Make this easy no-fail Hollandaise Sauce at home. If you love Hollandaise Sauce and have always wanted to make this at home, this recipe is for you. If you have never had the pleasure of enjoying this rich and velvety sauce, I hope that you give this recipe a try. Just scrumptious with so many dishes.
I first saw this Foolproof Hollandaise Sauce recipe on America’s Test Kitchen TV episode a few years ago. Believe me, it works.
What are Mother Sauces?
Mother sauces are five basic sauces that are used to create a variety of other sauces. They are considered to be the foundation of classical French cuisine, and are still widely used by chefs today.
Mother sauces, also known as the “sauces mères” in French cuisine, are a fundamental set of sauces that serve as the foundation for a wide variety of other sauces. These sauces were classified and popularized by the French chef Marie-Antoine Carême in the 19th century and later refined by Auguste Escoffier.
Five Classic Sauces
There are five classic mother sauces, and from these, countless derivative sauces can be created. The five mother sauces are:
Béchamel Sauce: Béchamel is a basic white sauce made from a roux (a mixture of butter and flour) and milk. It’s a thick and creamy sauce and serves as the base for sauces like Mornay (Béchamel with cheese), cheddar cheese sauce, and many other creamy sauces.
Velouté Sauce: Velouté is similar to Béchamel but made with a roux and a light stock (such as chicken, fish, or veal). It’s a lighter sauce and can be used as a base for sauces like allemande (Velouté with egg yolk and lemon juice), normande, and supreme.
Espagnole (Brown) Sauce: Espagnole is a brown sauce made from brown roux, tomato puree, mirepoix (a mixture of onions, carrots, and celery), and brown stock (usually beef or veal). It’s the base for demi-glace and other rich brown sauces.
Tomato Sauce: Tomato sauce is, as the name suggests, primarily made from tomatoes. It can be enhanced with various seasonings, herbs, and spices and is the foundation for sauces like marinara, Bolognese, and Creole.
Hollandaise Sauce: Hollandaise is a rich, buttery sauce made by emulsifying egg yolks, clarified butter, and lemon juice or vinegar. It’s known for its creamy texture and is the base for variations like Béarnaise (Hollandaise with tarragon and shallots) and mousseline. It is a French sauce that
Mother sauces can be used on their own, or they can be flavored with herbs, spices, and other ingredients to create a variety of different sauces.
What to Use Hollandaise Sauce for?
These mother sauces provide a versatile starting point for creating a wide range of sauces to complement various dishes in classical and contemporary cuisine. Chefs use them as building blocks, adjusting and combining them with other ingredients to develop complex and delicious flavors in their dishes.
Knowing how to make the five mother sauces is a valuable skill for any cook. With these basic sauces, you can create a wide variety of delicious and flavorful dishes.
Most often, it is used for Eggs Benedict, an open-faced breakfast sandwich that has a generous amount of this sauce added on top.
Additionally, this is often served on asparagus. However, it is delicious with seafood such as crab, shrimp, scallops, and even lobster.
Quick Fool Proof Hollandaise Sauce
Years ago, I had made this sauce and it took 10-15 minutes of whisking and the sauce seemed to be very tricky to get right. The butter would separate and not quite emulsify sometimes. If the heat was not just the right temperature, you might end up with scrambled eggs or a watery sauce.
However, I no longer have any issues at all making this sauce. I still make it by placing a stainless-steel bowl over a small pan that has about an inch of boiling water. It takes just minutes and it is truly and easy no fail simple method.
I just had to change one thing.
What is the Secret to No-Fail Sauce?
The secret is in the butter.
You see the traditional method of making the hollandaise recipe uses melted butter or even a clarified butter. This must be emulsified right away, and you need hot butter. It it is too cold, it will cool down too much when mixing with the other ingredients. You can use an immersion blender to make this, but it can still go awry.
Therefore, I do use my double boiler method using a small saucepan over another pan of warm water. The secret is not to melt the butter before adding it.
