Brunch is a great way to start your weekend or celebrate a special occasion. It combines the best of breakfast and lunch, giving you a chance to enjoy both sweet and savory dishes. With so many options, it can be hard to choose what to make.
This collection of 30 brunch recipes offers something for everyone. You’ll find ideas for egg dishes, pastries, drinks, and more to create the perfect brunch spread. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, these recipes will help you put together a tasty meal without spending all day in the kitchen.
Avocado toast with poached eggs is a tasty brunch option. You can make it easily at home. Start by toasting a slice of whole-grain bread.
Mash ripe avocado and spread it on the toast. Add a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
Next, poach an egg. Crack it into simmering water and cook for about 3 minutes. Carefully remove the egg and place it on top of the avocado toast.
Sprinkle some smoked paprika or black pepper on top. This dish gives you a mix of crunchy toast, creamy avocado, and soft egg. It’s packed with nutrients to keep you full and energized.
Banana pancakes are a tasty brunch option. You can make them easily at home with simple ingredients.
Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, mash ripe bananas and add eggs, milk, and vanilla.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Don’t overmix – some lumps are okay. Heat a pan or griddle and add a little oil.
Pour small circles of batter onto the hot surface. Cook until bubbles form, then flip. Serve your pancakes warm with sliced bananas and maple syrup on top.
This tasty omelette combines the earthy flavor of spinach with tangy feta cheese. You’ll start by whisking eggs with a splash of milk and seasoning.
Heat butter in a non-stick pan and sauté minced onion and garlic. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Pour in the egg mixture and let it set for a few seconds.
As the eggs cook, sprinkle crumbled feta over half the omelette. Gently fold the other half over the cheese. Cook until the eggs are set and the cheese melts.
Smoked salmon bagels are a brunch classic that you can easily make at home. Start with a toasted bagel of your choice. Spread a layer of cream cheese on each half.
Top the cream cheese with thin slices of smoked salmon. Add some thinly sliced cucumber for a fresh crunch. You can also include capers, red onion, or dill for extra flavor.
This simple yet elegant dish combines chewy bagels, smooth cream cheese, and rich smoked salmon. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast or as part of a larger brunch spread.
You can customize your bagel with different toppings to suit your taste. Try adding sliced tomatoes or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Shakshuka is a tasty brunch dish with eggs cooked in a savory tomato sauce. To make it, start by sautéing onions and bell peppers in olive oil until soft.
Add garlic, cumin, paprika, and cayenne for flavor. Pour in canned tomatoes and simmer the sauce for about 15 minutes.
Create small wells in the sauce and crack eggs into them. Cover the pan and cook until the egg whites set but the yolks remain runny.
Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top before serving. Enjoy your shakshuka with warm crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
French toast is a classic brunch favorite. To make it, you’ll need bread, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix the wet ingredients in a shallow bowl.
Dip bread slices into the mixture, coating both sides well. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the soaked bread for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Serve your French toast warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries. For extra richness, try using heavy cream instead of milk in the egg mixture.
You can also experiment with different types of bread like brioche or challah for a more decadent version.
Granola parfaits are a tasty and easy brunch option. You can make them quickly with just a few ingredients.
Start by layering Greek yogurt in a glass or jar. Add a spoonful of granola on top of the yogurt.
Next, add some fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas. Repeat these layers until you reach the top of your container.
For extra sweetness, drizzle some honey over the parfait. You can prepare these parfaits ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
This brunch dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. The yogurt provides protein, while the fruit adds vitamins and the granola gives a nice crunch.
Quiche Lorraine is a classic French dish perfect for brunch. It features a flaky pastry crust filled with a savory custard, bacon, and cheese.
To make it, you’ll need eggs, heavy cream, bacon, and Gruyère cheese. Start by blind baking the crust, then cook the bacon until crispy.
Whisk eggs with cream, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Layer the bacon and cheese in the crust, then pour the egg mixture over top.
Bake the quiche at 350°F for about 45 minutes, or until set. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. This rich, creamy quiche is sure to impress your brunch guests.
Croissants are a classic brunch favorite. These flaky, buttery pastries can be enjoyed on their own or turned into tasty sandwiches.
For a simple treat, warm up plain croissants and serve them with jam and butter. You can also slice them in half and fill them with eggs, cheese, and ham for a hearty breakfast sandwich.
To make croissant sandwiches ahead of time, assemble them the night before. In the morning, just pop them in the oven to heat through. This saves you time on busy mornings.
Try different fillings like bacon, sausage, or even smoked salmon. Add sliced tomatoes or avocado for extra flavor and nutrition.
Chia seed pudding is a tasty and healthy brunch option. You can make it easily by mixing chia seeds with milk and letting it sit overnight.
The chia seeds absorb the liquid and create a pudding-like texture. You can use any type of milk you prefer, such as almond, coconut, or regular dairy milk.
