Our 50 Best Brunch Recipes

There's breakfast, there's lunch ... and then there's brunch, where we're allowed to bend the rules a little to get the best of both worlds. And even though there are restaurants that serve fabulous brunches all across America, there's really nothing like a luxurious brunch whipped up in the comfort of your own home.

In this roundup of brunch recipes, we've got sweet, savory and everything in between. From easy-to-make quiche, pancakes and French toast casseroles to mouthwatering donuts, buttermilk biscuits and easy cloud eggs, these quintessential brunch recipes cover all the bases, but with the volume turned up. 

Instead of laboring away dipping and flipping, this recipe builds all the flavors and warm gooeyness of French toast in one pan. Brioche, when mixed together with classic French toast ingredients, baked and drizzled with maple syrup, is absolutely delectable. 

For the Maple Glazed French Toast Casserole recipe, click here.

These savory scones with buttermilk, extra-sharp cheddar and finely chopped chives are delightful. And if you can't decide between sweet or savory for brunch, may we suggest a smear of butter and fig preserves on these toasty scones? 

For the Savory Cheddar Herb Scones recipe, click here.

Sweet, tangy and fresh from the oven — does it get any better? These rolls are made with a store-bought lemon curd filling so you can spend more time making homemade dough, which is totally worth it. Not only do these smell like a pastry shop, but they look like they're from one, too. 

For the Blueberry Lemon Sweet Rolls recipe, click here.

This chocolate chip banana bread is as foolproof as it gets thanks to the boxed cake mix that provides the base. It's moist, fluffy and packed with melty chocolate chips and banana flavor. A slice of this bread (and a coffee) perfectly complements plenty of other brunch dishes, and it makes for a great breakfast on its own. 

For the Chocolate Chip Banana Bread recipe, click here. 

If you have eggs in the fridge, you can absolutely whip up an omelet in no time. But if you also happen to have a few vegetables lying around, maybe some cheese and leftover potatoes from dinner, go ahead and make yourself a delicious brunch frittata. Though this recipe calls for turnip greens, you can use spinach, kale, collard greens or any leafy vegetable you like. 

For the Turnip Greens and Potato Frittata recipe, click here.

Nothing says brunch like a classic eggs Benedict — perfectly poached eggs over a buttered toasted English muffin and a slice of Canadian bacon, topped with Hollandaise sauce and chives. It's a luxurious dish that requires some careful technique, but it's a lot easier than it looks.

For the Classic Eggs Benedict recipe, click here.

This super accessible frittata recipe can be made in just 10 minutes using an Instant Pot. Frittatas are an effortless way to use up leftovers and vegetables like spinach that have otherwise wilted in the produce drawer. 

For the Instant Pot Spinach Frittata recipe, click here.

Try this low-carb and keto-friendly frittata for a quick and filling breakfast or a light brunch that still feels gourmet. Thanks to an Instant Pot, you can serve a fluffy and flavorful frittata packed with ham, melted cheese and broccoli in under an hour. 

For the Broccoli Frittata with Ham and Peppers recipe, click here.

Grilled cheese sandwiches are welcome at any time of the day, but this upgraded version is a wonderful option for a sophisticated brunch. Roasted asparagus gets placed on buttery sourdough bread and topped with creamy Swiss and parmesan cheese. It's warm, a little crunchy and deliciously melty.

For the Asparagus Grilled Cheese recipe, click here.

If you're hosting friends for a weekend brunch party, you've got to serve a fun and flirty cocktail. This Limoncello Spritz is super simple and uses citrus in the most refreshing way. All you need is some bubbly, the Italian lemon liqueur called limoncello, club soda and some grapefruit and oranges. 

For the Limoncello Spritz recipe, click here.

Smoothie bowls are thicker than a regular smoothie and topped with things like granola, fruit and berries — and in this case, coconut and banana chips as well. The base of the smoothie bowl includes frozen bananas, frozen or fresh mango and pineapple chunks and dairy-free yogurt.

