Croatian-style Eggs Benedict

Ingredients

In Croatia, we use our own version of English muffins called "pogača" which is a type of bread that is similar to a brioche. We also use smoked ham instead of Canadian bacon and top the dish with a creamy cheese sauce made with local cheese. We alse have the original recipe for Eggs Benedict, so you can check it out.

• 4 pogača (Croatian bread) 4 pogača (Croatian bread)
• 8 slices of smoked ham 8 slices of smoked ham
• 8 eggs 8 eggs
• 1/2 cup (120ml) white vinegar 1/2 cup (120ml) white vinegar
• 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter
• 4 egg yolks 4 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Croatian cheese 1/2 cup (50g) grated Croatian cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 550 kcal / 2300 KJ
• Fat: 42g (23g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 16g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. 2.
   Cut the pogača in half and toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a large pot, bring water and vinegar to a simmer.
4. 4.
   Crack the eggs into the water and poach for 3-4 minutes.
5. 5.
   In a separate pot, melt the butter over low heat.
6. 6.
   In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and heavy cream.
7. 7.
   Slowly pour the melted butter into the egg mixture while whisking constantly.
8. 8.
   Add the grated cheese to the mixture and whisk until smooth.
9. 9.
   Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
10. 10.
    To assemble the dish, place two slices of smoked ham on each toasted pogača half.
11. 11.
    Top each ham slice with a poached egg.
12. 12.
    Drizzle the cheese sauce over the eggs and serve immediately.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pogača — If you can't find pogača, you can use brioche or any other type of bread that you like.
• Croatian cheese — If you can't find Croatian cheese, you can use any type of cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or Gouda.

Tips & Tricks

• To make sure your poached eggs turn out perfectly, crack each egg into a small bowl before adding it to the water.
• If you're short on time, you can use a store-bought cheese sauce instead of making your own.
• For a healthier version of this dish, you can use turkey bacon instead of smoked ham.

Serving advice

Serve the Eggs Benedict hot and fresh out of the oven. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Eggs Benedict on a large platter and drizzle the cheese sauce over the top. Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a small salad.