Eggs Benedict is an iconic breakfast and brunch dish, known for its rich combination of poached eggs, Canadian bacon, and hollandaise sauce on a toasted English muffin. To truly elevate this delicious dish, pairing it with the right sides can make all the difference. The right combination of flavors and textures can balance the richness of the eggs and hollandaise while adding variety to your meal. So, what are the best things to serve with Eggs Benedict?
Why Pairing the Right Side Dishes with Eggs Benedict Matters
The richness of Eggs Benedict demands thoughtful accompaniments. The classic poached eggs and hollandaise sauce are buttery, creamy, and indulgent. Adding the right sides ensures that the meal doesn’t feel too heavy and can provide contrast in both flavor and texture.
One key aspect of creating a balanced meal is offering sides that add crunch, freshness, or heartiness. For example, serving crispy hash browns or bacon adds texture, while a light green salad or fruit salad introduces a refreshing, palate-cleansing element. Understanding how side dishes interact with the main course is crucial in curating the perfect brunch.
If you are interested in exploring more tasty side dishes, you can visit A Pinch of Adventure’s guide to eggs Benedict sides, which features 19 different side dish ideas.
Classic Sides to Serve with Eggs Benedict
When it comes to Eggs Benedict, classic side dishes are always a popular choice. These options offer the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making them reliable companions to the soft poached eggs and creamy hollandaise.
1. Hash Browns
A brunch staple, crispy hash browns are the perfect side to serve with Eggs Benedict. The crunchy exterior and tender interior of hash browns provide a delightful contrast to the soft, runny yolks and smooth hollandaise. Made from shredded or diced potatoes, hash browns can be fried or baked until golden brown, giving them the crispy texture that makes them a favorite.
Additionally, hash browns can be flavored with herbs, onions, or cheese, making them versatile and customizable based on your preferences. Whether you prefer your hash browns perfectly crispy or slightly tender in the middle, they’re sure to complement the softness of the eggs.
2. Crispy Bacon
There’s a reason bacon is a breakfast staple. The savory, smoky flavor of crispy bacon provides a rich contrast to the buttery hollandaise. The saltiness of bacon enhances the natural flavors of the eggs and sauce, making it a perfect side for Eggs Benedict.
To take your bacon to the next level, try sweet and spicy twisted bacon, which combines the classic crispiness of bacon with a hint of sweetness and spice. This version can be made by coating bacon strips in brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and paprika before baking them until crispy. The result is a side that adds both flavor and intrigue to your plate.
3. Asparagus Spears
If you’re looking for a healthier, lighter side, asparagus spears are a great option. Grilled or roasted asparagus offers a fresh, crisp bite that pairs well with the richness of the hollandaise sauce. Additionally, asparagus is full of vitamins and nutrients, making it a nutritious option for those seeking balance in their brunch.
A simple preparation of roasted asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper is all you need. The slight char from roasting adds depth to the asparagus, complementing the creamy hollandaise while keeping the dish light.
4. Skillet Breakfast Potatoes
For a heartier side, skillet breakfast potatoes are a filling option. Made by pan-frying diced potatoes with onions, garlic, and herbs, these potatoes provide a savory and satisfying bite. The potatoes are tender on the inside with a golden, crispy exterior, making them an excellent match for Eggs Benedict.
If you’re serving Eggs Benedict for a larger gathering, breakfast potatoes are ideal for adding more substance to the meal. You can also customize them by adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a sprinkling of cheese for added flavor.
For more traditional Eggs Benedict ideas, you can refer to FoodieCrush’s detailed guide on the best traditional Eggs Benedict.
Healthier Options to Serve with Eggs Benedict
If you’re seeking healthier sides, there are plenty of nutritious options that pair wonderfully with Eggs Benedict. These sides are perfect for those who want to enjoy their brunch without overindulging, offering light, fresh alternatives.
1. Sautéed Spinach
Spinach is packed with nutrients. When lightly sautéed in olive oil and garlic, it offers a delicate, earthy flavor. This dish is light, nutritious, and pairs well with Eggs Benedict, adding a healthy dose of greens.
The slight bitterness of spinach contrasts with the richness of hollandaise sauce. Its simplicity makes it a quick addition to any meal. A squeeze of lemon can also enhance the flavor.
2. Fruit Salad
For a sweet, refreshing side, consider serving a fruit salad. This colorful addition not only brings natural sweetness to the plate but also helps cleanse the palate between bites of the rich eggs and hollandaise sauce.
Popular choices for a fruit salad include strawberries, blueberries, oranges, and kiwis. You can also add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of mint to elevate the flavors. The freshness and acidity of the fruit balance the buttery hollandaise and add brightness to your brunch.
3. Avocado Slices
Avocado is a trendy and nutritious side that pairs exceptionally well with Eggs Benedict. Its creamy texture mirrors the richness of the hollandaise, while its healthy fats add nutritional value to the dish. Simply slice up some ripe avocado and serve it alongside your Eggs Benedict for a side that feels indulgent yet healthy.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also try avocado in the form of avocado toast topped with a poached egg, bringing together two brunch favorites in one dish.
For inspiration on incorporating avocado into your brunch, check out this Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast Recipe.
