How to Make Crab & Avocado Eggs Benedict

If you’ve ever dreamed of a brunch dish that feels both indulgent and fresh, look no further than Crab & Avocado Eggs Benedict. This stunning recipe combines the delicate sweetness of fresh crab meat, the creamy richness of ripe avocado, and the classic sophistication of perfectly poached eggs topped with luscious hollandaise sauce. Easy enough for a weekend treat but impressive enough to serve guests, this dish transforms the traditional eggs Benedict into a luxurious seafood and veggie-filled delight you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Delicious fusion: The combination of creamy avocado and fresh crab elevates the classic eggs Benedict into a gourmet masterpiece.
  • Freshness meets richness: Every bite balances the rich hollandaise with crisp avocado and delicate crab for a perfectly harmonious flavor.
  • Easy to prepare: With simple ingredients and clear steps, this recipe is approachable even if you’re new to poaching eggs or making hollandaise.
  • Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a relaxing weekend or a special brunch, Crab & Avocado Eggs Benedict suits all your breakfast and lunch needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

While Crab & Avocado Eggs Benedict looks like a dish fit for a fancy restaurant, its ingredients are straightforward and readily available. Each one plays a vital role, contributing to the texture, flavor, and freshness that make this recipe unforgettable.

  • Fresh crab meat: Choose lump crab meat for a tender, sweet seafood flavor that shines through every bite.
  • Ripe avocado: Creamy and smooth, avocado adds a rich texture and healthy fats to complement the crab.
  • English muffins: Lightly toasted for a crispy base that holds all the lovely toppings without sogginess.
  • Eggs: Perfectly poached eggs bring that molten yolk that creates a heavenly sauce when mixed with other ingredients.
  • Hollandaise sauce: A buttery, tangy sauce made from egg yolks, lemon juice, and melted butter that ties everything together.
  • Lemon juice: Adds brightness to the hollandaise and helps balance the richness of the other components.
  • Butter: Essential for a silky hollandaise and toasting the muffins with a golden finish.
  • Salt and pepper: To season the finishing dish, highlighting the flavors of crab and avocado perfectly.

Variations for Crab & Avocado Eggs Benedict

The beauty of Crab & Avocado Eggs Benedict is how easily it adapts to your tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some delicious ideas to tailor it just the way you like.

  • Swap the crab: Use smoked salmon or cooked shrimp for a different seafood twist without changing the recipe’s soul.
  • Spicy kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes onto the hollandaise for subtle heat.
  • Go dairy-free: Make a vegan hollandaise using cashews or aquafaba to suit dairy-free diets.
  • Whole grain muffin: Opt for whole wheat or multigrain English muffins for extra fiber and nutty flavor.
  • Herb infusion: Toss fresh dill, chives, or tarragon into the crab or hollandaise to boost that fresh, green garden taste.

How to Make Crab & Avocado Eggs Benedict

Step 1: Prepare the Hollandaise Sauce

Start by whisking egg yolks and lemon juice over a gentle heat or in a double boiler, slowly adding melted butter to create a smooth, creamy hollandaise sauce. Keep stirring to avoid scrambling the eggs and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Poach the Eggs

Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer, then create a whirlpool and carefully slide in each egg. Poach for about 3 to 4 minutes until the whites are set but the yolks still runny—this is key to the perfect eggs Benedict experience.

Step 3: Toast the English Muffins

Slice your muffins in half and toast them until golden brown, then spread a thin layer of butter immediately to soak into the warm surface for extra flavor and moisture.

Step 4: Assemble the Crab & Avocado Eggs Benedict

On each toasted muffin half, layer a generous spoonful of fresh crab meat, followed by slices of ripe avocado. Top with a perfectly poached egg and drizzle the warm hollandaise sauce over everything. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Pro Tips for Making Crab & Avocado Eggs Benedict

  • Fresh is best: Use the freshest crab meat you can find for the sweetest, most tender bites.
  • Control your heat: Keeping the hollandaise sauce warm but not hot prevents it from separating or curdling.
  • Egg poaching shortcut: Add a splash of vinegar to your poaching water to help the egg whites stay intact.
  • Perfect avocado: Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure—not too soft, not too hard.
  • Prep in advance: You can make the hollandaise sauce and crab mixture earlier and gently rewarm before serving.