For the Tropical Smoothie Bowl with Dairy-Free Yogurt recipe, click here.

This is a French toast recipe with a tropical twist. Take some good ol' Texas toast and dredge it in the typical mixture of eggs and milk — but also add a dash of coconut extract and dip it into shredded coconut.

For the Coconut French Toast recipe, click here.

Need we say more? Both avocado toast and grilled cheese are spectacular on their own, and they only get better together. It's a yummy new spin on a brunch staple. 

For the Avocado Toast Grilled Cheese recipe, click here. 

Similar to savory scones, these chive and cheddar buttermilk biscuits are a welcome addition to any brunch spread. Even though making any bread-like item might seem daunting, you can actually have comforting and homemade flaky biscuits on the table in less than half an hour. 

For the Chive and Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits recipe, click here.

There may not be one tried-and-true trick for the most perfect golden crust on a grilled cheese, but a combination of butter and mayonnaise is as close as it gets. Out of the many ways to make a grilled cheese sandwich, this version with balsamic vinegar, mushrooms, caramelized onions and brie puts an atypical but scrumptious spin on brunch. 

For the Balsamic, Mushroom and Onion Grilled Brie Cheese Sandwich recipe, click here.

Apple and cheddar are a natural pair, and fennel plays well with both. This particular quiche will remind you of cozy fall flavors and it's so satisfying for a savory brunch. 

For the Apple, Fennel and Cheddar Quiche recipe, click here.

It's clear that French toast has countless variations, but this finger-food version just might be the most fun. Besides, anything you're able to dunk into a puddle of maple syrup is a superior brunch option. 

For the French Toast Sticks recipe, click here.

Making these breakfast tacos for brunch works out nicely since you'll need an added 30 minutes to slowly (and properly) caramelize the onions. With sweet and spicy onions, fluffy scrambled eggs, black beans and some tortillas, you've got a filling and flavor-packed meal. 

For the Sweet Chili Caramelized Onion Breakfast Tacos recipe, click here.

If you have bananas on hand that are starting to turn brown, mash them up and make these banana yogurt muffins. Recipes for muffins are not only easy to follow, but they allow for any number of variations so you can add mix-ins based on your personal preferences. 

For the Banana Yogurt Muffins recipe, click here. 

This blueberry overnight chia seed pudding is made using unsweetened vanilla almond milk, but you can use any milk you like as it's a great way to use up a gallon before its expiration date. Simply toss fresh or frozen blueberries into a jar with chia seeds and milk and leave it in the fridge overnight. When you wake up, you'll have a silky, healthy pudding all ready to go. 

For the Blueberry Overnight Chia Seed Pudding recipe, click here.

For a nutritious start to the afternoon, try these green smoothies that you can prep in advance. Any kind of plant-based smoothie can be an acquired taste, especially if you're not a fan of spinach. But with bananas, frozen pineapple chunks and a can of frozen orange juice concentrate, you'll barely notice the greens amidst all that natural sweetness.

For the Make-Ahead Green Smoothie recipe, click here.

Whether you have day-old brioche bread to use or a fresh loaf, this bread pudding is decadent and simple to make. The high butter content in the brioche takes a typical bread pudding into dessert territory and makes for an elegant brunch dish. You can also make a big pan ahead of time and store it in your freezer for a comforting and convenient pick-me-up.

For the Brioche Bread Pudding recipe, click here.

Who doesn't love Pop-Tarts? These homemade ones are such a great alternative to the boxed kind, which are loaded with processed ingredients. The secret is using ready-made, refrigerated pie crusts that you simply roll out and cut. And the brown sugar cinnamon glaze will have your family (or your brunch guests) licking their fingers. 

For the Homemade Pop Tarts with Brown Sugar Glaze recipe, click here.

Red flannel hash is a traditional New England breakfast dish made using leftovers from a boiled dinner the night before. It's made with beets, potatoes and usually corned beef, and comes together as a speedy one-dish meal that just needs a fried or poached egg on top. 

For the Red Flannel Hash with Poached Egg recipe, click here.

