Friends With Benedicts

Southern chefs share their creative spins on eggs benedict for summer.

The origin of the classic breakfast dish eggs benedict is unclear. New York restaurant Delmonico’s lays claim to the dish, but so do several others. What is known is that the dish dates back to the mid- to late- 1800s and includes an English muffin topped with poached eggs, bacon or ham and hollandaise sauce.

Since eggs benedict can be found on almost any breakfast or brunch menu, there’s no shortage of substitions. Southern chefs especially like to substitute the bacon or ham with seafood and top the dish with a variety of sauces and crispy bits. Visit the restaurants below for a taste or try your own version of one of these at home.

Lobster Jalapeño Cornbread Benedict
Rusty Pelican, Key Biscayne, Florida

Brunch is beloved at the Rusty Pelican, Miami’s mainstay for fresh seafood and unparalleled waterfront views of the Magic City skyline. Amongst the several benedicts on offer, the Lobster Jalapeño Cornbread Benedict stands out. Think freshly baked jalapeño-cheddar cornbread piled high with broiled Maine lobster, perfectly poached organic eggs and topped with crispy shallots.

Fried Oyster Benedict
Marsh House, Nashville, Tennessee

Located in the hip Thompson Nashville, Marsh House is The Gulch’s go-to spot for elevated Gulf coast cuisine, sophisticated craft cocktails and stellar wine program. Chef/Owner Brian Landry loves his oysters and offers a decadent Fried Oyster Benedict with spinach, remoulade and prosciutto.

Crab Cake Benedict
Tujague’s, New Orleans, Louisiana

The Crescent City’s second-oldest restaurant, Tujague’s is the birthplace of brunch and the Grasshopper cocktail in the French Quarter. Executive Chef Gus Martin’s Crab Cake Benedict features peppery blue crab cakes with poached eggs, roasted corn sauce and chive hollandaise.