Simple Eggs Benedict Brunch | What’s Cookin’ Italian Style Cuisine

This version takes the classic to the next level with layers of savory ham and fresh sautéed spinach beneath perfectly poached eggs, all topped with a silky smooth, buttery hollandaise sauce.

Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results that are impressive and delicious.

With a few simple shortcuts and easy techniques, you’ll have an elegant meal to serve anytime of the day.

This Eggs Benedict with ham and spinach is a perfect balance of comfort and elegance; however, you can certainly mix and match other vegetables and meats to your preferred taste buds.

It looks impressive, tastes better than amazing, and any Benedict lover will love this.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and simple with easy-to-follow steps
• Uses everyday ingredients you likely already have
• Feels fancy but is totally doable for beginners
• Perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors
• Ideal for brunch gatherings or special mornings
• Customizable with your favorite add-ins

Serving Combination Suggestions

• Fresh fruit salad or berries
• Crispy hash browns or breakfast home-fried potatoes
• Light mixed greens with vinaigrette
• Sliced or mashed avocado
• Sliced tomatoes
• Buttery croissants or Danish pastries
• Fresh-squeezed orange juice or mimosas
• International-Inspired Benedict Ideas:
• Mexican Benedict – Chorizo, avocado, and chipotle hollandaise
• Italian Benedict – Prosciutto, pesto, and roasted tomatoes
• Mediterranean Benedict – Feta, olives, spinach, and tomatoes
• Hawaiian Benedict – Ham, grilled pineapple, and a slightly sweet hollandaise
• Southern Benedict – Fried chicken on a biscuit with gravy-hollandaise fusion
• Classic Twists
  Bacon Lovers Benedict – Swap ham for crispy bacon
• Avocado Benedict – Add sliced avocado for a creamy, fresh bite
• Tomato Basil Benedict – Layer fresh tomatoes and basil for a lighter version
• Cheesy Benedict – Add a slice of melted cheddar or Swiss
• Florentine Benedict – Spinach, mushrooms, and a touch of garlic
• Roasted Veggie Benedict – Zucchini, peppers, and onions
• Caprese Benedict – Tomato, mozzarella, and basil with balsamic drizzle
• Asparagus Benedict – Perfect for spring with tender asparagus spears

Tips For Creating The Best Eggs Benedict and Substitutions

1. Use fresh eggs; they hold together better when poaching
2. Keep the water at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, and don’t forget to add vinegar
3. Toast muffins well so they don’t get soggy
4. Make hollandaise just before serving for the best texture, and keep it warm
5. If the sauce thickens too much, whisk in a teaspoon of warm water
6. Swap ham for smoked salmon or crispy bacon, or thin-sliced ribeye
7. Use sautéed asparagus, artichoke hearts, or mushrooms
8. Escarole, Arugula, Swiss Chard, Kale, or another green you prefer for spinach
9. Freshly sliced tomatoes or sundried tomatoesroasted pepper, or another kind of pepper
10. Try a biscuit, sourdough, croissant, or a bagel instead of English muffins
11. Add sliced avocado for a creamy addition.
12. Use a blender hollandaise for an even quicker option

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egg recipes, brunch recipes, benedict recipes, poached egg recipes

Americna, French

Yield: 2

Author: Claudia Lamascolo

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Eggs Benedict with Ham, Spinach & Creamy Hollandaise

Eggs Benedict is the ultimate elegant breakfast or brunch, rich, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make in your own kitchen

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 15 MinTotal time: 30 Min

Ingredients

• 2 English muffins, split and toasted
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar (added to the water when poaching)
• 4 slices of cooked ham (fried or just heated)
• Sauteed Spinach:
• 2 cups of fresh spinach, washed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon of granulated garlic powder
• pinch of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes
• Easy and Quick Hollandaise Sauce
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat

Instructions

1. Spinach:
2. Heat the olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the garlic, pinch of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
4. Sauté the washed spinach and sauté until wilted aroud 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Set aside
6. Hollandaise Sauce:
7. Add the eggs to a medium-sized bowl and whisk the egg yolks with the lemon juice.
8. Slowly drizzle in warm melted butter while whisking constantly
9. Continue until thick and creamy
10. Season with salt, pepper, (add cayenne pepper if using).
11. Keep at a warm temperature, but not hot, to avoid curdling.
12. Poached Eggs:
13. In a deep saucepot, add the water bringig to a slow, gentle simmer, and add the vinegar.
14. Crack each egg into a small bowl, then gently slide it into the water
15. Cook for 4 minutes until whites are set ( the way you prefer eggs can vary; these are cooked whites and runny yolks).
16. Remove with a slotted spoon.
17. Toast the English muffins to your preference.
18. Butter the muffins and place them on plates.
19. Layer with cooked ham, then sauteed spinach.
20. Top with poached eggs.
21. Spoon the hollandaise sauce over the tops.
22. Gariish is optional: chopped fresh parsley or fresh dill.

Notes

Tips For Creating The Best Eggs Benedict and Substitutions

1. Use fresh eggs; they hold together better when poaching
2. Keep the water at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, and don’t forget to add vinegar
3. Toast muffins well so they don’t get soggy
4. Make hollandaise just before serving for the best texture, and keep it warm
5. If the sauce thickens too much, whisk in a teaspoon of warm water
6. Swap ham for smoked salmon or crispy bacon, or thin-sliced ribeye
7. Use sautéed asparagus, artichoke hearts, or mushrooms
8. Escarole, Swiss Chard, Kale, or another green you prefer for spinach
9. Freshly sliced tomatoes or sundried tomatoesroasted pepper, or another kind of pepper
10. Try a biscuit, croissant, or a bagel instead of English muffins
11.  Add sliced avocado for a creamy addition
12. Use a blender hollandaise for an even quicker option

Serving Side Dish Suggestions

• Fresh fruit salad or berries
• Crispy hash browns or breakfast potatoes
• Light mixed greens with vinaigrette
• Sliced avocado or tomato
• Buttery croissants or pastries
• Fresh-squeezed orange juice or mimosas
• International-Inspired Benedict Ideas:
• Mexican Benedict – Chorizo, avocado, and chipotle hollandaise
• Italian Benedict – Prosciutto, pesto, and roasted tomatoes
• Mediterranean Benedict – Feta, olives, spinach, and tomatoes
• Hawaiian Benedict – Ham, grilled pineapple, and a slightly sweet hollandaise
• Southern Benedict – Fried chicken on a biscuit with gravy-hollandaise fusion
• Classic Twists Bacon Lovers Benedict – Swap ham for crispy bacon
• Avocado Benedict – Add sliced avocado for a creamy, fresh bite
• Tomato Basil Benedict – Layer fresh tomatoes and basil for a lighter version
• Cheesy Benedict – Add a slice of melted cheddar or Swiss
• Florentine Benedict – Spinach, mushrooms, and a touch of garlic
• Roasted Veggie Benedict – Zucchini, peppers, and onions
• Caprese Benedict – Tomato, mozzarella, and basil with balsamic drizzle
• Asparagus Benedict – Perfect for spring with tender asparagus spears

Nutrition Facts

Sodium (milligrams)

1668 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

829 mg

The default measuring system for this website is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. While we strive to provide accurate unit conversions, please be aware that there may be some discrepancies.

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