Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (2024)

Whether you're planning a simple gathering for a small group or a holiday menu to wow the crowd, we've got the best brunch recipes. Choose from sweet pancakes, savory breakfast sandwiches, hearty egg casseroles, and other utterly irresistible brunch ideas.

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time

01of 29

Classic Buttermilk Pancakes

View Recipe

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (1)

We've developed the ultimate light and fluffy pancake recipe to inspire everyone in your house to leap out of bed in the morning. How can you resist pancakes this enticing, especially topped with melty butter and syrup? Rest assured, this is the best brunch recipe that makes enough for everyone to have a short stack—one batch of batter yields 10 to 12 pancakes.

02of 29

Bagel and Lox Skillet Strata

View Recipe

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (2)

Impress your brunch crowd with a mash-up meal. Thanks to this easy brunch recipe that combines the best parts of bagels and lox with an egg and cheese omelet all in one pan, bagels for breakfast are even more delicious.

03of 29

Egg Baguette Bakes

View Recipe

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (3)

A baguette filled with breakfast favorites is delicious, creative, and one of the best brunch ideas for morning guests. Italian sausage, bell peppers, eggs, and cheese bake in a hollowed-out loaf in our twist on classic brunch egg recipes. For a tastier touch, serve it with a bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Our 31 Best Egg Recipes for Breakfast: Casseroles, Omelets, and More

04of 29

Chocolate Cake Donuts

View Recipe

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (4)

Chocolate cake is totally acceptable to eat at breakfast when served in donut form. These cocoa treats are surprisingly healthy when made with low-fat yogurt for a bit of protein, whole wheat flour for fiber, and a baked-instead-of-fried cooking method that cuts the fat. So go ahead and add these healthy-ish donuts to your regular rotation of best brunch ideas. Brunch is meant to be a little indulgent, right?

05of 29

Mexican Miga Frittata with Chipotle Guacamole

View Recipe

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (5)

Chop the pepper, onion, and jalapeño the night before, cover, and refrigerate. All that's left to do is toss the tortillas, eggs, and veggies in the slow cooker and mash the guacamole. Let this brunch recipe simmer in the background while you pull together the rest of the menu.

13 Slow Cooker Brunch Recipes that Work for Weekday Breakfasts, Too

06of 29

Coconut-Pecan Coffee Cake

View Recipe

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (6)

This made-for-morning baked good is dense and delicious thanks to a carton of sour cream in the mix. Layer with cinnamon and pecans, or choose coconut and chocolate, then finish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and cocoa powder to make this brunch coffee cake recipe even more enticing.

07of 29

Avocado Egg Bake

View Recipe

Not in the mood to put a lot of effort into entertaining? This quick four-ingredient, gluten-free option is one of the best brunch recipes for those mornings. It's like the classic toad in a hole (aka egg in a frame, aka egg in a hole) made with avocado instead of toast. And it'll come close to satisfying those avocado toast cravings for anyone interested in low-carb brunch ideas.

12 Gluten-Free Breakfast Recipes That Will Be Morning Staples

08of 29

Potato Cinnamon Rolls

View Recipe

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (8)

Not much compares to homemade cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven. After countless trials, our Test Kitchen declared this their best brunch (or anytime!) variation because of its perfectly flaky dough, thanks to a secret ingredient: mashed potatoes. You can end your search for the most delicious, sweet brunch idea: This is the only recipe you'll ever need.

09of 29

Mascarpone-Stuffed French Toast with Salted Caramel-Banana Sauce

View Recipe

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (9)

French toast is one of our favorite brunch recipes, but this dish takes it a step further. Turn a slice of Texas toast into a French toast masterpiece. Start with lush marscapone-pecan filling, then finish with a silky drizzle of caramel-banana sauce for fancy French toast guests will love.

21 French Toast Recipes That Will Satisfy Every Palate

10of 29

Celery Tonic

View Recipe

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (10)

Any good morning spread includes a few brunch drinks, too. Think beyond the mimosa and opt for this refreshing co*cktail. Drinking celery juice is known for many benefits, such as reducing inflammation, boosting gut health, and antioxidants. Here, we pair it with a splash of gin, lime, and tonic for a delicious morning pick-me-up.

11of 29

Breakfast Salad

View Recipe

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (11)

Sneak some veggies onto your plate by serving this brunch recipe that actually has us excited to see salad in the morning. Bagel croutons, crispy bacon, poached eggs, and an everything bagel-seasoned dressing make this salad perfect for brunching. If you prefer, swap in fried or over-hard eggs instead of the poached.

12of 29

Bread and Butter Pudding with Salted Caramel Whiskey Butter Sauce

View Recipe

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (12)

Forget the Irish coffee; this is the best brunch bread pudding because it bakes the whiskey right in. And if that isn't enough to sell you, the salted caramel butter sauce certainly will. Fork, please!

13of 29

Blue Cheese-Bacon Cloud Eggs

View Recipe

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (13)

Cook an egg yolk in a fluffy cloud of whipped egg whites and serve with a side of toast and fruit for a well-balanced dish. We suggest sprinkling your brunch eggs with bacon, but there's no limit to garnish ideas. Try cooked and crumbled sausage, goat cheese, or hot sauce, depending on your mood.

