41 Delicious and Easy Brunch Food Ideas for 2025
What are your favorite brunch food ideas? Are you the sort of bruncher who heads straight for the savory options? Or are you a full embracer of sweet and syrupy pancakes and cinnamon rolls? Whatever your preference, our list of 41 tasty brunch food ideas has something for you.
We’ve gathered up simple-to-make dishes that are guaranteed to please your guests whether you’re throwing a summer brunch for friends or organizing a Thanksgiving brunch for family. You’ll find gluten-free recipes along with suggestions for vegetarian and vegan dishes but one thing all of these brunch food ideas have in common is that they’re 100% delicious.
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41 Tasty and Easy Ideas for Brunch Food
1. Cinnamon Roll Casserole
A definite crowd pleaser, cinnamon roll casserole is the king of brunch ideas at home. Layers of cinnamon rolls are enhanced with a rich egg custard before being drizzled in cream cheese and maple syrup icing.
Like the best brunch food ideas, cinnamon roll casserole is simple to make and prepped the night before so it can be cooked just before your guests arrive. Each casserole has 12 servings but you can count on everyone wanting seconds!
Recipe Steps: 10
Total Recipe Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
2. Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Brunch food ideas don’t get any better than this cheesy hashbrown casserole. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd and sets the tone for a fun sharing-style brunch that your guests will love. It features a crunchy topping of cornflakes and breadcrumbs and a smooth filling of hash browns and creamy chicken soup. It’s made with frozen hashbrowns and you can use a tin of chicken soup to save time.
Recipe Steps: 7
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
3. Sourdough French Toast
Indulgent and moreish, sourdough French toast is a weekend treat that puts a new spin on a staple among brunch foods. The sourdough bread adds a firmer texture which means that each sweet slice is gorgeously chewy. The addition of spice to the custard mixture also brings a gentle, aromatic heat that makes it perfect for those in search of festive brunch food ideas.
Recipe Steps: 6
Total Recipe Time: 30 minutes
4. Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls
We’ve already mentioned how cinnamon rolls are some of the most popular brunch food ideas. But what if you have gluten-avoiding guests? In that case, these gluten-free cinnamon rolls are a definite winner. They’re made with gluten-free flour and use xanthan gum to both bind the ingredients together and lock in moisture.
Recipe Steps: 17
Total Recipe Time: 5 hours
5. Stuffed French Toast
Pull out all the stops with this knockout stuffed French toast. This dish not only looks luxurious but tastes amazing thanks to the combination of fresh strawberries, rich cream cheese and mascarpone. Once baked to golden perfection, the French toast receives a brûléed sugar top for a delightful crunchy snap that makes this a très bon pick among brunch food ideas.
Recipe Steps: 11
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
6. Frittata
If you’re looking for brunch food ideas for large groups then frittatas can’t be beaten (or else they’ll turn into scrambled eggs!). Simple, versatile and mega easy to make, frittatas are handy for using up leftover vegetables too. Simply whisk your eggs, season with salt and pepper, and then sauté your vegetables, meat or cheese in a skillet. Pour your eggs over, then bake or broil until set. Simple!
7. Asparagus and Eggs
Another egg-based brunch that is not only delicious but also healthy, this gourmet dish is sure to please both the vegetarians and meat-eaters in your life. The asparagus and eggs are elevated with whipped goat cheese and a tangy preserved lemon vinaigrette.
Recipe Steps: 11
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
8. Baked Apple Oatmeal
Brunch food ideas don’t get much easier or more welcome on a cold morning than baked apple oatmeal. This flavorful update of classic oatmeal includes Granny Smith apples for a fruity kick and a mix of comforting spices including cinnamon and nutmeg.
Recipe Steps: 7
Total Recipe Time: 35 minutes
9. Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Looking for brunch food ideas that provide full-on flavor and feel like a real treat? The search is over thanks to this aromatic and luscious cinnamon coffee cake. It’s made with sour cream to ensure a moist texture and includes a crumbly topping of sugar and cinnamon — perfect for holiday brunches.
