Peruse these tasty Mother's Day brunch ideas to plan a gorgeous morning spread for Mom. We include both sweet and savory recipes for an elegant, decadent meal.
35 Mother’s Day Brunch Ideas and Recipes
Updated on Mar. 13, 2025
1/35
Eggs Benedict
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Legend has it that poached eggs on an English muffin started at Delmonico’s in New York. Here’s my take on this brunch classic, and don’t spare the hollandaise. —Barbara Pletzke, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 345 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 331mg cholesterol, 522mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
Homemade hollandaise sauce makes this elegant breakfast classic feel extra-special for Mother’s Day. If you’re intimidated by the poaching process, Gordon Ramsay’s method for poaching eggs is pretty much foolproof.
2/35
Overnight Cinnamon Rolls
Skill Level
Advanced
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to try different fun fillings in these soft rolls, and each one is packed with cinnamon flavor. They are definitely worth the overnight wait. —Chris O'Connell, San Antonio, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 278 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 262mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
Who wants to be prepping dough first thing in the morning? Most of the work for these sweet, pillowy cinnamon rolls happens the night before so you can impress Mom first thing in the morning.
3/35
German Pancakes
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (2 cups syrup)
From the Recipe Creator:
Piping hot and puffy from the oven, this golden pancake makes a pretty presentation. Served with homemade buttermilk syrup, it's an eye-opening treat. Make several German pancakes if you're feeding a crowd, and keep in mind that the easy syrup tastes great on waffles and French toast too. —Renae Moncur, Burley, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with 1/4 cup syrup: 428 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 203mg cholesterol, 543mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
Also known as Dutch baby pancakes, these fluffy beauties taste heavenly with sweet or savory toppings (you can’t go wrong with homemade whipped cream and fresh berries). You won’t find a more show-stopping centerpiece for a Mother’s Day spread.
4/35
The Best Quiche Lorraine
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Nestled in a buttery, rustic crust, this quiche is filled with sweet onions, bacon bits and cheese. It's truly the best quiche Lorraine recipe. —Shannon Norris, Cudahy, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 671 calories, 49g fat (27g saturated fat), 308mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
Supremely elegant, yet highly economical, quiche is the mother of all brunch foods. Serve this rich, bacon-studded quiche Lorraine with a simple green salad and voilà —Mom will feel as if she’s in a Parisian bistro.
5/35
Copycat Panera Bread Cinnamon Crunch Bagel
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 bagels
From the Recipe Creator:
What happens when you take the ingredients of your favorite cereal and mix them with bagel dough? You get a delicious cinnamon-sugar-crusted bagel that pairs heavenly with a heavy schmear of cream cheese. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
This impressive Panera Bread copycat recipe is topped with an irresistible cinnamon-sugar topping that tastes just like the real deal. Homemade bagels may seem intimidating, but the payoff is worth the extra effort.
6/35
Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is always happy to see this fruit and veggie salad on the table. If strawberries aren’t available, substitute mandarin oranges and dried cranberries. —Irene Keller, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 110 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 33mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
Adding a pretty fruit-filled salad like this one to a breakfast spread makes it feel truly brunch-y. Feel free to swap in Greek yogurt for the mayo in the creamy dressing to lighten it up a bit.
7/35
French Toast Casserole
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Topped with cinnamon and sugar, this overnight French toast casserole is my favorite way to make the breakfast favorite. Since you assemble this baked French toast the night before, you save time in the morning, and if you have an extra-hungry crowd, it's easy to bake up a few batches. —Sharyn Adams, Crawfordsville, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 223 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 151mg cholesterol, 484mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
Assemble all the ingredients of this luscious, custardy French toast casserole ahead of time. Then all you have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven. Serve it with real maple syrup for the best topping.
8/35
Cheese Danishes
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
16 rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
This tempting cheese Danish bakes to flaky perfection and shines with the simple gloss of an egg wash. It tastes just as decadent as any breakfast pastry you'd find in a bakery or coffee shop. —Josephine Triton, Lakewood, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 359 calories, 21g fat (12g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
Nothing says “I love you” quite like from-scratch breakfast pastries. These fluffy danishes have a decadent cream cheese center, but if you prefer fruitier fillings, swap in 2 tablespoons of your favorite jam.