14of 29

Orange-Chocolate Chip Muffins

View Recipe

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (14)

The best brunch menus include a dose of chocolate! These chocolate chip brunch muffins get a nice burst of freshness from both orange peel and juice. The streusel topping adds a bit of crunch and extra buttery sweetness.

Hot Grains Power Bowl

View Recipe

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (15)

You might not usually include oatmeal on your brunch menu, but this recipe is far from usual. Nutmeg, cinnamon, and shredded carrot make this 15-minute oatmeal-like recipe taste like carrot cake! Drizzle with your desired amount of honey to tailor the sweetness to your palate.

16of 29

Ham-and-Cheese Slab Pies

View Recipe

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (16)

Brunch recipes don't have to be served up on a fancy plate. Some of our favorites are finger food! Bake these ham-and-cheddar brunch pies the night before and store in the fridge. Warm them up in the oven before brunch for a stress-free, melty, handheld treat.

17of 29

Bacon-and-Egg Muffins

View Recipe

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (17)

Corn bread meets bacon-and-egg sandwich in these fast, simple brunch egg muffins featuring crispy bacon and melty cheddar. Serve them warm and drizzled with sweet maple syrup for one of the best brunch ideas ever.

18of 29

Mini Everything Bagel Pizzas

View Recipe

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (18)

Refrigerated biscuits make for a super-simple crust for these bagel and lox-inspired single-serving pizzas. Fresh chives and salty capers balance the richness of the cream cheese "sauce." And, of course, pile on the everything bagel seasoning.

19of 29

Pumpkin Pancakes

View Recipe

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (19)

Pumpkin adds irresistible flavor and silky texture to our made-from-scratch pancakes. We envision this sweet brunch recipe taking center stage at autumn gatherings, but it's delicious any day of the year.

11 No-Waste Sweet and Savory Recipes That Use a Whole Can of Pumpkin

20of 29

Sausage-Mushroom Breakfast Pizza

View Recipe

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (20)

No need to call for delivery. This scrambled egg and sausage pizza starts with thawed frozen whole wheat bread dough for a fuss-free crust. Rather than adding sauce, pile this brunch recipe high with double the cheese—cheddar and mozzarella.

21of 29

Danish Fruit and Cheese Pastries

View Recipe

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (21)

Store-bought dough makes spiraling these Easter brunch-worthy pastries a breeze. A lavish cream cheese filling and tart, fruity toppings give them bakery shop appeal. If you want, prep these brunch pastries the night before so all they need in the morning is baking and frosting.

23 Pastry Recipes That Taste Like They Came from a Bakery

22of 29

Gooey Monkey Bread

View Recipe

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (22)

Kids and adults will adore the warm caramel topping and soft cinnamon dough that make up this pull-apart monkey bread. Serve it for a low-key Sunday brunch, or dress it up for the holidays; it works either way!

23of 29

Hash Brown Quiche

View Recipe

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (23)

Unique and crowd-pleasing, this cheese quiche brunch recipe substitutes a crisp layer of hash browns for the traditional pastry crust. Add fresh veggies, eggs, cheese, and a generous helping of bacon for a brunch winner.

13 Breakfast Quiche Recipes to Seriously Upgrade Your Morning Eggs

24of 29

Apple Buttermilk Biscuits with Sausage-Cider Gravy

View Recipe

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (24)

As delicious as traditional biscuits and gravy are, we can't help but swoon for this brunch spread idea. The flaky buttermilk biscuits are dotted with fresh apples for a sweet-tart touch. Apples also go in the homemade gravy for an irresistible fall brunch.

25of 29

Hash Brown Potato Cakes

View Recipe

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (25)

We always want to see brunch potatoes on the table. Use a tablespoon or a mini ice cream scoop to create bite-size hash brown patties. They make a great side to an omelet or use two as a bun for breakfast sausage sliders.

16 Upscale Potato Recipes for a Crowd Worthy of Your Next Party

26of 29

Mimosa Pancakes

View Recipe

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (26)

Kicking off brunch with mimosas is always a good idea, but champagne incorporated into the main event might be even better. Champagne goes right into the batter of this brunch recipe to give every flapjack a fluffy, airy texture with a bit of tang. Enjoy with a brunch mimosa bar to let each guest whip up their own.

27of 29

Best Brunch Donuts

View Recipe

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (27)

Best brunch donuts? You bet! These scrumptious powdered sugar-topped donuts will outshine the rest of the buffet at your next family brunch. Coat your brunch donuts with cinnamon-sugar if that matches your cravings better.

28of 29

Ham, Asparagus, and Cheese Strata

View Recipe

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (28)

This flavorful brunch bake can be assembled the night before. Just add the eggs when you wake up and pop it in the oven—it's one of our best brunch recipes. If you don't believe us, check out the dozens of four- and five-star ratings.

29of 29

Sweet Potato Hash with Spicy Hollandaise

View Recipe

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (29)

Can't decide between breakfast hash and eggs Benedict? Here's a fresh twist on a couple of classic brunch favorites and a wake-up call for your taste buds. This sweet potato hash features hearty bacon, sunny-side-up eggs, and a spicy adobo-infused hollandaise.