Recipe Steps: 14
Total Recipe Time: 2 hours
10. Breakfast Burritos
Add some spice to your brunch food ideas by setting up a make-your-own breakfast burrito bar. Soft vegan tortillas are filled with brunch foods such as scrambled egg, tofu scramble, avocado, black beans, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro and salsa (or anything you fancy, really). It’s a brilliant way for everyone to personalize their plate and an excellent ice-breaker for new friends.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 30 minutes
11. Tofu Scramble
One of the best brunch food ideas for vegetarians and vegans, a tofu scramble is simple to make and can include endless flavor combinations. Feeling spicy? Add some sliced jalapeños. Want to add some fresh vegetables to counteract other indulgent brunch food ideas? Load it up with diced bell peppers, scallions, tomatoes and avocado. Tofu scramble also makes an excellent base for vegan breakfast burritos.
Recipe Steps: 9 (for vegan burritos)
Total Recipe Time: 30 minutes (for vegan burritos)
12. Eggs Florentine
If you’re looking for elegant brunch food ideas that are ideal for smaller gatherings then eggs Florentine tops the list. This quintessential brunch recipe features perfectly poached eggs served on toasted English muffins with a rich Hollandaise sauce. If you’ve never made Hollandaise before, no stress, as this recipe includes a clever hack for making a microwaved version.
Recipe Steps: 9
Total Recipe Time: 20 minutes
13. Shakshouka
Add some Middle Eastern inspiration to your brunch food ideas by whipping up a hearty dish of shakshouka. This North African-inspired favorite features eggs poached in a rich tomato sauce and is topped with feta and chives. Serve with plenty of crusty bread to soak up that delectable sauce.
Recipe Steps: 6
Total Recipe Time: 35 minutes
14. Sourdough Waffles
Waffles are probably one of the most popular of all brunch food ideas. Crisp and fluffy sourdough waffles can be paired with an assortment of sweet and savory toppings to suit your guests, from fruit and powdered sugar to fried chicken. Or, if you’re looking for fall brunch food ideas, how about pumpkin waffles with a generous drizzle of maple syrup?
Recipe Steps: 6
Total Recipe Time: 30 minutes
15. Gluten-Free Waffles
Catering for those with dietary requirements isn’t always easy but this recipe for gluten-free waffles sure is. It replaces standard flour with a gluten-free version so none of your guests have to miss out on one of the most popular brunch food ideas on our list. Bonus tip: for an extra special brunch, try topping your waffles with a big spoonful of Speculoos cookie butter.
Recipe Steps: 6
Total Recipe Time: 25 minutes
16. Bagels With Smoked Salmon
Appeal to all of your guests with a big plate of toasted smoked salmon bagels thickly spread with cream cheese and topped with luxurious smoked salmon, onion, capers and cucumber. You can also leave a few bagels plain to enjoy with some lime curd, which you'll discover later on this list of brunch food ideas.
Recipe Steps: 5
Total Recipe Time: 15 minutes
17. Churrasco Steak With Chimichurri
Embrace brunch food ideas from around the world by serving up this South American dish of churrasco steak. Strips of tender skirt steak are marinated in an aromatic churrasco made from red wine vinegar, onions and cilantro, before being topped with zesty chimichurri. This is a fabulous brunch dish for summer parties or if you’re looking for a larger main to build your menu around.
Recipe Steps: 5
Total Recipe Time: 20 minutes
18. Sweet Potato Hash Browns
The perfect complement to the brunch food ideas listed here, sweet potato hash browns are crispy and delicious. The bell peppers and onions provide a base to counteract the sweet potato while a dash of yogurt chipotle cream on the side brings the heat.
Recipe Steps: 7
Total Recipe Time: 30 minutes
19. Honey Fried Chicken
If you thought chicken was just for dinner then you've clearly never tried this next addition to our list of the best brunch food ideas. Honey fried chicken is made from crispy breaded boneless thighs and has a mouthwatering blend of sweet and spicy flavors.
Recipe Steps: 9
Total Recipe Time: 50 minutes
20. London Fog Latte
The perfect accompaniment to your brunch menu ideas, a London fog latte is made with tea instead of the usual coffee. Freshly brewed Earl Grey, with its signature flavors of citrus and bergamot, is combined with soothing lavender and topped with frothed milk to create a brunch drink that’s relaxing and unusual. You can also make a vegan version by substituting cow's milk for a non-dairy alternative.
Recipe Steps: 6
Total Recipe Time: 13 minutes
21. Mango Banana Smoothie
Looking for brunch food ideas that everyone will love? Look no further than this mango banana smoothie. These refreshing tropical smoothies are made with frozen mangoes to cut down on preparation time and yogurt for creaminess. They’re a healthy and nutritious addition to brunch and can be served as a drink or topped with granola, oats, nuts and fruit as a smoothie bowl.
