Hollandaise sauce – the star of the show when it comes to eggs benedict. Also delicious with fish and vegetables. But how do you store it? What can you do to make it last longer? Here is what you need to know.
So, how do you store Hollandaise sauce? Once opened, a jar of Hollandaise sauce must be stored in the fridge. However, it is advised that freshly made Hollandaise sauce is consumed within a few hours of being made as it does not typically store well. If some fresh sauce is leftover, storing it in the fridge in a sealed container and then reheating before consumption is an option.
It’s actually quite a tricky one.
It depends a lot on context.
It has a lot to do with whether you are using fresh Hollandaise sauce, or one bought in a jar.
It depends if the jar is open too.
So, you’re going to need to make a judgment call.
And you’re going to need to check the sauce before reusing. Looking for signs of spoilage.
We’ll be covering that later.
So, be sure to keep on reading.
Besides, you do not want this decadent sauce when it’s not at its best.
Trust me, it’s not nice.
So without further ado, let’s get started.
Can I Store Hollandaise Sauce In The Fridge?
You can store Hollandaise sauce in the fridge, although it does not typically store very well or for very long. Equally, as this sauce is an emulsion – you will find that the butter will solidify at cooler temperatures and will require warming up before you can use it.
For this reason, it is advised that if you are making it from scratch, you only make as much as you need for that particular serving.
If there is some extra, then you can certainly try the fridge.
But you’re going to want to do so properly.
This means transferring to a sealed and airtight container.
And doing so at the right time.
Around 2 hours after you have served your dish, and the sauce has had a chance to cool down first.
It should be a little over room temperature before being transferred to the fridge.
How Long Can You Keep Hollandaise Sauce?
Fresh Hollandaise sauce does not tend to keep for very long – between 2-7 days, on average – if stored in the fridge. Store-bought unopened Hollandaise sauce, however, can last for several months if still sealed and kept in a cool place, or up to one month once opened.
One thing to always consider is that Hollandaise sauce is an emulsion.
That means that it is a temporary stable mixture and it can, and will separate in time.
That is the egg yolks and butter ingredients of the sauce.
And of course, once separation sets in it’s not very appetizing.
Or really useable for that matter.
So it does mean if you do decide to refrigerate it, you’ll need to warm it again to bring it back together.
But more on this later.
Just know that this is not really a sauce that tends to keep well.
At least freshly prepared sauce.
The only real exception is if you use a store-bought brand of Hollandaise.
In that case, the preservatives included in the recipe usually mean it can keep a little longer.
Perhaps up to a month if stored in the fridge with the lid sealed tight – brand dependent of course.
Checking the ‘best before date’ or instructions on the product packaging is advised.
How To Tell If Hollandaise Sauce Has Gone Bad
The main ways to tell that Hollandaise sauce has gone bad is by checking the consistency (it should not contain any lumps or appear grainy), by checking the color (it should not have darkened), and by smelling the sauce.
There is always the taste test too but that should generally be left until last.
Especially if you have had your sauce for any period of time.
In fact, as this sauce has eggs as an ingredient then it’s generally not worth any risk.
If in doubt, chuck it out.
Can Hollandaise Sauce Be Reheated?
Hollandaise sauce can and should be reheated prior to reusing. This will make the sauce break down and come together again, being more appetizing and ensuring that it is the right consistency.
What I do is warm it very very gently in the microwave until it is liquid. Then re-emulsify it into a single egg yolk. It costs an egg yolk but the sauce is good as new.
In fact, you will likely need to add another whisked egg (to emulsify) and a tablespoon or two of cold water.
Then add to a pan, and gently simmer for 5-10 minutes until it begins to boil.
Once you see a few signs of boiling, your sauce should be ready.
But be careful not to burn yourself if you intend on eating it sooner after.
Let it sit for a minute or two!
Can Hollandaise Sauce Be Frozen?
You can freeze Hollandaise sauce, and it typically lasts for up to 1 month if you do so correctly.
That means you need to ensure it is sufficiently cool before you transfer it to the freezer.
Place it in an airtight freezable container, and then place it in the freezer.
To ensure your safe does not separate, you’ll need to thaw it in the fridge for 24-48 hours before you intend on using it.
Just remember that.
If you’re in a hurry then you can always consider microwaving it too, but be careful not to do so on too high a heat as this can lead to spoilage.
Finally
In reality, Hollandaise sauce is best served fresh.
Unfortunately, it does lose its consistency and flavor very quickly during storage (in a matter of days) and the process of reheating.
Neverthless, store-bought options, while generally not as nice, are a little longer lasting.
But even then, you need to ensure you store this sauce properly.
That’s in the fridge, in an airtight container.
Whether that’s a jar or Tupperware – well that’s up to you.
Hello, I’m Jeremy, a sauce enthusiast and taste trailblazer! My endless pursuit of new flavors has led me on a journey to master sauce making at home, along with try out a range of exciting brands and sauce offerings. Now I share my recipes, tips and recommendations on WeWantTheSauce to help fellow foodies find the perfect sauces.