Mostly everyone loves breakfast foods, but we’re often too rushed to prepare or enjoy them to the fullest. A late morning, or early afternoon hour, is far more relaxed and allows the proper prep time and opportunity to fully enjoy the splendor of every last bite. The timing also lets us incorporate our favorite lunch items into the menu as well.
Oh, and just to put a smile on everyone’s face: There are always mimosas.
If you’re planning a quiet—stay in your pajamas—family brunch, or a large, festive gathering among friends, we’ve got some creative ideas—and a few great recipes—just to get you started.
So raise your mimosa glass, and toast to the perfect brunch.
Planning a Brunch
After you decide what type of brunch you want to create (casual or more formal) and generate a basic guest list, you can delve into the details.
There’s something special about an impromptu gathering of neighbors—who are wearing sweats or pajamas—throwing together their favorite last-minute dishes, or even cooking as a team in the kitchen. It’s that, “Put a pot of coffee on and see what happens,” kind of event.
But sometimes you’re hoping for a well thought out, slightly formal, brunch.
In that case, plan a guest list. Then consider what you’ll need: from serving dishes, utensils, napkins, to fresh-cut flowers. For the brunch dishes, you’ll likely want an egg item (or two), some breakfast meats—like ham, bacon or sausage—a casserole or quiche, fresh fruit, pastries, and a great pot of steaming hot coffee.
If you’d rather not spike the orange juice with prosecco or champagne, try livening up it up with just a splash of sparkling water and serve it in beautiful fluted glasses instead.
In addition: A coffee station is always a good idea. Create a place for both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, or tea, and be sure to supply a variety of creamers and sweetness.
A waffle bar can be both delicious and fun. Try a table of great toppings from shredded coconut, fresh fruit, preserves, butter, warm syrups, and confectioner sugar, then let your guests do their thing.
Another fun option is a potluck brunch. Assign menu items to be prepared by each guest, considering the savory to the sweet, as well as both breakfast and lunch items. Then, just prepare the service area, and make the coffee. This takes some of the pressure off the host and allows everyone to take part in the culinary details.
If you’re concerned about having more than just standard egg dishes for brunch, here are a few delicious, and popular, brunch recipes:
Brunch Frittata (Serves 6)
Ingredients:
- 8 eggs (large)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup mozzarella (shredded)
- Sea salt (to preference)
- black pepper (to preference)
- red pepper flakes (to preference)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 8 oz, mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup ricotta
- 3 Cups fresh spinach
Directions:
First: Preheat the oven to 375.
In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk the eggs, mozzarella, and cream. Then, add the salt, pepper, and red flakes.
On medium heat, place the extra virgin olive oil in a skillet. Then add the garlic and shallot and cook until they become soft—being careful not to scorch the garlic. Add the mushrooms and continue to cook, until they are also soft.
Now, add the spinach, until the leaves wilt (This will just take a couple of minutes). Season with additional salt and pepper.
Pour the egg, cream, and mozzarella mixture into the same skillet and top with ricotta. Place the skillet into the oven until the eggs are cooked through. This will take just a little over 10 minutes
Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the frittata to set for just a couple minutes. Then serve, and enjoy!
Stuffed French Toast
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 package of 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 C quality maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla
Custard for the French Toast:
- 4 eggs (large)
- 1 C half and half
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla
Base:
- 12 pieces of quality thick bread, preferably brioche
- For the Topping:
- Butter
- maple syrup
- mixed berries
Directions:
First, make the filling by beating the cream cheese, vanilla, and maple syrup with an electric mixer.
Then, in a large bowl: Whisk the eggs, the half and half, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Spread some filling on a slice of bread, being careful not to cover the edges. Then, top it with another piece of bread, and gently press together to seal. Repeat, until the mixture and bread have all been utilized.
Melt some butter into a large skillet— on a medium-low temperature to prevent burning. Dip one sandwich into the custard, making sure both sides are covered, and transfer to the skillet. Cook about 4 minutes and flip for another 4 minutes, or until evenly cooked.
Add a little more butter to the pan and repeat the process.
Slice on the diagonal, and serve with butter, fresh berries, and maple syrup. Incredible!
Bacon Brussel Sprouts
This is a delicious brunch side dish that your guests will surely love:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs Brussel sprouts
- 1 medium red onion, cut into thin wedges
- 5 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil (More, if preferred)
- Coarse sea salt (to taste)
- Red pepper flakes (To taste)
- 6 slices of crisp cooked bacon (crumbled)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Clean the Brussel sprouts, trim the stems, and cut the sprouts in half with a sharp knife (for even cooking, and so the flavors will better penetrate).
Coat a rectangular baking pan with nonstick spray,
Place a layer of sprouts and onion slices into the pan. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with salt and red pepper flakes. Toss gently to make sure they are evenly coated.
Cook uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the sprouts are tender. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with crumbled bacon, and serve.
Cayenne and Brown Sugar Bacon
This one is a sweet, savory, spicy delight.
Ingredients:
- 8 thick slices of bacon
- 1/4 Cup of brown sugar (packed tightly)
- Cayenne pepper (to personal preference)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Line a baking dish with aluminum foil.
Dredge the bacon into the brown sugar.
Place the bacon on the sheet, and lightly sprinkle with cayenne pepper.
*Note: Cayenne pepper can be omitted entirely from this recipe or adjusted to personal preference. However, be aware, cayenne packs a powerful punch.
Bake in the oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until crispy. Plate and serve.
If you are craving something out of the ordinary, why not bring your family, a date, or a large gathering of friends, to Glass & Vine for one of our spectacular weekend brunches?
We serve brunch Saturdays and Sundays starting at 10:00 A.M. We would be delighted to host you and your group in our enchanted garden patio, nestled away from the hustle-bustle of Miami, where you can experience chef-inspired items like watermelon salad, passion fruit waffles, short rib benedict, and our delicious 28 oz dry-aged ribeye.
You’ll find us conveniently located in the heart of Coconut Grove at 2820 McFarlane Rd in Miami. For reservations, please call: 305.200.5268. We look forward to serving you.
