in the morning? Nope. Not my style.
This recipe sidesteps all that without sacrificing too much of the sophistication that makes hollandaise sauce so thoroughly enjoyable. You just need eggs, butter, salt, and lemon juice, and you’re set. Oh, and a blender. That’s the key to getting that creamy consistency that will have you playing the role of a French chef in no time.
Is This Hollandaise Sauce Healthy?
Not particularly, no. It has a lot of butter, which contains saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories. Egg yolks do contain protein, minerals, and nutrients, but also saturated fat. The lemon juice does have vitamin C, though you rarely hear people endorsing hollandaise sauce as a means of fighting scurvy. The key ingredient, then, is moderation. Just because you now CAN make this sauce every day doesn’t mean you SHOULD.
What Else Can I Use This Sauce For Besides Eggs Benedict?
Hollandaise sauce has become so closely associated with eggs Benedict that people sometimes forget it can be added to other dishes! One of the most popular ways to use it is with steamed or roasted vegetables—asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans, in particular. It also complements seafood well. Pour it over grilled or poached fish like salmon, cod, or halibut, and shellfish, like shrimp, lobster, or crab legs. If you’re looking to add some pizzazz to your sides, consider this sauce when you’re making roasted or mashed potatoes or grains like quinoa, rice, or couscous. It’s definitely worth the effort.
You may want to add ingredients to your hollandaise sauce, depending on how you intend on using it. Finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, tarragon, or dill are an easy way to subtly influence the taste. If you want more lemon flavor, add the zest from the lemon or another citrus fruit (e.g., lime or orange). I suggest cayenne pepper in the recipe, but if you want something else with a bite, turn to smoked paprika, white pepper, Dijon mustard, or hot sauce. And for a cheesy variation, add grated Parmesan, Gruyère, or other hard cheeses.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Preferably, the sauce should be consumed within 30 minutes. Since it comes together so quickly, it’s therefore best to make a new batch.
Serving Suggestions
Try this luscious sauce drizzled over Salmon And Asparagus, Microwave Green Beans, or Steamed Potatoes for an easy upgrade.
There are plenty of other simple sauces such as this one that bring big flavor to everyday meals—some of my go-tos are Creamy Chimichurri Sauce, Mumbo Sauce, and Huli Huli Sauce.
Ingredients
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a small pot over low heat, ensuring it does not boil to preserve the moisture.
- Combine the egg yolks, lemon juice, salt, and optional cayenne in a blender. Blend for 30 seconds, until the mixture lightens in color.
- With the blender on low speed, slowly add the melted butter in a steady stream until fully incorporated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice if needed. For a thinner sauce, add a little warm water and pulse to combine. Serve the sauce warm, within 30 minutes.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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