There are some things better off unchanged, and this bloody mary is one of them. This signature cocktail for brunch will wake you right up. 

For the Perfect Bloody Mary recipe, click here.

These King Cake Beignets would be the main attraction at any Mardi Gras-themed brunch party. This recipe takes the light and airy dough of a beignet and blends it with the colorful icing of a king cake. To make this famous New Orleans dish, it's best to let the dough rest overnight and definitely don't skimp on the bedazzling.

For the King Cake Beignet recipe, click here.

This is not your average mushy oatmeal. Instead, it's slightly crunchy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside. It's a fantastic option if you're hosting brunch, considering the whole thing is cooked in one large baking dish. This is best served hot from the oven with a side of fresh cream or milk. 

For the Baked Blueberry Oatmeal recipe, click here.

Polish doughnuts, more commonly known as paczki (pronounced ponchkee), are fried, fluffy balls of dough often filled with a fruity marmalade or custard and dusted with powdered sugar. They definitely require patience as the yeast in the dough needs time to rise, but it is absolutely worth it. 

For the Paczki recipe, click here. 

The biggest upside to using an Instant Pot to make oatmeal is that you can lock the lid and move on to the next item on your list instead of standing and stirring. This brings together the comforting flavors of cinnamon, raisins and brown sugar in a creamy and heartwarming bowl. 

For the Instant Pot Cinnamon Raisin Steel-Cut Oatmeal recipe, click here.

Brunch and mimosas are the ultimate pairing, and this rosemary pear version is ideal for spring. Opt for a good-quality store-bought pear juice so it's not loaded with sugar, as that will take away from the earthiness of the fresh rosemary and the dryness of the Champagne. 

For the Rosemary Pear Mimosas recipe, click here. 

Scrambled eggs are an obvious choice for breakfast, brunch and even quick dinners. With the ease of an Instant Pot, some cheese and crispy bacon, the classic egg bake is taken to new heights. 

For the Instant Pot Cheesy Egg Bake recipe, click here.

This is probably the most fun way to eat eggs, period. Cloud eggs are basically bright yellow egg yolks nestled in a fluffy bed of egg whites and they're just as delicious as they are pretty. To achieve the pillowy texture, you have to separate the whites and yolks and beat the whites into a stiff foam. Then you scoop the foam into a cloud-like form on a baking sheet covered with parchment, leaving a hollow in the middle for the yolk. Bake, season and serve for a fantastic, picture-perfect brunch. 

For the Cloud Eggs recipe, click here.

A stack of fluffy pancakes with syrup drizzling down the sides is the perfect centerpiece for any breakfast or brunch. This classic recipe needs only a handful of common ingredients like milk, flour and eggs. And as for the rest, you'd be surprised at how many unexpected add-ins, mix-ins and toppings can make your pancakes even better. 

For the Classic Pancakes recipe, click here.

A two-in-one dessert and brunch, these carrot cake pancakes are fluffy, rich and smothered with cream cheese topping. To make the pancake part easier, grab a boxed mix (regular or gluten-free) and add shredded carrots, almond milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg along with a few other pantry ingredients. 

For the Carrot Cake Pancakes recipe, click here.

If you're looking for a quick and easy appetizer to add to your brunch table, these honey bacon-wrapped Tater Tots are ideal. They require no more than three ingredients and 20 minutes to throw together. 

For the Honey Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tots recipe, click here.

It's 100% possible to make delicious diner-style waffles at home. And the secret to fluffy, pillowy waffles is beaten egg whites gently folded into the batter followed by a drizzle of melted butter. 

For the Sweet Milk Homemade Waffles recipe, click here.

Frittatas are incredibly easy to make without even using a recipe. Once you've nailed down the base of eggs, milk (or heavy cream) and salt and pepper, you can add just about anything you'd like before popping it in the oven. If you're trying to get more veggies into your diet, frittatas are a great way to sneak some greens in. 

For the Vegetable and Cheese Frittata recipe, click here.