9/35
Belgian Waffle
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 waffles (about 4-1/2 inches)
From the Recipe Creator:
It was during a visit to my husband's relatives in Europe that I was given this Belgian waffle recipe. These homemade waffles are fantastic with any kind of topping: blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, fried apples, confectioners' sugar or whipped topping. —Rose Delemeester, St. Charles, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2 waffles: 701 calories, 42g fat (25g saturated fat), 179mg cholesterol, 689mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
Skip the boxed mix and go all out with homemade Belgian waffles—it’s Mother’s Day, after all. With thicker, deeper indentations than standard waffle recipes, Belgian waffles have the perfect pockets for beautiful pools of syrup. Mix cinnamon, chocolate chips or blueberries into the batter for a twist.
10/35
Croque-Madame
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Croque-madame takes grilled ham and cheese to the next level. Ham and Gruyere cheese are layered between thick slices of country bread and toasted in a skillet. The sandwiches are topped with Mornay sauce and more cheese, then broiled until golden and bubbly. If you stop there, you've got a croque-monsieur; add a fried egg on top to make a croque-madame! These sandwiches are perfect for a special breakfast or brunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 1118 calories, 71g fat (39g saturated fat), 419mg cholesterol, 2284mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 60g protein.
This classic, indulgent French bistro sandwich wears a fried egg like a crown. Our guide to how to fry an egg will help you pull off the perfect sunny-side up egg to top your madame.
11/35
Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Who says you can’t have it all for breakfast? This savory dish combines flaky croissants, eggs, sausage and Gruyere cheese for the ultimate breakfast (or brunch) casserole. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 353 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 188mg cholesterol, 686mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein.
No need to make croissants from scratch for this gorgeous all-in-one main dish. Transform flaky store-bought pastries with zesty pork sausage, eggs, cream and a bit of Dijon mustard for zippiness. Serve the casserole with a fruit salad to add freshness to the meal.
12/35
Peach Caprese Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you have beautiful, juicy summer produce, you want to let it shine. This refreshing peach Caprese salad is made with sweet peaches, juicy ripe tomatoes, earthy basil, buttery mozzarella, a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky salt for the ultimate seasonal side. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 286 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 190mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.
No matter which type of peach you choose for this colorful twist on a Caprese salad, there’s no need to peel them. Since this is a rustic salad, the more textures and colors there are, the better! Use fresh, milky mozzarella cheese for the salad or up the creaminess factor with burrata.
13/35
Japanese Pancakes
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There's nothing quite like a freshly made Japanese pancake. They're fluffy, custard-y and even a little bit jiggly. —Megan Barrie, San Jose, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 177 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 188mg cholesterol, 198mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
You won’t find pancakes fluffier than these souffle-style beauties, which are made with whipped egg whites for maximum airiness. Greased 3-inch ring molds placed atop the pan are the key to achieving the perfectly round shape.
14/35
French Hot Chocolate
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my fondest memories of Paris is sipping a cup of thick, dark hot chocolate at one of the patisseries there. Parisian hot chocolate is velvety smooth, rich, decadent and almost the consistency of a molten chocolate bar. It is meant to be sipped slowly and savored. I bought Parisian espresso cups so we could enjoy this at home. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 226 calories, 16g fat (10g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 43mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
Beverages are just as important to a successful Mother’s Day brunch as the food, so skip the powdered drink mix and whip up some rich, silky hot chocolate inspired by France’s chocolat chaud. A tiny bit of instant espresso powder is the secret to balancing the drink’s sweetness and enhancing the robust chocolate flavors.
15/35
Rotini Pasta Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a light meal, we toss rotini pasta with cucumber, zucchini and sweet peppers. Make this cucumber pasta salad into a main dish by adding grilled chicken. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup (calculated without olives): 142 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
The more make-ahead recipes you include in your brunch, the more peaceful Mother’s Day will actually be. This Greek-inspired pasta salad may be simple, but it packs a ton of zesty flavor thanks to its bright lemon vinaigrette and lots of crumbly, salty feta.