How to Serve Crab & Avocado Eggs Benedict

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh chopped chives or dill for a pop of color and an herbal freshness that complements the creamy and savory layers.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a light side salad of arugula or baby spinach dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or crispy roasted potatoes for a filling, balanced brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Crab & Avocado Eggs Benedict on a bed of wilted spinach or on a crispy potato rösti instead of English muffins to take this dish to the next level.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover crab, avocado slices, and hollandaise separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days to maintain freshness and texture.

Freezing

It’s best to avoid freezing poached eggs or avocado as the texture changes, but you can freeze crab meat if properly packaged for up to three months.

Reheating

Gently reheat the hollandaise sauce over low heat while stirring, and warm the crab mixture carefully to avoid drying it out. Poached eggs are best freshly made and not reheated.

FAQs

Can I use canned crab meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use canned crab meat if fresh isn’t available, but opt for high-quality, lump crab meat and drain it well for the best taste and texture.

Is hollandaise sauce difficult to make?

While it requires some patience and constant whisking, making hollandaise is straightforward and very rewarding with practice—using a blender can simplify the process.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace crab with seasoned jackfruit or artichoke hearts, and prepare a dairy-free hollandaise using plant-based butter or cashew cream.

How long do poached eggs take to cook?

Typically, 3 to 4 minutes in simmering water will set the whites while leaving the yolks beautifully runny, perfect for eggs Benedict.

What’s the best way to store leftover avocado?

To prevent browning, keep avocado slices in an airtight container with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice and use within a day for optimal freshness.

Final Thoughts

Crab & Avocado Eggs Benedict is one of those rare brunch dishes that wow guests while being deliciously simple to prepare at home. The blend of luxurious crab, creamy avocado, and velvety hollandaise turns an everyday breakfast into an extraordinary experience. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and create this scrumptious dish—you’ll be thrilled by every bite and may never look back to the original eggs Benedict again!

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Crab & Avocado Eggs Benedict

Crab & Avocado Eggs Benedict


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  • Author: Lina
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Diet: Pescatarian

Description

Crab & Avocado Eggs Benedict is a luxurious twist on the classic brunch favorite. Combining succulent lump crab meat, creamy ripe avocado, perfectly poached eggs, and a rich, buttery hollandaise sauce, this dish delivers a harmonious balance of fresh and indulgent flavors. Ideal for weekend treats or special brunch occasions, it’s both impressive and approachable, promising a gourmet experience that’s easy to recreate at home.


Ingredients

Scale

Seafood & Produce

  • 4 oz lump crab meat (fresh or high-quality canned, well drained)
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 4 fresh eggs
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for hollandaise)
  • Optional garnish: chopped fresh chives or dill

Base

  • 2 English muffins, split and lightly toasted
  • Butter for spreading on muffins and hollandaise sauce (about 4 tbsp melted for sauce + 1 tbsp for muffins)

Hollandaise Sauce

  • 3 egg yolks
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Seasoning

  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Hollandaise Sauce: In a double boiler or over very gentle heat, whisk together 3 egg yolks and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Slowly drizzle in the melted butter while continuously whisking until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and thickened. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Keep warm.
  2. Poach the Eggs: Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer and create a whirlpool by stirring the water. Carefully slide in each egg one at a time. Poach for 3 to 4 minutes until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny. Remove eggs with a slotted spoon and drain excess water.
  3. Toast the English Muffins: Slice the English muffins in half and toast until golden brown. Immediately spread a thin layer of butter on each toasted half to add flavor and moisture.
  4. Assemble the Eggs Benedict: On each toasted muffin half, place a generous spoonful of fresh crab meat, followed by slices of ripe avocado. Gently top with a perfectly poached egg, then drizzle warm hollandaise sauce over everything. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and an optional squeeze of lemon juice.

Notes

  • Use the freshest crab meat available for the best flavor and texture.
  • Keep hollandaise sauce warm but not hot to prevent it from separating or curdling.
  • Add a splash of vinegar to the poaching water to help egg whites stay intact.
  • Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure for ideal ripeness.
  • Hollandaise sauce and crab mixture can be prepared ahead and gently reheated before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Brunch
  • Method: Poaching and Toasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (2 halves)
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 370 mg

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