Everything Bagel Eggs Benedict

Jazz up classic Eggs Benedict with Everything Bagel Seasoning! This Bagel Eggs Benedict is an impressive, easy brunch recipe you can make in less than 30 minutes!

This recipe is sponsored by Ohio Eggs. As always, all opinions are my own.

Eggs Benedict: From Boredom Comes Greatness

There are a few different stories about the origins of Eggs Benedict, but the one I prefer comes from a place called Delmonico’s, a fine dining restaurant established in New York City in the 1830s.

Legend has it the dish was named after Mr. and Mrs. LeGrand Benedict (what a name!), who apparently ate at the restaurant so often they tired of everything on the menu and asked the chef to create something entirely new just for them.

Honestly, can you even imagine? “I’m so rich, I’ve exhausted this restaurant’s menu and am now demanding more options.” What a world.

Upon hearing the request, the Delmonico brothers and their chef, Charles Ranhofer, created Eggs Benedict, the deceptively simple but decadent recipe we all know and love today.

As it turns out, I’m not much better than the Benedicts, because although I enjoy traditional Eggs Benedict, I recently found myself anxious to try something new.

I tried yelling into the kitchen, “Make something interesting for me, Charles, darling!”, but alas, I only got a worried look from my husband in response, so I was forced to do the experimenting on my own.

Luckily, Eggs Benedict is fairly straightforward to make, and this Everything Bagel variation will please even the most discerning palates.

This is a flavor extravaganza, from the toasted bagel to the luscious hollandaise to the burst of salt, onion, and sesame seeds on top. There is so much creamy yolky goodness in this dish, it makes me wants to break out in song.

Instead, I’ll give you recipe so you can experience all the song-inspiring goodness of this Everything Bagel Eggs Benedict for yourself.

Ingredients in Everything Bagel Eggs Benedict

Even a bleary eyed non-morning person can whip up Eggs Benedict. Pour yourself some coffee and grab these ingredients:

• Everything Bagels– That’s right, we’re replacing the traditional English muffin with a chewy, heavily seasoned bagel. You will not be sorry.
• Ham– I prefer using regular breakfast ham (or leftover Orange Glazed Ham), but you can Canadian bacon or even regular bacon if you prefer!
• Avocados– this is totally optional, but I love the extra color and creaminess that avocados give this dish.
• Poached Eggs– Whether you microwave them, make them on the stovetop or sous vide poach them, you’ll need one egg for each bagel stack.
• Hollandaise sauce– Egg yolks, butter, lemon juice, salt, perfection.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning + Chives– We’re talking major flavor here, with garlic, onion, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds. It’s bad for your breath, but great for your tastebuds. You can find Everything Bagel Seasoning at most grocery stores or online here, or you can make your own!

How to Make Eggs Benedict

This recipe isn’t difficult, but it does require juggling a few different things at once. Here’s what I recommend to make it the easiest!

1. Start by making the easy hollandaise sauce. This will take about 10 minutes, and I don’t recommend multitasking. Give the sauce your full attention, then keep it warm in a bowl of hot water until the rest of the recipe is complete.
2. Fry the ham slices in a skillet until browned.
3. Toast the bagels. Pretty straightforward stuff here, folks.
4. While the bagels are toasting, poach the eggs. I recommend the microwave method (more on that below) for two people, or sous vide poached eggs for a crowd. You can also make them on the stove top.
5. From there, it’s just assembly! Toasted bagel + ham + avocado slices (optional) + poached egg + hollandaise sauce + bagel seasoning. You’re ready to dive in!

How to Microwave Poached Eggs

I learned this method for poaching eggs several years ago during a trip with Ohio Eggs, and it’s been my go-to ever since. It’s perfect for quickly making 1-4 eggs.

• Find a mug or glass bowl with rounded sides. Fill with 1/2 cup of water.
• Gently crack an egg into the bowl. If the egg isn’t submerged in water, add a bit more.
• Place in the microwave, and microwave for 50-60 seconds, or until egg white is set, but center is still soft. Ours took almost exactly 55 seconds in a 1000 watt microwave, but yours may require more or less time depending on wattage and the size/shape of your mug.
• Remove from the microwave and scoop the egg out with a slotted spoon, placing it on a paper towel to soak up extra moisture. Voila!

More about Eggs and Egg Safety

Eggs Benedict is all about that perfectly poached egg and yolky hollandaise sauce! Here are some tips and info to get the most out of your eggs!

How long are eggs safe to eat?

Probably longer than you think! When properly refrigerated at 45°F or below, eggs can be safely eaten 4-5 weeks beyond the carton’s Julian date, the 3 digit code on the side of the carton that indicates the day the eggs were packed. I find FRESH eggs work best for poached eggs (because the whites tend to spread out less), but OLDER eggs work best for deviled eggs (because they’re easier to peel!).

Are brown eggs healthier than white eggs?

All eggs, no matter the color of their shell, contain the same nutrients. An eggshell’s color is determined by the breed of the hen that laid it. Usually, white hens lay white eggs and brown hens lay brown eggs.

Are eggs good for you?

Just 1 egg has 6 grams of protein and 8 essential nutrients, for just 70 calories! And that yolky hollandaise sauce? It’s an excellent source of choline, a nutrient many Americans don’t get enough of. Choline is important for memory, cognition, and normal organ function.

Are poached eggs safe to eat?

Eggs go through dozens of steps before reaching your kitchen to ensure they’re safe, fresh and of the highest quality. Follow an Easter egg from an Ohio egg farm to your table.

To prevent food borne illness, be sure eggs are completely cooked before eating. According to the Egg Safety Center, poached eggs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 144-158°F or until the whites are completely set and the yolks begin to thicken, but are not hard. Remember to always wash your hands before and after handling eggs!

For more about Ohio egg farmers and to get cooking tips, recipes and nutrition information, go to OhioEggs.com and follow the Ohio Poultry Association on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

More Easy Brunch Recipes to Try

First off, if you need a pairing for Eggs Benedict, I recommend a fresh green salad, like this Easy Garden Salad, or, in the summer, this Cucumber and Tomato Salad.

Need more brunch inspiration? Try these Breakfast Croissant Sandwiches, Breakfast Pull Apart Bread, or Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Bacon.

And of course, serve it up with our favorite Brunch Punch!