Chipotle Hollandaise Sauce Recipe

This velvety, smoky Chipotle Hollandaise Sauce Recipe is made with rich egg yolks, melted butter, and spicy chipotle peppers in adobo, ready in just 10 minutes. The sauce emulsifies into a thick, golden cream that brings a sophisticated heat to your morning eggs or steak. I love making this when I want to turn a standard Sunday breakfast into something that feels like a fancy brunch.

The Secret To Getting It Right

I used to be intimidated by homemade hollandaise until I switched from the double-boiler method to the blender technique. The friction of the blades combined with the stream of hot butter cooks the yolks gently while creating a emulsion that is much more stable than the whisked version. The real trick here is temperature; if your butter is too cool, the sauce won’t thicken, but if it’s boiling hot, you’ll end up with scrambled eggs.

My first attempt at this spicy variation failed because I added the whole chipotle pepper before the sauce had emulsified, which threw off the texture. I learned that establishing the creamy base first, or blending the pepper very thoroughly with the yolks before adding the butter, ensures you get that luxuriously smooth, restaurant-quality finish every time.

Jump to Recipe

Chipotle Hollandaise Sauce Recipe Ingredients

• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best for acidity)
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (plus 1 teaspoon of the adobo sauce from the can)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and hot
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (helps stability)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• Pinch of smoked paprika (optional, for garnish)

How To Make Chipotle Hollandaise Sauce Recipe

1. Prep the Base: Place the egg yolks, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, and salt into a blender. Blend on high for 20-30 seconds until the mixture is light in color and the pepper is completely pulverized.
2. Heat the Butter: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe measuring cup or small saucepan until it is completely liquid and very hot (bubbling slightly), but not burning. It needs to be hot enough to cook the yolks as it blends.
3. Emulsify the Sauce: Turn the blender to medium-low speed. While the blender is running, slowly pour the hot melted butter in a very thin, steady stream through the opening in the lid. Do not rush this step; it should take about 30-45 seconds to pour all the butter.
4. Final Seasoning: Once all the butter is added, the sauce should be thick and creamy. Taste and adjust with more salt or a squeeze of lemon if needed. Serve immediately while warm.

Recipe Tips

• Butter Temperature: The butter must be hot (around 175°F/80°C) when it hits the yolks. If it cools down too much after melting, pop it back in the microwave for 15 seconds before pouring.
• Fixing a Broken Sauce: If your sauce separates or looks oily, don’t panic. Pour the broken mixture into a cup, add a teaspoon of boiling water to the empty blender, and slowly stream the broken sauce back in while blending.
• Adjusting Heat: Canned chipotle peppers vary in size and heat. Start with one small pepper, and if you want more kick after the sauce is made, blend in a teaspoon of the adobo sauce at the end.
• Consistency Check: If the sauce is too thick (like mayonnaise), blend in a teaspoon of warm water to loosen it up to a pourable consistency.

What To Serve With Chipotle Hollandaise

This sauce is the perfect topping for a Southwestern Eggs Benedict served on cornbread or English muffins with chorizo or avocado. It also pairs beautifully with grilled steak or roasted asparagus, adding a creamy richness that cuts through the char. For a simple upgrade, drizzle it over roasted potatoes or breakfast hash.

How To Store

Hollandaise is best served fresh, but you can keep it warm in a thermos for up to an hour. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the jar in a bowl of warm (not hot) tap water and stir frequently; do not microwave or heat directly on the stove, or the sauce will break.

FAQs

Can I use lime juice instead of lemon?
Yes, lime juice works excellently with the chipotle flavor profile and adds a nice zest. Use the same amount (1 tablespoon) as you would lemon juice.

Why is my sauce runny?
This usually happens if the butter wasn’t hot enough or was poured in too quickly. You can try to fix it by blending in a teaspoon of boiling water, or simply blend it longer to see if the friction heat thickens it.

Can I use chipotle powder instead of canned peppers?
Yes, you can substitute the canned pepper with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of chipotle powder. The flavor will be slightly less complex, but it still adds that signature smoky heat.

Nutrition

• Calories: 185
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 215mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 1g
• Protein: 2g