There’s something wonderfully luxurious about the idea of brunch. It’s a meal we usually only have on the weekends, and it’s synonymous with lie-ins, lazy mornings, and leisurely days with loved ones.
When it comes to brunch recipes, many of us have our favourites – from pancakes or fried eggs to bacon sandwiches or a full English. But there are many exciting variations of these tried-and-tested classics, as well as plenty of other mouthwatering brunch recipes you may never have tried.
So, to get you inspired – and looking forward to the weekend – here are nine of the most delicious brunch recipes.
1. Breakfast tacos
Fans of Tex-Mex food might want to try this recipe when the weekend rolls around.
While breakfast burritos have become popular in the UK in recent years, breakfast tacos aren’t quite as well known – yet. In Texas and New Mexico, they’re so beloved that several cities are battling to be the official birthplace of this tasty meal.
The beauty of breakfast tacos isn’t just that they’re filling and delicious, it’s that they’re extremely adaptable too. You can fill them with whatever you have to hand, and tweak them to suit different dietary restrictions.
Traditional breakfast tacos contain eggs, bacon, cheese, beans, and salsa. Avocado, potatoes, chorizo, onions, and hot sauce are often added too, but you can add or remove as many ingredients as you like. You can use sweet potatoes instead of normal potatoes, ground beef instead of chorizo, or omit the meat altogether and keep it veggie. There are many vegan varieties too, so everyone can enjoy this dish.
When it comes to toppings, you can get creative by adding jalapeños, salsa verde, chopped coriander, grated cheese, a dollop of sour cream…the list goes on.
To make classic avocado and bacon tacos, try this recipe from Downshiftology. For a veggie alternative, try this recipe from Gimme Some Oven – and to make it vegan, try this recipe from Tasty.
2. Omelette Arnold Bennett
If you’re in the mood for an omelette, why not treat yourself to what many consider to be the most indulgent omelette of all – omelette Arnold Bennett?
This rich dish was created for the eponymous early 20th-century writer while he was staying at London’s Savoy Hotel. Although Bennet was said to have enjoyed it as a post-theatre dinner.
But this omelette is far better suited to brunch, and – rather like the man himself – it’s nowhere near as well-known as it should be. Featuring firm white fish, a silky tangle of eggs, a luxuriously creamy sauce, and lashings of cheese, there’s a reason this dish is better eaten in the morning than in the evening!
There are many variations of omelette Arnold Bennett (it’s famously a dish chefs like to put their own spin on!) but the key ingredient is smoked fish. While haddock was originally used, as stocks are running low, if you can’t find sustainable smoked haddock, pollock works well too. Whatever fish you use should be gently poached so it remains juicy and tender.
The original recipe used a mix of hollandaise and bechamel sauces, which were then cut with cream. This may be too indulgent for many of us – if so, just whip up your favourite white sauce. Parmesan, cheddar, and gruyere are all used, so again, it’s your choice when it comes to cheese. Just remember to top it with chopped chives!
To make omelette Arnold Bennett, try this recipe from Lost in Food.
3. Cilbir (Turkish Eggs)
If poached eggs are your go-to brunch recipe, why not try a new version of this classic dish?
Cilbir – also known as Turkish eggs – is one of the most popular breakfasts in Turkey, and it’s not difficult to see why. The thought of pairing poached eggs with yoghurt and aromatic spiced butter might sound unusual, but just wait until you try it!
This is a simple brunch that packs a serious punch. Perfectly poached eggs are served on a bed of creamy, garlicky yoghurt, and then drizzled with warm paprika and red pepper oil. Traditionally, cilibir is meant to be spicy, but you can ease up on the heat if you prefer milder dishes. You can use olive oil instead of butter too.
Making the garlicky yoghurt is easy. Just whisk together some chopped garlic with salt and Greek yoghurt, but make sure the yoghurt is at room temperature first. Heat the oil or butter in a pan, then stir in your spices. Aleppo pepper is best, though chilli flakes also work well – and paprika or smoked paprika adds a lovely depth.
Once the eggs are done, serve the cilbir immediately. Spoon the yoghurt onto a plate, drizzle over half the oil or butter, top with eggs, and then add the rest of the oil or butter. Sprinkle with chopped dill or parsley, and serve with some chunky rustic bread to scoop up every last drop!
To make cilbir, try this recipe from Alpha Foodie.
4. Banana pancakes
Pancakes are another brunch classic, but for a slightly healthier – but no less tasty – alternative, you might want to make banana pancakes.
Quick, easy, and seriously satisfying, banana pancakes are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and adaptable for just about any diet.
There are countless recipes for banana pancakes, so if you have some ripe bananas in your kitchen, you can almost always whip some together without popping to the shops. You can even make banana pancakes with just two ingredients: eggs and bananas. To make this super simple and speedy brunch, try this recipe from The Kitchn.
These banana pancakes from Once Upon A Chef are another great option. Made with flour, milk, eggs, and baking powder, they’re naturally flavoured with sweet bananas and an optional drop of vanilla essence. They’ll likely keep you full for hours – and they’re even more delicious with a drizzle of maple syrup on top.
Or, if you’re vegan – or don’t eat eggs or dairy – why not make Meera Sodha’s plant-based banana pancakes from The Guardian? Made with ripe bananas, oat milk, sugar, flour, and finished off with a dollop of tahini yoghurt and some blueberries, these delicate pancakes are the perfect weekend brunch.
5. Croque madame
If you’re a fan of ham and cheese sandwiches, why not make a croque madame?
The French croque madame sandwich is very similar to the more famous croque monsieur, which is a toasted sandwich made with ham, béchamel, and Gruyère cheese. However, the croque madame has an extra selling point: a fried egg on top.
