I absolutely adore putting a twist on classic dishes, and this Mexican Eggs Benedict with Butternut Squash, Chorizo, and Chipotle Hollandaise Recipe is one of my favorites to make when I want something flavorful, hearty, and just a little bit spicy. Combining creamy avocado, smoky chipotle hollandaise, and the savory goodness of grilled butternut squash and chorizo, this dish feels like a celebration on my plate every time. It’s a personal favorite when I want to impress guests or treat myself to a festive weekend brunch.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Eggs Benedict with Butternut Squash, Chorizo, and Chipotle Hollandaise Recipe
I love how the flavor profile here perfectly balances heat, creaminess, and smoky richness. The butternut squash adds a subtle sweetness and holds up beautifully as a base, replacing the traditional English muffin with a fresh twist that feels lighter and more colorful. When combined with the chorizo’s spicy, crumbly texture and the luscious chipotle hollandaise, every bite is bursting with vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors that keep me coming back for more.
Another thing that excites me about this recipe is how surprisingly easy it is to pull together. It doesn’t require hours or complicated techniques—grilling the squash and poaching the eggs are straightforward steps, and the hollandaise comes together quickly thanks to an immersion blender or regular blender. It’s the perfect recipe to serve at a weekend brunch or celebratory breakfast because it feels special without causing stress. I often find myself making it for friends or family because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a few simple, fresh ingredients that each play an essential role in flavor, texture, or color. From the creamy avocado to the smoky, spicy chipotle paste, each element comes together harmoniously.
- Butternut squash: Acts as a hearty, slightly sweet base instead of bread, adding beautiful color and texture.
- Olive oil: Essential for giving the squash a nice char and preventing sticking on the grill.
- Large avocado: Provides creamy richness and a cool contrast to the spicy components.
- Ground chorizo: Brings bold, flavorful, spicy notes that make the dish unmistakably Mexican.
- Large eggs: The star of eggs Benedict, poached perfectly for delicate, runny yolks.
- White vinegar: Helps the eggs hold their shape while poaching.
- Jalapeño slices: Adds fresh heat and a crisp bite as garnish.
- Chopped cilantro: Introduces a bright herbal note that lifts the entire dish.
- Egg yolks (for hollandaise): Create the creamy base of the luscious chipotle hollandaise.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- Lime juice: Adds zesty brightness to the hollandaise.
- Chipotle paste or powder: Provides smoky heat to the sauce, making it unique and delicious.
- Hot melted butter or ghee: Adds richness and silky texture to the hollandaise; ghee works well for Paleo and Whole30 diets.
Directions
Step 1: Peel the butternut squash and slice the long neck into approximately 1/2 inch thick pieces. Heat your grill to medium-high temperature, then brush each squash slice lightly with olive oil to ensure they don’t stick and to encourage caramelization.
Step 2: Place the squash slices on the grill and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side until you see good grill marks and the squash has softened slightly but still holds its shape. Once grilled, transfer the squash to an oven set on very low heat to keep warm while finishing the rest of the recipe.
Step 3: For the chipotle hollandaise, combine the egg yolks, salt, lime juice, and chipotle paste in a tall container. Use an immersion blender (or a regular blender) and blend for about 30 seconds until smooth. Slowly drizzle in the hot melted butter or ghee while blending continuously to emulsify the sauce into a silky texture.
Step 4: In a skillet, cook the ground chorizo over medium heat, breaking it up with a fork to create a crumbly texture. Cook until browned and cooked through, then set aside.
Step 5: Bring a pot of water to a boil with about 3 inches of depth, and add the white vinegar. Reduce the heat to medium-low so the water simmers gently. Stir the water quickly in a circular motion with a spoon to create a whirlpool, then carefully crack one egg into the center. Poach the egg for 4 minutes until the whites are set but the yolk remains soft. Use a slotted spoon to remove the egg, and repeat for the remaining eggs.
Step 6: To assemble, place two grilled butternut squash slices on each plate. Spread a layer of smashed avocado on top, then sprinkle with some chorizo. Place a perfectly poached egg on each, and generously spoon the chipotle hollandaise over the eggs. Garnish with fresh jalapeño slices and cilantro for that extra pop of flavor and color.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 2 satisfying servings, perfect for sharing on a leisurely weekend brunch or a special breakfast. Prep time is around 20 minutes, including peeling and slicing the squash and prepping the hollandaise. Cooking time is approximately 20 minutes, which covers grilling, cooking the chorizo, and poaching the eggs. In total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish, with no additional resting time needed.
How to Serve This Mexican Eggs Benedict with Butternut Squash, Chorizo, and Chipotle Hollandaise Recipe
I love serving this dish warm so you can enjoy the comforting richness of the hollandaise and perfectly poached eggs while the grilled butternut squash is still tender. It pairs beautifully with fresh sides like a crisp green salad or some black beans and rice for a more filling meal. For a lighter brunch, simple citrusy fruit salads complement the smoky and spicy flavors wonderfully.
Presentation-wise, I like to arrange everything neatly on a large plate, making sure the vibrant orange squash contrasts with the green avocado and cilantro, and the reddish chipotle hollandaise creates beautiful visual interest. Adding slices of jalapeño on top not only adds heat but also a fresh, colorful garnish that impresses guests. If I’m hosting, I sometimes serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.
When it comes to drinks, a crisp, citrus-forward white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Mexican beer pairs perfectly with the depth and spiciness of this dish. For non-alcoholic options, a fresh mint-lime agua fresca or sparkling water with a splash of lime feels refreshing and balances the richness. It’s a great weekend brunch recipe, holiday breakfast staple, or even a luxurious weeknight treat.
