27 Best Brunch Recipes to Please a Crowd

Easily feed a crowd with this collection of brunch recipes your guests will love. You will find make ahead egg bakes, frittatas, breakfast boards, quiches, cakes, and homemade lemonade. You are sure to find a favorite brunch recipe everyone will love.

The last thing I want to do first thing in the morning is fuss in the kitchen. So anytime I have guests coming before I have had my morning coffee, or a house full of hungry people on a Sunday morning, easy is the name of the game. I look for brunch recipes I can make ahead or put together in 30 minutes or less.

In this collection of brunch recipe ideas, you will find breakfast mains that are easy enough for a lazy Sunday morning. They are also impressive enough for a special brunch party or holidays, like Mothers Day and Christmas morning.

And do not forget about brunch cocktails or light and refreshing drinks. You can also find after breakfast cakes and treats to serve with coffee or tea. These put an extra special touch on brunch, making it a truly unforgettable meal.

Category 1: Big Batch Casseroles, Egg Bakes, and Boards

With these breakfast casseroles, bakes, and boards, there is no need to stress about hosting guests for brunch. Many of these recipes are meant to be prepared in advance.

Or they are whipped up using just a few simple ingredients. They are all big batch recipes, so one dish will easily feed your entire group.

1. Breakfast Strata (Baked Egg Casserole)

Give yourself the gift of a stress free morning and make this easy casserole the night before. With crusty bread, prosciutto, and cheese, this breakfast strata is full of rich, savory flavors while remaining light and fluffy.

Ready in: 1 hour (plus overnight chilling)
Serves: 8

What You Need:

• 1 loaf crusty bread, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1 cup diced prosciutto
• 1 cup crumbled goat cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the bread cubes in the dish. Top with prosciutto and both cheeses.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread. Press down lightly so all the bread gets soaked.
4. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
5. In the morning, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45 50 minutes, until puffed and golden.

Why everyone loves it: You do zero work in the morning. Just pop it in the oven. It is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

2. Overnight Baked French Toast with Challah

This recipe has everything you love about your favorite French toast bake, but is healthier and comes together with less fuss. The entire dish is prepared the night before.

Ready in: 50 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
Serves: 6

What You Need:

• 1 loaf challah bread, cut into 1 inch slices
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups milk
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• Fresh berries and maple syrup for serving

How to Make It:

1. Arrange the challah slices in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, overlapping slightly.
2. In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, yogurt, honey, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
4. In the morning, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 35 40 minutes, until golden and set.
5. Serve with fresh berries and maple syrup.

Why everyone loves it: It tastes like a decadent dessert for breakfast but is secretly lighter. Perfect for special occasions.

3. Easy Sheet Pan Baked Eggs and Vegetables

All you need is a sheet pan and 20 minutes to make this veggie packed breakfast. Use whatever vegetables and spices you prefer.

Ready in: 20 minutes
Serves: 6

What You Need:

• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 2 zucchini, chopped
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 6 large eggs
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large sheet pan, toss the chopped veggies with olive oil, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread in an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes.
3. Remove from oven. Use a spoon to make 6 small wells in the veggies. Crack an egg into each well.
4. Return to oven and bake for 8 10 more minutes, until egg whites are set.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Why everyone loves it: It is the ultimate easy, healthy, and colorful brunch main. Almost no dishes to wash.

4. Italian Style Breakfast Strata Recipe with Fillo

Store bought fillo dough puts a creative twist on your traditional strata. It swaps day old bread for a light and flaky crust.

Ready in: 1 hour 15 minutes
Serves: 8

What You Need:

• 8 sheets fillo (phyllo) dough, thawed
• ¼ cup melted butter or olive oil
• 1 lb Italian chicken sausage, casings removed
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch dish. Layer the fillo sheets in the dish, brushing each sheet with butter or oil.
2. In a skillet, cook the sausage until browned. Add bell pepper and cook until soft. Stir in sun dried tomatoes. Spread this mixture over the fillo.
3. In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, basil, salt, and pepper. Pour over the sausage layer. Top with cheese.
4. Bake for 45 50 minutes, until golden and set. Let cool 10 minutes before slicing.

Why everyone loves it: The flaky fillo crust makes it feel fancy and special. It is a total show stopper.

5. Smoked Salmon Appetizer Platter

When I am serving a crowd, this easy no cook platter is one of my favorite recipes to prepare. It is my take on a bagel and lox but in a shareable, big batch form.

