Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict

Eggs Benedict makes for a special brunch or weekend breakfast. Instead of traditional Canadian bacon, I use smoked salmon to top toasted English muffins with poached eggs, Hollandaise sauce and a sprinkle of bright green chives. For other sauce options to top smoked salmon Eggs Benedict, see ideas at the end of the post.

Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict

Recently a friend told me she loved Eggs Benedict but never attempted to cook it because she was intimidated to poach eggs. Poaching eggs the traditional way takes a little practice, sliding cracked eggs into a pan of simmering water while trying to swirl the white around the yolk for a nicely shaped poached egg.  They often end up looking like a ragged mess. Thankfully, there is an easier way.

Easy Solution: Inexpensive Egg Poaching Pan

Egg-poaching pans are an inexpensive way to make perfect poached eggs. The pan is fitted with non-stick inserts that makes poaching easy. The result; perfectly round, pretty poached eggs. Fill the pan part way with water, bring to a simmer with the lid on, then quickly but carefully crack eggs into the non-stick cups keeping the yolks intact. Give your insert cups a short spritz of non-stick spray for insurance.

For other poaching pans and options, look at these links:

• Poaching cups
• Silicone egg poaching cups
• A poaching insert for exiting pans you have

Egg Tips

To make it easy, break eggs into individual cups or small dishes first, then slide the eggs into the poaching cups. Get the lid back on as quickly as possible and time for your preference. I usually poach my eggs for 3 ½-4 minutes. You need to experiment to find what’s perfect for you. The white should be cooked and pretty solid, the yolk still a little soft and runny when you break into it with your fork.

Eggs Benedict Sauce Options

For a nice sauce to top your poached eggs, try the healthy yogurt-based Hollandaise first and keep warm on the stove top.  While you’re at it, warm some plates in the oven.

For other sauce options try a little melted butter, a drizzle of good olive oil, or a little mayo mixed with Dijon mustard. For an avocado sauce, make a small batch of this for your smoked salmon poached eggs.

Instead of Smoked Salmon

If you don’t like smoked salmon, pile up thinly sliced deli ham, turkey or Prosciutto. For a vegetarian version, use sautéed baby spinach, kale, or whole artichoke heart bottoms. Thinly sliced and sautéed sweet red bell peppers and onions work well too. Another favorite add is sliced avocado, because everything is better with avocado!

For a Mexican twist, top the Eggs Benedict with a few spoonfuls of your favorite salsa and add a sprinkle of grated Jack cheese. For garnish, top your eggs off with finely chopped chives and a pinch of paprika for color. Any way you make it your own, enjoy. For a real celebration, serve with a glass of Champagne, sparkling wine or sparkling mineral water with with citrus wedges.