4. Green Salad with Vinaigrette
A light, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the heavy hollandaise sauce in Eggs Benedict. This side dish is perfect for those who want to add a little more green to their brunch plate without overpowering the main course.
You can create a simple salad with mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon or balsamic vinaigrette. The acidity of the vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the eggs and sauce, providing a light, refreshing bite between bites of the heavier dish.
Hearty Sides for a More Filling Meal
If you’re planning a brunch that leans more toward the heartier side, these filling options will help round out your Eggs Benedict meal.
1. Breakfast Sausages
Breakfast sausages are a traditional and filling side that adds protein and savory flavor to the table. Whether you opt for pork, turkey, or chicken sausages, they provide a meaty addition to your brunch that pairs beautifully with the soft poached eggs and tangy hollandaise.
For those who enjoy a spicier kick, consider using sausages with added spices like Italian sausages or even chorizo to bring a new level of flavor to the meal.
2. Croissants
If you’re looking for a buttery, flaky side, croissants are an excellent choice. These French pastries offer a light, airy texture that complements the richness of the eggs and sauce without feeling too heavy.
Croissants are also perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your brunch spread, making them an ideal option for hosting. Serve them warm with a bit of butter or jam for extra flavor.
3. Grilled Tomatoes
Grilled tomatoes are a classic addition to many brunch menus, and they work wonderfully with Eggs Benedict. The slight acidity and sweetness of tomatoes help cut through the rich flavors of the hollandaise, offering a balanced, savory bite.
Simply slice tomatoes, drizzle them with olive oil, and grill or roast them until they’re tender and slightly caramelized. The natural flavors of the tomatoes will complement the eggs without overwhelming them.
Creative Twists: Unconventional Side Dishes for Eggs Benedict
For those who want to add a twist to their brunch, these creative sides offer something unexpected yet delicious.
1. Sweet and Spicy Twisted Bacon
For a new take on classic bacon, try sweet and spicy twisted bacon. This side combines the crispiness of bacon with a hint of sweetness and spice, giving it a unique flavor profile that pairs perfectly with Eggs Benedict.
To make twisted bacon, simply coat the bacon strips with brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and paprika before baking them until crispy. This balance of sweet and savory makes it an irresistible side.
2. Halloumi Fries
If you’re looking to incorporate a cheesy, indulgent side, try halloumi fries. This semi-hard cheese is known for its high melting point, which allows it to be fried until crispy on the outside while maintaining its soft, melty interior.
Serve these crispy, golden fries alongside your Eggs Benedict for a savory and textural contrast that’s both filling and satisfying.
3. Truffle Fries
For a more luxurious side, consider serving truffle fries. The earthy, aromatic flavor of truffle oil elevates simple fries into something extraordinary, making them the perfect pairing for a special brunch.
You can prepare truffle fries using either regular or sweet potatoes, seasoning them with a drizzle of truffle oil, Parmesan cheese, and parsley for added flavor.
4. Cheesy Polenta
Polenta is a creamy, comforting side that works beautifully with rich brunch dishes like Eggs Benedict. You can make it extra indulgent by stirring in cheese such as Parmesan or cheddar, creating a creamy and flavorful base that adds a comforting element to your brunch plate.
Polenta is also versatile, so you can top it with additional ingredients like mushrooms or herbs to make it even more substantial.
Best Drinks to Serve with Eggs Benedict
No brunch is complete without the right drink pairing. For Eggs Benedict, consider these options:
Mimosas: This classic brunch cocktail combines champagne and orange juice, adding a light, bubbly sweetness that contrasts the richness of the dish.
Bloody Marys: Made with vodka and tomato juice, Bloody Marys bring a bold, savory flavor that complements the eggs and bacon.
Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice: Refreshing and simple, orange juice adds brightness to the meal and cleanses the palate between bites of hollandaise-covered eggs.
Coffee: Whether it’s an Americano, latte, or cold brew, coffee is a classic pairing for Eggs Benedict.
FAQs About Serving Sides with Eggs Benedict
What vegetables go well with Eggs Benedict?
Popular vegetable options that pair well with Eggs Benedict include spinach, asparagus, and grilled tomatoes. These vegetables offer a light, refreshing contrast to the rich hollandaise sauce and eggs.
What is traditionally served with Eggs Benedict?
Traditional sides for Eggs Benedict include crispy bacon, hash browns, and roasted breakfast potatoes. These sides provide the right texture and flavor balance to complement the main dish.
Can Eggs Benedict be served for dinner?
Yes, Eggs Benedict can be a great dinner option. To make it more substantial for an evening meal, consider pairing it with heartier sides such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even steamed asparagus.
What meat goes best with Eggs Benedict?
The classic option is Canadian bacon, but other popular choices include crispy bacon, prosciutto, or even breakfast sausages, all of which add a savory, flavorful element to the dish.
Final Thoughts
Eggs Benedict is a beloved brunch staple. To elevate the dish, finding the perfect sides is key.
You can choose classic favorites like hash browns and bacon. Or, try something new like halloumi fries or truffle fries. The goal is to balance the richness of the eggs and hollandaise with complementary flavors and textures.
For those seeking variety, consider avocado toast with poached eggs for a modern twist.
