The Story of Eggs Benedict: More Than Just Breakfast
What’s your favorite part of a hearty American breakfast? Many people would answer the Eggs Benedict, and it’s not hard to see why. This meal has it all. It’s creamy, buttery and rich. It’s packed with protein and fats to provide you with energy throughout the day. It will keep you satiated for most of the day. It is the perfect way to start a busy day and a healthy choice to curb snacking and cravings. But there’s much more to this American favorite than many realize. Below, we share its history as well as some popular egg benedict variations.
Who Invented It
The history of this breakfast favorite is varied. There are many who want to take credit for inventing it, and this makes its origins uncertain. Many say it originated in the kitchens of New York City and give credit to Mr. and Mrs. LeGrand Benedict, who owned a restaurant, Delmonico, in the city’s financial district during the 1860s. Another popular location credited with the invention is the Waldorf-Astoria, where a stock broker known as Lemuel Benedict said he was served this meal to help with his hangover.
Eggs Benedict Variations
While there’s a lot of controversy and confusion surrounding the origins of this hearty breakfast, there’s no argument that it is delicious and a favorite for many. It is also quite versatile. There are in fact various types of eggs benedict. Below, we share some various things that you may want to try.
The original recipe
If you’ve never tried this hearty meal, you may want to start with the original version first. This is based on what many believe was the original recipe that was recorded as being used at the Waldorf Astoria in the 1890s.It consists of buttered toast, two poached eggs, crisp Canadian bacon all topped off with hollandaise sauce. The modern recipe features two toasted halves of an English muffin. These are topped off by soft poached egg, crisp bacon and hollandaise sauce.
Eggs royale
This is one of the most popular types of benedict. The Canadian bacon in this version is replaced by smoked salmon. This fish is a great accompaniment for the eggs with its velvety texture. The citrus flavor of the hollandaise sauce and fresh chives provide for a refreshing taste. This lighter version is popular across the world.
Eggs Florentine
Also known as à la Florentine, this version is prepared in the way that it is thought that it was prepared in Paris for the queen consort of France in the mid-15th century. In this version, the Canadian bacon is swapped for creamy spinach that is prepared by slowly simmering it in butter. Gruyère mornay is used instead of hollandaise sauce. However, some restaurants still do use hollandaise sauce even for the eggs Florentine.
Eggs Sardou
This version finds its origins in New Orleans. This version was first served in Antoine’s, one of the oldest restaurants in the city, at the turn of the 20th century. This version features a combination of a muffin topped with poached egg, buttered spinach and hollandaise sauce. The bacon is replaced by slow-cooked anchovies and artichokes.
Eggs Cochon
This is another version that finds its origins in New Orleans. This version has a heavy Spanish influence with apple-braised pulled pork replacing the bacon. The pork is prepared by slowly roasting it in its own juices. When it has softened to the point that New Orleanians refer to as ‘debris’, the succulent meat is ready for serving. The base is a buttermilk biscuit. Both the runny poached egg and hollandaise sauce are retained.
Eggs Neptune
This version is quite popular in coastal regions such as New England. The bacon is swapped for crab meat. Crabs such as stone, king, blue and snow species are often used. There are also some versions that feature oysters.
Eggs benedict, meaning food that is versatile, showcases its appeal. There are clearly many ways to enjoy this hearty meal. There’s no better place to enjoy this hearty breakfast than at The Alpine Diner. You can enjoy a hearty meal at any time of the day and late into the evening thanks to our varied menu and long opening hours.