Our 29 Best Brunch Recipes of All Time (2024)

FAQs

What is an ideal brunch menu? ›

Popular brunch menu items include eggs Benedict, pancakes, waffles, French toast, omelettes, avocado toast, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and fruit salads.

What food is good for hosting brunch? ›

Consider serving fluffy pancakes, savory quiches, fresh fruit platters, and delectable pastries. Complement these with a selection of gourmet coffees, teas, and refreshing mimosas. Customize the brunch party menu to cater to various preferences, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.

How do you plan a perfect brunch? ›

Brunching in Style

Start with lighter items like a fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait. Follow it up with your main dishes, like a slow cooker casserole or a breakfast pizza topped with scrambled eggs and Italian sausage. Finally, end on a sweet note with fluffy pancakes or a delicious carrot cake.

How many dishes should you serve for brunch? ›

We recommend choosing an egg dish, something hearty or savory, something sweet, something fresh, and something for dessert. Coffee, tea, and a signature co*cktail or mocktail complete the brunch spread.

What do you put on a charcuterie board for brunch? ›

Simple Brunch Charcuterie Board

This simple brunch board is full of pancakes, bacon, sausage, hard boiled eggs, and fresh fruit. Peanut butter, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and honey fill in the spaces.

What are the most popular brunch items? ›

French toast, waffles, pancakes, and similar dishes are great choices for brunch. You could also do something even more impressive like apple pecan or ultimate berry bread pudding. Add some parfaits for a lighter option that pairs well with these dishes.

What is a bottomless brunch? ›

A bottomless brunch is a dining experience with unlimited alcohol and a set food menu usually enjoyed in the late morning or early afternoon. These sessions often last around two hours, with staff working hard to keep your drink perpetually full.

How do I host an easy brunch at home? ›

How To Host A Fabulous Brunch At Home
  1. Have a buffet so that your guests can serve themselves.
  2. Layout plates, silverware, and napkins. ...
  3. Offer a variety of foods, and give your guests plenty of choices. ...
  4. A little background music is always good. ...
  5. The best time for brunch is noon. ...
  6. co*cktails compliment brunch.

How do you host a simple brunch? ›

Tips for How to Host a Brunch
  1. Plan Your Menu Ahead of Time.
  2. Go Grocery Shopping Ahead of Time.
  3. Lay Things out the Night Before.
  4. Consider Going Paper and Plastic.
  5. Avoid Time-Consuming Recipes.
  6. Try a Self-Serve Bar.
  7. Opt for an Exciting Mix of Foods.
  8. Premio Pancake Muffins.

What time should a brunch party start? ›

Brunch is a combination of breakfast and lunch, but it generally occurs at a set time. If you are planning a brunch or attending one, the timeline will fall between 11 am to 3 pm for the event to be considered brunch.

How to throw an effortless brunch? ›

Prepare Ahead and Have Variety

We recommend the basics such as eggs, potatoes, coffee or lattes, teas, water, sauces, French toast, waffles or pancakes, and fresh fruits. You can peel and chop the fruits the night before, lay out the dry ingredients, and measure them, so you only have to mix them in the morning.

What day is best for brunch? ›

It's a weekend.

During the week, you're either eating breakfast (if it's before noon) or lunch (if it's noon or later). Sorry. those are the rules! But that's what makes brunch extra special when it comes to Saturday and Sunday.

What are the components of a brunch? ›

5 Essential Elements for a Successful Brunch
  • Muffins and Buns. Brunch would never be the same without a nice variety of buns and muffins in a pretty basket. ...
  • Spreadable Toppings. From jam to tapenade, go for both sweet and savoury toppings. ...
  • Salad and Greenery. ...
  • A Mountain of Fruit. ...
  • Eggs.

What is the difference between a typical breakfast and a typical brunch? ›

So, what exactly is the difference? Most people agree that the biggest difference is really just the time of day. Brunch normally starts around ten in the morning, but it can even extend to two in the afternoon for a brunch restaurant.

What's the difference between brunch foods and a typical breakfast? ›

The term "brunch" is coined from the combination of "breakfast" and "lunch," signifying a meal that seamlessly bridges the gap between the two. Brunch offers something for everyone, ranging from sweet breakfast foods like Belgian waffles topped with whipped cream to a savory spinach mushroom frittata.

What to serve for a breakfast buffet? ›

Scrambled eggs, bacon, breakfast sausage, home fries, pancakes, French toast, Mini bagels, mini muffins, mini danish, mini croissants, pound cake, butter, cream cheese, jelly, maple syrup, coffee service, orange juice and paper service.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Last Updated:

Views: 6229

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Birthday: 1992-08-21

Address: Apt. 237 662 Haag Mills, East Verenaport, MO 57071-5493

Phone: +331850833384

Job: District Real-Estate Architect

Hobby: Skateboarding, Taxidermy, Air sports, Painting, Knife making, Letterboxing, Inline skating

Introduction: My name is Saturnina Altenwerth DVM, I am a witty, perfect, combative, beautiful, determined, fancy, determined person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.