If you love rich, buttery hollandaise sauce but hate the fuss of tempering eggs and whisking over a double boiler, this shortcut hollandaise sauce using mayonnaise is the easiest solution. With just a few simple ingredients—mayonnaise, milk, lemon juice, salt, and pepper—you can create a creamy, tangy sauce in minutes.
This quick hollandaise shortcut is perfect for eggs Benedict, roasted vegetables, asparagus, salmon, or breakfast bowls. It delivers the same silky flavor people love from traditional hollandaise, but with almost no effort.
Why This Shortcut Hollandaise Works
Traditional hollandaise is made from egg yolks, butter, and lemon juice, carefully emulsified over heat. Mayonnaise already contains egg yolks and oil that are emulsified, which means it mimics the structure of classic hollandaise.
By thinning it with milk and brightening it with lemon juice, you get a sauce that tastes remarkably similar to the real thing.
Benefits of this version:
- Ready in under 5 minutes
- No double boiler
- No risk of curdling
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for beginner cooks
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional additions:
- pinch cayenne pepper
- dash of paprika
- pinch garlic powder
How to Make Shortcut Hollandaise
1. Combine the ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- mayonnaise
- milk
- lemon juice
- salt
- pepper
2. Adjust the consistency
Add more milk one teaspoon at a time until the sauce becomes smooth and pourable like traditional hollandaise.
3. Warm gently (optional)
If you want a warm sauce, microwave for 10–15 seconds and stir.
Do not overheat or the mayonnaise may separate.
4. Serve immediately
Drizzle the sauce over eggs, vegetables, or seafood while warm.
Tips for the Best Easy Hollandaise
Use good mayonnaise
High-quality mayonnaise gives the best flavor.
Fresh lemon makes a big difference
Bottled lemon juice can taste sharp or artificial.
Thin gradually
You want a silky sauce, not a runny dressing.
Serve warm, not hot
Too much heat can break the sauce.
Other Brunch Favorites
Shortcut Hollandaise Sauce
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 SERVINGS 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This shortcut hollandaise sauce uses mayonnaise, milk, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a creamy, tangy hollandaise-style sauce in just minutes. It’s the perfect quick sauce for eggs Benedict, asparagus, seafood, roasted vegetables, and brunch dishes.
Ingredients
½ cup mayonnaise
2–3 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional garnish
1 tablespoon chopped chives
extra cracked black pepper
Instructions
-
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
-
Slowly whisk in the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce becomes smooth and pourable like traditional hollandaise.
-
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
-
Sprinkle with chopped chives and cracked black pepper before serving.
-
Serve immediately over eggs Benedict, roasted asparagus, seafood, vegetables, or breakfast bowls.
Notes
If you prefer a warm sauce, microwave for 10–15 seconds, then stir well.
• Add milk slowly to control the thickness.
• This sauce is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 5 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 5 MINUTES
- Category: Breakfast, BRUNCH
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: AMERICAN | FRENCH INSPIRED
Variations
Garlic Hollandaise
Add ¼ teaspoon garlic powder or roasted garlic paste.
Dijon Hollandaise
Whisk in ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard for extra tang.
Spicy Hollandaise
Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Herb Hollandaise
Mix in chopped chives, parsley, or dill.
Storage
This sauce is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave in 5–10 second bursts, stirring between each.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hollandaise the same as mayonnaise?
Not exactly. Hollandaise uses butter and egg yolks, while mayonnaise uses oil and egg yolks. However, mayonnaise acts as a great shortcut base because it is already emulsified.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Simply replace milk with unsweetened almond milk or water.
Can I blend this instead of whisking?
Absolutely. A small blender or immersion blender creates an ultra-smooth texture.
Does this taste like real hollandaise?
It’s surprisingly close. The lemon and creamy texture mimic traditional hollandaise without the complicated technique.
Final Thoughts
This shortcut hollandaise sauce is one of the easiest kitchen hacks you’ll ever learn. With just a few pantry staples and about five minutes, you can create a creamy, tangy sauce that instantly elevates breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
If you love classic dishes like eggs Benedict or roasted asparagus, this quick hollandaise recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
