🥚 Easy Hollandaise Sauce Recipe – The Best Classic Hollandaise for Every Dish

Why You’ll Love This Easy Hollandaise Sauce Recipe

Rich, creamy, and irresistibly smooth, Hollandaise sauce is a French classic that elevates everything from poached eggs to steamed vegetables. But despite its gourmet reputation, it’s easier to make than you might think.

This easy hollandaise sauce recipe breaks down the steps so home cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results without fuss. Whether you're drizzling it over brunch or finishing a fancy dinner plate, this is truly the best hollandaise sauce recipe to master.

Hollandaise Sauce Ingredients: What You Need

Here are the essential components of a silky, flavorful classic hollandaise sauce:

• Egg yolks – For richness and structure
  
  

• Butter (unsalted, melted) – The creamy base
  
  

• Lemon juice – Adds brightness and balance
  
  

• Dijon mustard (optional) – For a subtle kick and depth
  
  

• Salt & white pepper – To enhance the flavor
  
  

• Cayenne pepper or paprika – Optional, for mild heat or color
  
  

Optional variations:

• Vinegar for more tang
  
  

• Garlic-infused butter for extra richness
  
  

• Truffle oil for a gourmet finish
  
  

How to Make the Best Hollandaise Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Use fresh egg yolks for the smoothest texture. Melt your butter and clarify it if you want a cleaner, more refined sauce. Clarified butter helps prevent breaking, but regular melted butter works well too.

Step 2: Whisking the Egg Yolks

Whisk the yolks in a heat-safe bowl set over a pot of gently simmering water (double boiler method). Whisk constantly to avoid curdling and cook until the yolks are thickened and pale in color.

Step 3: Slowly Incorporating the Butter

While whisking, slowly drizzle in the melted butter. Go slowly to properly emulsify and prevent the sauce from separating. If it gets too thick, add a splash of warm water or lemon juice to loosen it.

Step 4: Adding Flavor and Final Adjustments

Stir in lemon juice to taste, along with salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings. Taste and adjust as needed—this is your chance to make it just right for your dish.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

• My Hollandaise sauce is too thin: Whisk it over low heat to thicken, or blend in a bit more melted butter.
  
  

• The sauce split: Slowly whisk in a teaspoon of hot water or another egg yolk to bring it back.
  
  

• It tastes too eggy: Add more lemon juice, Dijon mustard, or seasoning to balance the flavor.
  
  

Hollandaise Sauce Uses: Best Ways to Enjoy It

Breakfast favorites:

• Eggs Benedict & Eggs Royale – A brunch essential
  
  

• Poached eggs on avocado toast – A luxurious topping
  
  

Lunch & dinner ideas:

• Grilled salmon or white fish – Enhances delicate seafood
  
  

• Steamed asparagus or roasted vegetables – Adds richness
  
  

• Filet mignon or steak – For a steakhouse-style finish
  
  

Creative twists:

• Drizzle over baked potatoes or sweet potatoes
  
  

• Mix with hot sauce for a spicy dip or dressing
  
  

Best Hollandaise Sauce Recipe Variations

• Blender Hollandaise Sauce: Use a blender to quickly emulsify butter and yolks for a foolproof version.
  
  

• Dairy-Free Hollandaise: Use plant-based butter for a vegan-friendly sauce.
  
  

• Spicy Hollandaise: Add Sriracha, chipotle, or cayenne for extra heat.
  
  

• Herbed Hollandaise: Stir in chopped dill, tarragon, or chives for fresh flavor.
  
  

Common Questions About Hollandaise Sauce

How long does Hollandaise sauce last?
It’s best served fresh, but you can refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat or in a double boiler, whisking constantly.

Can I make Hollandaise sauce ahead of time?
Yes. Store in a thermos to keep warm, or make just before serving and hold over a warm water bath.

What’s the difference between Hollandaise and Béarnaise sauce?
Both are emulsified sauces, but Béarnaise adds tarragon and shallots for a more herbaceous, tangy flavor.

Mastering the Perfect Hollandaise Sauce

Once you try this easy hollandaise sauce, you’ll never reach for a store-bought version again. It’s rich, bright, and endlessly customizable—ideal for any meal that needs a little extra elegance.

💬 Tried it? Share your favorite hollandaise sauce uses or twists in the comments—we’d love to hear how you make it your own!