Brunch lovers, rejoice! Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly poached egg, its golden yolk cascading over savory ham and a cloud-like bun, all smothered in a luxuriously creamy hollandaise sauce. Now, what if I told you this decadent dream is completely low-carb and guilt-free? We’re swapping out the heavy English muffin for a brilliant, fluffy protein bun, giving you all the classic Eggs Benedict satisfaction without the carb crash. Get ready to elevate your weekend brunch game forever!
Ingredients
• For the Luscious Hollandaise Sauce
• 6 large egg yolks
• ¼ cup or 60 ml fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp or 30 ml Dijon mustard
• 1 ½ cups or 355 ml melted organic butter, melted bacon fat, or duck fat
• ¼ teaspoon Celtic sea salt, or more to taste
• 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• For the Fluffy Protein Buns
• 3 large eggs, separated
• ½ cup or 45g unflavored egg white protein or whey protein
• ½ teaspoon fresh dill or other herb of your choice
• For Assembling Your Benedicts
• 6 slices high-quality ham or prosciutto
• 12 large eggs
Instructions
1. How to Make Your Keto Eggs Benedict
2. First, make the protein buns. Preheat your oven to 325°F or 165°C. Grease a large cookie sheet with coconut oil spray.
3. Separate 3 eggs. Place the whites in the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large bowl if using a hand mixer) and set the yolks aside. Whip the egg whites on high speed for a few minutes until very stiff peaks form.
4. Gently fold the protein powder and your chosen herbs into the stiff egg whites. Then, carefully fold in the reserved egg yolks, being mindful not to deflate the mixture.
5. Spoon six mounds of the batter, about the size of a hamburger bun, onto your prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until golden brown and firm. Let them cool completely on the sheet before handling to prevent them from collapsing.
6. While the buns bake, prepare the hollandaise. Set up a double boiler or place a heatproof bowl over a saucepan with about an inch of simmering water. Ensure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.
7. In the bowl, whisk together the 6 egg yolks, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Whisking constantly, begin to drizzle in the melted butter in a slow, steady stream. This should take about 90 seconds.
8. Continue whisking the sauce over the simmering water until it thickens and a candy thermometer reads 140°F or 60°C, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, adjust to your taste, and set aside.
9. Finally, poach the eggs. Bring about an inch of water to a gentle simmer in a wide pan. Crack the 12 eggs into the water one at a time, working in batches if necessary. Poach for 3 to 4 minutes for a runny yolk. Remove with a slotted spoon and gently pat dry.
10. To assemble, slice the cooled protein buns in half. Place two halves on each of six plates. Top each bun half with a slice of ham, followed by a perfectly poached egg. Generously spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of hollandaise sauce over each egg and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
• Nutritional Showdown (Per Serving)
• TRADITIONAL EGGS BENEDICT: 1020 Calories, 57g Fat, 43g Protein, 80g Carbs, 6g Fiber
• “HEALTHIFIED” EGGS BENEDICT: 716 Calories, 65.4g Fat, 29.4g Protein, 3.5g Carbs, 0.6g Fiber
Pro Tips
• for Perfect Benedicts
• If your hollandaise sauce breaks or separates, remove it from the heat and whisk in a teaspoon of hot water, drop by drop, until it becomes smooth and emulsified again.
• For the fluffiest protein buns, ensure your mixing bowl is impeccably clean and free of any fat or oil, which can prevent the egg whites from whipping to stiff peaks.
• Add a splash of white vinegar (about 1 tablespoon) to your poaching water. This helps the egg whites set faster and hold their shape around the yolk.
• The protein buns can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. Reheat them gently in a warm oven for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
FAQ
Q: What makes this Eggs Benedict recipe keto-friendly
A: This recipe is keto-friendly because it replaces the traditional high-carb English muffin with a fluffy, homemade protein bun made from egg whites and protein powder. This swap significantly reduces the carbohydrate count, making it a perfect guilt-free brunch option.
Q: Can I make the protein buns ahead of time
A: Yes, the protein buns can be made a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container and gently reheat them in a warm oven for a few minutes before serving to restore their best texture.
Q: How do I fix my hollandaise sauce if it breaks or separates
A: If your hollandaise sauce separates, immediately remove it from the heat. Whisk in one teaspoon of hot water, adding it drop by drop, until the sauce becomes smooth and emulsified again.
Q: Why are my protein buns not fluffy
A: For the fluffiest protein buns, it’s crucial that the mixing bowl used for whipping the egg whites is perfectly clean and completely free of any fat or oil. Any residue can prevent the egg whites from whipping up to the necessary stiff peaks.
