If you love the idea of combining classic comfort flavors with an elegant twist, you are absolutely going to adore this Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict Recipe. It takes all the best parts of your holiday feast—leftover stuffing, turkey, and indulgent hollandaise—and transforms them into an impressive brunch that’s both cozy and sophisticated. Imagine crispy stuffing waffles as the base, topped with juicy, warm turkey, perfectly poached eggs, and creamy hollandaise that feels like a delicious celebration of Thanksgiving anytime. This dish is perfect for using up leftovers in a fun, tasty way that will wow anyone lucky enough to try it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict Recipe keeps things simple, focusing on ingredients you likely already have. Each one plays a key role, from providing texture to imparting that classic flavor we all crave after a holiday feast.
- Leftover stuffing (2 cups): The flavorful, herby base that crisps up beautifully in the waffle maker for a fun twist.
- Egg whites (4): These help bind the stuffing to form perfect waffles without weighing it down.
- Hollandaise sauce (1 cup): Rich, buttery, and tangy, it’s the star topping that brings everything together.
- Leftover turkey (8 large pieces): Warm and tender, it adds hearty protein to your dish.
- Eggs (8): Poached to perfection, providing that creamy, runny yolk magic essential to Eggs Benedict.
- White vinegar (2 teaspoons): Just enough to help your poached eggs hold their shape beautifully.
How to Make Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to keep everything warm during assembly—you’ll want a sheet pan ready on a rack to place your cooked components. This little step ensures your dish doesn’t lose any of its comforting warmth.
Step 2: Bring Water to Simmer for Poaching
Fill a large pot and bring it to a simmer, not a full boil, adjusting the heat so you see just small bubbles. This gentle temperature is crucial for perfectly poached eggs that stay tender and hold their shape.
Step 3: Make the Stuffing Waffles
Preheat your waffle maker, then mix the leftover stuffing with the egg whites. This combination crisps up marvelously, providing a sturdy and flavorful base. Cook the stuffing in the waffle maker, one heaping 1/4 cup at a time, until golden and crisp, about 5-6 minutes. Place the finished waffles in the warm oven.
Step 4: Warm the Turkey
Gently warm up your turkey slices either in the microwave with a damp paper towel or in a skillet with a bit of oil. Heating them carefully avoids dryness and keeps the texture just right. Place warmed turkey in the oven to stay cozy.
Step 5: Prepare the Hollandaise Sauce
If you’re making the hollandaise from scratch or using a blender recipe, now’s the perfect time to get it ready so it’s fresh and luscious for plating.
Step 6: Poach the Eggs
Add white vinegar to the simmering water to help the eggs keep their shape. Crack each egg gently into a small bowl or ramekin. Swirl the water to create a vortex and carefully slide the eggs in one at a time. Cook for about 3 minutes for beautifully soft poached eggs.
Step 7: Drain the Eggs
Use a slotted spoon to scoop out each egg, letting the water drain off onto a kitchen towel. This helps keep the eggs neat and prevents excess water from watering down your dish.
Step 8: Assemble Your Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict Recipe
Start with two stuffing waffles on each plate, layer with warm turkey, then top with a perfectly poached egg. Finish by drizzling a generous amount of hollandaise sauce over the top and garnish with fresh thyme or herbs for a pop of color and extra aroma.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley add a burst of green that brightens the dish visually and introduces an herbal note that complements the richness of hollandaise. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a dash of paprika can add just the right hint of spice.
Side Dishes
Keep sides light and complementary. A crisp, fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted autumn vegetables like Brussels sprouts or butternut squash work amazingly well. For something more indulgent, crispy breakfast potatoes make an excellent companion.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict Recipe on rustic wooden boards for a casual brunch vibe, or elegantly on white plates with a linen napkin for a more formal feast. Add edible flowers or microgreens to elevate presentation and wow your guests visually as well as gastronomically.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any of the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the turkey, stuffing waffles, and hollandaise cold and reheat gently when ready to serve.
Freezing
Freezing is best reserved for the stuffing waffles and turkey pieces. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to a month. Eggs and hollandaise do not freeze well due to texture changes, so it’s best to prepare those fresh.
Reheating
Reheat stuffing waffles and turkey gently in a warm oven or skillet to retain crispness and juiciness. Hollandaise sauce is best warmed slowly in a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring often to prevent separation. Poach fresh eggs at serving time for optimal texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular eggs instead of egg whites in the stuffing waffles?
You could substitute whole eggs, but using egg whites keeps the waffles lighter and lets the stuffing’s flavor take center stage without becoming too dense.
How do I make hollandaise sauce if I don’t have a blender recipe?
Traditional hollandaise involves whisking egg yolks and melted butter over gentle heat. There are many stove-top recipes available, but if you’re short on time, store-bought hollandaise can be a convenient option.
Is white vinegar essential for poaching eggs?
White vinegar helps eggs coagulate quickly, keeping their shape tight and neat. If you don’t have white vinegar, you can use other mild vinegar types, but avoid flavored or strong vinegars that may alter taste.
Can I use this recipe without leftover turkey and stuffing?
While it shines with holiday leftovers, feel free to substitute with freshly cooked turkey or chicken and your favorite stuffing recipe. The key is to have the savory waffle base and quality protein for that classic Eggs Benedict vibe.
How do I prevent the poached eggs from overcooking?
Keep the water at a gentle simmer and time the eggs for about 3 minutes. Remove them immediately and place on a towel to drain. This ensures the yolks stay runny and the whites fully set.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about reinventing holiday classics into show-stopping dishes like this Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict Recipe. It’s a delightful way to enjoy the flavors you love in a brand new format, perfect for brunches, special occasions, or anytime you want a bit of that cozy holiday magic. Trust me, once you make this, it will become your new favorite go-to recipe for using up leftovers in the most delicious way imaginable!
