Name: Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 packet Hollandaise sauce; 4 cups leftover stuffing; 1-2 eggs lightly beaten eggs; 1 tablespoon milk; 4 eggs eggs; 4 slices leftover roasted turkey

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When I think of my favorite breakfast dishes, Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict comes to mind. It’s a delightful fusion of flavors that captures the spirit of the holidays, all stacked into a single, indulgent bite. One brisk fall morning, as the leaves danced around the yard, I decided it was the perfect time to whip up this special dish. I wanted to create something that celebrated the Thanksgiving spirit while also being a comfort on a chilly day. The warmth of the poached eggs combined with the rich, creamy texture of the Hollandaise sauce brings back memories of family gatherings and shared meals. It’s a reminder of why I love cooking: to bring people together and create moments that linger far beyond the last bite.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
25 mins

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
5 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
410 kcal

Protein:
22 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
23 g

Tools Used:
Waffle Maker

Why This Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict Works

There are countless reasons why Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict stands out for me, and I’m excited to share a few. Let’s dive into what makes this dish truly special!

Perfect Fall Flavors

The beauty of Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict lies in its seasonal ingredients. Using leftover stuffing not only reduces waste but also brings the rich, savory flavors of Thanksgiving right to your breakfast table. It’s a wonderful way to embrace the essence of the holiday with every bite.

Comforting and Indulgent

Let’s face it: we all crave comfort food, especially as the weather turns chilly. The combination of crispy stuffing waffles, tender roasted turkey, and perfectly poached eggs drizzled with creamy Hollandaise sauce makes for a dish that’s hard to resist. It satisfies both your hunger and your soul.

Easy to Customize

One of the best parts about Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Whether you prefer a specific herb in your Hollandaise or want to add a sprinkle of cheese, the possibilities are endless!

Family-Friendly Recipe

This dish is not only delicious but also fun to make together as a family. Involving kids in the kitchen can create lasting memories, and they’ll love stacking their own waffles and eggs. It’s a great way to teach them about cooking while enjoying quality time together.

Great for Leftovers

After Thanksgiving, there’s always an abundance of leftovers. Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict is a fantastic way to utilize those remnants creatively. Turn the ordinary into extraordinary, and you’ll find yourself enjoying the holiday flavors long after the feast is over.

Ingredients to Make Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict

When it comes to creating Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict, the choice of ingredients plays a crucial role. Each component works harmoniously to deliver a satisfying and flavorful dish. The main players here are the leftover stuffing, poached eggs, and Hollandaise sauce, which together create a deliciously rich experience.

Hollandaise sauce – A creamy, buttery sauce that brings richness and depth to the dish. It’s the star of the show and pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the other ingredients.
Leftover stuffing – This is the heart of the dish! Using leftover stuffing not only reduces waste but also infuses the meal with the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving.
Eggs – Essential for poaching, these provide protein and a luscious texture when runny, offering a wonderful contrast to the crispiness of the stuffing.
Milk – A splash of milk helps to bind the stuffing mixture, ensuring all the ingredients come together beautifully.
Roasted turkey – Slices of leftover turkey add a satisfying heartiness and a flavorful punch to this dish.

Cooking Method for Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict

Making Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict is easier than you might think! With just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table that captures the essence of the holiday. Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by making the Hollandaise sauce according to the package directions. Keep it warm on the stove while you prepare the rest of the meal. This sauce will be drizzled on top, adding that rich, creamy touch to your dish.
In a medium bowl, stir together the leftover stuffing, lightly beaten eggs, and milk. If the mixture feels dry, you can add another egg to ensure it binds well. This mixture will be transformed into waffles, providing a unique base for your Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict.
Next, heat your waffle maker and pour in enough of the stuffing mixture to make 4 waffles. Cook them until they are golden brown and crispy. Once done, keep them warm on a plate while you prepare the poached eggs. The stuffing waffles will add texture and flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Fill a deep-sided pan with a few inches of water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Poaching the eggs requires care, so you want to keep the water at a steady temperature.
Break each egg into a small bowl before gently slipping it into the simmering water. They will need to cook for about 3 to 5 minutes. Look for the whites to be fully set while keeping the yolks soft and runny. Use a slotted spoon to remove them once cooked, placing them on paper towels to drain excess water.
If you need to reheat the poached eggs, simply return them to the simmering water for a couple of minutes. This will warm them through without overcooking.
Now it’s time to assemble your Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict. Start with a warm stuffing waffle as the base. Layer on a slice of roasted turkey, followed by a perfectly poached egg. Finally, drizzle generously with the warm Hollandaise sauce. This combination is where the magic happens!
Serve immediately while everything is warm, and watch your family’s faces light up with joy as they dig into this scrumptious dish. Each bite is a celebration of flavors and a perfect tribute to Thanksgiving.