A beautiful lemon-poppy seed cake covered in a luscious blueberry compote is a dessert-lover's dream. Too sweet to be breakfast, can't be lunch — but pair it with coffee and you get brunch. 

For the Blueberry-Poppy Seed Brunch Cake recipe, click here.

One-pan dishes are always a hit. They can easily feed a crowd without too much fuss. Vibrant sweet potatoes and eggs along with bright red peppers and fresh cilantro give this dish color and tons of flavor.

For the One-Pan Sweet Potato and Egg Hash recipe, click here.

These overnight oats have all the comforting flavors of pumpkin pie with a crumbly pecan topping. They look extra special in individual Mason jars, which make for fun additions to a brunch spread or a lazy, in-your-pajamas brunch for one. 

For the Pumpkin Pecan Crumble Overnight Oats recipe, click here.

Making homemade jam requires just a little bit of patience and only a few ingredients. This mixed berry jam is bright, sweet and toast's best friend. The best part is, any combination of fruit or berries will work just as well.

For the Mixed Berry Jam recipe, click here.

This coffee cake recipe goes a step further with a crumbly, buttery streusel topping. A fun twist is making this streusel coffee cake in an Instant Pot using store-bought Bisquick mix in addition to all the classic coffee cake ingredients like brown sugar and cinnamon. 

For the Streusel Coffee Cake recipe, click here.

With just-right poached eggs and spinach, this comforting dish makes for a great brunch for chilly afternoons. It's heart-healthy, wholesome and comes together easily in an Instant Pot. 

For the Lentils and Poached Eggs recipe, click here.

These deviled eggs are in a league of their own. Once you take the time to pickle the beets, you'll be surprised to see how fast the boiled and peeled eggs take on a gorgeous, deep pink hue. You can follow the recipe to make your own root vegetable chips for the garnish, but you could also crumble store-bought ones on top to get brunch ready faster. 

For the Drunken Deviled Eggs With Pickled Beets and Root Chips recipe, click here.

Whether you grab them from your favorite fast-food stop or make them yourself, there's no denying that sandwiches are one of breakfast or brunch's finest options. This recipe takes the extra step of being gluten free.

For the Gluten-Free Breakfast Sandwiches recipe, click here.

Bagels and brunch go extremely well together, and this variation of the classic everything bagel turns the volume up. You'll need store-bought puff pastry, cream cheese and some hot dogs to get you started. When you cut the little piggies, the filling with scallions studded throughout is sure to impress. And to make things even easier, substitute a Trader Joe's favorite, the "Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend" for the other ingredients. 

For the Everything Bagel Pigs in a Blanket recipe, click here.

Breakfast bowls are terrific for family-style brunch parties. You can either assemble each bowl before serving or keep the scrambled eggs, potatoes, meat and cheese in separate dishes and let your guests build their own. 

For the Breakfast Bowl recipe, click here.

These festive latkes put a spin on both traditional falafel and potato latkes, one of the best potato dishes on earth. An herb salad on the side with tangy pomegranate and a dollop of Greek yogurt make this a refreshing plate for brunch. 

For the Falafel Latkes recipe, click here.

These cranberry-orange rolls will make your kitchen smell like a bakery. The rolls are studded with cranberries, pineapple, ginger and walnuts. Throw these in the oven while you brew a big pot of coffee and you'll have brunch in no time. 

For the Cranberry Orange Rolls recipe, click here.

If whipping up actual eggs Benedict requires way more time than you have on hand, consider this make-ahead version instead. After the casserole is ready to serve, top the dish with an easy hollandaise sauce made from lemon juice, egg yolks, heavy cream and Dijon mustard. This easy recipe puts a welcome spin on one of America's most iconic breakfast foods. 

For the Make-Ahead Eggs Benedict Casserole recipe, click here.

More From The Daily Meal 

Vintage Recipes No One Makes Anymore – But Should

The Most Iconic Breakfast Foods in America

27 Retro Recipes You Forgot Existed

Next-Level Burgers: Our 50 Best Recipes

The Biggest Food Trends of the 2010s