Velvety Hollandaise

Effortless 5-Minute Immersion Blender Hollandaise Sauce: Your Guide to Creamy Perfection

Imagine a rich, velvety, and irresistibly creamy sauce that transforms any dish into a gourmet experience. Now imagine making that sauce in just 5 minutes with minimal effort and only 6 common ingredients. That’s exactly what you’ll achieve with this incredibly easy immersion blender Hollandaise sauce recipe. This classic French concoction, often deemed intimidating, becomes a breeze with the right tools and a few simple tricks. Get ready to elevate your breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with this quick and creamy delight.

spoon drizzling Hollandaise Sauce

Why This Hollandaise Sauce Recipe Works So Well


You likely associate Hollandaise sauce with its most iconic application, generously poured over Eggs Benedict. While that’s undoubtedly a perfect pairing, this vibrant, creamy emulsion is incredibly versatile and can elevate an array of dishes across all meals. The reason this particular recipe stands out is its sheer simplicity and reliability, thanks to a few key insights and the power of an immersion blender.

Traditional Hollandaise can be a bit tricky, often requiring a double boiler, constant whisking, and precise temperature control to create a stable emulsion. Many home cooks shy away from it, fearing a “broken” or separated sauce. Our method bypasses these complexities entirely, making it virtually foolproof. By combining all ingredients (except the butter) at once in a tall container and then slowly introducing the melted butter with an immersion blender, you create a stable, thick, and perfectly emulsified sauce every single time, without the fuss.

The “secret” to achieving that impeccable texture and preventing separation, as culinary experts often reveal, isn’t about the butter being scalding hot, but rather its gradual incorporation. The immersion blender’s rapid blades sheer the butter into tiny droplets, allowing them to bind with the egg yolks and lemon juice to form a smooth, stable emulsion. This recipe is a testament to how modern kitchen tools can demystify classic techniques, bringing gourmet flavors within reach of every home chef. With just 6 straightforward ingredients – egg yolks, lemon juice, melted butter, Dijon mustard, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper – you’re only minutes away from culinary brilliance.

Hollandaise Sauce on asparagus

Simple Ingredients for Perfect Hollandaise


One of the beauties of Hollandaise sauce is its reliance on a minimal number of pantry staples. You likely already have most of these ingredients on hand! For precise measurements, detailed instructions, and the full printable recipe card, please refer to the end of this post.

ingredients for Hollandaise Sauce

Ingredient Spotlight & Substitution Tips


Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the iconic flavor and texture of Hollandaise. Here’s a deeper look into each one:

Butter (Unsalted is Best!)

Your butter doesn’t need to be bubbling hot, but it should be thoroughly melted. The critical step, as Chef Antoine wisely noted, isn’t the temperature of the butter, but rather the slow, steady drizzle as you blend. This controlled addition is key to preventing the sauce from breaking and achieving that smooth, stable emulsion. We highly recommend using unsalted butter. This gives you complete control over the final saltiness of your sauce, allowing the other flavors to shine without being overwhelmed. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe by about half, then taste and adjust.

Egg Yolks

Fresh, large egg yolks are the heart of Hollandaise. They act as the emulsifying agent, binding the butter and liquid ingredients together to create the creamy texture. The protein and lecithin in the yolks are essential for this process. Ensure your yolks are separated cleanly from the whites; any residual white can affect the emulsion.

Dijon Mustard

Added primarily for its distinctive tangy and slightly spicy flavor, Dijon mustard also plays a subtle role in emulsification due to its own emulsifying properties. While we favor the sophisticated tang of Dijon, you can substitute yellow mustard at a 1:1 ratio if that’s what you have on hand. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Fresh Lemon Juice

Though this recipe calls for a small amount, the lemon juice is indispensable. It provides the essential acidity that brightens the rich, buttery sauce and cuts through its richness, preventing it from tasting too heavy. I cannot stress enough the importance of using freshly squeezed lemon juice over the pre-bottled variety. Fresh lemon juice offers a vibrant, pure flavor that bottled juice simply can’t replicate. You’ll typically only need one lemon for the amount specified in the recipe card below.

