The weekend brunch — aka my absolute favorite tradition that I religiously look forward to each week. I mean, is there anything better than catching up with your favorite people, all while enjoying a spread of delicious, mouthwatering breakfast foods (table pancakes anyone)? It does, when you add a little sunshine into the equation.
With the warmer weather finally here, there’s no better excuse to host your own outdoor brunch party. As a former luxury event planner, planning parties is kind of my thing, and there’s nothing I love more than coming up with an excuse to get my favorite friends together and host a little outdoor party this time of year. Here are some of my favorite pro tips for hosting a chic AF backyard brunch party of your own.
In this post, I’ll share with you my pro tips for hosting your own, chic AF backyard brunch party, as well as over 45 of the best brunch party recipe ideas to make your menu unforgettable. From sweet to savory, from breakfast classics to elevated twists on your brunch favorites, this list of brunch recipes will satisfy every guest at your table.
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TIPS FOR HOSTING THE PERFECT BRUNCH PARTY
1. CHOOSING A SIMPLE MENU FULL OF DELICIOUS FOOD
When it comes to the menu, keeping it simple is key. Opt for dishes that are easy to share and enjoy in a casual setting. A mix of sweet and savory options ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Consider a buffet-style spread with a variety of dishes that you can prep ahead of time, like my favorite sweet or savory Breakfast casserole recommendations below. Fresh fruit and pastries from your favorite bakery are easy additions to add to the mix, and, of course, a build your own mimosa or bloody Mary bar to keep everyone hydrated and satisfied.
2. PREP AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AHEAD OF TIME
To ensure a stress-free hosting experience, prep as much as you can in advance. From menu planning to visiting the grocery store to setting the table, tackling tasks ahead of time leaves you free to enjoy the party alongside your guests. Consider preparing make-ahead dishes that only need to be reheated or assembled on the day of the event. I also like to lay out all of my plates, utensils and assign serving platters ahead of time, to make set up a breeze the day of your soirée. There’s no better way to host than to spend less time in the kitchen, actually enjoy your own party and allow yourself to have a good time with your guests.
3. SET THE AMBIANCE
Creating the right ambiance sets the tone for any party. When hosting a little get-together I like to first start with the theme, color pallete or vibe that I’m trying to create and go from there. Add some pops of color with vibrant tablecloths, table decor, napkins, or create a beautiful table setting with fresh flowers. Creating a playlist can be another fun way to set the mood. Make sure that there’s plenty of seating and areas for guests to congregate and mingle. And last but not least, another great outdoor brunch idea is to set up some shade out of the warm weather, whether it’s with umbrellas or canopies.
With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to hosting a memorable outdoor brunch party that your guests won’t soon forget. Cheers to sunny gatherings and the simple pleasures of good food and even better company xx
brunch party essentials
BRUNCH RECIPE IDEAS
Whether your ideal brunch dish of choice is something mouthwatering and savory, or you prefer to indulge in something sweet, I’ve got you covered with over 45 delicious brunch recipe ideas that will satisfy any pallet. Let’s be honest, the perfect brunch menu consists of both sweet and savory dishes, so why bother choosing one or the other?
From your classic breakfast favorites to elevated takes on the best brunch dishes, these brunch recipe ideas will be sure to impress your guests and help you to throw an unforgettable brunch party of your own.
savory dishes
egg dishes
Elevate your brunch game with egg dishes that boast a modern twist. From classic eggs benedict to the spicy flavors of shakshuka and Turkish eggs, these savory delights are sure to impress any palate. Whether you prefer to serve your eggs poached, scrambled, or baked to perfection, there’s no denying the versatility and appeal of these timeless brunch classics.
savory breakfast casserole
Indulge guests in the hearty goodness of a savory breakfast casserole that you can easily prep ahead of time and just pop in the oven right before guests arrive. From a delicious loaded mexican breakfast potatoes skillet to a decadent ham and cheddar croissant bake, these crowd-pleasing dishes are perfect for feeding a hungry brunch crew. We also love the ideas of little individual brunch casseroles like the Italian baked eggs. With layers of savory ingredients like crispy bacon, melted cheese, and fluffy eggs, each bite is a delicious blend of flavors and textures that will leave your guests coming back for more. Bonus, these casseroles are easy to prepare ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the party without being stuck in the kitchen.
breakfast pizza
Take brunch to a whole new level with one of these insanely decadent breakfast pizzas. Whether you opt for a healtheier version of a potato base topped with smoked salmon or savory sausage with a baked runny egg, these crispy delights are literally a surefire hit at any brunch gathering. The beauty of breakfast pizza also lies in its versatility – you can customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences or the dietary restrictions of your guests. Plus, with a crispy crust and melty cheese, it’s the ultimate brunch, and let’s be real, hangover food, that’s guaranteed to please everyone. I’m honestly drooling just looking at these recipes.
breakfast sandwhich
Another drool worthy menu option for your brunch party is one of these sinfully delicious breakfast sandwhiches. With a crispy waffle bun, juicy fried chicken, and a drizzle of maple syrup, these tantalizingly decadent chicken and waffle breakfast sandwich that combines sweet and savory flavors and are easy to make ahead of time. Why not allow guests to customize their own sandwhiches, by creating a build your own breakfast sandwhich bar with fun ingredients like bacon, spicy jalapenos and tangy barbecue sauce.
