For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe. (2024)

Table of Contents
1. For DIY sauces that make veggies and lean protein taste delicious. 2. For a super-simple dinner recipe that you can mix and match a ton of ways. 3. For when you're tired of hoping your eggs turn out the way you wanted them to. 4. For endless meal ideas with a healthy combination of protein, vegetables, carbs, and fat. 5. For when you want a not-too-labor-intensive way to make your chicken taste really good. 6. For when you really are going to start packing your lunch this time. 7. For understanding how to choose which oil would actually work best for that thing you want to make. 8. For when meal prep sounds like a great idea but you don't even know where to start. 9. For when you're ready to jump into the word of pasta alternatives and need a super simple way to get started. 10. For when you want to eat more whole grains...but are also like, "LOL what are whole grains?" 11. For some really helpful info about how carbs, protein, and fats actually affect your body. 12. For making oatmeal that you'll actually want to eat. 13. For when you want to give healthier baking a try. 14. For figuring out how to fill up your plate for better portion control. 15. For when you want to start cooking more fish, but you don't really understand how you'd go about that. 16. For making your own veggie-filled and way less salty alternative to canned soup. 17. For when you want to break up with sugar-packed store-bought granola and make your own. 18. For making Brussels sprouts that taste legit heavenly. 19. And ditto for cauliflower: 20. For grilling veggies like a boss. 21. For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe. 22. For when you're done with accidentally raw or dry AF meat. 23. For when you want your groceries to stay in tip-top shape till you're ready to use them. 24. For making a veggie-filled breakfast that actually tastes good. 25. And, finally, for when you're ready to commit to this cooking-at-home thing and want to outfit your kitchen with all the essentials. FAQs

    Proof that cooking a little healthier can be pretty simple and damn tasty.

    by Sally TamarkinBuzzFeed News Reporter

    1. For DIY sauces that make veggies and lean protein taste delicious.

    For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe. (2)

    Cooksmarts / Via cooksmarts.com

    *drinks sauce straight from pot*

    2. For a super-simple dinner recipe that you can mix and match a ton of ways.

    For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe. (3)

    Darebee / Via darebee.com

    Choose the protein, choose the veggies, add potatoes if you want, and go to town.

    3. For when you're tired of hoping your eggs turn out the way you wanted them to.

    For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe. (4)

    Lauren Zaser / Chris Ritter / BuzzFeed / Via buzzfeed.com

    Make them perfect every time.

    4. For endless meal ideas with a healthy combination of protein, vegetables, carbs, and fat.

    For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe. (5)

    Precision Nutrition / Via precisionnutrition.com

    Improvising in the kitchen can be fun, but you kinda never know what you're going to end up with flavor-wise. Follow these tips for legit tasty meals.

    5. For when you want a not-too-labor-intensive way to make your chicken taste really good.

    For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe. (6)

    Jenny Chang / BuzzFeed / Via buzzfeed.com

    Please pass the coconut milk.

    6. For when you really are going to start packing your lunch this time.

    For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe. (7)

    Lexi's Clean Kitchen / Via lexiscleankitchen.com

    Throw it together, pack it up, voilà.

    7. For understanding how to choose which oil would actually work best for that thing you want to make.

    For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe. (8)

    She Knows / Via sheknows.com

    Turns out you're not supposed to use olive oil for everything ever. Who knew? If you want a bit more information on why/how to use olive oil properly, read this.

    8. For when meal prep sounds like a great idea but you don't even know where to start.

    For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe. (9)

    Precision Nutrition / Via precisionnutrition.com

    It's a lot more doable with a little hand-holding.

    9. For when you're ready to jump into the word of pasta alternatives and need a super simple way to get started.

    For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe. (10)

    Nutrition Advance / Via nutritionadvance.com

    Butter or oil plus garlic, salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings —honestly, what's not to like?

    10. For when you want to eat more whole grains...but are also like, "LOL what are whole grains?"

    For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe. (11)

    Cooksmarts / Via cooksmarts.com

    You can read more about why it's a great idea to maybe replace some of the refined carbs in your life with whole grains here.

    11. For some really helpful info about how carbs, protein, and fats actually affect your body.

    For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe. (12)

    Meal Prep On Fleek / Via mealpreponfleek.com

    You can read more about carbs here, more on fats here, and more on protein here.

