Fruits and frittatas are healthy brunch foods.
Whether you're having a large brunch wedding reception, a small day-after-the-wedding brunch with close family and friends, or a medium-sized brunch for any other event, you can plan your menu from a number of mouth-watering foods and refreshing drinks. Generally held between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., brunch should balance both the breakfast and lunch aspects of the meal.
Pastries
From bagels to English muffins and from coffeecake and blueberry muffins, there are a number of pastry choices. The key is to offer a variety of both sweet and healthy options. Although you may love bear claws and cinnamon rolls, donuts don't exactly scream classy, plus they can be quite messy. Replace donuts with food that has flair, such as orange-scented scones and banana walnut bread, recommends The Knot.
Pancakes and French Toast
Pancakes and French toast fulfill the breakfast half of brunch but are better served in the morning as opposed to the early afternoon. If you want to focus on pancakes or French toast as your signature dish, have a variety to choose from, including strawberry and blueberry pancakes and cream cheese-stuffed French toast, for example. Then have an array of syrups to top them off.
Eggs
An egg station gives your guests options. Your cooks can make scrambled or sunny-side-up eggs or omelets, made to order with each guest's choice of vegetables and meats. Similar to the omelet, another option is the frittata, which is "all the rage," says chef Rocco DiSpirito of Union Pacific in New York City. The frittata is fluffier than the omelet and may include a number of meats, cheeses, vegetables and pastas.
Smoked Foods
Smoked foods represent the lunch part of brunch. Salmon is the popular choice, recommended both by "Redbook" and The Knot, but there are many more options, including smoked tuna, bacon and vegetables. Pair your smoked meats with cheeses, crackers and cream cheese. Have meat substitutes on hand for your vegetarian guests.
Drinks
Your drink selection should match the breakfast aspect of brunch. Offer a variety of fresh juices, coffees, cold and hot teas and milk. Brunch is too early for most people to drink hard alcohol, but mimosas, champagne and bloody Marys are appropriate options. A smoothie bar or signature smoothie made from your favorite fruits is another way to add some zing to the drink station.
Tags: French toast, Pancakes French