National Eggs Benedict Day

The story

There are several theories about the true origin of Eggs Benedict. Some say it dates back to the 18th century, linking the dish to Pope Benedict XIII, who was obsessed with eggs. Legend has it that his egg habit was so strong that his name became tied to the dish. Whether it was for health or indulgence, one thing’s clear: the Pope loved his eggs.

Another theory points to Lemuel Benedict, a Wall Street broker who, in 1894, wandered into the Waldorf Hotel after a night of overindulgence. Seeking relief, he ordered buttered toast, poached eggs, bacon, and Hollandaise. The chef, Oscar Tschirky, was so impressed that he swapped toast for English muffins, added it to the menu, and called it Eggs Benedict.

A third claim came in 1967, when a letter to The New York Times mentioned Commodore E.C. Benedict, a yachtsman whose family supposedly passed down the recipe. Delmonico’s restaurant in New York also claims to have invented the dish in the 1860s.

While the true creator remains unknown, what matters is that Eggs Benedict has evolved into a classic, with variations like Eggs Royale, Florentine, and Tex-Mex: a staple of brunch culture.