    12. For making oatmeal that you'll actually want to eat.

    For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe. (13)

    She Knows / Via sheknows.com

    Awesome options for sweet, savory, and even how to turn oatmeal into something something more dessert-y.

    13. For when you want to give healthier baking a try.

    For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe. (14)

    Womanista / Via womanista.com

    Keep all of the handy substitutions in one place! And if you're into it, check out some healthier dessert recipes here.

    14. For figuring out how to fill up your plate for better portion control.

    For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe. (15)

    One Medical / Via onemedical.com

    Half veggies, one-quarter protein, one-quarter grains = the magic formula.

    15. For when you want to start cooking more fish, but you don't really understand how you'd go about that.

    For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe. (16)

    She Knows / Via sheknows.com

    Fish is a great source of protein, and fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and trout are also awesome sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, both of which are essential and which Americans tend to not get enough of.

    16. For making your own veggie-filled and way less salty alternative to canned soup.

    For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe. (17)

    She Knows / Via sheknows.com

    You can learn more about sodium and why Americans should probably try to pay more attention to how much of it we're eating here.

    17. For when you want to break up with sugar-packed store-bought granola and make your own.

    For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe. (18)

    Body Mind Soul / Via bodminsou.com

    Your kitchen smelling like warm, sweet goodness is just a bonus. Read more on added sugar and how to eat a bit less of it here.

    18. For making Brussels sprouts that taste legit heavenly.

    For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe. (19)

    Ocean Mist Farms / Via oceanmist.com

    Brussels sprouts have a mixed rap — but if you do it right, they can be amazing.

    19. And ditto for cauliflower:

    For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe. (20)

    Ocean Mist / Via oceanmist.com

    PSA: Pureed cauliflower with whole milk and butter is a delightful lower-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.

    20. For grilling veggies like a boss.

    For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe. (21)

    Fix.com / Via fix.com

    Grilled corn forever!

    21. For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe.

    For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe. (22)

    Fix.com / Via fix.com

    But actually, who are we kidding: Frittatas are great for dinner, too.

    22. For when you're done with accidentally raw or dry AF meat.

    For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe. (23)

    Fix.com / Via fix.com

    Turns out it actually is more science than art once you learn about it.

    23. For when you want your groceries to stay in tip-top shape till you're ready to use them.

    For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe. (24)

    David Bertozzi / Jenny Chang / BuzzFeed / Via buzzfeed.com

    Who knew that having an actual system could make such a difference?

    24. For making a veggie-filled breakfast that actually tastes good.

    For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe. (25)

    Darebee / Via darebee.com

    It's a great way to get a bunch of servings of vegetables first thing in the morning.

    25. And, finally, for when you're ready to commit to this cooking-at-home thing and want to outfit your kitchen with all the essentials.

    For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe. (26)

    Body Mind Soul / Via bodminsou.com

    Everything you need in handy checklist form.

    For when you want a simple (yet kinda impressive) brunch recipe. (2024)

    FAQs

    What are 3 common foods you can have for brunch? ›

    French toast, waffles, pancakes, and similar dishes are great choices for brunch. You could also do something even more impressive like apple pecan or ultimate berry bread pudding. Add some parfaits for a lighter option that pairs well with these dishes.

    What kind of menu is ideal for a brunch? ›

    Some of the most common brunch menu items include:
    • Eggs: You can serve fried eggs, eggs Benedict, omelets, and even breakfast burritos at brunch.
    • Bread: French toast, pancakes, waffles, and other bread-based dishes, like burgers and sandwiches, are popular brunch foods.
    Aug 27, 2021

    How do you plan a simple brunch? ›

    We recommend choosing an egg dish, something hearty or savory, something sweet, something fresh, and something for dessert. Coffee, tea, and a signature co*cktail or mocktail complete the brunch spread. Don't turn yourself into a short-order cook the day of your brunch. That means no pancakes and no eggs made to order.