With soft, melted cheese, runny egg yolk, and a traditional creamy Mornay sauce, this is a seriously extravagant sandwich, so it’s definitely best suited to a special brunch rather than an on-the-go breakfast. But, if you love sandwiches and cheese toasties, this might become your new favourite treat!
While croque monsieur translates as ‘mister crunch’, the croque madame is the ‘feminine’ version – because the fried egg on top of the sandwich is said to resemble a woman’s traditional wide-brimmed hat!
Because this luxurious sandwich is packed with layers of sliced ham, grated cheese, creamy sauce, and a runny fried egg, it’s a lot to handle – so it’s key to use sturdy, thick slices of bread to make sure it doesn’t fall apart in your hands. Brioche, sourdough, or country-style bread all work well.
To make a croque madame sandwich, try this recipe from The Spruce Eats. To make a veggie version, just leave out the ham!
6. Quick and easy one-tray English breakfast
For many people, the ultimate lazy weekend brunch will always be a full English.
As you probably know, a traditional English breakfast includes bacon, fried eggs, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, beans, and toast or fried bread – and black pudding and hash browns are often added too. You can also use scrambled or poached eggs instead of fried, depending on your preferences.
However, making a full English at home can be a lot of hassle. There are so many components that you need to get your timings just right unless you want cold bacon and limp hash browns. Plus, you often end up with a big collection of dirty pots and pans – and no one wants to do a mountain of washing up after a lazy brunch!
So why not make a full English traybake? Not only is it quicker and easier, using only a baking tray and spatula, but it also means you’ll need less oil, so it’s healthier too…and there’s no lingering smell of fried food.
To make a one-tray English breakfast, try this recipe from Delish. Just swap out the meat for veggie alternatives to make a vegetarian version – and if you’re plant-based, try Delish’s vegan full English recipe!
7. Yoghurt parfait
While brunches are supposed to be leisurely meals that feel more special than weekday breakfasts, they don’t have to be unhealthy or stodgy. If you’re a fan of fruity, lighter foods in the morning – or you’re just trying to eat more healthily – there are many delicious recipes that are perfect for a tasty, healthy brunch.
Take yoghurt parfait, for example. This American-inspired breakfast may look like a dessert, but it’s actually really good for you. It’s high in protein, good fats, and fibre, and is packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, so you can adapt it to account for your dietary restrictions or favourite foods.
Yoghurt parfait may sound fancy, but it isn’t – it’s just layers of yoghurt, fruit, granola or muesli, and a fruity sauce. While it’s quick and easy to make, the contrasting flavours and textures mean that every mouthful is a delight: creamy yoghurt, crunchy granola, juicy berries, and sweet-yet-tart sauce.
You can use Greek yoghurt or a non-dairy alternative and add fruit of your choice; berries, peaches, plums, bananas, and nectarines all work well. If you have a sweet tooth, top with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey!
To make yoghurt parfait, try this recipe from Alpha Foodie.
8. French toast
Despite the elegant name, French toast was originally intended to be a functional and practical dish.
Designed to turn a stale loaf into a decadent dessert, this delicious dish has been eaten since late Roman times – and today, there are endless adaptations of what’s now an iconic brunch.
While French toast was traditionally a sweet dish, it can be made savoury too, and savoury recipes often include cheese and bacon. While most versions are sweet, there are still plenty of variations. Some recipes soak the bread in milk, others eggs and cream, some include alcohol, some add spices, and others are vegan!
The key ingredient in French toast is, of course, the bread. You can use any bread, though brioche or white bread are popular; it just needs to be stale, otherwise, it’ll fall apart in the pan. Once you’ve soaked the bread in the egg mix, you fry it in a pan until the outside turns a crispy golden colour and the inside becomes custardy.
Once it’s cooked, top your toast with maple syrup, fresh fruit, chocolate or caramel sauce, nuts, or even ice cream!
To make classic French toast, try this recipe from RecipeTin Eats. Or, for a plant-based version, try this recipe from Minimalist Baker. If you don’t eat gluten, you can simply swap regular bread for a gluten-free version.
9. Avocado egg bake
Avocados have fast become a brunch classic – and whether you prefer them smashed on toast or sliced under eggs, you probably already have your favourite avocado recipe. But one you may not be so familiar with is baked and stuffed avocado…which is rather like a low-carb, baked, stuffed potato!
The idea of baking an avocado might sound a bit strange, but these delicate, savoury fruits are far more versatile than many people think. Once the stone is removed, the hollowed-out avocado halves become the perfect vehicle for eggs – and when baked, the velvety interior becomes even creamier.
Not only is this simple yet beautiful dish packed with protein and good fats, but it’s also carb-free. Plus, you can stuff the avocados with all your favourite brunch ingredients: eggs are almost always used, but you can also add bacon, chopped sausage, smoked salmon, cheese…or keep it plant-based and stuff it with scrambled tofu.
Haas avocados are best, as they’re creamier and less watery than other types. For a lighter brunch, serve with smoked salmon, dill, and cucumber – like this recipe from Tesco Real Food – or keep things simple with this egg recipe from Healthy Recipes. Top with chilli, coriander, parsley, or feta, and if you’re really hungry, serve with toast!
Final thoughts…
The beauty of brunch isn’t only that it’s meant to be a long, leisurely meal, often enjoyed with friends and after a lie-in…it’s also that it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re in the mood for a savoury indulgence, like a croque madame; a sweet treat, such as french toast; or something fruity and nutritious, there are plenty of options!
For more morning meal inspiration, you might want to have a read of our articles; 9 healthy breakfast ideas to kickstart your day and 11 summer breakfast ideas on the food and drink section of our website.
Do you have a favourite brunch? Or are you tempted by any of these ideas? We’d love to hear about your favourite brunch recipes in the comments below!