Ready in: 15 minutes
Serves: 8

What You Need:

• 8 oz smoked salmon
• 4 hard boiled eggs, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 bunch radishes, halved
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts
• ½ cup Kalamata olives
• 8 oz labneh or cream cheese
• Capers and fresh dill for garnish
• Crackers or bagels for serving

How to Make It:

1. Arrange all the ingredients beautifully on a large wooden board or platter.
2. Place the labneh or cream cheese in a small bowl in the center.
3. Garnish the platter with capers and fresh dill.
4. Let guests serve themselves with crackers or bagels.

Why everyone loves it: It requires zero cooking, looks stunning, and has something for everyone. Perfect for elegant entertaining.

6. The Ultimate Mediterranean Breakfast Board

Bring classic Mediterranean flavors to your morning with this Mediterranean brunch board. You can use your favorite store bought dips and spreads.

Ready in: 30 minutes
Serves: 12

What You Need:

• 2 cups hummus
• 1 cup tzatziki
• 12 falafel (store bought or homemade)
• 1 English cucumber, sliced
• 3 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup Kalamata olives
• 8 oz feta cheese, cubed
• Warm pita bread, cut into wedges

How to Make It:

1. Place the hummus and tzatziki in bowls on a very large board or platter.
2. Arrange the falafel, all the fresh vegetables, olives, and feta cheese around the bowls.
3. Serve with warm pita bread on the side.

Why everyone loves it: It is interactive, vibrant, and feeds a huge crowd with minimal effort. A guaranteed conversation starter.

7. Crustless Quiche with Spinach and Mushrooms

This versatile baked egg recipe is sure to satisfy your vegetarian, gluten free, and low carb guests. It is so flavorful that no one will miss the crust.

Ready in: 50 minutes
Serves: 8

What You Need:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 5 oz fresh spinach
• 8 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9 inch pie dish.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook mushrooms until browned. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Let cool slightly.
3. In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the cooked veggies in the pie dish. Sprinkle with cheese. Pour the egg mixture over the top.
5. Bake for 35 40 minutes, until the center is set. Let cool 10 minutes before slicing.

Why everyone loves it: It is rich, creamy, and packed with vegetables. A simple yet elegant main dish.

8. Feta and Spinach Frittata

Made with fresh veggies, herbs, and tangy feta cheese, this easy frittata recipe is a vegetarian meal that even the meat lovers will love.

Ready in: 30 minutes
Serves: 6

What You Need:

• 8 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat your oven’s broiler. In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in feta, spinach, parsley, and green onions.
2. In a 10 inch oven safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture.
3. Cook without stirring for 5 6 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is still slightly wet.
4. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 2 3 minutes, until the top is puffed and golden.
5. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing.

Why everyone loves it: It is incredibly fast, packed with protein, and looks beautiful on the table.

9. Spanakopita Egg Muffins

Savory and nutritious, these gluten free egg muffins have all the flavor you love about Spanakopita in the convenience of low carb, handheld bites.

Ready in: 25 minutes
Serves: 6 (makes 12 muffins)

What You Need:

• 8 large eggs
• 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• ¼ cup chopped fresh dill
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12 cup muffin tin.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Stir in the feta, spinach, dill, green onions, salt, and pepper.
3. Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups.
4. Bake for 18 20 minutes, until the centers are set.
5. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing.

Why everyone loves it: They are perfect for grab and go, meal prep, or feeding a crowd with different dietary needs.

10. Egg White Frittata with Smoked Salmon

This egg white frittata boasts healthy ingredients and packs in protein without sacrificing flavor. Featuring smoked salmon and goat cheese, it looks and tastes gourmet.

Ready in: 35 minutes
Serves: 6

What You Need:

• 2 cups liquid egg whites (or from about 12 eggs)
• 4 oz smoked salmon, chopped
• 2 oz goat cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp capers
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk the egg whites with salt and pepper. Stir in half the salmon, goat cheese, capers, and chives.
2. Heat olive oil in a 10 inch oven safe skillet over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture.
3. Cook for 3 minutes without stirring, then transfer to the oven.
4. Bake for 15 18 minutes, until puffed and set.
5. Top with the remaining salmon, cheese, and chives. Slice and serve.

Why everyone loves it: It is light, elegant, and full of sophisticated flavor. Great for a healthier brunch option.

11. Asparagus Quiche

Serving up to 8 people and easy to make in advance, this asparagus quiche is perfect for entertaining guests on a sunny weekend morning.