Salt & Cayenne Pepper

Salt enhances all the flavors, bringing balance and depth to the sauce. Cayenne pepper adds a subtle warmth and a very slight kick, providing another layer of complexity without making the sauce overtly spicy. Adjust these to your personal preference. A little extra cayenne can add a wonderful zing, while a touch less makes it milder.

How to Make Hollandaise Sauce with an Immersion Blender


These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. For the printable version, complete with precise measurements and full instructions, scroll down to the Jump to Recipe button at the bottom of this post.

Making Hollandaise sauce has never been easier. This immersion blender method simplifies the process, making it accessible to even beginner cooks. Here’s how you do it:

  1. Combine Initial Ingredients:

    To a tall, narrow container (ideally one that fits the head of your immersion blender snugly), add all the ingredients *except* the melted butter. This includes the egg yolks, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and cayenne pepper. Use your immersion blender to briefly blend these ingredients together until they are well combined and slightly frothy. This ensures all the flavor bases are evenly distributed before the fat is introduced.

    immersion blender blending hollandaise sauce ingredients
    blitzing hollandaise sauce in immersion blender
  2. Emulsify with Melted Butter:

    With the immersion blender switched on and resting at the very bottom of the container, slowly begin to pour the melted butter into the mixture. As you pour, gradually lift the immersion blender upwards, moving it slowly through the mixture. Continue blending until the sauce becomes pale yellow, visibly thick, and wonderfully creamy. This slow drizzle and controlled blending action is what creates a perfect, stable emulsion.

    blending hollandaise sauce with an immersion blender

Pro Tips for Perfect Hollandaise:

  • Use a Tall, Narrow Container: This is crucial for the immersion blender to properly emulsify the sauce. A wide bowl won’t work as effectively.
  • Butter Temperature: While not piping hot, ensuring your butter is fully melted is important. It doesn’t need to be clarified for this recipe, but if you want an even silkier texture, you can use clarified butter.
  • Start at the Bottom: Keep the immersion blender head pressed against the bottom of the container for the first few seconds until the emulsion starts to form, then slowly lift it to incorporate all the butter.
  • Taste and Adjust: Once your Hollandaise is thick and creamy, taste it! You might want to add a tiny bit more salt, lemon juice, or cayenne pepper to suit your palate.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips


Here are answers to common questions about making and enjoying Hollandaise sauce, along with some additional expert tips:

How do I store leftover Hollandaise sauce?

Homemade Hollandaise sauce is undeniably best served immediately after preparation. Its delicate emulsion is most stable when fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Any longer than that, and you risk the sauce separating or developing an off-flavor. The texture may also change slightly upon chilling.

How do I reheat Hollandaise sauce?

Reheating Hollandaise requires a gentle touch to prevent it from breaking. Add the chilled sauce to a small saucepan over very low heat. Stir continuously until it’s gently warmed through, but do not let it boil or get too hot. Alternatively, you can place the container of sauce in a warm water bath (a double boiler method) and stir until it reaches the desired temperature and consistency. High heat or rapid warming will almost certainly cause textural changes or cause the emulsion to split.

Can I use a regular blender instead of an immersion blender?

Absolutely! If you don’t have an immersion blender handy, a regular blender will work just fine. The key principles remain the same: combine all ingredients except the butter in the blender. With the blender running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the melted butter through the opening in the lid. Continue blending until the sauce thickens and emulsifies, typically within 1-2 minutes. The result will be just as creamy and delicious!

What if my Hollandaise sauce breaks or separates?

