A good brunch table feels abundant but relaxed, with enough variety that everyone can build a plate they are happy with. No complicated dishes needed, just the basics and focus on one or two dishes to add something special to the table.
Brunch has a way of bringing everyone together around a spread of comforting, familiar recipes that feel welcoming to both kids and adults alike.
How to create the best brunch table
What makes a family-friendly brunch truly work is flexibility. I often serve a brunch when I know I have too much food in the fridge that is on its last legs. Make use of your soon to be expired bananas with these banana waffles. The sweetness of the bananas really make this delicious. Serve with my lemon or saffron syrup or regular maple syrup, fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt to cut the sweetness. Other fun twists are my pancake recipes, apple and cinnamon pancakes and apple and peanut butter pancakes.
Waffles made with carrots bring something a little unexpected to the table while still feeling comforting and familiar. Use up the soft slightly wilted carrots that you found at the back of the fridge to continue the no food waste vibe. Crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, these waffles also add some sneaky vegetables to the brunch table.
If you are serving your brunch when it is warm outside, make a big batch of my blended ice coffee. It is easy to make in a mixer with coffee ice cubes, milk and espresso.
To round out the spread, include breakfast staples such as softly scrambled eggs, fresh fruit bowls, your favourite bread or buns. I recently made these easy kaiser buns and I was surprised how easily it was to make the knots look as if made at the bakery. Serve with a spread of cream cheeses and jams.
Substitutes
Make this brunch table a favourite for your family and friends needs. Add vegetarian and vegan options as necessary. Gluten free or lactose free substitutes are in abundance nowadays. A brunch should bring everyone together, and let them eat what they want. A brunch table usually has a mix of sweet and savoury foods, light and hearty options, and items that are easy to share. Make it a pot luck and let everyone bring their favourite brunch dish.
Freezable brunch dishes
Lots of dishes on my brunch table are freezable, I do this deliberately as I tend to make too much of everything and to avoid food waste, put it in the freezer. Make sure everything has cooled before you bring it to the freezer. Pack it securely to avoid freezer burns and leave it in the freezer for no more than three months.
You can always make a mini brunch with the leftovers on a weekday. It is quick and easy to bring out of the freezer the night before, ready to set up in the morning for a weekday treat.
Big batch cooking tips
When it comes to make big batches for a brunch, the oven is your friend. Use it to cook large quantities of something that you will normally cook on the stove top or use it to keep food heated before serving.
This brunch collection is about ease, warmth and togetherness. It is designed for slow weekends, holidays and gatherings where the table is full and no one is in a rush to leave. Explore the brunch collection below to find a new favourite or inspiration for your own creation.
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