16/35
Blueberry Coffee Cake
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This blueberry coffee cake is my go-to recipe for all our holiday get-togethers because it's perfect for breakfast or dessert. It is easy to make and is the most delicious coffee cake I've ever had. —Susan Ober, Franconia, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 428 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 233mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
Rich, tangy sour cream helps keep this irresistible coffee cake nice and moist. Blueberries and cinnamon are a great flavor pair, but feel free to swap in chocolate chips for the berries or brighten the whole thing with a little lemon zest.
17/35
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I keep frozen spuds on hand for meals like this Tater Tot breakfast casserole. It’s a super brunch, breakfast or side dish for kids of all ages. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 443 calories, 29g fat (12g saturated fat), 243mg cholesterol, 917mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
Prep this cheesy golden breakfast casserole the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning for the coziest brunch. In fact, any of these easy make-ahead breakfast casseroles would make tasty centerpieces for your Mother’s Day spread.
18/35
Cheesecake Fruit Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Fluffy and vibrant cheesecake fruit salad combines the sweet, tangy flavors of cheesecake with heaps of fresh fruit. This recipe uses a medley of bananas, peaches, strawberries and blueberries, but you can use a mix of any seasonal fruits. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 249 calories, 6g fat (5g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 122mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
This colorful treat is one of our favorite fruit salad recipes because it melds the flavors of cheesecake with sweet and juicy fresh fruit. A topping of toasty graham cracker crumbs brings it all together. Refrigerate the salad an hour before serving for the best flavor.
19/35
Italian Brunch Torte
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We always serve this impressive layered breakfast bake with a salad of mixed greens and tomato wedges. It is one of our most requested dishes and can be served warm or cold. —Danny Diamond, Farmington Hills, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 480 calories, 29g fat (13g saturated fat), 191mg cholesterol, 1674mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein.
Refrigerated crescent rolls do all the heavy lifting in this savory flaky-crust pie with cheesy eggs and layers of meat and vegetables. To give the whole dish a twist inspired by cacio e pepe, replace half or all the Parmesan cheese with pecorino Romano and double the amount of black pepper.
20/35
Salad with Salmon
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salmon spinach salad is really healthy and super fast. It's an absolute cinch to make after a long workday. —Karen Schlyter, Calgary, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 265 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 261mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
Brunch doesn’t have to be a heavy affair. Lighten things with this fresh, zingy salmon salad jazzed up with sweet-tart dried cranberries and crunchy toasted walnuts. If you want to customize the salad recipe, another salad dressing that works wonderfully with salmon is zesty honey mustard dressing.
21/35
Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 cinnamon rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
These cinnamon rolls feature a homemade blueberry jam that brings a sweet and fruity essence to the already delicious breakfast bakery. And yes, the vibrant blue colors are all natural! —Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cinnamon roll: 672 calories, 27g fat (16g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 524mg sodium, 99g carbohydrate (46g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein.
The vibrant purple hue of blueberry cream cheese frosting gives these decadent rolls so much wow factor. Feel free to fool around with the fruit: strawberry, raspberry or blackberries also work well here.
22/35
Ham, Egg and Cheese Sandwich
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever the whole family gets together for a holiday or long weekend, they request this all-in-one breakfast sandwich. I can feed everyone by stacking ham, tomato, scrambled eggs, onion and cheese inside a loaf of French bread. Then I simply pop it in the oven to warm up. —DeeDee Newton, Toronto, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 543 calories, 31g fat (14g saturated fat), 298mg cholesterol, 1644mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
Rather than preparing a bunch of individual sandwiches, this recipe has you fill an entire French bread loaf with all the tasty ingredients (including butter, mayo, deli ham, eggs and cheese). Then, simply slice the portions when it’s time to serve. For an extra pop of freshness, add some peppery arugula to the sandwiches right before serving.