Ready in: 1 hour 15 minutes
Serves: 8

What You Need:

• 1 prepared whole wheat pie crust
• 1 bunch asparagus, tough ends trimmed, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups milk (2 percent or whole)
• 1 cup shredded Asiago or Gruyere cheese
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pre bake the pie crust for 10 minutes. Let cool.
2. Blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain.
3. In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
4. Sprinkle half the cheese in the crust. Arrange asparagus on top. Pour egg mixture over. Top with remaining cheese.
5. Bake for 40 45 minutes, until golden and set. Cool 10 minutes before slicing.

Why everyone loves it: A classic, always popular dish that feels special. The whole wheat crust makes it a bit healthier.

12. Mediterranean Vegetable Frittata

Full of Mediterranean flavors and serving up to 8 people, this roasted vegetable frittata with feta cheese is a great choice for feeding a crowd.

Ready in: 50 minutes
Serves: 8

What You Need:

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 8 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano or parsley
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the chopped veggies with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a sheet pan for 20 minutes.
2. Reduce oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat remaining 1 tbsp oil in a large oven safe skillet. Add the roasted veggies, then pour the egg mixture over them. Top with feta.
4. Cook on stove for 2 minutes, then transfer to oven. Bake for 18 20 minutes, until set.

Why everyone loves it: Using roasted veggies adds incredible sweetness and depth of flavor. It is a hearty, satisfying dish.

13. Easy Vegetarian Egg Casserole

When you have an early morning crowd to feed, make ahead breakfast casseroles are a game changer. This one is full of Mediterranean flavors.

Ready in: 1 hour (plus optional overnight chilling)
Serves: 8

What You Need:

• 10 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup chopped broccoli
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• ½ cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the chopped veggies, olives, artichokes, and feta in the dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour evenly over the veggies.
3. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or bake immediately.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45 50 minutes, until the center is set and top is golden.

Why everyone loves it: The ultimate flexible casserole. Use any veggies you like. Prep it the night before for zero morning stress.

Category 2: Celebratory Brunch Treats, Cakes, and More

No special meal is complete without a sweet treat to wrap it up. These lighter, healthier takes on classic treats are perfect for celebrations like birthdays or Mothers Day.

14. Torrijas De Leche (Spanish French Toast)

In this Spanish version of French toast, thick slices of day old bread are soaked in sweetened milk until soft and custardy. They are flavored with cinnamon and citrus.

Ready in: 30 minutes
Serves: 4

What You Need:

• 8 thick slices day old bread (like brioche or challah)
• 2 cups milk
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup olive oil for frying
• Honey and extra cinnamon for serving

How to Make It:

1. In a saucepan, heat milk with sugar, cinnamon stick, and lemon zest until warm and sugar dissolves. Let cool slightly.
2. Pour the milk mixture into a shallow dish. Soak the bread slices for 2 3 minutes per side until they absorb the liquid.
3. In another dish, whisk the eggs. Dip each soaked bread slice in the egg.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the bread for 2 3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
5. Serve warm drizzled with honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Why everyone loves it: It is a unique, incredibly creamy, and decadent version of French toast. A real show stopper.

15. Easy Cassata Cake (Italian Sponge Cake with Ricotta, Chocolate, and Honey)

Always a crowd pleaser, this easy cassata cake recipe is a simplified version of the traditional recipe. Think Cannoli but in cake form.

Ready in: 1 hour 30 minutes (plus chilling)
Serves: 12

What You Need:

• 1 store bought sponge cake or pound cake
• 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips
• ¼ cup chopped candied orange peel (optional)
• Extra powdered sugar for dusting

How to Make It:

1. Slice the cake horizontally into 2 or 3 even layers.
2. In a bowl, mix ricotta, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips and orange peel.
3. Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread half the ricotta mixture on top. Add the next layer and spread remaining ricotta. Top with final cake layer.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
5. Before serving, dust the top heavily with powdered sugar.

Why everyone loves it: It is impressively delicious but requires no baking. The ricotta filling is light and not too sweet.

16. Healthy Carrot Cake

Made with wheat flour, Greek yogurt, olive oil, dates, and honey, this healthy carrot cake is a lighter, more grown up take on the classic.

Ready in: 1 hour 10 minutes
Serves: 12

What You Need:

• 2 cups white whole wheat flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup olive oil
• ¾ cup honey
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups grated carrots (about 4 carrots)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or raisins (optional)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, olive oil, honey, yogurt, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Fold in grated carrots and walnuts or raisins if using.
5. Pour into the pan. Bake for 40 45 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Why everyone loves it: It is moist, flavorful, and satisfies your cake craving without being overly sugary or heavy.

