12 Brunch Recipes That Make a Lazy Morning Feel Festive

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Smoked Salmon Bagel Board

This brunch board feels celebratory with almost no cooking. Everyone can build a plate they actually want, which keeps the morning calm. The mix of creamy, salty, and crunchy toppings makes it feel like a real spread.

You will need 6 bagels, 8 ounces smoked salmon, 8 ounces cream cheese, 1 tablespoon capers, 1 small red onion sliced thin, 1 cucumber sliced, 1 lemon cut into wedges, 2 tablespoons chopped dill, and optional extras like sliced tomatoes, everything seasoning, and a handful of grapes or berries.

Toast the bagels, then arrange everything on a large board or sheet pan so it is easy to reach. Prep time is about 15 minutes, and you can keep it cold in the fridge for up to 2 hours before serving if you want to set it up early. Serve with lemon wedges and dill so each bite can be bright and fresh.

Overnight Cinnamon Roll Casserole

This casserole gives you that cinnamon roll feeling without standing at the counter all morning. The top gets golden while the inside stays soft and creamy. It is great when you want something warm and sweet with coffee.

You will need 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls, 4 large eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and the icing packets that come with the rolls.

Cut the cinnamon rolls into quarters and spread them in a buttered 9 by 13 inch baking dish, then whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon and pour it over the top. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or let it soak 20 minutes if you are baking right away, then drizzle with melted butter. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and bake time is 30 to 35 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until set, then warm the icing packets for a few seconds and drizzle over the casserole before serving.

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes With Berries

These pancakes are tender and a little creamy, with a light lemon taste that feels bright on New Year morning. Ricotta keeps them soft without making them heavy. A pile of berries on top makes the plate look like a celebration.

You will need 1 and 1 half cups all purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 quarter teaspoon salt, 1 cup milk, 2 large eggs, 1 cup ricotta, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 lemon for zest and 1 tablespoon juice, and 2 cups mixed berries plus syrup or honey for serving.

Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in one bowl, then whisk milk, eggs, ricotta, butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice in another and stir the wet into the dry until just combined. Let the batter rest 5 minutes while you heat a skillet over medium, then cook pancakes in 1 quarter cup scoops for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden. Prep time is about 15 minutes, and cook time is about 15 minutes, then serve with berries and syrup.

New Year’s Waffle Bar

Waffles make brunch feel fun because everyone can build their own plate. You can keep it relaxed while still putting out a spread that looks generous. The toppings do most of the work.

You will need 2 cups all purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 quarter teaspoon salt, 2 cups milk, 2 large eggs, 6 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and toppings like sliced bananas, berries, warm jam, chocolate chips, whipped cream, chopped nuts, and syrup.

Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, then whisk milk, eggs, butter, and vanilla and stir until the batter is smooth. Cook in a preheated waffle iron according to your machine, usually 3 to 5 minutes per waffle, then keep waffles warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven on a baking sheet. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cook time is about 20 minutes, then set out toppings in small bowls and let everyone build their plate.

Ham and Cheese Breakfast Sliders

These sliders are warm, soft, and easy to grab with one hand. They are great for a lazy morning because you bake a whole tray at once. A little buttery top makes them feel extra satisfying.

You will need 12 Hawaiian rolls, 8 large eggs, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon butter, 8 ounces sliced ham, 8 slices cheddar or Swiss, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Whisk eggs with milk, salt, and pepper, then scramble them in butter until just set, so they do not dry out in the oven. Split the rolls, layer ham, eggs, and cheese, put the tops back on, and brush with melted butter. Prep time is about 15 minutes, and bake time is 10 to 12 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese melts, then slice and serve warm.

Shakshuka With Feta and Warm Bread

Shakshuka brings big comfort with minimal effort. Eggs poach right in the tomato sauce, so there is only one pan to wash. Feta on top adds salty bites that feel lively.

You will need 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 small onion diced, 1 bell pepper diced, 3 cloves garlic minced, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 half teaspoon cumin, 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 ounces, 6 large eggs, 1 half cup crumbled feta, salt and pepper, and warm bread for serving.

Cook onion and pepper in olive oil over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes until soft, then stir in garlic and spices for 30 seconds and add tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes until slightly thick, then make 6 small wells and crack an egg into each one, cover, and cook 6 to 8 minutes until the whites set. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cook time is about 20 minutes, then top with feta and serve with warm bread for dipping.

