Classic Benedict from First Watch features perfectly poached eggs atop Canadian bacon and toasted English muffins, all generously drizzled with rich, velvety hollandaise sauce, creating a harmonious blend of savory flavors and creamy textures.
Equipments
- Saucepan
- Slotted spoon
- Medium pot
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Toaster or oven
- Ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 2 English muffins
- 4 slices Canadian bacon
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for hollandaise)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Ensure you use fresh, large eggs for perfectly poached whites and runny yolks in your Classic Benedict. Opt for high-quality Canadian bacon to replicate the rich, smoky flavor found in the original dish. Unsalted butter is essential both in poaching and the hollandaise to control the richness and seasoning accurately. Fresh lemon juice brightens the hollandaise sauce, so avoid bottled juices for the best balance. Your Classic Benedict from the First Watch copycat menu will shine with these carefully selected ingredients and precise preparation.
Instructions
- Fill a medium pot with water and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add white vinegar to the simmering water.
- Crack eggs one at a time into a mixing bowl.
- Create a gentle whirlpool in the pot using a ladle or spatula.
- Gently slide eggs from the bowl into the water.
- Poach eggs for 3-4 minutes until whites are set but yolks are runny.
- Remove poached eggs using a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Slice English muffins in half using a knife and toast until golden brown.
- Cut Canadian bacon if needed, then heat in a saucepan or skillet until warmed through.
- Place toasted English muffin halves on plates.
- Top each muffin half with a slice of warmed Canadian bacon.
- Place a poached egg on top of each muffin and bacon.
- Melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter for hollandaise in a saucepan; keep warm.
- Add egg yolks and lemon juice to a mixing bowl, then whisk until thickened.
- Place bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water, without touching the water.
- Slowly whisk in melted butter, continuing to whisk until sauce is thick and smooth.
- Season hollandaise with salt and cayenne pepper.
- Remove from heat and whisk to combine.
- Spoon generous amounts of hollandaise sauce over the eggs benedict.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Classic Benedict from First Watch copycat menu combines poached eggs, Canadian bacon, and toasted English muffins with rich hollandaise sauce, delivering a savory and creamy breakfast staple. Fresh eggs are crucial for smooth poaching; using older eggs might cause the whites to spread too much. If Canadian bacon is unavailable, ham or turkey bacon can serve as effective substitutes without compromising flavor. While a blender can speed up hollandaise preparation, whisking by hand ensures better control over sauce texture and prevents curdling. Your toasted English muffins should be slightly crisp to provide the ideal base for layering ingredients and absorbing the hollandaise sauce.
Tips
To ensure perfectly poached eggs, maintain the water at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil, which can break up the whites. The white vinegar helps the egg whites coagulate faster, keeping them intact, so don't skip it in the water. When preparing your hollandaise sauce, temper the egg yolks by whisking them over simmering water to prevent scrambling and achieve a smooth, creamy texture. Make sure to serve your Classic Benedict immediately after assembling to enjoy the ideal balance of warm, silky hollandaise and runny eggs.
Nutritions
This Classic Benedict from First Watch provides a balanced mix of protein from the poached eggs and Canadian bacon, essential for muscle repair and growth. The English muffins contribute carbohydrates that fuel your energy levels throughout the day. The creamy hollandaise sauce, made from egg yolks and butter, supplies healthy fats important for brain function and nutrient absorption. Be mindful of the sauce's calorie density to maintain a well-rounded diet.
Storage
Store leftover poached eggs separately from the English muffins and Canadian bacon in an airtight container to maintain freshness; refrigerate within two hours to prevent bacterial growth. Keep the hollandaise sauce in a heatproof container covered with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to avoid a skin forming, and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, gently warm the hollandaise sauce in a double boiler, and briefly toast the English muffins and reheat Canadian bacon on the stovetop to restore your Classic Benedict's original texture and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, you can substitute the Canadian bacon with smoked salmon to add a smoky, rich flavor that pairs well with the delicate poached eggs. Try using spinach or avocado slices instead of English muffins to create a low-carb version of the dish. You can also experiment with the hollandaise sauce by incorporating ingredients like Dijon mustard or fresh herbs such as tarragon for enhanced complexity. To simplify poaching, consider using an egg poacher or silicone molds in boiling water which can help maintain egg shape and consistency.
Allergies
The Classic Benedict from First Watch contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy (unsalted butter in the hollandaise sauce), and gluten (English muffins). Canadian bacon may also contain preservatives or additives that could trigger sensitivities in some individuals. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, it's important to inform your server or consider alternative menu options.
Why this recipe?
The Classic Benedict from First Watch restaurant features perfectly poached eggs atop English muffins, Canadian bacon, and rich hollandaise sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that delights your palate. Its fresh ingredients and balanced portions contribute to a satisfying breakfast experience that many crave. Recreating this dish at home allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality brunch anytime, tailored to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Mastering the Classic Benedict recipe also impresses guests and adds variety to your homemade breakfast repertoire.