Add flavor to your chia pudding with maple syrup, vanilla extract, or cinnamon. Top it with fresh fruit, nuts, or granola for extra crunch and nutrition.
This versatile dish can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy mornings. You can also customize it with different flavors like chocolate or peanut butter.
Berry smoothie bowls are a tasty and nutritious brunch option. You can make them in just 5 minutes with frozen berries, liquid, and optional add-ins like protein powder or oats.
Blend the ingredients until thick and creamy. Pour into a bowl and add your favorite toppings. Try fresh berries, sliced banana, granola, or a sprinkle of seeds.
These bowls pack lots of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. You can customize them with any berries you like – strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries work great.
For extra creaminess, add a scoop of Greek yogurt or nut butter. Smoothie bowls make a refreshing meal on warm days.
Eggs Benedict is a classic brunch dish you can easily make at home. Start with toasted English muffin halves as the base. Top each with Canadian bacon or ham.
Carefully place a poached egg on top of the meat. The egg yolk should be runny when cut into.
The crowning glory is a rich, creamy hollandaise sauce. Pour it over the eggs just before serving. For best results, make the sauce fresh.
You can try tasty variations too. Swap in smoked salmon or spinach instead of meat. Use different types of bread as the base. Add avocado or tomato slices for extra flavor.
To make them, mix sourdough starter with milk, eggs, and melted butter. In another bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients to form a pourable batter. Let it rest briefly before cooking in a preheated waffle iron.
These waffles pair well with maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream. You can also try savory toppings like fried chicken for a delicious brunch option.
If you don’t have active starter, you can use sourdough discard instead. This recipe is a great way to use up excess starter and reduce waste.
Baked oatmeal is a warm and comforting brunch dish that’s easy to make. You can prep it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning.
To make baked oatmeal, mix oats with milk, eggs, and your favorite sweetener. Add spices like cinnamon for extra flavor.
You can customize your baked oatmeal with fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips. Try adding sliced bananas and blueberries to the bottom of the baking dish before pouring in the oat mixture.
Bake your oatmeal at 350°F for about 30 minutes. The result is a soft, cake-like dish that’s perfect for serving a crowd. You can cut it into squares and enjoy it warm with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Caprese avocado toast is a tasty twist on a classic brunch dish. To make it, start by toasting your favorite bread until it’s golden brown.
Mash a ripe avocado with a fork and spread it on the toast. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper for flavor.
Top the avocado with slices of fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes. Finish with some torn basil leaves for a burst of freshness.
For extra flavor, you can drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze or olive oil on top. This simple yet delicious recipe combines creamy, tangy, and savory elements for a perfect brunch bite.
Mimosas are a brunch favorite that add a festive touch to any meal. You can make this bubbly cocktail easily with just two ingredients: champagne and orange juice.
For the classic version, mix equal parts champagne and orange juice in a champagne flute. Want to change it up? Try using different fruit juices like grapefruit, peach, or pomegranate.
You can also add a splash of triple sec for extra flavor. For a pretty presentation, rim the glass with colored sugar. Serve mimosas ice cold and garnish with fresh fruit slices.
Frittatas are a versatile and delicious brunch option. You can easily customize them with your favorite ingredients.
Start by whisking eggs with a splash of cream and some salt and pepper. Then sauté vegetables like onions, peppers, or asparagus in an oven-safe skillet.
Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables and cook on the stovetop until the edges set. Add cheese if desired.
Finish cooking the frittata in a preheated oven until it’s fully set and golden on top. Slice and serve warm for a satisfying meal.
Try different combinations like ham and cheese, spinach and feta, or potato and bacon to keep things interesting. Frittatas work well for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Fruit salad is a brunch staple that’s easy to make and always refreshing. You can use any mix of fresh fruits you like. Popular choices include berries, melon, grapes, and citrus.
Cut larger fruits into bite-sized pieces. Toss everything together in a large bowl. For extra flavor, add a splash of orange juice or a drizzle of honey.
You can prep fruit salad ahead of time. Just wait to add soft fruits like berries until right before serving. Keep it chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to eat.
A fruit salad is perfect alongside heavier brunch dishes. It adds color and a light, sweet touch to your spread. Your guests will appreciate having a healthy option.
Fill them with scrambled eggs, cheese, and your choice of protein. Popular options include bacon, chorizo, or refried beans. Add some diced potatoes for extra heartiness.
Top your tacos with fresh ingredients like avocado slices, pico de gallo, or salsa. For added flavor, sprinkle on some garlic powder or onion powder.
You can make breakfast tacos ahead of time and reheat them later. Just wrap each taco in foil and store in the fridge or freezer. They’re perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunch gatherings.
