Sauces & spices
How to create velvety, dairy-free hollandaise alternatives using aquafaba and plant fats for brunch menus that accommodate dietary restrictions.
A practical guide to crafting silky, dairy-free hollandaise using aquafaba and plant fats, perfect for vegans, allergies, or guests seeking lighter, cholesterol-free brunch sauces that still feel indulgent and restaurant-worthy.
July 22, 2025 - 3 min Read
Aquafaba acts as a light, neutral base that emulsifies with oils and plant-based fats to mimic the rich texture of traditional hollandaise. Start with the liquid from a well-rinsed can of chickpeas, whisking it with a touch of lemon juice and a pinch of salt to form a stable foam. Slowly stream in a warm, neutral oil such as grapeseed or light olive oil while whisking vigorously. The trick is to maintain a steady, almost invisible emulsion so the sauce thickens without splitting. If you notice the mixture thinning, add a tiny amount of warmed aquafaba and continue whisking. Consistency should be glossy and pourable, not runny.
To enhance flavor without dairy, introduce a splash of white wine or white wine vinegar, plus a subtle tang of Dijon mustard. For richness, blend in a spoon of aquafaba-based lecithin or a small amount of avocado oil toward the end, allowing the sauce to gain body without heaviness. A hint of smoked paprika, substrate garlic, or fresh chives can elevate the herbaceous profile. The final texture should be that of a velvety satin, coating the back of a spoon. Test by drizzling over steamed asparagus, poached eggs substitute, or grilled tofu to ensure stability and balance.
Build savory depth through careful ingredient layering and timing.
Begin by warming your aquafaba over low heat to around body temperature; this prevents shock when fats are introduced and helps preserve the emulsion. Pour in the oil gradually, whisking with a calm, steady rhythm. If your kitchen is warm, consider resting the bowl in cool water to maintain viscosity. A tiny amount of mustard powder provides necessary acidity and acts as an emulsifier, aiding cohesion. The aroma should be bright and lemony, while the mouthfeel remains lush. Always taste before serving; adjust salt, lemon, and oil-to-aquafaba ratio to satisfy the palate of varied guests who may have different allergy considerations.
Elevate the sauce using plant fats that mimic butter without dairy. Choose fats like refined coconut oil for a clean finish or a sophisticated olive oil if you want a more robust finish. Some chefs blend in a small scoop of almond or cashew cream for silkiness, ensuring the flavor remains delicate and not overpowering. If you encounter separation, briefly whisk over very low heat with a whisk or immersion blender, then cool slightly and whisk again. Serve immediately, as the hollandaise will thicken with time and lose some liquidity as it rests.
Techniques for consistency and stability across batches.
A practical variant uses nutritional yeast to add a faint cheesy note without dairy. Start with aquafaba, then whisk in a splash of lemon juice, a hint of white miso, Dijon, and a gram of nutritional yeast. Stream in warm neutral oil while whisking rapidly to form a glossy, stable emulsion. The miso contributes umami and salt, so taste as you go to avoid oversalting. This version pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, poached egg substitutes, or hash browns for a brunch spread that pleases vegans and omnivores alike. Remember to keep the sauce warm but not hot to prevent curdling.
Another approach adds a touch of coconut milk or oat milk for a creamier mouthfeel without dairy cholesterol. Begin with aquafaba and a teaspoon of white wine vinegar, whisking briskly. Slowly drizzle in warmed plant fat, then introduce the milk alternative gradually. The result should be silky and spoonable, with a fragrant lift from the lemon and a soft, creamy finish. If the mixture begins to separate, remove from heat and whisk vigorously until the gloss returns. This version suits brunch menus featuring mushrooms, asparagus, or seared tempeh.
Flavor customization that respects dietary restrictions and taste.
Temperature control is critical for aquafaba hollandaise. Work on a cool, stable surface and avoid direct heat. A water bath can help maintain a gentle temperature while you emulsify. Use a whisk or an immersion blender for rapid, uniform mixing, which lowers the risk of curdling. If your kitchen is drafty, cover the bowl to keep air currents from destabilizing the foam. Small increments of oil reduce the chance of breaking the emulsion. After emulsification, a minute rest helps the sauce settle into a coherent, creamy texture that holds up as toppings are added.
Sanitation and fresh ingredients are essential for a reliable result. Use fresh aquafaba from recently drained chickpeas or canned aquafaba stored in the fridge, not the leftover brine. Clean equipment thoroughly to avoid contamination that could compromise texture. Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the brightest acidity, while a neutral oil unburdened by strong flavors maintains a clean canvas for customization. When serving, keep the sauce warm in a double boiler to preserve stability and prevent undesirable separation.
Final checks to ensure consistency, safety, and appeal.
Citrus-forward variants pair well with green vegetables and eggs substitutes. Introduce a beat of lemon zest along with juice, then whisk in a teaspoon of white miso for depth. A pinch of white pepperbrightens the finish. For a more delicate profile, skip the miso and rely on toasted sesame oil in minute amounts to add an Asian-inspired lift. Balance is key; too much oil will mute the citrus and miso, while too little will fail to emulsify fully. These refinements make the sauce adaptable to different brunch menus with ease.
For guests with nut allergies, avoid almond or cashew thickeners and lean on aquafaba and sunflower or peanut-free blends. A small amount of antioxidant-rich brightness can come from finely chopped herbs like tarragon or dill. A whisper of garlic powder can deepen the savor without overpowering the subtler flavors. This approach ensures accessibility while preserving the classic hollandaise aesthetic: rich, glossy, and inviting over vegetables, eggs substitutes, or crispy hash.
Before final plating, perform a quick viscosity check by dragging a spoon across the surface; the sauce should cling and slowly settle with a satin sheen. If it slumps, whisk in a teaspoon of warmed aquafaba and a few drops of lemon juice to restore structure. Temperature should remain between 110 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit (43–60 Celsius) for optimum stability, avoiding boiling. Present the hollandaise in a warmed sauce boat or small ramekins to maintain texture during service. The presentation matters as much as flavor; a glossy sheen signals a well-emulsified sauce to brunch guests.
Finally, document your recipes with clear ingredient weights and step-by-step timings for future consistency. Record the exact aquafaba source, oil type, acidity, and any flavor enhancers used. This habit helps kitchen teams reproduce the ideal balance across multiple batches, ensuring every brunch service meets the same high standard. Encourage feedback from staff and diners to refine the method and tailor sauces to evolving dietary needs, such as gluten-free or soy-free preferences, while maintaining a luxurious, hummocky mouthfeel that mirrors traditional hollandaise.
