Brunch has become a popular weekend tradition for many. More than just breakfast or more than just lunch, brunch combines the best of both weekend meals into one delicious mid-morning spread. A typical brunch menu brings together breakfast classics like pancakes, waffles, and eggs with lunch favorites like sandwiches, burgers, and salads. The possibilities are endless when it comes to crafting the perfect brunch menu. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common brunch menu items and dishes to help you plan your next weekend brunch.
Popular Brunch Entrees
The star of any brunch is usually the main entree. Here are some of the most popular brunch entrees you’ll find on typical brunch menus:
Eggs Benedict
Eggs Benedict is a brunch classic for good reason. Poached eggs and Canadian bacon or smoked salmon are served atop a toasted English muffin and finished with hollandaise sauce. It’s a protein-packed way to start your day.
Omelets
Omelets are a brunch staple. Filled with cheese, vegetables, meats and more, omelets are a customizable breakfast option. Try classics like the Denver, Florentine or Spanish omelet.
Quiche
Quiche is a savory custard pie made with eggs, cheese and various fillings like spinach, mushroom and bacon. It’s tasty sliced up and served warm during brunch.
Pancakes
Fluffy, syrup-drenched pancakes are a requirement on any good brunch menu. Buttermilk, blueberry, chocolate chip – the options are endless when it comes to pancake flavor.
French Toast
Slices of bread dipped in an egg batter and fried to golden perfection, French toast hits the sweet spot. Top with fresh fruit, whipped cream or maple syrup.
Crepes
The thin French pancakes can be either savory or sweet. Fill them with veggies, cheese and meat or fresh fruit and chocolate-hazelnut spread.
Breakfast Burritos
Eggs, cheese, potatoes and bacon or chorizo sausage wrapped up in a warm tortilla make these easy to eat by hand.
Avocado Toast
This California-born brunch trend tops simply grilled bread with creamy mashed avocados, a squeeze of citrus and everything from red pepper flakes to poached eggs.
Lighter Brunch Options
While heavy meals like Benedicts and burritos may be typical brunch fare, light options have become popular brunch menu items too:
Yogurt Parfaits
Layers of yogurt, fresh fruit and granola make a tasty and healthier breakfast choice.
Fruit Salads
Liven up your menu with fresh fruit salads using the seasonal best like berries, melon, pineapple and more.
Granola & Muesli
Crunchy, toasted oat cereals like granola and muesli can be served with milk or yogurt and fresh fruit on the side.
Breakfast Tacos
Eggs, veggies and chicken or steak are neatly wrapped up in corn tortillas for an easy on-the-go option.
Bagel & Lox
A classic combo of smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomatoes, onions and capers atop a sliced everything bagel.
Breakfast Sandwiches
Grilled English muffins, croissants or biscuits make the perfect vessels for folded eggs, cheese and meat.
Sweets & Baked Goods
Every brunch menu needs a little something sweet. Here are the must-have pastries, desserts and breakfast breads:
Cinnamon Rolls
Gooey, cinnamon-swirled pastries are breakfast perfection. Drizzle with cream cheese frosting or icing.
Muffins
Bran, blueberry, banana nut and other muffin flavors are brunch bakery case staples.
Danishes
Flaky, multilayered pastry dough filled with sweet cheese or fruit fillings.
Scones
These tender quick breads can be flavored sweet or savory and served with clotted cream and jam.
Coffee Cake
Buttery cake laced with cinnamon and nuts provides morning decadence.
Donuts
Freshly fried donuts dusted with sugar or filled with jelly make sweet brunch treats.
Brunch Beverages
From hot coffee to cold cocktails, here are some beverage options for your brunch menu:
Coffee
Freshly brewed coffee is a given on any brunch menu. Offer regular or decaf along with cream, milk and sugar options.
Tea
A selection of hot tea bags and sachets provides a nice alternative to coffee.
Juice
Chilled orange, grapefruit, apple or other juices are ideal first sips.
Mimosa
A brunch classic of chilled sparkling wine and orange juice, served in a tall Champagne flute.
Bloody Mary
This savory vodka cocktail made with tomato juice is a natural pair with brunch.
Bellini
Chilled sparkling wine meets white peach puree in this refreshing Italian cocktail.
Spritzers
Fruity spritzers made with juice, wine and club soda are lighter brunch sippers.
Iced Tea
For a zero-proof option, offer freshly brewed iced tea.
Side Dishes
While the main event may be sweet or savory, brunch menus need tasty side dishes too:
Breakfast Potatoes
Cubes of fried potato seasoned with onions, peppers, herbs and spices.
Bacon & Sausage
Smoky, salty pork breakfast meats are brunch essentials.
Fresh Fruit
Sliced fruit, fruit salads or whole pieces provide something fresh.
Yogurt
Offer individual containers of yogurt to top with fresh fruit and granola.
Oatmeal
Hot cereal can be customized at the brunch buffet with toppings like brown sugar, raisins and milk.
Hash Browns
Shredded pan-fried potatoes provide the perfect crisp counterpart to brunch entrees.
Biscuits
Flaky, buttermilk biscuits with a pat of butter or sausage gravy on the side.
Sample Brunch Menus
Now let’s pull it all together into some sample brunch menus:
Menu A
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Menu B
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Menu C
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Conclusion
Brunch is the best of both breakfast and lunch combined into one larger weekend meal. Typical brunch menus offer a variety of sweet and savory dishes like eggs Benedict, pancakes, omelets, baked goods, fruit and sides. Beverage options range from coffees and teas to juices and cocktails like mimosas and Bloody Marys. With so many delicious items to choose from, the hardest part is narrowing down your favorites into the perfect brunch menu to enjoy good food and good company.