17. Banana Walnut Bread

Not your average banana bread, this healthy recipe swaps the butter and sugar for extra virgin olive oil and honey.

Ready in: 1 hour 10 minutes
Serves: 10 slices

What You Need:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• ½ cup honey
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups white whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• 3 Medjool dates, pitted and chopped

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, mix mashed bananas, olive oil, honey, eggs, and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Fold in walnuts and dates.
5. Pour into the loaf pan. Bake for 50 60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.

Why everyone loves it: It is the perfect way to use up ripe bananas. The bread is moist, naturally sweet, and full of texture.

18. Raspberry Clafouti

Light, custardy, and full of fresh fruit, this elegant, pancake like baked dessert deserves a spot on your breakfast table.

Ready in: 50 minutes
Serves: 8

What You Need:

• 1 tbsp butter for greasing
• 2 cups fresh raspberries
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup all purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9 inch pie dish or baking dish.
2. Scatter the raspberries evenly in the bottom of the dish.
3. In a blender, combine eggs, sugar, milk, flour, vanilla, and salt. Blend until smooth.
4. Pour the batter over the raspberries.
5. Bake for 35 40 minutes, until puffed and golden, and the center is set.
6. Let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.

Why everyone loves it: It is impossibly easy (just blend and bake) but looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

19. Italian Inspired Orange Ricotta Cake

This intensely flavored orange ricotta cake is a bit healthier than your traditional breakfast cake. Ricotta and extra virgin olive oil replace butter.

Ready in: 1 hour 15 minutes
Serves: 10

What You Need:

• 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese
• ¾ cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Zest and juice of 1 large orange
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 inch springform pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat ricotta and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in olive oil, orange zest and juice, and vanilla.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
5. Pour into the pan. Bake for 45 50 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely before serving.

Why everyone loves it: The ricotta makes it incredibly moist and tender. The orange flavor is bright and wonderful.

20. Italian Apple Olive Oil Cake

With slightly sweet fresh apple and plump raisins in every bite, this apple olive oil cake is sure to disappear quickly at your next brunch gathering.

Ready in: 1 hour 10 minutes
Serves: 10

What You Need:

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 apples, peeled and diced
• ½ cup raisins

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 inch springform pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In another bowl, whisk olive oil and sugar. Whisk in eggs one at a time, then milk and vanilla.
4. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Fold in diced apples and raisins.
5. Pour into the pan. Bake for 50 55 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cool before serving.

Why everyone loves it: The olive oil makes it super moist and gives it a unique, sophisticated flavor. It is perfect for fall or winter brunches.

21. Plum Cake Recipe with Pistachios

Tender with a subtle nuttiness, this plum cake is the perfect homemade dessert to serve after a hearty Sunday brunch.

Ready in: 1 hour 10 minutes
Serves: 10

What You Need:

• 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 5 plums, pitted and sliced
• ¼ cup chopped pistachios
• 1 tbsp turbinado sugar (for sprinkling)

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 inch springform pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then milk and vanilla.
4. Fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Spread batter in the pan.
5. Arrange plum slices on top in a circular pattern. Sprinkle with pistachios and turbinado sugar.
6. Bake for 45 50 minutes, until golden. Cool before serving.

Why everyone loves it: The plums become jammy and sweet, and the pistachios add a lovely crunch. It is a beautiful, rustic cake.

22. Middle Eastern Vegan Donuts (Zalabia)

In the streets of Egypt, they sell Zalabia, crispy vegan donut holes, in paper cones. Mine are more free form, but even more delicious.

Ready in: 40 minutes
Serves: 6 (makes about 20 donuts)

What You Need:

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• ¾ cup warm water
• Vegetable oil for frying
• For Syrup: ½ cup honey or maple syrup, 1 tsp cinnamon.

How to Make It:

1. In a bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add warm water to form a sticky, thick batter. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
2. Heat 2 inches of oil in a pot to 350°F (175°C).
3. Wet your hands. Take small spoonfuls of dough and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 2 3 minutes, turning, until golden brown.
4. Drain on paper towels. While warm, drizzle with honey or maple syrup and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Why everyone loves it: They are light, crispy, and not too sweet. A fun and unique homemade treat that is completely vegan.

Category 3: Homemade Pitcher Drinks

Treat your guests to a light and refreshing homemade juice, mocktail, or cocktail. Here are some of my favorite pitcher drinks.

23. Strawberry Lemonade

Made from scratch pink lemonade is fresh, delicious, and absolutely stunning. Not to mention it is healthier too.

