National Eggs Benedict Day (April 16)
One weird holiday on April 16 is National Eggs Benedict Day.
It’s the perfect excuse to indulge in this beloved breakfast dish. Imagine a perfectly poached egg resting on Canadian bacon, all draped in a rich hollandaise sauce atop a toasted English muffin.
Whether you enjoy the classic version or prefer a creative twist, this day is all about celebrating one of the most iconic brunch dishes.
Keep reading to learn about its history, fun facts, and delicious ways to celebrate. Weird holidays in April make every day a little more fun!
When is the Holiday?
National Eggs Benedict Day is celebrated annually on April 16.
Who Invented Eggs Benedict?
The origins of Eggs Benedict are debated, with two popular stories:
- Delmonico’s Restaurant Theory: In the late 1800s, Mrs. LeGrand Benedict, a frequent customer, requested a unique breakfast dish. The chef created a new combination, and it was named after her.
- Waldorf-Astoria Hotel Theory: In 1894, Lemuel Benedict, a retired Wall Street broker, ordered buttered toast, poached eggs, bacon, and hollandaise sauce at the hotel as a hangover cure. The maître d’ loved it and added it to the menu.
Regardless of which story is true, Eggs Benedict has become a staple of brunch menus worldwide.
The History of the Holiday
The exact origins of the holiday remain unclear, but like many food holidays, it likely began as a grassroots movement among food lovers.
Restaurants, food bloggers, and brunch enthusiasts embraced the dish, leading to its dedicated celebration each year.
The rise of food-focused social media and brunch culture has helped sustain and popularize the holiday, making it an anticipated event among breakfast lovers.
Many restaurants offer special variations of Eggs Benedict on April 16, while home cooks take to their kitchens to experiment with new and exciting flavors.
Over time, this holiday has become a fun way to appreciate both classic and inventive takes on this breakfast favorite.
Top 5 Facts About Eggs Benedict
- It was originally a hangover cure – Lemuel Benedict supposedly created it to remedy a rough morning.
- The original recipe used toast – English muffins replaced toast over time for better texture.
- Hollandaise sauce is one of the five “mother sauces” in French cuisine.
- Variations abound – From Eggs Florentine (with spinach) to Eggs Royale (with smoked salmon), there are countless twists on the classic.
- It’s a brunch staple worldwide, from New York to Tokyo.
Activities to Celebrate
- Make your own Eggs Benedict at home with a classic recipe or a unique twist.
- Try a creative variation like crab cake, smoked salmon, or avocado Benedict.
- Visit a brunch spot that serves an amazing version of the dish and compare their take on the classic recipe.
- Host a brunch party and serve different styles of Eggs Benedict alongside mimosas and fruit platters.
- Share your creation on social media with #EggsBenedictDay and challenge friends to make their own version.
- Take a cooking class that focuses on poaching eggs and making hollandaise sauce from scratch.
- Explore international variations, such as the French Croque Madame or the Australian “Smashed Avo Benny.”
Related Recipes
Looking for inspiration? Try these delicious takes on the classic dish:
- Matzo Brei Eggs Benedict with Lox – A twist using matzo brei and smoked salmon, topped with creamy hollandaise sauce.
- Eggs Benedict Casserole – A make-ahead version with English muffins soaking in an egg mixture overnight, served with an easy blender hollandaise sauce.
- Italian Prosciutto Eggs Benedict – Ciabatta bread, prosciutto ham, basil, balsamic, and Parmesan hollandaise sauce for an Italian-inspired take.
- Vegan Tofu Benedict Florentine – Extra-firm tofu baked and served over toasted English muffins with sautéed spinach and homemade vegan hollandaise.
- Rosti Eggs Benny – A unique variation using crispy potato rosti instead of an English muffin, making it a delicious gluten-free alternative.
- Eggs Cochon – A New Orleans-inspired twist with a fluffy buttermilk biscuit, Cajun pulled pork, a poached egg, and hollandaise sauce.
- Sheet Pan Eggs Benedict – A simplified method where eggs, potatoes, and veggies are baked together, making it perfect for a crowd.
- Easy Vegan Eggs Benedict – A plant-based version using tofu and dairy-free hollandaise sauce.
- Eggs Benedict with Mortadella – A unique variation replacing Canadian bacon with Italian mortadella for a slight flavor twist.
- Air Fryer Eggs Benedict – A modern approach that keeps the flavors traditional while making preparation faster and easier.
**This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.**
Links to Resources
Check out these handy kitchen essentials for making the perfect Eggs Benedict:
- Poached Egg Maker – A simple tool to make perfectly poached eggs every time.
- Hollandaise Sauce Mix – If making hollandaise from scratch is intimidating, this mix is a great alternative.
- Brunch Cookbook – A collection of delicious brunch recipes, including variations of Eggs Benedict.
Related Holidays
If you love this holiday, you might also enjoy celebrating other food-themed holidays.
- National Pancake Day in February gives you the perfect reason to whip up a stack of fluffy pancakes.
- National Waffle Day in March is the ultimate excuse to enjoy crispy, golden waffles.
- National Bacon Day in August is a must for bacon lovers. These quirky holidays make mealtimes even more enjoyable!
- Additionally, Brunch for Lunch Day is another fun occasion that encourages people to enjoy a delightful brunch-inspired meal anytime during the day.
These quirky holidays make mealtimes even more enjoyable!
Pin it!
Share this post about National Eggs Benedict Day on Pinterest!
