If there’s one time of the weekend we can all look forward to, it’s brunch. The weekends often call for a treat, and brunch is the perfect way to have your lunch and dessert and eat it too. Over the years, the concept of brunch has evolved from an excuse to wake up later on Sundays into a full-scale restaurant service, complete with its own modern-day comfort food essentials. Simple pancakes and waffles get the royal treatment with fancy, decorative toppings. Hearty egg dishes such as frittatas, quiches and of course, Eggs Benedict, are the star of everyone’s favorite mid-morning weekend activity.
Serving brunch at home means no packed restaurants or long wait times. Bringing the party to your home is a great way to catch up with family and friends without having to worry about grabbing a table or spending too much money. Whether you plan to host a simple brunch for an small crowd or a potluck party, we’ve got some delicious, no-fuss recipes that will dazzle your guests and keep them satisfied all morning long. And best of all, you can make some of these recipes ahead of time and pop them in the oven to warm up in time to serve.
Bacon Avocado and Cheese Omelets with Tomato Salsa
The perfect omelet is always hearty, savory and enticing. Crumbled bacon, rich avocado, melted cheese–what more could you ask for in an omelet? Our California-cuisine inspired omelet is topped off with a simple homemade salsa to help kick things up a notch. The result? A stunning display of fresh, delicious flavors. To keep things extra healthy, we use soy cheese but you may substitute with any of your favorite cheeses.
Heirloom Tomato, Basil and Cream Cheese Frittata
Who doesn’t love a well-made frittata? Perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner and of course, brunch, frittatas are every bit as versatile as they are appealing. The cool thing about frittatas are that you could use just about any leftovers you have lying around. We believe that some of the best things are served in a skillet and this classic brunch staple is no exception. Colorful heirloom tomatoes, basil and cream cheese set the stage for our frittata with their luscious, elegant flavors.
Though a quiche and a frittata may look similar, there are subtle differences. Eggs are the star of the show in a frittata whereas quiche commonly has both eggs and cream or milk as the key ingredient. Sweet and buttery carnival squash combined with nutmeg and nuts makes for an exquisite combination of flavors. When it’s your turn to host a brunch party, this easy, make ahead-dish is sure to impress your guests.
Eggs Benedict with Chipotle Hollandaise
Eggs Benedict are, inarguably, the most iconic of all brunch menu items. There’s something unforgettable about the combination of poached eggs, Canadian bacon and lemony Hollandaise sauce. When it comes to the perfect Eggs Benedict, the secret is truly in the sauce. We’ve got a homemade hollandaise sauce recipe for you that’s fired up with two little secret ingredients: chipotle pepper sauce and Don Enrique Hot Pico de Gallo seasoning.
Dried Cranberry Pixie-Tangerine Scones with Pixie Tangerine Sauce
This recipe comes just in time for Ojai Pixie Tangerine season. Because of all the wonderful menu options available at brunch, scones are sometimes overlooked. However, these cranberry-tangerine scones are far from invisible. Delightfully sweet and juicy, Ojai Pixie Tangerines give these scones an unforgettable aroma with a punch of citrus and tangy cranberry flavor. And the best part? These scones are finished with a caramelized Ojai Pixie tangerine sauce.
Organic Strawberry and Organic Kiwi Crepes with Passion Fruit Sauce
Crepes are a lighter, chewier French version of pancakes with twice the charm. In France, crepes can be eaten breakfast, lunch and dinner and is filled with a variety of sweet or savory fillings. Because of their versatility, they also make the perfect brunch dishes. We like to pair our crepes with organic strawberries and organic kiwis and drizzle it with a homemade passion fruit sauce. Trust us, these are a sweet treat that is sure to make you feel like you’re having dessert for brunch.
Iced Green Tea Dazzler with Orange and Ginger
For those who don’t feel like boozing during brunch, our iced green tea dazzler is a refreshing non-alcoholic option. Zesty orange and spicy ginger gives this sparkling green tea its extra kick, which is sure to wake you up during brunch. And although this drink goes beautifully with brunch, it can be sipped on all day long.
The perfect excuse to sip on champagne and orange juice is always brunch. Sweet and bubbly, mimosas are incredibly easy to make with your favorite champagne or sparkling wine. Citrus season is in full swing, which means taking advantage of all the specialty citrus available. We chose blood oranges for their vibrant ruby-red color, which looks absolutely gorgeous in this beloved brunch cocktail.
Do you usually participate in brunch during the weekend? What’s your favorite item to have during brunch? Share with us your best brunch recipes!