25 Easy (But Impressive) Brunch Recipes That'll Make Any Weekend Special

On the best days of the week, focus on the best parts of breakfast and lunch.

italian-baked-eggs-tout
Photo: Jennifer Causey

The word brunch conveys relaxation and leisure. It's a meal that encourages you to slow down and enjoy your food just a bit more while soaking up the presence of friends or family. Weekend mornings are prime brunch times precisely because everyone in the house can sleep in a bit longer, start slower, and spend a few extra minutes relaxing before the day's events begin.

So, when you have that extra span on the clock, make the most of it with a meal that's extra special. Our favorite brunch recipes are easy, delicious, and timeless. These are brunch ideas you can turn to time and time again. Whether you prefer food that is savory or sweet, this list has a bit of something for everyone.

01 of 25

Potato Tot Breakfast Casserole

Potato Tot Breakfast Casserole
Greg DuPree

Brunch casseroles are an especially great option because they can be made ahead (the night before) and baked later, or they come together in one big mixing bowl, then dumped into a pan, and baked while you finish the other elements of the meal. This potato tot dish is a fun brunch pick because you replace the standard hash browns or bread cubes with bite-size bits of fried potatoes. Brunch eaters of all ages will be ready to dig in when this hits the table.

Get the recipe: Potato Tot Breakfast Casserole

02 of 25

Skillet-Poached Huevos Rancheros

Skillet-Poached Huevos Rancheros
Quentin Bacon

You don't need to make a reservation at your favorite brunch spot for a serving of huevos rancheros. This homemade version is deeply flavorful and ready in just 15 minutes, thanks to convenience foods like jarred salsa and canned black beans. Kick things up with a little hot sauce if you dare.

Get the recipe: Skillet-Poached A Rancheros

03 of 25

Italian Baked Eggs

Italian Baked Eggs
Jen Causey

Hardy recipes like baked eggs are a creative way to change up the savory portion of your brunch menu. Instead of basic fried or scrambled eggs, offer this tomatoey dish with spicy Italian sausage, gooey mozzarella, and a crunchy baguette for dipping. Though it's fast and ready in just 25 minutes, this easy brunch recipe manages to be deeply flavored and supremely satisfying. Serve with a side of fruit to finish off the meal.

Get the recipe: Italian Baked Eggs

04 of 25

Sunny-Side-Up Sheet Pan Breakfast

Sunny-Side-Up Sheet Pan Breakfast Recipe
Greg DuPree

Sheet pan recipes aren't just for dinner. Try this one out for your next brunch. Eggs are nestled in a pan full of spinach, potatoes, prosciutto, and other flavor-packed ingredients. The best part? Everything cooks in one pan for less than one hour.

Get the recipe: Sunny-Side- Up Sheet Pan Breakfast

05 of 25

Hearty Corn Frittata

Hearty Corn Frittata
Grace Elkus

Hashes and frittatas have something in common: they're great recipes for leftovers. You can use just about any ingredient as long as you know the secret to making a perfect frittata. In this brunch recipe, a can of cream corn lends a bit of luscious, custardy texture to the frittata, while smoky bacon and tangy Parmesan cheese add a boost of flavor.

Get the recipe: Hearty Corn Frittata

06 of 25

Salmon and Sweet Potato Frittata

Salmon and Sweet-Potato Frittata
David Prince

Start your brunch off right with a light and fluffy frittata. Salty salmon pairs together with savory sweet potato for a dish that will have guests going back for seconds.

Get the recipe: Salmon and Sweet Potato Frittata

07 of 25

Breakfast Stratta

breakfast strata
Antonis Achilleos

This layered breakfast dish is packed with breakfast favorites plus wholesome veggies like mushrooms, spinach, and asparagus. Make it the night before to save yourself some time in the kitchen.

Get the recipe: Breakfast Strata

08 of 25

Spanish Omelete With Potatoes and Chorizo

Spanish Omelet With Potatoes and Chorizo on a Plate Next to a Side Salad
Ngoc Minh Ngo

Bring a little flare to the breakfast table with this Spanish omelet packed with potatoes, chorizo, and cheese. This easy-to-follow recipe is A riff on Spain's tortilla española or tortilla de patatas.

Get the recipe: Spanish Omelet with Chorizo and Potatoes

09 of 25

Skillet Eggs in Enchilada Sauce

Green Shakshuka / Skillet Eggs in Enchilada Sauce
Caitlin Bensel

This saucy skillet meal takes inspiration from the Middle Eastern shakshuka (eggs poached in tomato sauce) and is a tasty and easy vegetarian breakfast to make for a weekend brunch.

Get the recipe: Skillet Eggs in Enchilada Sauce

10 of 25

Brown Rice Congee With Kimchee, Scallions, and 7-Minute Eggs

Brown Rice Congee
Brie Passano

Congee is a creamy, savory porridge usually made with white rice. This recipe, however, uses brown rice for added nutrients and fiber. Fresh kimchee adds a spicy tang that compliments the whole dish.

Get the recipe: Brown Rice Congee With Kimchee, Scallions, and 7-Minute Eggs

11 of 25

Scrambled Egg Tacos

Scrambled Egg Tacos
Charles Masters

Soft scrambled eggs are wrapped in warm corn tortillas for the perfect breakfast taco. If you like things spicy, try adding diced chilis to the eggs or using pepper jack instead of regular jack.