Recipe Steps: 5
Total Recipe Time: 10 minutes
22. Vegan Zucchini Bread
A fresh take on banana bread, vegan zucchini bread is a top choice of easy brunch food ideas and a brilliant complement to the rest of your spread. The addition of zucchini here means that this cake is deliciously moist and will last for several days. It’s also completely vegan thanks to the addition of flax seed in place of eggs.
Recipe Steps: 7
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
23. Prosecco Mimosa
Okay, we'll admit it, this one isn't a "food," but you'll need something delicious to sip while you enjoy the rest of these brunch food ideas, right? This prosecco mimosa contains just two ingredients — frozen orange juice and prosecco and is a refreshing and sophisticated addition to your brunch menu ideas. It’s especially good for brunches during the holiday season but works well during the summer too.
Recipe Steps: 3
Total Recipe Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
24. Mini Pancakes
Pancakes must be near the top of everyone’s list of favorite brunch food ideas, us included. For a little adaptation on the standard version, check out this recipe for mini pancakes, which can be prepped before guests arrive and kept warm in the oven. They look amazing heaped onto a platter sprinkled with fresh fruit and powdered sugar and are especially good if you’ve got kids coming for brunch.
Recipe Steps: 6
Total Recipe Time: 20 minutes
25. Corn Grits
A Southern food staple, corn grits make a brilliant addition to anybody's short list of brunch food ideas. Creamy cornmeal is combined with fresh corn kernels, shredded cheese and herbs to make a smooth side dish that your friends will love. You can use any cheese but Gloucester and mature cheddar work especially well.
Recipe Steps: 5
Total Recipe Time: 40 minutes
26. Vegan Bacon
Finding vegan ideas for brunch food can take a little more effort but this plant-based vegan bacon is truly effortless. Made from marinated rice paper and crumbled tofu, vegan bacon is great on its own or served with many of the other brunch recipes on our list.
Recipe Steps: 9
Total Recipe Time: 35 minutes
27. Mochi Donuts
Put a contemporary spin on a bakery treat with Asian-inspired mochi donuts. Made from glutinous rice, these donuts are a great accompaniment to the rest of the brunch food ideas on your table. As they’re made from tapioca and rice flour, they’re also suitable for those avoiding gluten.
Recipe Steps: 18
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
28. Loco Moco
A Hawaiian dish that’s perfect if you’re searching for brunch food ideas that will give your guests an instant shot of sunshine is Loco Moco. Loco Moco features lots of classic brunch foods in a fun variation. Fluffy rice is combined with beef burger patties, fried eggs and gravy, and finished with sautéed onions, mushrooms and bacon to create a hearty plateful that’s ideal for brunches that are closer to lunch than breakfast.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 45 minutes
29. Strawberry Muffins
In our opinion, some of the best brunch food ideas on this list are those that put a new spin on a classic dish, and these strawberry muffins are a case in point. Rather than blueberries or chocolate chips, these muffins are packed with fresh strawberries and topped with turbinado sugar for extra crunch.
Recipe Steps: 11
Total Recipe Time: 40 minutes
30. Chilaquiles Rojos
We’re heading to Mexico for our next pick of brunch food ideas. You’ll start with zesty salsa rojos and top with crunchy tortilla chilaquiles rojos, eggs, cotija cheese, avocado and jalapeños. The result you'll be left with is a plateful that’s suitable for vegetarians and popular with everyone.
Recipe Steps: 7
Total Recipe Time: 50 minutes
31. Maple Bacon
We simply couldn’t run through this list of brunch food ideas without including bacon. One of the very best brunch food ideas, maple bacon has a subtle syrup twist that makes it excellent to serve on its own or alongside some of the other items listed here, such as frittatas and bagels. It’s also very straightforward to make in bulk and requires only four ingredients, making it a top choice of easy brunch food ideas.
Recipe Steps: 4
Total Recipe Time: 35 minutes
32. Pumpkin Pecan Pie
Celebrate the fabulous flavors of fall with an autumn-inspired pumpkin pecan pie — ideal if you’re looking for brunch food ideas to add to your table in the fall. The mix of pumpkin and pecan is indulgent, sure, but that’s exactly what a celebratory brunch should be. This recipe takes a little longer to prepare but the pie can be made ahead of time, allowing you to devote all of your attention to your guests.