Spinach and Gruyere Strata

A strata is a great choice when you want a make ahead brunch that still feels cozy and filling. Bread soaks up the custard and turns soft like a savory pudding. Gruyere adds a mellow, nutty flavor that tastes grown up without scaring kids.

You will need 8 cups cubed day old bread, 2 cups packed baby spinach, 2 cups shredded Gruyere, 6 large eggs, 2 and 1 half cups milk, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 quarter teaspoon salt, and 1 quarter teaspoon pepper.

Spread bread in a greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish, scatter spinach and Gruyere over it, then whisk eggs, milk, mustard, salt, and pepper and pour it evenly on top. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight so the bread can soak up the custard. Prep time is about 15 minutes, and bake time is 45 to 55 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until puffed and set, then rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Mini Quiches With Mixed Fillings

Mini quiches make the table look festive, yet they are easy to bake in one go. The small size helps kids grab one and keep moving, and adults can try a few flavors. They also reheat well if people snack slowly.

You will need 1 refrigerated pie crust, 6 large eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 cup shredded cheese, 1 quarter teaspoon salt, 1 quarter teaspoon pepper, and up to 1 and 1 half cups fillings such as cooked bacon crumbles, chopped spinach, diced ham, sautéed mushrooms, or diced bell pepper.

Cut the pie crust into 12 circles and press them into a greased muffin tin, then whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper and stir in the cheese and your chosen fillings. Fill each cup about three quarters full, since they puff as they bake. Prep time is about 20 minutes, and bake time is 18 to 22 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until set, then cool 5 minutes before lifting them out.

Sheet Pan Breakfast Nachos

Breakfast nachos feel playful, and they keep everyone hovering near the kitchen in a good way. You get crispy chips, melty cheese, and warm toppings in one pan. The fresh toppings at the end make it feel bright and fresh.

You will need 8 ounces tortilla chips, 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack, 1 cup black beans drained, 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage or cooked diced peppers, 6 large eggs, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 avocado sliced, 1 cup salsa, and optional sour cream or hot sauce.

Spread chips on a sheet pan, scatter beans, sausage or veggies, and cheese over the top, then bake 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F (205°C) until the cheese melts. While it bakes, scramble eggs in butter until just set, then spoon them over the hot nachos and top with avocado and salsa. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cook time is about 15 minutes, then serve right away so the chips stay crisp.

Yogurt Parfait Party Cups

Parfaits feel light, pretty, and calm after a busy season. They take almost no time, but they still look like a planned brunch. The layers also keep picky eaters happy because they can control the mix.

You will need 4 cups plain or vanilla yogurt, 2 cups granola, 2 cups mixed berries, 2 tablespoons honey, and optional extras like chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or a pinch of cinnamon.

Spoon yogurt into glasses or small bowls, add berries, then add granola so it stays crunchy, and repeat until the cups are full. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and you can set out toppings in small bowls so everyone can build their own. Drizzle honey over the top right before serving, and add a pinch of cinnamon if you like a warmer flavor.

Breakfast Charcuterie Board

A breakfast board makes the morning feel relaxed because people can graze at their own pace. It also works well when kids wake up at different times. The mix of sweet and salty keeps everyone happy.

You will need 2 cups berries, 2 cups sliced fruit, 8 mini muffins or 6 croissants, 4 ounces cheddar, 4 ounces brie or cream cheese, 1 cup jam or honey, 8 slices cooked bacon or 10 breakfast sausages, and 6 hard boiled eggs or a small bowl of scrambled eggs.

Cook bacon or sausage first, then arrange everything on a large board with small bowls for jam and honey. Prep time is about 20 minutes if you are cooking meat and boiling eggs, and about 10 minutes if you are using ready items. Serve right away, or cover and refrigerate the board for up to 1 hour and add pastries at the last minute so they stay fresh.

Baked Eggs in Puff Pastry

These little pastry squares look like something from a cafe, yet they are made with a few store bought ingredients. The flaky layers and soft egg center feel cozy and special. They are also easy to pair with fruit for a full plate.

You will need 1 sheet puff pastry thawed, 4 large eggs, 1 half cup shredded cheese, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon milk, salt and pepper, and chopped chives for serving.

Cut puff pastry into 4 squares, score a border about 1 inch from the edge, and brush the border with milk, then bake 10 minutes at 400°F (205°C) until it puffs. Press the center down gently, spread a thin layer of Dijon, sprinkle on cheese, and crack an egg into each center, then bake 8 to 10 minutes more until the whites set. Prep time is about 15 minutes, and bake time is about 20 minutes, then top with chives and serve warm.