Get the recipe: Scrambled Egg Breakfast Tacos

12 of 25

Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Muffin Strata

Bacon, Egg, and Cheese English Muffin Strata
Brie Passano

If you thought the only way to enjoy muffin breakfast sandwiches was by driving to your local fast-food restaurant, think again. This elevated version brings all the flavor of your favorite sandwich and brings it together in casserole form to feed a big crowd.

Get the recipe: Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Muffin Strata

13 of 25

Beet Tahini Muffins

Beet Tahini Muffins
Jennifer Causey

Blueberry muffins might be the most beloved (we adore them, too), but there's always room for new options in the bread basket. Veggies like carrots and zucchini get most of the baked goods love, but the beets in these muffins add a lot of moisture and flavor. Nutty tahini blunts the sweetness of pure maple syrup for an all-around delightful muffin that no one will know is hiding a secret (healthy) ingredient.

Get the recipe: Beet Tahini Muffins

14 of 25

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Scones

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Scones
Victor Protasio

If you're looking for out-of-the-box brunch ideas, scones are sure to fit the bill. These fluffy baked goods resemble a large biscuit, but they may be sweet or savory and incorporate any number of flavorful ingredients. Here, white chocolate and macadamia nuts combine to make a scone that can be the sweet treat to balance a plate of eggs and sausage. For the best bite, wait to make and spoon the glaze over the scones until right before serving.

Get the recipe: White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Scones

15 of 25

French Toast

French Toast
JMichl/Getty

Classic French toast is welcome in any list of brunch food ideas. In fact, it should be mandatory. You can use up the remaining challah or brioche you picked up at last week's farmers' market. The now-dry slices are preferred for French toast because they retain a bit of toothsome chew even after they're soaked in the egg custard. Top with berries, syrup, or a smear of preserves.

Get the recipe: French Toast

16 of 25

French Toast Soufflé

French Toast Soufflé
Grace Elkus

You may have few opportunities to experiment and have fun in the kitchen during a typical week, so take the opportunity with your next brunch to try your hand at soufflé. While savory soufflés would be a fine brunch treat, we like this sweet one because it's inspired by one of our all-time favorite brunch foods, French toast.

Get the recipe: French Toast Soufflé

17 of 25

Healthy Banana Bread

Banana Bread on Wooden Cutting Board with One Slice Cut
Grace Elkus

Quick breads are an easy make-ahead brunch recipe. Whip up the banana bread the night before your meal so it can cool completely. Then, slice the bread, and smear butter or cream cheese over each slice. Finish with a drizzle of honey or a dusting of cinnamon. For a full brunch menu, serve with fruit and a slice or two of crispy bacon.

Get the recipe: Healthy Banana Bread

18 of 25

Brown Butter Waffles

brown-butter-waffles-1219big
Greg DuPree

Kick your waffle game into high gear with the addition of brown butter. These are bound to go quickly, so think about making a double batch. Serve them with fresh butter, fruit, or whipped cream.

Get the recipe: Brown Butter Waffles

19 of 25

Strawberry Buckle With Pecan Streusel

Strawberry Buckle with Pecan Streusel
J Muckle

Buckles take their name from the way their buttery yellow cake “buckles” when baked under the weight of juicy berries and crunchy streusel. This one makes the perfect accompaniment to savory brunch offerings.

Get the recipe: Strawberry Buckle with Pecan Streusel

20 of 25

Cherry Breakfast Custard

Cherry Berry Breakfast Custard Recipe
Greg DuPree

This jam-packed berry breakfast treat takes cues from the French clafoutis—a custard-like dish that rises around juicy fruit. It's sweet enough to satisfy a morning craving but won't send you crashing mid-morning—plus, it's easy to make on a lazy Sunday morning but also beautiful for impressing guests.

Get the recipe: Cherry Berry Breakfast Custard

21 of 25

Breakfast Wreath

Breakfast Wreath
Greg DuPree

Not only is this baked wreath delicious, but it will look great on your brunch buffet table. No one needs to know easy it was to make. Just go ahead and let guests think you spent hours in the kitchen.

Get the recipe: Breakfast Wreath

22 of 25

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Iced cinnamon rolls
Jennifer Causey

There's nothing like the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. The recipe calls for a bit of work, but it is definitely worth it. Serve warm while the icing is still melty, and the cinnamon filling is gooey.

Get the recipe: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

23 of 25

Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding

Croissant and Chocolate Bread Pudding
Con Poulos

This decadent chocolate bread pudding couldn't be easier: Combine all the ingredients and bake for 30 minutes. It's rich and creamy and goes perfectly with a fresh cup of coffee.

Get the recipe: Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding

24 of 25

Big Batch Morning Glory Baked Oatmeal

Baked Oatmeal
Greg DuPree

Big-batch cooking is great for crowds, and this recipe is no exception. Baking the oats allows them to soak up the flavors of the fresh fruit and spices. The result is a sweet baked treat with a crunch top crust.

Get the recipe: Big Batch Morning Glory Baked Oatmeal

25 of 25

German Pancakes

German Pancake Recipe for 4
Christopher Baker

Forget the maple syrup. German pancakes call for fruit jam and powdered sugar. And there's no flipping involved with this pancake. The batter cooks in a large cast iron skillet inside the oven.

Get the recipe: German Pancakes

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