Variations
I like to get creative with this recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood. For instance, you can substitute the butternut squash with sweet potato or even roasted poblano peppers for a slightly different texture and flavor. If you don’t have chorizo, a spicy sausage or even crumbled tempeh works nicely.
For those following a gluten-free diet, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it swaps out bread for squash, which I love. If you want a vegan version, you can poach tofu slices instead of eggs, and make a vegan hollandaise using cashews blended with nutritional yeast and chipotle powder—trust me, it’s delicious! You can also adjust the heat by using less chipotle paste or swapping jalapeños for milder chili peppers.
Besides grilling, you can roast the squash in the oven if you prefer, and pan-fry the chorizo to crisp it even more. The hollandaise sauce can be made on the stove using a double boiler for a traditional touch, but I find the blender method just so quick and reliable.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the components separately in airtight containers to preserve the best texture and flavor. The grilled butternut squash and cooked chorizo keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. The hollandaise sauce is best stored in a tightly sealed jar; however, I recommend using it within 1-2 days for optimal freshness and safety.
Freezing
I usually don’t freeze this dish fully assembled because the texture of the poached eggs and hollandaise changes after thawing. However, you can freeze cooked chorizo on its own for up to a month by placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. The squash doesn’t freeze as well due to its high water content, but if necessary, roast in advance and freeze separately, then thaw and reheat gently.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftovers is gently warming the grilled squash and chorizo in a pan over low heat to avoid drying them out. Avoid microwaving the hollandaise sauce as it can separate or curdle; instead, warm it gently in a heatproof bowl over simmering water while whisking constantly. If the hollandaise thickens too much, add a little warm water or lime juice to revive its creamy texture. Poached eggs don’t reheat well, so I recommend making fresh ones if possible.
FAQs
Can I use regular sausage instead of chorizo?
Absolutely! While chorizo provides a distinctive smoky and spicy flavor, regular pork sausage or even turkey sausage can substitute if you prefer a milder taste. Just be sure to add some smoked paprika or chili powder to mimic that smoky kick.
How do I know when my poached eggs are done?
I find that cooking the eggs for exactly 4 minutes in simmering water results in perfectly set whites with soft, runny yolks. You should see the whites fully set and opaque, while the yolk remains a bit jiggly when you gently shake the spoon.
Can I prepare the chipotle hollandaise ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the hollandaise sauce a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just warm it gently before serving. Avoid making it too far in advance because it can lose its silky texture over time.
What can I serve besides jalapeños to add heat?
If you want to mix things up, thin slices of serrano peppers or a dash of hot sauce work great. You can also sprinkle some smoked chili powder or cayenne on top for a smoky heat without adding fresh peppers.
Is this recipe suitable for a Paleo or Whole30 diet?
Yes, definitely! Using ghee instead of butter in the hollandaise sauce makes it Paleo and Whole30 compliant. Also, the natural ingredients like butternut squash, chorizo, and avocado fit perfectly within those guidelines.
Conclusion
Trust me when I say this Mexican Eggs Benedict with Butternut Squash, Chorizo, and Chipotle Hollandaise Recipe is a wonderfully bold and satisfying dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. It brings together some of my favorite flavors in one beautiful plate, making every bite memorable. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, friends, or family, I encourage you to give this recipe a try — it’s an exciting way to elevate your brunch game and fill your kitchen with incredible aromas and flavors.
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Mexican Eggs Benedict with Butternut Squash, Chorizo, and Chipotle Hollandaise Recipe
A vibrant twist on the classic eggs benedict, featuring grilled butternut squash slices as the base, topped with creamy smashed avocado, spicy ground chorizo, perfectly poached eggs, and a smoky chipotle hollandaise sauce. Garnished with fresh jalapeños and cilantro, this Mexican Eggs Benedict is a flavorful and satisfying brunch dish.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large avocado (smashed with a fork)
- 170 g ground chorizo (approx. 5 chorizo sausages, removed from their casings)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 jalapeno, sliced
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
Chipotle Hollandaise
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp chipotle paste (or 1 tsp chipotle powder)
- 1/4 cup hot melted butter or ghee (for Paleo/Whole30)
Instructions
- Prepare the Butternut Squash: Peel the butternut squash and cut the long neck into slices approximately 1/2 inch thick. Heat a grill to medium-high heat. Brush each slice with olive oil, then grill for about 5-6 minutes per side until grill marks appear and the squash is slightly tender. Transfer the slices to a very low heat oven to keep warm while prepping the other components.
- Make the Chipotle Hollandaise: In a tall container, combine the egg yolks, salt, lime juice, and chipotle paste. Use an immersion blender to blend the mixture for 30 seconds. Slowly drizzle the hot melted butter or ghee into the container while continuing to blend until the sauce is smooth and emulsified. Alternatively, use a regular blender for this step.
- Cook the Chorizo: In a pan over medium heat, cook the ground chorizo, breaking it up with a fork into a crumbly texture. Continue cooking until fully browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Poach the Eggs: Bring a pot with about 3 inches of water to a boil and add the white vinegar. Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Stir the water in a circular motion with a spoon to create a whirlpool. Crack one egg into the center of the whirlpool and cook for 4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and repeat with remaining eggs.
- Assemble the Mexican Eggs Benedict: Place two grilled butternut squash slices on each plate. Top each slice with smashed avocado, a portion of cooked chorizo, a poached egg, and spoon the chipotle hollandaise over the top. Garnish with sliced jalapeños and chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
- For a Paleo or Whole30 version, substitute butter with ghee in the hollandaise sauce.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle paste or jalapeños based on your preferred spice level.
- When poaching eggs, ensure the water is not boiling vigorously to keep egg whites intact.
- Grilling the butternut squash enhances its natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor.
- This dish can be served as a hearty brunch or a light dinner option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican