Vegan Eggs Benedict Recipe – A Classic Brunch Option!

Don’t have time to read the full blog post? JUMP TO THE RECIPE HERE!

Finding a vegan alternative to the beloved brunch classic Eggs Benedict seemed like a culinary mission impossible. Memories of indulgent mornings were hard to replicate without the traditional ingredients. Yet, the quest for a vegan Eggs Benedict recipe became not just a possibility but a delicious reality.

This journey began with the challenge of capturing the essence of a dish so rich in flavor and texture without compromising on the vegan ethos. The answer lay in the magic of silken tofu, cashew hollandaise, and a touch of culinary creativity.

What emerged was not just a recipe but a revelation—proof that with some innovation, even the most cherished dishes can be transformed into vegan delights without losing their soul.

What Is A Vegan Eggs Benedict Recipe?

A Vegan Eggs Benedict is a plant-based version of the classic breakfast dish, ingeniously reimagined to fit a vegan diet. It replaces traditional poached eggs with a clever concoction of silken tofu, artfully seasoned to mimic an egg’s soft, runny center.

The recipe swaps out the customary hollandaise sauce with a creamy blend made from cashews and nutritional yeast, offering a rich, tangy flavor without dairy.

Served on a toasted English muffin and often garnished with avocado, spinach, or vegan bacon, this dish offers a delightful twist on a brunch staple, ensuring that vegans don’t miss the indulgence.

Quick Fact: Silken tofu, used in vegan Eggs Benedict for its egg-like texture, is versatile in vegan cooking, rich in protein, and contains all nine essential amino acids.

Recipe Directions

• Prepare the Hollandaise: Melt vegan butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Turn off the heat and whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually add almond milk, water, lemon juice, dijon, salt, garlic powder, and nutritional yeast, whisking constantly. Heat over low-medium, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
• Cook the Benedict Components: Heat another skillet over medium while the sauce cooks. Add oil and tomato slices, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Remove tomatoes and add English muffin halves cut side down to the skillet. Cook until warmed and slightly browned, 2-3 minutes.
• Assemble: Place the toasted English muffin halves on plates. Top each with tomato slices, avocado, and optional red onion. Spoon a generous amount of hollandaise sauce over each. Garnish with paprika, parsley, or other herbs.
• Store Leftovers: Any extra hollandaise sauce can be stored in a covered container in the fridge for 7-10 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

• Tofu Scramble Benedict: Replace the silken tofu with a spicy scramble for a heartier texture.
• Mushroom Bacon Benedict: Add crispy mushroom bacon slices for a smoky flavor.
• Spinach and Artichoke Benedict: Incorporate sautéed spinach and chopped artichokes for a green twist.
• Tempeh Benedict: Use marinated and grilled tempeh slices as a protein-packed base.

Add-Ons

• Sautéed Greens: A handful of sautéed kale or spinach adds color and boosts the nutritional profile.
• Vegan Cheese: Sprinkle vegan parmesan or cheddar for an extra cheesy flavor.
• Roasted Asparagus: Roasted or grilled spears make a sophisticated and springy addition.
• Smoky Tempeh Strips: Add smoked tempeh strips for a bacon-like smokiness and crunch.

Toppings

• Avocado Slices: A classic topping that adds creaminess and richness.
• Fresh Dill or Chives: Herbs add a fresh, vibrant finish.
• Sriracha or Hot Sauce: For those who like spicy food, a drizzle of hot sauce brings heat.
• Pickled Vegetables: Pickled onions, capers, or jalapeños introduce a tangy contrast to the creamy hollandaise.
• Sliced Radishes: Thinly sliced radishes add a peppery crunch.

Vegetable Substitutions

• Cauliflower: Mimics meats and makes a great base for creamy sauces.
• Mushrooms: Offer a meaty texture, ideal for burgers or stews.
• Zucchini: Replaces pasta in lasagna or noodles in stir-fries.
• Eggplant: Acts as a hearty sandwich component or as “bacon.”
• Spinach: A versatile green for salads, smoothies, or as a filler in various dishes.
• Sweet Potatoes: Can be a filling main or side, providing a sweet and hearty texture.
• Butternut Squash: Works in soups, as a filling, or even as a cheese substitute in sauces.
• Chickpeas: Great for bulking up salads, making “tuna” salad, or as a base for vegan patties.
• Beets: Their earthy flavor and meat-like appearance suit burgers or salads.
• Avocado: Adds creaminess to dressings, spreads, or as a butter substitute in baking.

Quick Tip: For an instant flavor boost in vegan dishes, incorporate a splash of tamari, a dash of smoked paprika, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Best Side Dishes

1. Roasted Rosemary Potatoes Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, with a fragrant rosemary aroma.
2. Avocado Salad Light and refreshing, with a simple lemon dressing.
3. Grilled Asparagus This springtime favorite is drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt.
4. Sautéed Spinach and Garlic A healthy and flavorful addition that adds color and nutrients.
5. Vegan Sausage Links Adds a savory, hearty element to the brunch plate.
6. Fruit Salad A sweet, fresh counterpoint to the savory Benedict featuring seasonal fruits.
7. Sweet Potato Hash A sweet and savory mix with onions, peppers, and spices.
8. Tomato and Cucumber Salad Light and hydrating, dressed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
9. Vegan Baked Beans A rich, tomato-based side that adds depth and heartiness.
10. Garlic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts Crispy and golden, with a caramelized flavor.

How To Serve?

• Warm Plates: Warm your serving plates to ensure the dish stays hot longer.
• Toast Presentation: Place the toasted English muffin halves as the base on each plate, ensuring they are lightly crisped for texture.
• Layering: For a burst of flavor and color, add a layer of vegan bacon, sautéed spinach, or tomato slices to each muffin half.
• Tofu “Egg”: Carefully place a slice of silken tofu, seasoned to mimic a poached egg, atop the previous layer.
• Hollandaise Sauce: Generously drizzle the creamy, cashew-based hollandaise sauce over the tofu, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
• Garnishes: Sprinkle finely chopped chives, a pinch of paprika, or fresh dill over the top for a touch of color and freshness.
• Side Dishes: To complement the flavors, serve alongside your side dishes, such as roasted potatoes or a fresh salad.

Quick Tip: For a richer hollandaise sauce in vegan recipes, blend in a tablespoon of cashew butter. It adds depth, creaminess, and a subtle nutty flavor.

Storage & Make Ahead

• Prep Components: Make ahead the hollandaise sauce and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Gently reheat before serving.
• Toast English Muffins: You can toast the English muffins a day in advance. Keep them in a sealed bag at room temperature.
• Slice Vegetables: Prep your tomatoes, avocado, and other vegetables the night before. Store them in separate containers in the fridge to maintain freshness.
• Tofu “Eggs”: Prepare your tofu slices ahead of time and refrigerate. They can be quickly reheated in a pan when ready to serve.
• Assemble Fresh: Assemble the Vegan Eggs Benedict fresh for the best texture and taste. The make-ahead components simplify morning preparations, ensuring a quick and easy assembly.

Recipe Fact: The Vegan Eggs Benedict transforms when nutritional yeast is added to the hollandaise, giving it a cheesy flavor and golden hue without any dairy products.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I Make The Vegan Eggs Benedict Gluten-Free?

You can make Vegan Eggs Benedict gluten-free by using gluten-free English muffins and a gluten-free flour blend for the hollandaise sauce. To avoid cross-contamination, ensure that all other ingredients, such as plant-based milk and nutritional yeast, are certified gluten-free.

How Can I Store Leftover Hollandaise Sauce?

Leftover vegan hollandaise sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, transfer the sauce to a saucepan and warm it over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. You can thin the sauce with water or plant-based milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

Is The Vegan Eggs Benedict Recipe Protein-Rich?

Yes, the Vegan Eggs Benedict can be a good source of protein, especially from the silken tofu and nutritional yeast used in the recipe. To increase the protein content, consider adding vegan sausage or tempeh bacon. Each serving of this dish provides a decent amount of plant-based protein, making it a satisfying meal.

Can I Prepare Any Components Of The Vegan Eggs Benedict Ahead Of Time?

Certainly! Preparing components like the hollandaise sauce and slicing vegetables ahead of time can save you effort in the morning. The hollandaise sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator,

while vegetables like tomatoes and avocados can be prepped the night before. Just be sure to store sliced avocados with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning.

What Are Some Creative Toppings I Can Add To My Vegan Eggs Benedict?

You can add creative toppings to vegan eggs benedict to enhance flavor and nutritional profile. Some popular options include sautéed spinach or kale, vegan cheese shreds for extra creaminess, crispy tempeh bacon for a smoky flavor, or even a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for crunch. Feel free to get creative and tailor the toppings to your taste preferences.