breakfast tacos
As a Southern California girl, I could literally eat Mexican food for every single meal and never get tired of it. In my opinion, the perfect brunch food is hands down a California Breakfast Burrito. Egg, cheese, sausage, avocado with a bit of salsa and hot sauce = chef’s kiss. Spice up your brunch party by serving up one of these Mexican inspired breakfast dishes that are busting with delicious flavors and are guaranteed to please. We obviously love a “build-your-own bar”, so why not do a breakfast taco bar? They’re easy to assemble and eat on the go, making them perfect for a casual outdoor brunch gathering.
toasts
Dress up your boring old breakfast toast and serve up mini breakfast toasts as an easy appetizer at your brunch party. Whether topped with creamy avocado, juicy roasted strawberries, or savory mushrooms, these delectable little are an easy addition to any brunch spread. With endless topping combinations to choose from, you can get creative and experiment with different flavor profiles to suit your preference.
savory crepes
Savory crepes are one of my favorite “party tricks”. They’re an easy and delicious way to add a touch of sophistication to your brunch menu. With a light and airy texture, savory crepes make the perfect canvas for a variety of fillings, from classic combinations like ham and Swiss cheese to more adventurous options like spinach and goat cheese.
SWEET BRUNCH DISHES
When planning out your brunch party menu, of course, you can’t forget a sweet breakfast dish to satisfy your guest’s sweet tooth. It’s the best part of the meal in my opinion. From pancake fruit-filled “tacos” to indulgent waffle sandwiches, these decadent treats are an upgrade from the usual store bough donuts and pastries, that will impress guests and are the perfect ending to any brunch feast.
french toast
French toast is an incredibly easy brunch dish that you can easily make in advance for your party, and can be enjoyed both sweet or savory. Elevate this classic breakfast food with unique toppings like brown sugared peaches or layered with the ultimate umami flavor – mushrooms. Surprise guests with a savory version of this classic, or surprise guests with a stuffed version full of cream cheese and berry compote. Each bite will leave your guests craving more.
sweet breakfast casserole
Casseroles are such an easy way to feed a lot of guests, and even better, they can be prepped the day before and just popped in the oven before guests arrive. From a buttery croissant bake to a comforting baked oatmeal, sweet breakfast casseroles are perfect for satisfying your guest’s sweet tooth. Loaded with layers of sweet ingredients like fresh fruit, cinnamon, and syrup, each bite is a heavenly delight that will have you coming back for seconds.
sweet crepes
Transport guests to the streets of Paris with the delicate flavors of sweet crepes, filled with a delectable array of fillings like Nutella, bananas, and whipped cream. These light and airy delights are the perfect way to add an elegant sweet dish to your brunch. With their thin, delicate texture and endless filling possibilities, sweet crepes are a customizable treat that will impress your brunch guests.
breads + pastries
No brunch spread is complete without a selection of freshly baked breads and pastries. From flaky savory croissants to ooey gooey cinnamon rolls, brunch is all about indulging, isn’t it? Whether served warm from the oven or at room temperature, breads and pastries add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your outdoor brunch party. Plus, they’re easy to prepare ahead of time, and will leave you looking like a regular Martha Stewart, literally baking anything from scratch these days. And if you prefer to pick up some treats at your favorite local bakery to save some time, I promise you, no one will be complaining one bit.
yogurt + chia seed pudding
Another great addition to your brunch menu can be adding a refreshing and healthy option like a yogurt and fruit dish. Serve up an individual parfait with layers of granola, chia pudding and fresh fruit or create a trifle, like this passion fruit one below, that you can serve buffet style. It’s also a great way to add a bit of color to your brunch vibes.
breakfast grazing boards
A new party trend that I’m seeing everywhere is the grazing board, which is an array of nibbles beautifully arranged on big platters for guests to casually graze on. I absolutely love the idea of creating a breakfast themed grazing board for your brunch party, especially because they can made in advance and are fun to create. Picture a smoked salmon bagel grazing board adorned with a variety of different bagels, smoked salmon, tangy cream cheese, and an assortment of fresh toppings like capers, red onion slices, and lemon wedges. For those with a sweet tooth, a pancake and waffle grazing board offers fluffy stacks of pancakes, golden waffles, and an assortment of toppings such as maple syrup, fresh berries, and whipped cream. Or why not make a bacon board with crispy strips of bacon and a selection of dipping sauces like sriracha mayo and sweet maple glaze.
side dishes
Round out your brunch menu with a selection of flavorful side dishes that complement your main courses. From crispy hash browns to fresh salads and seasonal fruit, side dishes add variety and balance to your outdoor brunch party. Whether served as accompaniments to savory dishes or as standalone offerings, side dishes are an essential component of any successful brunch spread.
In this post I’ll share my favorite backyard breakfast party ideas and recipes! You’ll love these over 50+ brunch food recipes for a crowd!
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