Planning an Easter brunch for the family or hosting a relaxed Sunday gathering with friends? Hosting a weekend brunch is a breeze with most of the prep work done ahead, ensuring you get to join the fun too!
Crafting a brunch menu entails a mix of savory and sweet offerings served buffet-style. From overnight French toast to quiche, crêpes, savory strata, or frittatas, these dishes can be easily prepared before guests arrive. Complement them with fresh fruit, breakfast sausages or ham, and freshly baked muffins for a welcoming spread.
THE STRATEGY
Beverages: Set up chilled juices, sparkling wine, and hot coffee with cream and sugar on a side table alongside glasses and cups.
Baked Goods: Purchase or bake a variety of pastries like muffins, scones, croissants, or coffee cake.
Fresh Fruits: Serve a colorful bowl or platter of seasonal fresh fruits such as mixed berries or fruit salad.
Main Course: Prepare an egg-based dish alongside meat or fish options, if desired, like salmon or breakfast sausages.
Side Dishes: Select one to three side dishes such as roasted potatoes, potato gratin, or vegetables to accompany the meal.
GETTING STARTED
Beverage Station: Arrange a chilled bottle of sparkling wine, a pitcher of fresh orange juice, and a pot of brewed coffee on a side table for self-service.
Agua Fresca, Fresh Strawberry Lemonade, Lemon Barley Water, Caribbean Cooler, Lemonade, Cucumber Lemonade, Watermelon Cooler
Pastries and Baked Goods: Offer a selection of muffins, bagels, scones, croissants, or pastries. If baking ahead, cool and store in an airtight container. Consider warming them briefly in the oven before serving for added freshness.
Almond Apricot Coffee Cake, Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake, Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake, Lemon Crumb Muffins, Cheesy Chive Biscuits, Buttermilk Bran Muffins, Sweet Cornbread Muffins, Crunchy Topped Banana Muffins, Blueberry Coffee Cake, Maple Nut Oat Scones, Blueberry Cake Muffins, Whole Wheat Date Scones, Coconut Macadamia Coffee Cake with Rum Glaze, Rosemary Orange Beer Bread
Fresh Fruit: Utilize local, seasonal fruits for a colorful fruit salad or compote. Rinse and drain berries, and cut larger fruits like strawberries as needed.
Melon and Cucumber Salad, Fresh Cherry Salad with Melon and Mint, Shaved Fennel and Fresh Peach Salad, Strawberry Spinach Salad
Main Course Preparation: Prep ingredients for main egg dishes the day before to streamline morning assembly. Classic favorites like quiches or make-ahead overnight French toast are easy to prepare ahead and assemble later.
Classic Eggs Benedict, Orange Eggs Benedict on Scones, Chicken Divan Crêpes, Asparagus and Crab Hollandaise, Shirred Eggs, Vanilla Orange Pain Perdu with Balsamic Strawberries and Cream, Pain Perdu, Copper Mountain Quiche, Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole, Asparagus, Spinach and Green Garlic Strata, Crab Quiche, Sausage Vegetable Frittata, Sun Sweet Apricot-Stuffed French Toast, Make Ahead French Toast with Berries, Quiche Lorraine, Smoked Salmon and Dill Frittata, Poached Eggs with Asparagus and Meyer Lemon Hollandaise
Meat or Fish: Pre-cooked ham or breakfast sausages are ideal for larger gatherings, while fresh salmon offers a delicious alternative. Cook sausages in the oven or grill for convenience.
How to Bake A Ham, Brandied Glazed Ham, Salmon with Mustard Herb Crust, Wine Poached Salmon with Cucumber Sauce, Seared Salmon with Orange Glaze, Candied Spicy Bacon
Side Dishes: Choose vegetable or potato sides to complement the main course, adjusting quantities based on crowd size.
Asparagus Wrapped in Crisp Prosciutto, Baby Beets Glazed with Orange, Vanilla and Cardamom, Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole, Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin, Lemon Garlic Broccolini, Sformato di Broccoli (Broccoli Flan), Spinach Gratin, Balsamic Glazed Fingerling Potatoes with Garlic, Chile Potatoes Au Gratin, Sweet Potato Casserole with Toasted Pecan and Coconut Streusel
With this game plan, your brunch gathering is sure to be a hit, allowing you to enjoy the company of your guests without stress.