Why My No Fail Method is The Best Way
If the butter is melted before being added to the rest of the ingredients, it has a tendency to separate because it is already in a liquid form.
However, add the butter softened and whisk with the other ingredients while it heats up and it emulsifies like magic. And there is no vigorous whisking needed either. It is a super easy recipe that works every time.
Keep the Beautiful Sauce Warm
Keep this classic sauce in a warm spot until you are ready to use. I kept mine over a kettle with warm water for about ten minutes while I cooked the eggs. The breakfast turns out perfectly.
No-Fail Recipe Ingredients
This no-fail easy recipe has just a few ingredients:
- Egg yolks
- Butter
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Pinch of cayenne pepper that is optional
Why did Hollandaise break?
Hollandaise sauce can “break” or separate for several reasons. When Hollandaise sauce breaks, it means that the emulsion of the sauce, which is the mixture of fat (butter) and water (egg yolks and sometimes lemon juice or vinegar), has broken apart.
This results in a sauce with a curdled or grainy texture, rather than the smooth, creamy consistency it should have. Here are some common reasons why Hollandaise sauce might break:
- Overheating: One of the most common reasons for Hollandaise sauce to break is overheating. If the sauce gets too hot, the egg yolks can curdle and cause the emulsion to separate. To avoid this, it’s essential to cook the sauce over low heat, preferably in a double boiler or with gentle, indirect heat.
- Adding Butter Too Quickly: When adding the melted butter to the egg yolks, it should be done slowly and gradually while constantly whisking. Pouring the butter too quickly can overwhelm the egg yolks and cause the emulsion to break.
- Cold Ingredients: If your egg yolks or butter are too cold, they may not mix properly, and the sauce can break. Allow all the ingredients to come to room temperature before starting.
- Not Whisking Enough: Vigorous and continuous whisking is necessary to create and maintain the emulsion. If you stop whisking for too long, the sauce can break.
- Old or Spoiled Eggs: Using old or spoiled eggs can lead to a less stable emulsion and an increased risk of the sauce breaking.
- Acid Balance: The addition of acid (lemon juice or vinegar) helps stabilize the emulsion. If there’s too much or too little acid, it can affect the sauce’s stability.
- Egg Yolk Mixture Too Thick: If the egg yolk mixture is too thick before adding the butter, it can struggle to incorporate the fat properly. You can thin it out with a little warm water or lemon juice.
What to Do if Your Sauce Does Break?
There are some methods to attempt to save it:
- Whisk: Try whisking vigorously to re-emulsify the sauce.
- Add Warm Water: Gradually add a small amount of warm water while whisking to bring the sauce back together.
- Use an Immersion Blender: An immersion blender can help re-emulsify the sauce if it has separated.
However, prevention is usually the best approach. Be patient, use low heat, and follow a reliable recipe to minimize the risk of your Hollandaise sauce breaking in the first place.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Hollandaise Sauce
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Can you Freeze Hollandaise Sauce
Hollandaise sauce can be a bit tricky to freeze because it contains emulsified butter, and freezing and thawing can cause it to separate or become grainy. However, if you need to store leftover Hollandaise sauce and want to try freezing it, you can follow these steps to improve its chances of retaining its texture and flavor:
- Cool the sauce: Allow the Hollandaise sauce to cool to room temperature or slightly cooler.
- Portion into small containers: Divide the sauce into small, airtight containers or ice cube trays. Smaller portions are easier to thaw and reheat without compromising the sauce’s texture.
- Cover and seal tightly: Ensure that the containers are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn and the absorption of other odors from the freezer.
- Label and date: It’s important to label each container with the date of freezing, so you can keep track of how long it’s been in the freezer.
- Freeze: Place the containers in the freezer. Try to use the sauce within 1-2 months for the best results.
Reheating the Sauce
When you’re ready to use the frozen Hollandaise sauce:
- Thaw: Transfer the frozen sauce to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly. Avoid using a microwave to thaw, as this can cause separation.
- Reheat gently: Once the sauce is thawed, reheat it gently in a saucepan over low heat, whisking continuously. If it appears separated, you can try adding a small amount of warm water and whisking vigorously to re-emulsify it.
