An English muffin topped with Canadian bacon, a poached egg and a generous pour of hollandaise sauce: eggs Benedict is the star of the brunch menu. National Eggs Benedict Day, on April 16, celebrates this indulgent dish and its many variations, from smoked salmon to crab cakes. Making it at home can seem intimidating, but with a little practice, anyone can master it.
History of National Eggs Benedict Day
Eggs Benedict is believed to have originated in New York City in the late 1800s, but there are competing stories. One account says that in 1894, a Wall Street stockbroker named Lemuel Benedict ordered toast, poached eggs, bacon and hollandaise at the Waldorf Hotel to cure a hangover. The hotel's maître d', Oscar Tschirky, liked the dish and added it to the menu, swapping in ham and an English muffin.
Another story credits Delmonico's restaurant, where regular customers Mr. and Mrs. LeGrand Benedict supposedly asked for something new, and the chef created the dish.
Whatever its origin, eggs Benedict became a fixture of American brunch culture in the 20th century. Variations include eggs Florentine with spinach, eggs Royale with smoked salmon, and Southern-style versions with fried green tomatoes. Who started National Eggs Benedict Day is not documented.
Why National Eggs Benedict Day Matters
Eggs Benedict represents the art of brunch, a relaxed weekend meal that brings friends and family together.
It also teaches valuable cooking skills, such as poaching eggs and making an emulsified sauce.
Brunch itself has become a social ritual in many American cities, a slow weekend meal that gives friends and families time to catch up. Learning to make eggs Benedict at home can save money and impress guests. It also builds confidence in the kitchen, since mastering hollandaise and poached eggs makes many other dishes feel easier.
How to Celebrate National Eggs Benedict Day
- Make it at home: poach eggs and whisk up hollandaise.
- Try a variation: make eggs Florentine or eggs Royale.
- Go out for brunch: order eggs Benedict at a local café.
- Use a shortcut: make blender hollandaise.
- Host a brunch: invite friends for a weekend meal.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, a brunch-style breakfast with eggs Benedict or a simpler egg bar can make a festive morning meeting. In classrooms, culinary students can practice poaching eggs and making hollandaise, learning about emulsions; others can compare origin stories and discuss how food legends spread. At home, families can make a brunch together, letting children toast English muffins while adults handle poaching. Use pasteurized eggs for hollandaise if serving young children, pregnant people or anyone with a weakened immune system.
Fun Facts About National Eggs Benedict Day
- One story credits stockbroker Lemuel Benedict in 1894.
- Another story credits Delmonico's restaurant.
- Hollandaise is an emulsion of egg yolks, butter and lemon juice.
National Eggs Benedict Day FAQs
When is National Eggs Benedict Day?
National Eggs Benedict Day is April 16.
Who invented eggs Benedict?
Stories credit either Lemuel Benedict at the Waldorf Hotel or the Benedicts at Delmonico's.
What is hollandaise sauce?
A rich sauce made from egg yolks, butter and lemon juice.
How do I poach an egg?
Simmer water gently, add a splash of vinegar, and cook the egg for about 3–4 minutes.