At RJ’s Family Restaurant, we love serving dishes that tell a story. One of our most requested breakfast specials is the Crab Cake Benedict: a flavorful twist on a classic that brings together coastal tradition and Midwestern comfort. Though it feels like a modern brunch invention, this dish has a rich history that blends culinary innovation with regional pride.
For guests who crave something savory and satisfying, our Crab Cake Benedict checks all the boxes. Below, we are going to explore where this dish came from, how it evolved, and why it continues to be a standout option at our breakfast diner in the Greenview, Missouri area.
A Quick Look at Eggs Benedict
To understand Crab Cake Benedict, we first need to go back to its predecessor: the original Eggs Benedict. While the exact origin is still debated, most culinary historians agree it emerged in New York City in the late 1800s.
One version credits a Wall Street broker named Lemuel Benedict, who in 1894 reportedly walked into the Waldorf Hotel looking for a cure for his hangover. He asked for toast, poached eggs, bacon, and hollandaise sauce. The hotel’s maître d’ was so impressed, he replaced the toast with an English muffin and the bacon with ham, creating what we now know as Eggs Benedict.
Others say the dish was inspired by the Benedict family, regulars at Delmonico’s, another famous New York restaurant. Regardless of the true origin, the recipe stuck: a toasted English muffin, topped with Canadian bacon, poached eggs, and creamy hollandaise sauce.
This combination quickly spread to breakfast menus across the country, eventually inspiring a wide range of creative variations — including Crab Cake Benedict.
The Rise of the Crab Cake
The crab cake has its own culinary journey that starts on the East Coast, especially in Maryland, where blue crab is a local treasure. Early versions of crab cakes were made by mixing crab meat with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasoning, then pan-frying or baking the mixture until golden.
Crab cakes became popular in coastal communities because they were easy to prepare, used fresh local seafood, and could be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Over time, they became a symbol of coastal American cuisine.
By the late 20th century, crab cakes had expanded far beyond seafood shacks and fine dining restaurants. You could find them on sandwiches, salads, or plated with remoulade for lunch or dinner. Their flavor, texture, and visual appeal made them a favorite in upscale brunch dishes as well.
Bringing It All Together: The Crab Cake Benedict
Crab Cake Benedict is a creative fusion of two beloved classics. Instead of the traditional English muffin and Canadian bacon, this version uses a warm, golden crab cake as the base. A poached egg is placed on top, then covered in silky hollandaise sauce. The result is a rich, savory, and slightly briny flavor profile that brings something new to the breakfast table.
This dish became increasingly popular in the early 2000s as chefs looked to elevate breakfast with fresh seafood and unique ingredients. It offered a way to serve something both familiar and exciting — ideal for weekend brunch menus, coastal restaurants, and yes, even small-town breakfast diners in the Greenview, Missouri area.
A Taste of Tradition with a Modern Twist
Though it’s become a familiar option on in our Breakfast Diner in Greenview, Missouri, Crab Cake Benedict remains a relatively recent addition to American brunch culture. It represents how timeless classics can evolve and how food continues to adapt to new tastes without losing its roots.
For us, serving this dish is a way to bring a bit of the coast to the Midwest. It also reflects what RJ’s Family Restaurant is all about: familiar flavors, made with care, and served in a welcoming environment.
Whether you’ve had it dozens of times or are just trying it for the first time, Crab Cake Benedict always delivers something a little special.
Looking for the Best Breakfast Diner in the Greenview, Missouri Area?
If you’re looking for a breakfast spot that serves bold flavors with thoughtful preparation, RJ’s Family Restaurant invites you to stop in. As the best brunch diner in the Greenview, Missouri area, we serve up a wide range of delicious options, including our famous Crab Cake Benedict. Contact us today at 573-346-6133 to get in touch with our staff.