The first is the Stove Top. Just pour the sauce in a pan and reheat over low heat. This is probably my least favorite because it can burn easy and overcook the eggs.
Second is the Stove Top, but this time using a double boiler. A double boiler is just like when it was first made. Use a double boiler or place a bowl over a saucepan with about 1 inch of water in the bottom. Heat over medium-low heat to get the water simmering. Much less chance of burning.
Third is the Microwave. Place the sauce in a microwaveable bowl and heat in 15-20 second intervals. Stir between heating sessions. Repeating this process until the sauce is warm. Using this method reduces the chance of the eggs overcooking.
What to do With Leftover Traditional Hollandaise Sauce?
Leftover Hollandaise sauce can be a delightful addition to other dishes. Use it as a condiment. Here are some creative and delicious ways to use up your extra Hollandaise sauce:
Eggs Benedict: The classic use for Hollandaise sauce is Eggs Benedict. Poach some eggs, place them on English muffins or toast, and drizzle the leftover sauce over the top. It’s just a perfect topping.
Make this overnight eggs benedict recipe. Pour the reheated sauce over the top.
Other Uses for easy hollandaise sauce recipe:
- Asparagus: Steam or roast asparagus spears and serve them with a generous drizzle of Hollandaise sauce. It’s a classic and elegant pairing.
- Steak: A dollop of Hollandaise sauce can elevate a perfectly cooked steak, creating a luxurious steak béarnaise.
- Seafood: Use it as a topping for grilled or poached fish like salmon or halibut. It pairs wonderfully with seafood.
- Vegetables: It goes well with a variety of vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or artichokes. Pour the sauce over the veggies to add richness and flavor.
- Chicken or Turkey: Serve it as a sauce for roasted or grilled chicken or turkey. It can turn a simple poultry dish into something special.
- Egg Dishes: Use it as a topping for omelets, frittatas, or eggs for a decadent breakfast or brunch.
- Burgers: Add a spoonful of Hollandaise sauce to your burger for a unique and indulgent twist.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve it as a dipping sauce for steamed or boiled shrimp or crab legs.
- As a Sandwich Spread: Spread it on sandwiches or wraps to add a rich, creamy flavor.
- Potatoes: Use it as a sauce for mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or potato gratin.
Leftover Hollandaise sauce can be a versatile and flavorful addition to a wide range of dishes, so don’t let it go to waste!
Easy No-Fail Hollandaise Sauce
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 4 Large Egg Yolks
- 1 Stick Butter softened
- 1/3 Cup Boiling Water
- 1 Tsp. Lemon Juice
- Dash Cayenne Pepper optional-sometimes I just add a dash of regular black pepper.
Instructions
- Use a double boiler or place a bowl over a saucepan with about 1 inch of water in the bottom simmering to do the cooking.1/3 Cup Boiling Water
- Break the eggs and separate the yolks from the whites. Once separated, whisk the egg yolks slightly.4 Large Egg Yolks
- Add the whisked eggs, and softened butter to the bowl over the simmering water and whisk until the butter has almost all melted. Add the 1/3 cup of boiling water. (I just heated my water in the microwave for a minute).1 Stick Butter
- Keep whisking the egg mixture and cook until it reaches a temperature of 160 degrees F. As the mixture continues to cook, the eggs will become frothy and increase in volume, and then thicken.
- When you can see the pan bottom through the streaks of the whisk and the eggs are thick and smooth, remove from the heat and add your seasonings. Such as, lemon, salt and pepper, cayenne pepper, Cajun seasoning, or a variety of other seasonings.Dash Cayenne Pepper, 1 Tsp. Lemon Juice
- If not using right away, keep in a warm spot until ready to use. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a few drops of warm water whisked in before serving.
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Notes
Nutrition
Find other delicious recipes and a few wonderful homemade sauces too.
[…] If you have not made Hollandaise sauce because you thought it was too hard. Give this a try, here is my no-fail method. […]