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Basic Hollandaise Sauce

This classic hollandaise sauce is a cornerstone of French cuisine, prized for its rich, buttery texture and bright, citrus finish. As a sophisticated vegetarian condiment, it relies on the gentle emulsification of egg yolks and melted butter to create a velvety coating that elevates any brunch. Achieving the perfect consistency requires a little patience and a steady hand, but the result is a luxurious, homemade sauce that far surpasses any shop-bought alternative.

Whether you are serving a traditional Eggs Florentine or looking for a decadent pairing for seasonal steamed asparagus, this versatile recipe is a kitchen essential. The addition of a subtle hint of cayenne pepper provides a delicate warmth that balances the richness of the yolks. For the best results, ensure your melted butter has cooled slightly to room temperature before you begin whisking it into the thickened egg base.

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Ingredients for Basic Hollandaise Sauce

  • 3 egg yolks

  • 1 tablespoon cream

  • 240ml (230g ) melted butter, cooled to room temperature

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white wine vinegar

  • 1/2 teaspoons salt

  • Dash of cayenne pepper

How to make Basic Hollandaise Sauce

Use a small, thick ceramic bowl set in a heavy-bottomed pan, or a heavyweight double boiler. Off the heat, put the egg yolks and cream in the bowl or upper section of the double boiler and stir with a wire whisk until well-blended — the mixture should never be beaten but stirred, evenly, vigorously and continually. Place the container over hot water (if you are setting the bowl in water, there should be about 1 1/2 inches of water in the pan; in a double boiler, the water should not touch the top section). Stirring eggs continuously, bring the water slowly to a simmer. Do not let it boil. Stir, incorporating the entire mixture so there is no film at the bottom. When the eggs have thickened to consistency of very double cream, begin to add the cooled melted butter with one hand, stirring vigorously with the other. Pour extremely slowly so that each addition is blended into the egg mixture before more is added. When all the butter has been added, add the lemon juice or vinegar a drop at a time and immediately remove from heat. Add salt and a mere dash of cayenne.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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