    How do you host an easy brunch? ›

    These are tips that we recommend everyone follow, as they will go a long way towards helping you achieve a fun and stress-free brunch.
    1. Plan Your Menu Ahead of Time. ...
    2. Go Grocery Shopping Ahead of Time. ...
    3. Lay Things out the Night Before. ...
    4. Consider Going Paper and Plastic. ...
    5. Avoid Time-Consuming Recipes. ...
    6. Try a Self-Serve Bar.

    How do you make a perfect brunch? ›

    Brunching in Style

    Start with lighter items like a fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait. Follow it up with your main dishes, like a slow cooker casserole or a breakfast pizza topped with scrambled eggs and Italian sausage. Finally, end on a sweet note with fluffy pancakes or a delicious carrot cake.

    What to cook when hosting brunch? ›

    • Eggs Benedict Rolls. PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE. ...
    • Lemon Blueberry Breakfast Cake. PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: FRANCESCA ZANI. ...
    • Classic Homemade Waffles. ...
    • Frittata. ...
    • Breakfast Strata. ...
    • Brioche French Toast. ...
    • Breakfast Bagel Bites. ...
    • Crispy Hash Brown-Crusted Bacon & Cheddar Quiche.
    Apr 1, 2024

    What food is good for hosting brunch? ›

    We love a good savory strata or make-ahead oatmeal, or a casserole with lemony crêpes, bagels and cheese, cheesy grits, or overnight French toast. All of these recipes can be prepped the day before, and then popped in a preheated oven for a centerpiece main dish with minimal fuss.

    How do you set up a brunch buffet? ›

    Tips for Setting a Buffet Table
    1. Vary the height. Just as you would vary heights with centerpieces, you should do the same with a buffet. ...
    2. Have a clear beginning. ...
    3. Identify dishes. ...
    4. Give some support. ...
    5. Save utensils for last. ...
    6. Position strategically. ...
    7. Use strategic layouts. ...
    8. Create an Instagram-worthy table backdrop.

    How do you throw an effortless brunch? ›

    Prepare Ahead and Have Variety

    We recommend the basics such as eggs, potatoes, coffee or lattes, teas, water, sauces, French toast, waffles or pancakes, and fresh fruits. You can peel and chop the fruits the night before, lay out the dry ingredients, and measure them, so you only have to mix them in the morning.

    How many dishes should you serve for brunch? ›

    Depending on the size of your gathering, you'll want to pick at least one but perhaps two main entrees. This will set the tone for your brunch menu. You could plan to serve one sweet dish and one savory dish. Or you could plan one breakfast item and one lunch item.

    What time should a brunch party start? ›

    Brunch is a combination of breakfast and lunch, but it generally occurs at a set time. If you are planning a brunch or attending one, the timeline will fall between 11 am to 3 pm for the event to be considered brunch. Brunch is generally seen as a weekend activity.

    Can you go to brunch alone? ›

    You don't want to be the sad person who's only ever on their phone. You're brunching alone, you're sad enough as it is. So bring something to take your mind off the fact that no one is staring at you or judging you. Bring a fiction book, a couple of magazines, maybe a newspaper with the crossword not yet done.

    What defines brunch food? ›

    noun. ˈbrənch. : a meal usually taken late in the morning that combines a late breakfast and an early lunch.

    What do you bring to a ladies brunch? ›

    WOMEN'S BRUNCH
    • Mushroom Puff Pastry Pinwheels. Shawn. ...
    • Nutella Knots. Shawn. ...
    • Puff Pastry Pinwheels with Prosciutto, Pesto, and Cheese. Shawn. ...
    • Vegan Lemon Bars. Shawn. ...
    • Easy Make Ahead Tea Sandwiches for Your Next Afternoon Tea. R K. ...
    • Strawberry Jam Cakes - TeaTime Magazine. R K. ...
    • Crostini with Balsamic Strawberries and Ricotta. R K.

    What made brunch popular? ›

    Brunch gained steady popularity because it was economic – a two-in-one meal with special touches not afforded during the week. Oatmeal for the rest of the week, but bacon, waffles, fruit, jams, and coffee on Sunday.

    Is having brunch healthy? ›

    That's fine (there are even benefits from doing so). Eating "brunch" is ok, if: – it's a healthy, nutritious meal; – it has plenty of "good" calories to get you through the day until suppertime – It's best not to make a habit of eating at brunch-time (Fabulous suggest eating no more than an hour after waking up).

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