Eggs Benedict is a classic breakfast dish that has been popular for over a century. But where did the name come from? Many people wonder about the origin of the term “eggs Benedict” and how this delicious combination of poached eggs, ham, and hollandaise sauce on an English muffin got its name.
The History of Eggs Benedict
While the exact origins are unclear, most accounts point to eggs Benedict being created in New York City in the late 1800s or early 1900s. The dish was likely invented as part of the trend of elegant brunch dishes in American restaurants and hotels during that time period. Several different stories exist about who came up with the recipe first.
One account credits Delmonico’s Restaurant in New York with inventing eggs Benedict in the 1860s. Supposedly regular patron Mrs. LeGrand Benedict asked the chef to create a hangover cure involving bacon, poached eggs, toast, and a sauce. However, there is no evidence that a Mrs. Benedict existed or dined at Delmonico’s.
Another story attributes the dish to stockbroker Lemuel Benedict who frequented the Waldorf Hotel. He supposedly asked for buttered toast, bacon, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce to help his hangover sometime in the 1890s. Again, there are no records confirming this.
The most credible story names famed chef Charles Ranhofer of Delmonico’s as the inventor. In 1894, he published a recipe called “Eggs a’ la Benedick” in his cookbook The Epicurean. This is the earliest known published recipe for the dish we now call eggs Benedict.
Where Does the Name Come From?
So how did eggs Benedict get its name? The term likely references the breakfast meal being served to Mr. or Mrs. Benedict, whoever he or she may be. Benedict is believed to be a reference to the Benedictine order of monks.
In Ranhofer’s 1894 recipe, he specifically chooses the name Eggs a’ la Benedick. This seems to be a reference to the Shakespearean character Benedick from Much Ado About Nothing. Benedick expresses cynicism about romance and marriage for much of the play.
Some accounts say Ranhofer chose to associate his rich breakfast dish with the character Benedick because the character ultimately falls in love and marries. So the name may imply the dish leads to satisfaction, even for a skeptic like Benedick.
How Eggs Benedict Evolved Over Time
While the earliest recipes called for bacon, today eggs Benedict is almost always made with ham. Some accounts say this change was a result of rationing during World War II when bacon was harder to come by.
English muffins were not part of the original dish either. Toast or crumpets were likely the original base. English muffins became popular later on because they can hold up well when soaked with hollandaise.
Hollandaise sauce was always a key component in the recipe. Some stories say this was chosen purposefully as a “hangover helper” since hollandaise contains egg yolks and butter, which would have been seen as rich and replenishing.
Over the 1900s, eggs Benedict gradually rose from an obscure luxury dish to a popular breakfast meal across the United States and beyond. It became a staple menu item at diners, cafes, brunch spots, and restaurants of all kinds thanks to its delicious combination of flavors and textures.
Regional Variations
While the basic components are the same, eggs Benedict has spawned many regional variations over the years featuring different ingredients:
- Eggs Blackstone – With bacon instead of ham
- Eggs Florentine – With spinach instead of meat
- Eggs Mornay – With tomato and provolone cheese
- Crab cake eggs Benedict – With crab cakes instead of ham
- Smoked salmon eggs Benedict – With smoked salmon instead of ham
The dish has also spread far beyond the United States. For example, a Canadian version called eggs Belleveau features peameal bacon. And in Denmark, they enjoy eggs Benedict with smoked halibut.
Conclusion
While its exact origin may never be known, eggs Benedict has become a beloved breakfast dish with many regional twists. The elegant yet satisfying combination of poached eggs, ham, hollandaise, and an English muffin comes together to make a hearty and flavorful meal. Next time you enjoy eggs Benedict, you can appreciate the fascinating history behind its curious name.