Eggs Royale Vs Benedict Vs Florentine: A Taste Test Of Two Popular Foods

When dining out for weekend brunch, breakfast staples like eggs Benedict, eggs Florentine, and eggs Royale are often common options on the menu. While they have similarities, each variety has distinguishing ingredients and flavors that set them apart. Here’s a closer look at how eggs Benedict, Florentine, and Royale differ and which you may prefer.

Eggs Benedict – The Classic
The classic eggs Benedict consists of two poached eggs served atop English muffin halves, Canadian bacon and topped with hollandaise sauce. Hollandaise sauce is made with egg yolks, butter and lemon juice or wine vinegar. The combination of flavors and textures in eggs Benedict, with the poached eggs, meat and rich hollandaise, make it the quintessential indulgent brunch dish.

Eggs Florentine – With a Fresh Spinach Accent
While eggs Benedict is the original, eggs Florentine substitutes fresh spinach sautéed in butter for the Canadian bacon. The spinach adds a fresh, slightly bitter herbal note that plays nicely against the richness of the eggs and hollandaise. The spinach also contributes extra nutrients, antioxidants and fiber compared to eggs Benedict. Eggs Florentine is a slightly lighter yet still decadent take on the classic dish.

Eggs Royale – Made with Smoked Salmon
Eggs Royale “ups the ante” by swapping out the Canadian bacon for smoked salmon. The smoky, slightly oily salmon pairs beautifully with the poached eggs and hollandaise, creating a dish that highlights both texture and flavor. The omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients in the wild-caught salmon make eggs Royale a slightly healthier, though still indulgent, option.

So Which Variety to Choose?
The simple answer is to go with your cravings and dietary preferences that day. But here are some considerations:

If you want the classic traditional benedict – go for eggs Benedict. It’s a timeless balanced combination of flavors and textures.
If you want a smaller amount of rich meat and more vegetables – choose eggs Florentine for the extra spinach and fiber.
If you prefer seafood and want more omega-3 fatty acids – order eggs Royale made with smoked salmon.
All three varieties offer decadent enjoyment with varying amounts of nutrition from their supporting ingredients – the eggs, hollandaise and English muffin are consistent across the dishes. In general, eggs Royale is considered the “healthiest” option due to the smoked salmon, though all three are considered indulgent brunch foods.

So whether you go for tradition with eggs Benedict, a slight changeup with eggs Florentine or truly elevate the dish with eggs Royale, any of these egg-cellent choices will satisfy your brunch cravings. Just be sure to enjoy them in good company, with a side of crispy hash browns and a cup of freshly brewed coffee.