Hollandaise Sauce
Hollandaise sauce is a rich, creamy condiment with a tangy lemon flavor, perfect for drizzling over eggs, vegetables, or seafood. Its velvety texture and balanced acidity make it a luxurious addition to brunch dishes or elegant dinners, appealing to those who enjoy classic, flavorful sauces.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In the top of a double boiler, heat the beaten egg yolks.
- Gradually add butter, one tablespoon at a time, stirring constantly.
- Cook over hot water, not boiling, until the mixture thickens.
- Gradually add boiling water and lemon juice while stirring.
- Add salt and serve with fish or other dishes.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve a smooth hollandaise, ensure your bowl doesn't touch boiling water directly—too much heat can scramble the eggs. If the sauce is too thick, whisk in a little more boiling water. For a richer flavor, consider using ghee instead of butter. If you're out of lemon juice, white wine vinegar can be a suitable substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Hollandaise sauce pairs beautifully with eggs benedict, steamed asparagus, or poached fish. For an elegant brunch, serve it drizzled over poached eggs on toasted English muffins. It can also elevate dishes like roasted vegetables or health bread for a deliciously creamy touch.
Storage & Reheating
Hollandaise sauce is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it over a double boiler, stirring constantly, until it's just warmed through to avoid curdling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hollandaise Sauce contains roughly 397 calories, with 13g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value), iron (20% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make hollandaise sauce in advance?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can make hollandaise a few hours ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and gently reheat before serving. Just be cautious not to overheat, as this can cause the sauce to separate.
Can I use a blender to make hollandaise sauce?
Yes, you can use a blender for hollandaise! Blend the egg yolks and lemon juice first, then slowly stream in melted butter while the blender is running. This method can save time and yield a creamy texture without needing a double boiler.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).