Planning an Easter brunch for family or a relaxed Sunday gathering with friends? Hosting a weekend brunch can be effortless with most of the prep work done ahead—so you get to enjoy the fun too!
A great brunch menu balances savory and sweet dishes, often served buffet-style. Think overnight French toast, quiche, crêpes, savory strata, or frittatas—each can be prepared in advance. Pair them with fresh fruit, breakfast sausages or ham, and a basket of baked muffins for a warm, welcoming spread.
THE STRATEGY
Beverages
Set up a side table with chilled juices, sparkling wine, and freshly brewed coffee with cream and sugar. Guests can help themselves throughout the morning. Here are some of our favorite sippers: Agua Fresca, Fresh Strawberry Lemonade, Lemon Barley Water, Caribbean Cooler, Lemonade, Cucumber Lemonade, Watermelon Cooler
Baked Goods
Offer a variety of pastries—either purchased or homemade. Cool baked items completely, store them in an airtight container, and rewarm briefly before serving for that just-baked freshness. Here are our favorite recipes: 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 Fruits
Seasonal fruits add color and brightness to the table. Serve them as a fruit salad, compote, or colorful platter. Try: Melon and Cucumber Salad, Fresh Cherry Salad with Melon and Mint, Shaved Fennel and Fresh Peach Salad, Strawberry Spinach Salad
Main Course
Prep ingredients the day before to simplify the morning. Quiches, overnight French toast, or egg-based casseroles are crowd-pleasing classics. Consider: 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
Choose easy-to-serve proteins to round out the menu. Pre-cooked ham, breakfast sausages, or salmon are excellent options. 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
Select one to three sides to complement the main courses, depending on your guest count. Vegetables and potatoes are always a hit. Here are some ideas: 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 will be relaxed, festive, and memorable—letting you savor the spring season right alongside your guests.