23/35
Slow-Cooker Frittata Provencal
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
3 hours 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe means that a delectable dinner is ready when I walk in the door from work. The meatless slow-cooker meal also makes an elegant brunch for lazy weekends. —Connie Eaton, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 245 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 385mg cholesterol, 338mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
This dreamy slow-cooker frittata contains an entire log of creamy goat cheese, which pairs beautifully with the sweet sun-dried tomatoes and a bit of smoked paprika. This is one of the best slow-cooker brunch recipes you’ll ever find.
24/35
Bananas Foster French Toast
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mmm … bananas Foster for breakfast! This yummy baked French toast serves up all the taste of the spectacular dessert in fine fashion. —Laurence Nasson, Hingham Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 658 calories, 31g fat (17g saturated fat), 218mg cholesterol, 584mg sodium, 84g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 4g fiber), 14g protein.
Mom deserves a sweet treat, and this caramelized banana-covered French toast is truly something special. Slices of rich challah bread get drenched in a vanilla-laced custard, resulting in the most decadent French toast. And that’s even before the gooey bananas Foster topping!
25/35
Herby Pea Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love spring vegetables. One Mother's Day, I came up with this flavorful green salad that everyone enjoyed. You could increase the dressing and mix in some cooked small pasta, like acini de pepe, to make it a more robust salad. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 129 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 353mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
This is the kind of fresh, crunchy side salad that complements just about any brunch main dish. The light salad is especially nice on Mother’s Day because it celebrates spring vegetables like asparagus, leeks and fresh herbs.
26/35
Hash Brown Egg Cups
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
They may look like muffins, but these cuties pack all your favorite rise-and-shine ingredients—eggs, hash browns and bacon—into a single-serving cup. Grab one and get munching. —Talon DiMare, Bullhead City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 hash brown cup: 180 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 487mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
We love muffin tin breakfast recipes for easy entertaining, and these crispy hash brown egg cups look especially beautiful as part of a holiday brunch spread. Buy pre-shredded hash brown potatoes to avoid sore arms. Bonus: These savory egg cups are a gluten-free breakfast recipe if your mom is GF.
27/35
Salmon Quiche
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cooking is something that I’ve always liked doing. I pore over cookbooks the way other people read novels. This recipe came to me from my mother—it’s the kind of recipe you request after just one bite. And unlike some quiches, it’s very hearty! —Deanna Baldwin, Bermuda Dunes, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 456 calories, 30g fat (15g saturated fat), 221mg cholesterol, 524mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein.
It doesn’t get more elegant than a quiche. This simple but luxuriously creamy egg dish contains generous amounts of canned salmon and nutty Swiss cheese, all served atop a buttery pie crust. Keep it easy by picking up a premade pie crust.
28/35
Garden Veggie Egg Bake
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a healthy day-starter? Children will actually enjoy eating their veggies when they’re baked into this cheesy, nutrition-packed egg dish. —JoAnne Wilson, Roselle Park, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 202 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 197mg cholesterol, 478mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
This filling, cheesy, vegetable-packed egg bake gets an extra hit of protein from 2% cottage cheese. Mushrooms, yellow squash, bell pepper or just about any other chopped vegetable would make a tasty addition. If Mom is a meat lover, add chopped cooked bacon or ham.
29/35
Lemon Blueberry Scones
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
14 scones
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoy serving these fruity scones for baby and bridal showers. They're a bit lower in fat than most other scones, so you can indulge with little guilt. —Jacqueline Hendershot, Orange, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 scone: 158 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 192mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
Lemon zest and juice as well as lemon yogurt infuse these satisfying mini scones with bright, citrusy flavor. Feel free to use frozen blueberries for this recipe; just don’t defrost them first, as the juice they release will stain the dough grey.
30/35
Baked French Toast
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Any day is special when Mom makes one of her French toast recipes, like this do-ahead baked version. —Jill Baughman, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 297 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
Sweet brioche, challah or even thick slices of cinnamon raisin bread would make decadent swaps for the French bread in this make-ahead French toast. Serve with a dollop of fresh homemade whipped cream.