Ready in: 15 minutes
Serves: 8

What You Need:

• 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 6 lemons)
• ½ cup honey or sugar
• 6 cups cold water
• Ice and lemon slices for serving

How to Make It:

1. In a blender, puree the strawberries until smooth.
2. In a large pitcher, combine the strawberry puree, lemon juice, and honey or sugar. Stir until the sweetener dissolves.
3. Add the cold water and stir well.
4. Serve over ice with a slice of lemon.

Why everyone loves it: It is naturally pink, perfectly sweet and tart, and tastes infinitely better than store bought mix.

24. Agua De València

Fruity and refreshing, this big batch Spanish cocktail is a cross between a mimosa and sangria. Made with just 4 ingredients.

Ready in: 5 minutes (plus chilling)
Serves: 6

What You Need:

• 1 bottle (750 ml) cava or other dry sparkling wine, chilled
• 2 cups fresh orange juice
• ¼ cup gin
• 2 tbsp simple syrup or honey (optional)
• Orange slices for garnish

How to Make It:

1. In a large pitcher, combine the chilled cava, orange juice, gin, and sweetener if using.
2. Stir gently to combine.
3. Serve immediately in glasses over ice, garnished with an orange slice.

Why everyone loves it: It is incredibly easy, festive, and perfect for a celebratory brunch. The gin adds a lovely botanical note.

25. Red Sangria

This iconic Spanish cocktail consists of wine, fruit, spices, sweetener, and brandy. Made right in the pitcher.

Ready in: 10 minutes (plus chilling)
Serves: 8

What You Need:

• 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine
• ½ cup brandy
• ¼ cup orange liqueur (like Triple Sec) or more orange juice
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 apple, cored and sliced
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Sparkling water for topping (optional)

How to Make It:

1. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and honey. Stir until honey dissolves.
2. Add the sliced fruit and cinnamon stick.
3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours, to let the flavors meld.
4. Serve over ice, topping with a splash of sparkling water if desired.

Why everyone loves it: It is a classic, crowd pleasing drink that you can make ahead. Always a hit at parties.

26. Rosé Lemonade

Made in a big pitcher for easy entertaining, this Rosé Lemonade is bright, refreshing, and a breeze to make.

Ready in: 10 minutes
Serves: 6

What You Need:

• 1 bottle (750 ml) rosé wine, chilled
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 4 6 lemons)
• ½ cup honey or simple syrup
• 1 cup sparkling water or club soda, chilled
• Lemon slices and fresh berries for garnish

How to Make It:

1. In a large pitcher, stir together the lemon juice and honey until the honey dissolves.
2. Add the chilled rosé wine and stir gently.
3. Just before serving, add the sparkling water and stir.
4. Serve over ice, garnished with lemon slices and berries.

Why everyone loves it: It is pretty in pink, light, and perfectly balanced. A sophisticated upgrade to regular lemonade.

27. Easy Watermelon Sangria

Made in just 5 minutes and ready to serve right away, watermelon sangria is the perfect boozy drink for last minute guests.

Ready in: 5 minutes
Serves: 6

What You Need:

• 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine, chilled
• Fresh blueberries and lime slices for garnish

How to Make It:

1. In a blender, puree the watermelon, lime juice, and honey until smooth.
2. Pour the puree through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher to remove pulp (optional).
3. Add the chilled white wine to the pitcher and stir.
4. Serve over ice, garnished with blueberries and lime slices.

Why everyone loves it: It is incredibly refreshing, not too sweet, and the color is gorgeous. Summer in a glass.

Your Brunch Hosting Questions Answered

How do I plan a brunch menu?
Pick 1 2 main dishes (like a strata and a frittata), 1 sweet treat (like a cake or bread), a fruit platter or salad, and a pitcher drink. Make as much ahead as possible.

What can I make the night before?
Almost all casseroles (stratas, French toast bakes), quiches (bake and reheat), cakes, and chopped fruit can be prepared the night before. Assemble boards and platters in the morning.

How do I keep food warm for a crowd?
Use your oven on its lowest setting (around 200°F or 95°C) as a warming drawer. Cover dishes with foil. For buffet style, use chafing dishes or slow cookers.

What are some easy vegan brunch options?
The Ultimate Mediterranean Board (use vegan dips), the Middle Eastern Vegan Donuts, fresh fruit salad, roasted potatoes, and avocado toast are great options.

Brunch Made Easy!
With these 25+ brunch recipes, you have everything you need to host a memorable, stress free meal for family and friends. Remember, the best brunches are about good food and good company, not a perfect kitchen. Choose a few recipes, do what you can ahead of time, and enjoy your own party.