Eggs Benedict is a classic savory dish that's served at breakfast restaurants around the world. This well-known dish usually includes a poached egg, hollandaise sauce, ham, and a toasted English muffin, but there are other variations you may want to try as well. This guide discusses the history of this popular dish and gives some inspiration for different variations to experiment with. 

What Is the History of Eggs Benedict?

As with many popular recipes, the origins of Eggs Benedict are a bit murky. Some people believe it was created at Delmonico's Restaurant in Manhattan by Mrs. LeGrand Benedict. As the story goes, she wanted to add something new to her menu and came up with the delicious dish around 1860. 

Alternatively, people credit Lemuel Benedict of the Manhattan Waldorf Hotel with the creation of the dish. This story claims that Mr. Benedict ordered a poached egg, bacon, and toast and combined the ingredients. The maître d’ caught sight of the creative mix and ultimately added Eggs Benedict to the menu. 

What Are the Different Variations Available?

Regardless of its origins, Eggs Benedict remains a favorite dish many years later. Popular variations of the meal include: 

• Florentine Eggs Benedict: This version contains the same ingredients except for the ham, which is replaced with sautéed spinach for a brighter touch. This version is a great choice for vegetarians since it contains no meat.  
• Salmon Eggs Benedict: This version swaps the ham with smoked salmon. The result is a fancier version of Eggs Benedict that's often served at high-end breakfast restaurants. 
• Avocado Eggs Benedict: Avocado lovers will enjoy this version, which replaces the English muffin with a halved avocado. It's a popular choice for people on a low-carb or gluten-free diet.
• Southwest Eggs Benedict: If you like Tex-Mex cuisine, you'll probably enjoy the Southwest Eggs Benedict. This variation is made with a cornbread base, spicy chorizo or black beans, and a chipotle hollandaise sauce.

No matter your tastes, you can find an Eggs Benedict variation that satisfies your cravings. 

If you love trying Eggs Benedict at different breakfast restaurants, head to Belgian Waffle & Pancake House in Branson, MO. This restaurant has served locals for more than 40 years. They offer a tantalizing selection of breakfast foods, soups, and salads. Learn more about their menu online or give them a call at (417) 334-8484 to reserve a table.