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–+ servings

Classic Hollandaise Sauce

This traditional Hollandaise sauce recipe produces a silky, buttery sauce with the perfect balance of rich egg yolks and bright lemon. While you may recognize it draped over Eggs Benedict, Hollandaise is just as delicious spooned over roasted meats, grilled fish, or seasonal vegetables.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Category Basics

Ingredients
 

  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp water
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt (I use Diamond Crystal)
  • 1/16 tsp finely ground white pepper or black pepper
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly

Instructions

  • Melt the butter and set it aside.
  • Place a medium saucepan filled with 1 to 2 inches of water over low heat.
  • In a medium bowl, add in the egg yolks and whisk until smooth and pale yellow (about 1 to 2 minutes). Add in the lemon juice, water, salt, and pepper, and whisk until combined.
  • Add in 1 Tablespoon of the melted (slightly cooled) butter to the egg mixture. (This helps prevent scrambling.)
  • Place the bowl containing the egg mixture over the saucepan. Heat the mixture, whisking constantly. (Note: Be very careful not to overheat.) Continue whisking until the mixture reaches the consistency of mayonnaise.
    Pro tip: The time it takes to whisk will vary depending on your heat. The mixture will first foam before thickening. Be careful: once it begins to thicken, it can overcook very quickly. Keep an oven mitt or kitchen towel nearby to remove the hot bowl from the double boiler if you feel the mixture is getting too hot.
  • Immediately remove the bowl from the double boiler. Continue whisking and drizzle in the melted butter, just a few dribbles at a time, until all the butter is incorporated. (Note: Pouring the butter in too quickly can result in a sauce that's too thin.)
  • Taste the sauce and add a pinch of additional salt or pepper, as needed. Serve immediately.
  • To keep the sauce warm, turn the saucepan off (or set to very low heat) and place the bowl back on top. Keep an eye on it, and be careful not to overheat!

Nutrition

Calories: 245kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 199mg | Sodium: 155mg | Potassium: 25mg | Fiber: 0.02g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 893IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 0.4mg
Nutrition Disclaimer