31/35
Puff Pastry Danish
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Even though they're simple to make, these jam-filled pastries are right at home within a holiday brunch spread. They were my dad's favorite, so the recipe will always be close to my heart. —Chellie Helmke, Jackson Center, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 pastry: 197 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 130mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
Flaky homemade danishes are a cinch to make, thanks to frozen puff pastry dough (we also love this puff pastry recipe!) and a trusty jar of raspberry jam. If Mom is more of a chocolate person, replace the cream cheese mixture with Nutella or homemade chocolate-hazelnut butter.
32/35
Hash Brown Nests with Portobellos and Eggs
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Hash browns make fabulous crusts for these individual egg quiches. They look fancy yet they're easy to make. They've been a hit at holiday brunches and other special occasions. —Kate Meyer, Brentwood, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 105 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 191mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
Crispy shredded potatoes make the perfect (and portable!) savory nest for rich eggs and earthy chopped mushrooms. We’ll always be suckers for recipes that start with frozen potatoes.
33/35
Monte Cristo Sandwich
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These sweet-savory sandwiches are often served for brunch but could also be served for lunch or dinner. Raspberry jam is the classic pairing, but you could also try other flavors like apricot jam or marmalade. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 759 calories, 42g fat (22g saturated fat), 320mg cholesterol, 2076mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 46g protein.
It’s not every day you get to enjoy a sugar-dusted sandwich, but Mother’s Day is a fitting occasion. Creamy Dijon mustard adds a zippy kick to the sweet-and-savory sandwiches, which are packed with Gruyere cheese, ham, turkey and raspberry jam.
34/35
Doughnut Muffins
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Back when my children were youngsters, they loved these doughnut muffins as after-school treats or with Sunday brunch. —Sharon Pullen, Alvinston, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 288 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
This simple recipe combines two of the best breakfast foods—doughnuts and muffins—into one adorable pastry. Warm spices like ground cinnamon and nutmeg make these muffins taste like old-fashioned cake doughnuts.
35/35
Cinnamon Apple Cider Monkey Bread
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I use the cold-weather staple apple cider—plus apples and more cinnamon—to turn plain cinnamon rolls into monkey bread. My boys love the sticky sweetness. —Kelly Walsh, Aviston, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 329 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 553mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
Buttery, gooey monkey bread is the ultimate comfort food, but it’s a bit time-intensive to make from scratch. Thankfully, this low-effort but spectacular version comes together quickly with instant spiced cider mix and refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Sweet-tart Granny Smith apples are the ideal type of apple for this recipe because they hold up well to baking.
Mother’s Day Brunch Ideas FAQ
How can I make a brunch board for Mother’s Day brunch?
Brunch and breakfast boards are a unique, attractive way to serve your Mother’s Day spread. Include one or two items from each of the main brunch food categories, such as eggs, bacon, waffles or pancakes, yogurt, jams, syrups and fresh fruit. When it comes to eggs, we recommend serving hard-boiled eggs on your board rather than scrambled to minimize mess. Display everything on a large cheese board or serving tray.
What dishes should a Mother’s Day brunch menu include?
For a Mother’s Day menu, we like to serve decadent, elegant dishes that Mom might not prepare for herself. Pretty breakfast pastries, indulgent French toasts and fluffy quiches, making sure to include a good mix of sweet and savory options, are perfect ideas. Mother’s Day always falls in the spring, so we recommend incorporating special in-season ingredients like asparagus, leeks, peas and blueberries.
What drinks and cocktails should I serve for Mother’s Day brunch?
Brunch cocktails already feel so festive and fun, but for Mother’s Day you’ll want drinks that are a bit elegant too. Think champagne cocktails like mimosas and bellinis. However, you don’t need booze for your Mother’s Day brunch to feel special. Decadent mugs of hot chocolate with toppings and mix-ins are never a bad idea. And, of course, coffee is always welcome. We’re sure she’ll love a copycat coffee shop drink.
