Recipes

20+ Delicious Brunch Recipe Ideas for Your Family and Friends

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Last Updated: Jul 17, 2023

Whether you’re having a small family brunch on the weekend or a large gathering of friends for a holiday brunch, we’ve got you covered with these 20 delicious (yet easy-to-make) brunch recipe ideas. 

Brunch muffin and pancake recipe ideas

Muffins and pancakes are staples of any breakfast or brunch. If you’re not up to baking, pick up some donuts or muffins from the bakery at your grocery store. 

1. Lemon poppyseed muffins

poppy seed lemon muffins

Freshly shredded lemon peel gives these muffins lots of flavor. Consider using a mini muffin tin so guests can enjoy these along with a variety of other foods. 

2. Mom’s applesauce pancakes

Adding applesauce to ready-to-make pancake mix makes these pancakes delicious with or without syrup or the accompanying recipe for warm apple topping. 

3. Breakfast blueberry oatmeal cakes

Part oatmeal, part muffin, these little cakes are made with fresh or frozen blueberries and are sure to be a hit at your brunch. 

Brunch sandwiches recipe ideas

Sandwiches are a great way to start off the day, and these three recipes are no exception. 

1. Breakfast mini pizzas

This egg and cheese-topped muffin pizza recipe is perfect for a weekend family brunch. They are simple to make, and you can be creative with the toppings if you want to add other veggies or protein to your pizza. 

2. Green eggs & ham bagel breakfast sandwich

Fresh spinach is cooked with eggs and placed atop a slice of cheese and Canadian bacon to create a colorful filling for this bagel sandwich. To make this sandwich smaller, divide the toppings between two mini-bagels.

3. Pesto, mozzarella & egg breakfast sandwich

A yummy vegetarian sandwich, this recipe uses prepared pesto, canned roasted red peppers, and slices of mozzarella for a quick to prepare brunch sandwich.  

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Brunch in a bowl recipe ideas

Depending on how many foods you’re having for brunch, choose smaller bowls so that each person can enjoy a wider variety of foods without getting overly full. 

1. Breakfast rice porridge

This basic porridge recipe is super simple and is made from pantry staples like rice and brown sugar. Top the bowls of porridge with almonds and mango, as the recipe suggests, or offer a variety of fruits and nuts and let everyone choose their toppings. 

2. Acai coconut smoothie bowl

Acai smoothie bowl, superfood vegan breakfast

Smoothie bowls are versatile and delicious. This recipe features frozen acai, frozen blueberries, and a frozen banana blended with coconut water and topped with an assortment of nuts, seeds, and fresh fruits.

3. Mixed berry breakfast quinoa

Let your slow cooker do the work when it comes to making warm banana and fruit-sweetened quinoa and oats. Garnish it with fresh berries, chopped walnuts, and whipped cream. 

4. Vegan smoothie bowl

This smoothie bowl uses your favorite non-dairy milk and frozen fruit to create a vegan delight. Make a large batch of the smoothie base and let everyone DIY their bowl by adding their choice of toppings such as pineapple, coconut flakes, sliced almonds, and chia seeds. 

Brunch casseroles and quiches 

Casseroles and quiches are easy to prep and are so versatile. You can typically swap out different meats, veggies, and cheeses for whatever you have on hand. 

1. Make-ahead breakfast casserole 

This casserole is perfect for the holidays or family get-togethers because you can make it the day or evening before and pop it in the oven to bake at least an hour before you’re going to eat. If you want, you can swap out the bacon for sausage or ham.

2. Salmon & egg breakfast casserole  

Smoked salmon and bagel pieces team up in this savory brunch casserole that guests will love. Serve it with some fresh fruit and iced coffee for a delicious meal. 

3. Quick quiche

Individual jam tart size quiches.

This crustless quiche assembles quickly, especially if you use precooked bacon, sausage, or chicken. It tastes great hot or cold, so make it in advance or right before serving–your choice!

4. Potato tot breakfast casserole

Put a spicy twist on a dinnertime favorite with this potato tot casserole that’s made with breakfast sausage and topped with jalapenos, if you like. 

5. French toast casserole

Include French toast at your brunch without having to stand over the stove or griddle. Serve the French toast with fresh fruit or drizzle with syrup.  

6. Giant latke with greens and mushrooms

Save time by using hashbrowns as the foundation for this large latke (potato pancake). Once the latke is cooked, you’ll top it with roasted mushrooms and greens along with a dollop of sour cream for a savory classic Europan dish.

Brunch beverage and smoothie recipe ideas

To round out your brunch, you’ll need some drinks in addition to milk, coffee, and orange juice. 

1. Coffee, oat, and maple smoothie

Put a fun twist on your morning coffee with this smoothie. Made with oatmeal and banana, it’s slightly sweet while giving your far more energy than your regular cup of joe. 

2. Hot cinnamon cider

This spicy cider is excellent hot or cold, and you can easily double the recipe. You can add a bit of rum to make it an adult beverage. 

3. Cherry lemonade

You only need fresh cherries, lemon juice, water, and sugar for this refreshing drink. Serve the drinks over ice and garnish them with a slice of lemon and a cherry. 

4. Pumpkin smoothie

This smoothie is an excellent addition to a fall or winter brunch. It tastes like a pumpkin pie shake, only it is much healthier. Feel free to use less sugar and swap plant-based milk for cow’s milk to make it vegan. 

Shop for brunch recipe items online

Cross “shopping for groceries” off of your to-do list by ordering them online and having them delivered. Placing your order takes just a few minutes, and you can do it from anywhere: the office, the sofa, even while at your child’s soccer game. Try it today!

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