Matcha pancakes are a tasty twist on classic breakfast fare. These vibrant green pancakes get their color and flavor from matcha powder mixed into the batter.
To make them, blend flour, matcha, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
Cook the batter on a greased griddle over medium heat. Flip when bubbles form on top. Each pancake takes about 1-2 minutes per side.
Serve your matcha pancakes warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit. The earthy green tea flavor pairs well with sweet toppings.
This recipe is a fun way to enjoy the health benefits of matcha in a tasty breakfast treat. Give it a try for your next weekend brunch!
Pumpkin spice lattes are a fall favorite you can easily make at home. Start by heating milk, pumpkin puree, and maple syrup in a saucepan until steamy.
Add vanilla extract and pumpkin pie spice for flavor. Brew a shot of espresso or strong coffee and mix it with the pumpkin mixture.
Froth some milk using a handheld frother or whisk. Pour the pumpkin coffee into a mug and top with the frothed milk.
Sprinkle extra pumpkin pie spice on top for a finishing touch. You can adjust the sweetness and spice levels to your taste.
This homemade version lets you enjoy the cozy flavors of autumn without the coffee shop prices. It’s perfect for a chilly morning or as a special brunch treat.
Lemon poppy seed bread brings a bright, citrusy flavor to your brunch table. This moist and tender loaf is studded with crunchy poppy seeds for added texture.
You can whip up this bread easily using simple ingredients. Mix together flour, sugar, eggs, lemon juice, and zest. Fold in poppy seeds for that signature speckled look.
Pour the batter into a loaf pan and bake until golden. The aroma of fresh lemon will fill your kitchen as it bakes.
For extra zing, drizzle a sweet lemon glaze over the cooled bread. Slice and serve with coffee or tea for a delightful brunch treat.
To make it, cut ripe cantaloupe into wedges. Wrap each wedge with a thin slice of prosciutto.
For extra flavor, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the top. You can also add fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and taste.
This no-cook dish is perfect for hot summer days. It’s quick to prepare and looks impressive on a platter.
Serve prosciutto and melon as an appetizer or light main course. Your guests will enjoy the mix of flavors and textures in this classic Italian combo.
Overview of Brunch
Brunch combines breakfast and lunch into one delightful meal. It’s a popular weekend tradition that offers a mix of sweet and savory dishes.
The Popularity of Brunch
Brunch has become a beloved social event. You’ll find it’s a great way to catch up with friends and family on lazy weekend mornings.
Many restaurants offer special brunch menus. These often include classic breakfast items alongside heartier lunch dishes.
Brunch buffets are common at hotels and resorts. They let you sample a wide variety of foods in one sitting.
Home brunches are also popular. You can invite guests over for a relaxed meal that’s easier to prepare than a formal dinner.
History of Brunch
Brunch got its start in England in the late 1800s. It was first mentioned in print by writer Guy Beringer in 1895.
Beringer suggested a new meal to replace the heavy, post-church Sunday lunches. He thought a lighter, later breakfast would be better for Saturday night partiers.
The idea spread to the United States in the 1930s. It became popular in Chicago when movie stars stopped there on train trips.
By the 1960s, brunch had become a mainstream weekend activity. It’s now a global phenomenon, with each culture adding its own unique dishes.
Tips for Hosting a Brunch
Hosting a brunch can be fun and stress-free with the right planning. Focus on a mix of make-ahead dishes and simple last-minute items. Create a welcoming atmosphere with thoughtful decor touches. Manage your time wisely to enjoy the party along with your guests.
Menu Planning
Pick a mix of sweet and savory dishes for your brunch menu. Include make-ahead options like overnight French toast or a breakfast casserole. Add fresh fruit and a simple green salad for balance.
Set up a waffle or pancake bar with various toppings. This lets guests customize their plates and adds a fun, interactive element.
Don’t forget drinks! Offer coffee, tea, and juice. Set up a mimosa or Bloody Mary station for a festive touch.
Consider dietary needs. Have vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free choices available.
Decor and Ambiance
Keep decor simple and cheerful. Use fresh flowers or potted herbs as centerpieces. They look pretty and smell nice too.
Set the table the night before. Use cloth napkins and real dishes for a polished look.
Play soft background music to create a relaxed mood. Make a playlist in advance so you don’t have to think about it during the party.
Open curtains to let in natural light. If it’s nice out, consider setting up some seating outdoors.
Time Management
Prep as much as you can the day before. Set the table, chop ingredients, and make any cold dishes ahead of time.
Create a timeline for the morning of your brunch. Know when to start cooking each dish so everything is ready on time.
Ask for help if needed. Assign tasks to family members or close friends who offer to pitch in.
Have drinks and some snacks ready when guests arrive. This buys you time to finish up last-minute cooking.
Don’t try to do everything at once. Stagger your cooking so you can enjoy time with your guests too.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