Don’t despair! A broken Hollandaise can often be salvaged. The most common fix is to add another egg yolk to a clean bowl or container. Whisk it well, then slowly drizzle the broken Hollandaise into the fresh egg yolk while whisking vigorously, or using your immersion blender. Alternatively, you can try adding 1-2 teaspoons of hot water or lemon juice to the broken sauce while whisking constantly. This can sometimes help re-emulsify it. Prevention is best, so ensure slow butter addition and consistent blending.

Can I add other flavor variations to my Hollandaise?

Yes, absolutely! Hollandaise is a fantastic base for flavor experimentation. Consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky depth, a dash of hot sauce for extra heat, a finely minced shallot (sautéed and cooled first), or fresh herbs like chives or tarragon for an herbaceous twist. You can even try substituting a portion of the lemon juice with white wine vinegar for a slightly different tang. Be creative and tailor it to your meal!

pouring Hollandaise Sauce on corn

Delicious Serving Suggestions for Hollandaise Sauce


The culinary possibilities with Hollandaise sauce are extensive! Its rich, tangy, and creamy profile complements a wide range of dishes. Enjoy it immediately for the best flavor and texture:

  • Classic Breakfast & Brunch: The undisputed champion for Eggs Benedict, but also fantastic over poached eggs, scrambled eggs, or even an omelet.
  • Perfect with Vegetables: A drizzle of Hollandaise elevates steamed or roasted vegetables like roasted asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or even simple boiled potatoes and corn on the cob. The richness of the sauce beautifully balances the freshness of the vegetables.
  • Exquisite with Seafood: It’s a natural partner for fish and seafood. Try it over poached salmon, pan-seared scallops, baked cod, or elegant crab cakes. The acidity of the lemon in the sauce cuts through the richness of the seafood, creating a harmonious bite.
  • Meat Pairings: While less common, Hollandaise can be a delightful addition to certain meat dishes, such as steak (think Steak Oscar with asparagus and crab meat) or chicken breast.

Explore More Delicious Sauce Recipes


Sauces are the unsung heroes of many dishes, adding moisture, flavor, and complexity. If you enjoyed making this Hollandaise, you might love these other homemade sauce recipes:

  • French Fry Sauce
  • Bolognese Sauce
  • Alabama White Sauce
  • Rosemary Cream Sauce
  • Homemade Enchilada Sauce

I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!

bowl of Hollandaise Sauce

Hollandaise Sauce

Master the classic Hollandaise sauce in just 5 minutes with this foolproof immersion blender recipe! Made with only 6 simple ingredients – egg yolks, fresh lemon juice, rich melted butter, tangy Dijon mustard, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper – this quick and creamy sauce is perfect for Eggs Benedict, roasted vegetables, poached fish, and so much more. Say goodbye to broken sauces and hello to effortless gourmet.





5 from 3 votes

IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!

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Course: Condiments, Sauce
Cuisine: French
Servings: 3 servings
5 minutes
Calories: 330
Author: Amanda Davis

Ingredients

  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted

Things You’ll Need

  • immersion blender or regular blender
  • tall, narrow container

Before You Begin

  • Some recipes state that the melted butter needs to be hot. Chef Antoine says the trick is not the hot butter, but rather drizzling the butter in slowly as you blend. This controlled addition is crucial for a stable emulsion.
  • Homemade Hollandaise sauce is best served right away for optimal texture and flavor. However, you can store it in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days if needed. Any longer than that and you risk the sauce separating or changing in quality.
  • Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled juice pales in comparison for this delicate sauce.

Instructions

  • To a tall, narrow container (one that fits your immersion blender head snugly), add all ingredients except the melted butter (egg yolks, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and cayenne pepper). Briefly blend these ingredients together with the immersion blender until well combined.
  • With the immersion blender switched on and resting at the bottom of the container, slowly pour the melted butter into the mixture. Gradually lift the immersion blender upwards as you pour and blend. Continue blending until the sauce is pale, thick, and perfectly creamy. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving (1/4 cup) | Calories: 330cal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 265mg | Sodium: 261mg | Potassium: 41mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 1208IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg
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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.