These Hassle-Free Brunch Ideas might make your next get-together easier! Get set for some easy make-ahead, self-serve, something-for-everyone brunch ideas. Brunch is by far my favourite “meal” to host…it’s casual, it’s mid-day (so you have time to relax after) and it’s so family friendly. Here are a few tips for hassle-free brunch ideas…
Hassle-Free Brunch Ideas
Buffet.
A buffet style brunch allows people to pick the foods and portion sizes which they are most comfortable with on their own. Plus, you don’t have to serve or pass a thing! This is especially beneficial when your guest list has a wide-scope of food sensitivities. You lay out choices and the sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy free, no nuts, no carbs, vegetarian, vegan folk can all choose what fits best for them.
Consider laying down brown parchment paper (available at dollar and craft stores) as a table cloth. You can place the food plates down and then use a permanent marker to write the food items with arrows directed towards the plate. This will give your guests an indication of what’s on the menu. For example: French toast casserole.
Here are some hassle-free brunch ideas for both savory buffets as well as sweet buffets.
Food Groups for Savory Buffets
Bread basket
Bagels, pita, naan, baguette slices, wraps, breads.
Meat tray
Ham, turkey, chicken, roast beef, smoked salmon, prosciutto, jambon serano.
Casseroles
OVEN BAKED POTATO CHEESE OMELETTE, French toast (see below for recipe), mac n’ cheese (a favourite for kids).
Cheese board
Oka, Cheddar, Brie, Camembert, Cambozola, Swiss, Manchego.
Antipasto bowls
Olives of different varieties.
Fruit tray
Watermelon, cantaloupe, melon, strawberries, pineapple, raspberries, blackberries.
Food Groups for Sweet Buffets
Bread-ish things
Pancakes, waffles, crepes,MAKE-AHEAD FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE RECIPE, croissants, brioche. All can be stand alones or you could make pancake bars, waffle bars, crepe bars, etc…with the addition of syrups, jams, jellies, butter, icing sugar, fruit, nutella, etc.
Fruit tray
Watermelon, cantaloupe, melon, strawberries, pineapple, raspberries, blackberries.
You’ll notice I don’t have any scrambled eggs or fried eggs on the list — because that will be yucky once cold. The beauty of a brunch is that nothing is short-order-cook-required. You can make ahead most things and then enjoy being with your company (rather than slaving for company).
Great ideas for an easy brunch. I like that things don’t have to be prepared while company is there – I’d rather visit than cook during the brunch.
I am a big fan of french toast and mixed fruit on a buffet! Love these hassle free brunch ideas!!! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Thanks for the great ideas and helpful tips !
I like to serve waffles and fruit to my houseguests.
I like the food variety because it is easier than trying to guess what everyone likes. Also each person might like different amounts of food depending on how hungry they are.