Things Worth Knowing

Perfectly poach your eggs: Use fresh eggs for the best results. Fresh eggs tend to hold their shape better in the water.
Keeping Hollandaise sauce warm: If you find the sauce thickening too much, a splash of warm water can help bring it back to the right consistency.
Adjusting the stuffing mix: If your stuffing is a bit dry, adding a touch more milk or an extra egg can help bind it together better.
Make ahead: You can prepare the stuffing waffles ahead of time. Just reheat them in the oven before assembling your Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict.

Recipe Variations about Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict

There are numerous ways to get creative with Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict, allowing you to customize it to your taste. Here are some variations to consider:

Swap the turkey: Replace the roasted turkey with leftover chicken or even sautéed spinach for a vegetarian version.
Herb-infused Hollandaise: Add fresh herbs like dill or chives to your Hollandaise sauce for an extra flavor boost.
Different bases: Instead of stuffing waffles, try using hash browns or English muffins for a twist on the traditional base.
Add toppings: Consider topping with sautéed mushrooms or a sprinkle of paprika for an additional layer of flavor.
Cheesy goodness: If you enjoy cheese, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top before serving for a rich finish.

How to Enjoy Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict

Serving Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas on how to enjoy this delicious dish:

Perfect for brunch: This recipe is an excellent choice for brunch gatherings, where friends and family can gather around the table and share a meal.
Pair with salads: A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the richness of the dish, balancing flavors.
Holiday breakfast: This dish is fantastic for special occasions or holiday breakfasts, bringing a festive touch to your morning routine.
Make it a tradition: Consider making Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict a family tradition for the day after Thanksgiving, utilizing those leftovers creatively.
Storage tips: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Reheat gently in the oven to preserve texture.
Seasonal pairings: This dish pairs well with seasonal fruits like pears or apples, adding a fresh element to your meal.

FAQ

To poach an egg perfectly, start with fresh eggs as they hold their shape better. Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. You can add a splash of vinegar to the water to help the whites set faster. Crack the egg into a small bowl and gently slide it into the simmering water. Let it cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until the whites are set but the yolk remains runny. Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the egg and drain it on a paper towel. This technique ensures beautifully poached eggs every time!

Yes, you can make Hollandaise sauce in advance! Just prepare it according to the package instructions and then keep it warm over a double boiler or in a warm spot on the stove. If the sauce thickens, you can add a little warm water to bring it back to the desired consistency. However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to make it fresh if possible.

Customizing your Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict is part of the fun! You can swap out the roasted turkey for leftover chicken or even go vegetarian with sautéed vegetables. Additionally, consider adding fresh herbs to the Hollandaise sauce or topping it with sautéed mushrooms. You can also change the base from stuffing waffles to English muffins or hash browns. The key is to create a dish that reflects your tastes while embracing the essence of the holiday!

Pairing sides with Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict can enhance your meal. Fresh salads, such as a spinach salad with a light vinaigrette, work well to balance the richness of the dish. Seasonal fruits like sliced pears or apples add a refreshing crunch. Additionally, consider offering roasted vegetables or a light soup as a starter. These sides can complement the flavors of the main dish beautifully, creating a well-rounded meal.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict is a delicious celebration of holiday flavors, bringing together festive leftovers in a comforting and satisfying way. I encourage you to try this dish, whether as a special breakfast or a unique brunch option. It’s a perfect opportunity to make use of those Thanksgiving remnants while creating something new and delightful!