Upgrade Brunch: 5 BEST Substitutes for Hollandaise Sauce

Are you looking for a substitute for Hollandaise Sauce in your next recipe?

This classic sauce light in flavor yet rich with egg yolks and butter is surprisingly difficult to master.

Luckily, there are plenty of substitutes that can help you re-create the flavor of Hollandaise sauce while still putting a unique twist on your recipe.

Here, we will discuss how to use Hollandaise sauce and the five best substitutes to use when hollandaise isn’t available or isn’t preferred.

What is Hollandaise Sauce?

Hollandaise sauce is a warm emulsion of butter and egg yolks, similar to mayonnaise.

Usually, it includes butter, egg yolk or whole eggs, lemon juice or white wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt.

It is believed to have been created by the Dutch-speaking people in Holland during the 1800s.

The traditional way of making Hollandaise sauce is to whisk together all ingredients over a heat source such as a double boiler or steam bath.

In this method, the egg yolks and melted butter are mixed in batches over heat until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.

Many chefs recommend using clarified butter for this process because it does not have any solids that can cause separation when cooked at high temperatures.

This classic sauce is most often used as an accompaniment for vegetables such as asparagus and mushrooms as well as fish dishes such as poached salmon with crabmeat salad garnish.

Many chefs like to make traditional hollandaise with heavy cream instead of butter which creates a richer flavor with more body but less tanginess than other versions.

Additionally, there are several variations that call for adding uncommon ingredients such as tarragon, shallots and even horseradish to generate bolder flavors when served over steamed vegetables or complex seafood entrees.

If desired Hollandaise can also be made with non-dairy options like margarine or olive oil in order to lighten its nutritional content while still maintaining its desired rich flavor profile.

Although it has become traditionally viewed primarily within classic French cooking circles, variants of Hollandaise sauce can easily be found across many globalized cuisines in countless settings today from home tables to haute cuisine restaurants around the world alike.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Hollandaise Sauce

If you’re in need of a substitute hollandaise recipe or need to make a substitution in your dish because you don’t have the ingredients available, here are five great options that work just as well:

1 – Béchamel Sauce

Béchamel sauce is often regarded as a perfect substitute for the classic Hollandaise sauce.

These two classic sauces are similar because both rely on a creamy white base of milk and butter.

With subtle changes, you can use Béchamel as an alternative to Hollandaise sauce with equal effect.

To create Béchamel, start by melting butter in a pot over medium heat and stirring in flour until it forms a paste.

Slowly whisk in milk until fully incorporated.

For additional flavor, add salt, pepper, onion powder, nutmeg, or pureed anchovies if desired.

Continue to simmer the mixture while stirring gently until it thickens and takes on a creamy texture.

Use this sauce over spinach or other cooked vegetables or fish dishes to replicate the taste of Hollandaise without relying on egg yolks and lemon juice.

2 – Bearnaise Sauce

Bearnaise sauce has a deliciously creamy texture and flavor, making it a great substitution for Hollandaise sauce.

It is made by adding tarragon, chervil, and lemon juice to clarified butter which are then emulsified.

This delicious sauce pairs best with vegetables such as asparagus, artichokes, and spinach or with grilled meat or fish.

We recommend Bearnaise sauce for its rich flavor and creamy consistency that is sure to tantalize your taste buds with every bite.

3 – Avocado Sauce

Avocado sauce is a great substitute for hollandaise because it is rich and creamy without any dairy, making it a suitable option for those following vegan or dairy-free diets.

To make avo sauce, simply mash a ripe avocado in a bowl until creamy.

Then stir in some freshly squeezed lemon juice (or lime juice), salt and pepper to taste, and you have made your own homemade avocado sauce.

You can also add minced garlic, cilantro, parsley or chives to give the sauce more flavor.

Avocado sauce pairs nicely with cooked vegetables, salads and grilled fish.

4 – Cashew Cream Sauce

Cashew cream sauce is a thick, creamy sauce made from pureed cashews, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and seasonings.

It can be used as a Vegan alternative to hollandaise sauce, but is best served cold.

To make cashew cream sauce, start by soaking raw cashews in hot water for about one hour.

Drain the water from the nuts and blend them with the remaining ingredients in a blender or food processor until velvety smooth.

To give the sauce an extra kick of flavor, try adding garlic and herbs such as oregano or chives.

Once you’ve blended all of your ingredients together drizzle the sauce over steamed vegetables or even fish to give it an extra zing of flavor.

Cashew cream is a great way to add a unique twist to any meal while still enjoying traditional favorites like hollandaise sauce.

5 – Yogurt Cheese Sauce

Yogurt Cheese Sauce is a simple and delicious substitute for Hollandaise sauce.

To make it, combine 2 cups of Greek yogurt with ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese.

Add ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, plus 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of dijon mustard, and ½ teaspoon each salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Once blended, chill before serving over vegetables or eggs.

You can even drizzle it over slices of grilled chicken or beef tenderloin for a unique twist to classic dishes.

Conclusion

Overall, hollandaise sauce is a rich and delectable addition to many dishes.

It is complex to make, but the creamy and buttery flavor is well worth the extra effort.

Although it can be challenging, there are several substitutes for hollandaise sauce that you can use if you don’t have or don’t want to use this classic French condiment.

Some of the best substitutes for hollandaise sauce include cheese sauces, mayonnaise-based sauces, vinaigrettes, tahini sauces, sour cream-based dressings, and yogurts.

Each of these alternatives has slightly different tastes and textures but they all bring out the best flavor in your favorite dishes.

Keep in mind that although they may go by different names they are all based on classic French techniques so you know you’re still creating something delicious.

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