My Foolproof Hollandaise Recipe (Ready in 5 Minutes)

My Foolproof Hollandaise Recipe (Ready in 5 Minutes) is a medium French recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by French Cooking Academy on YouTube.

Prep: 7 min | Cook: 6 min | Total: 18 min

Cost: $3.03 total, $0.76 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 Egg Yolks (room temperature)
  • 120 ml Heavy Cream (cold)
  • 113 g Unsalted Butter (cold, cut into 1‑cm cubes)
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 1/8 teaspoon White Pepper (ground)
  • Pinch Cayenne Pepper (optional for heat)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Double Boiler

    Fill the saucepan with about 2 cm of water, bring to a gentle simmer, and place the glass mixing bowl on top ensuring it does not touch the water.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Emulsify Cream and Egg Yolks

    Add the cold heavy cream and egg yolks to the bowl. Whisk continuously over the simmering water for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and a pale, frothy texture appears.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Incorporate Butter Cubes

    Add the cold butter cubes a few at a time, whisking constantly. Allow each addition to melt and blend before adding the next. Continue for about 4 minutes until the sauce reaches a smooth, semi‑thick consistency.

    Time: PT4M

  4. Cool Slightly and Finish Emulsion

    Remove the bowl from the heat and whisk for another minute to let the sauce cool a bit and finish thickening.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Season the Sauce

    Stir in lemon juice, salt, white pepper, and a pinch of cayenne (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Serve

    Pour the warm Hollandaise over poached eggs, smoked salmon on toasted brioche, or any dish you like. Enjoy immediately.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
1 g
Carbohydrates
1 g
Fat
13 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑free

Allergens: Eggs, Dairy (cream, butter)

Last updated: April 1, 2026

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My Foolproof Hollandaise Recipe (Ready in 5 Minutes)

Recipe by French Cooking Academy

A simplified, home‑cooking version of classic French Hollandaise sauce made with heavy cream and cold butter in a double boiler. No clarified butter or tricky emulsification required—just whisk, melt, and season for a silky, pourable sauce perfect for Egg Benedict, smoked salmon toast, or any brunch favorite.

MediumFrenchServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
6m
Prep
4m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
20m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.03
Total cost
$0.76
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Whisk cream and egg yolks continuously over gentle heat to start the emulsion.
  • Add cold butter cubes slowly while whisking to avoid splitting.
  • Remove from heat before the sauce becomes too thick; it will thicken as it cools.

Safety Warnings

  • The double boiler contains hot steam; handle with oven mitts.
  • Do not let the sauce boil, as high heat can cause the eggs to curdle.
  • Consume within 2 hours if left at room temperature to avoid bacterial growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Hollandaise sauce in French cuisine?

A

Hollandaise is one of the five classic French "mother sauces" created in the 19th century by chef Auguste Escoffier. It originated as a butter‑based emulsion flavored with lemon and is traditionally served with asparagus, eggs, and fish, embodying the elegance of French brunch and fine dining.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Hollandaise sauce in French cooking?

A

In Normandy, chefs add a touch of apple cider for a subtle fruit note. In Provence, a hint of herbes de Provence or orange zest is sometimes incorporated. The classic version remains a simple butter‑cream‑lemon emulsion.

cultural
Q

How is authentic Hollandaise sauce traditionally served in France?

A

Authentic Hollandaise is spooned over steamed asparagus (asparagus à la Hollandaise), poached eggs for Eggs Bénédicte, or delicate white fish. It is served warm, just thick enough to coat the food without clinging like a gravy.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Hollandaise sauce traditionally associated with in French culture?

A

Hollandaise is a staple of brunches, especially Easter and Mother's Day breakfasts, and appears on celebratory dishes like Eggs Bénédicte or salmon tartines during festive weekend meals.

cultural
Q

What makes this cream‑based Hollandaise special compared to the classic butter‑only method?

A

Replacing water with heavy cream stabilizes the emulsion, reduces the need for clarified butter, and shortens the technique to about 4‑5 minutes while still delivering a rich, buttery flavor and a silky texture.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this Hollandaise sauce?

A

Common errors include adding butter too quickly, letting the sauce boil, and stopping whisking too early. Both cause the emulsion to break, resulting in a curdled or grainy sauce.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use cream instead of water for emulsifying the egg yolks?

A

Cream adds fat and stabilizing proteins, which help the egg yolks bind more easily with butter, making the sauce less prone to splitting and eliminating the need for clarified butter.

technical
Q

Can I make this Hollandaise sauce ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare it up to the seasoning step, then keep it warm over a very low double boiler for up to 30 minutes. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container and gently re‑heat, whisking in a splash of cream.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Hollandaise sauce is done?

A

The sauce should be smooth, glossy, and coat the back of a spoon with a thick but pourable ribbon that slowly slides off. The sides of the bowl will show a slight sheen without clinging droplets.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel French Cooking Academy specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel French Cooking Academy focuses on classic and modern French techniques, breaking down traditional recipes into approachable home‑cooking methods while emphasizing proper technique and culinary fundamentals.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel French Cooking Academy's approach to French sauce making differ from other cooking channels?

A

French Cooking Academy emphasizes scientific explanations of emulsification, uses everyday kitchen tools like a simple double boiler, and offers shortcuts—such as the cream‑based method—while still respecting the sauce’s authentic flavor profile, unlike many channels that stick strictly to classic methods.

channel

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