Recipe Steps: 13
Total Recipe Time: 2 hours
33. Cranberry Orange Scones
Scones are another popular pick for brunch ideas at home. They’re simple to make in large batches and can be completely personalized to your menu. This recipe for cranberry orange scones celebrates fall flavors and has a citrusy sweet glaze made from orange juice and confectioner’s sugar.
Recipe Steps: 11
Total Recipe Time: 30 minutes
34. Vegan Scones
Like our cranberry orange scones, these vegan scones are light, fluffy and crumbly but are completely plant-based. They’re also a wonderful brunch food idea. Instead of eggs, this recipe uses non-dairy creamer to bind the mixture. Oat creamer works best but you could also use soya, coconut or almond, according to your preference.
Recipe Steps: 12
Total Recipe Time: 23 minutes
35. Prosciutto Sandwich
Why not make prosciutto sandwiches? This crowd-pleasing brunch food idea can be prepped beforehand and pre-divided into individual portions, cutting down on your tasks when the guests arrive. Layers of salty prosciutto sit between melted Emmentaler cheese and roasted red peppers to create a dish that will not only have your guests asking "What time is brunch?" but ‘Can we stay for dinner, too?’.
Recipe Steps: 4
Total Recipe Time: 10 minutes
36. Toast and Lime Curd
When it comes to simple but satisfying brunch food ideas, nothing fits the bill like a slice of crunchy toast, generously spread with a sweet or savory topping. Have a look at this recipe for lime curd for a tangy and zesty kick. It’s incredibly quick to cook and can be made dairy-free by swapping out the butter for a plant-based option.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 15 minutes
37. Fruit Salad
If you’re searching for a few healthy brunch food ideas to go along with the syrupy sweet additions to our list, how about a vibrant fruit salad? Fresh, healthy and a perfect companion to rich savory dishes, you can make a fruit salad from any combination.
In fall, a seasonal salad of apples and mixed berries celebrates the best of the harvest. Alternatively, this citrus salad includes a mix of citrus fruits, avocado, arugula and chopped nuts and is a brilliant option for those in need of stress-free brunch food ideas.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 25 minutes
38. Spinach Omelette
Omelettes are a brilliant addition to any meal but they’re one of the very best brunch food ideas. Quick to make, light and fluffy, these spinach omelettes are given an extra kick with sharp Cheddar cheese and diced onion.
Recipe Steps: 9
Total Recipe Time: 30 minutes
39. Bubble and Squeak
If you’ve been searching for brunch food ideas for the festive season then how about taking some inspiration from across the pond? Made from leftover cooked cabbage and mashed potatoes, bubble and squeak is a great brunch menu idea. It pairs perfectly with bacon, eggs and sausages and is another good option if you’re looking for larger, more comforting winter brunches.
40. Keto Quiche
A standout dish among our list of brunch food ideas, keto quiche is an impressive centerpiece for the table. The crust is made with low-carb almond flour while the filling is a smooth and creamy mix of cheese, egg and bacon.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 55 minutes
41. Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Sausages and bacon are best brunch buddies so why not combine the two for this most joyful of brunch food ideas? Simple to prepare ahead of time, these bacon wrapped smokies feature three flavorful options to suit all of your guests. These little beauties also make fantastic party food, perfect for any occasion.
Recipe Steps: 16
Total Recipe Time: 40 minutes
Learn to Cook the Best Brunch Food
Brunch is a fantastic opportunity to catch up with friends and family and enjoy a mouthwatering spread of sweet and savory food options. Combining all of the best bits from breakfast and lunch, brunch food ideas have lots of scope for imagination and fun. If you’d like to host your own brunch, cooking classes near you can give you all of the skills and kitchen know-how you need to make a full menu.
Or, if you’d prefer to learn new skills to make brunch food ideas while using your own kitchen equipment, you can log onto a huge selection of online cooking classes. Whether you choose to attend in person or online, all classes are led by renowned professional chefs. With their guidance, you'll quickly gain a host of new culinary skills while learning to make your favorite restaurant-quality dishes at home.
These 41 brunch food ideas cover a wide assortment of sweet and savory options that your guests are sure to love. Whether you’re planning a big celebratory feast or an intimate brunch with a few friends, these brunch food ideas are sure to make your meal memorable.
For even more ways to enjoy your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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