How to Host Brunch

Brunch has always been a favorite meal in our family.  It’s also a great way to entertain family and friends over the holidays.  Our problem is how busy we are. So we are always looking for ways to make the event special in the time we have.  Here’s how to host brunch and make it special without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Brunch Menu Planning

The first step is menu planning. I don’t know about you, but we try to think that out weeks in advance so we don’t have to do any special shopping.  One way that brunches can drain your time and your wallet is if you haven’t been stocking up on items in advance. 

This generally means checking the spice cupboard to make sure you have the flavors that make brunch special.  You also want to make sure you have the chef’s most vital ingredients such as fresh garlic, sweet onions, and eggs.

Of course, you have to decide the menu and make sure anything special is ready to go when you are ready to cook.

Our Quickest Brunch Menu

• Stroopwafels
• Fruit salad
• Simple quiche
• Oven potatoes
• A selection of hot teas and coffees

Stroopwafels

When you have stroopwafels, you are always part of your way to finishing off your brunch menu.  Stroop is the ultimate brunch food, keeping you from having to worry about making pancakes or waffles. You’ve already got the sweet side covered.  Prep time: 0.

Fruit Salad

A colorful, fruit salad is always a good look. It’s delicious and easy.  Our favorites always involve what’s in season.  Of course, the grocery store makes it easy with a wide array of colors, flavors, and textures. You can keep costs down with bananas and/or apples as the main fruit. Then add your favorite berries, Kiwi, or other fruit to round out the colors and flavors. Prep time: 10 minutes.

Simple Quiche

Simple quiches are another way to keep brunch simple and yet make it special.  You can get pre-made pie crusts and be halfway there. Quiches could be made the day before and simply warmed before serving.  If made the same day in the same oven as the potatoes, quiches need to be cooked first.  Prep time: 20 minutes. Cook time: 30-45 minutes. 

Oven Potatoes

A simple oven potato recipe will round out the meal.  If you use baking paper to line the pan, you won’t have anything sticking, and cleanup will be very easy.  Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 20-30 minutes.

Quick Quiche Recipe

Deep-dish Frozen Pie Crust

2 to 2.5 cups milk or unsweetened oat milk

2 eggs

½ cup of a savory cheese or cheddar cheese

1 cup cooked, chopped broccoli or spinach (drain well)

⅛ cup Nutmeg 

Parsley, Cilantro, or Similar Green 

Add as desired:

⅛ cup of finely diced green onion 

¼ cup finely chopped cooked ham or bacon

Additional spices

Directions: 

• Set the oven to 350 degrees.
• Cook, cool and drain well broccoli or spinach.
• Lay out the vegetables in the pie crust.
• Sprinkle nutmeg across the veggies.
• Lightly mix in most of the cheese
• Using a separate bowl, mix milk and beaten eggs thoroughly.
• Add nutmeg and other spices to the liquid, stirring thoroughly.
• Slowly pour liquid into the pie crust but don’t overfill.
• Add the rest of the cheese, some more nutmeg, and sprinkle parsley liberally to add color. 
• Cover the edges of the pie with aluminum foil to prevent burning. 
• Bake for 30 to 45 minutes. A knife should come out dry in the middle.

Easy Oven Potatoes Recipe

Potatoes: small ones are easiest to cube, but any type will work.

Olive oil.

Your Favorite Savory Seasonings.

Directions

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees
• Wash and cube potatoes.  Leave skin on for best results.
• Put them in a bowl
• Slowly mix about ¼ cup olive oil to coat the potatoes. 
• Sprinkle salt, pepper, and your favorite spicy seasonings. Then mix well.
• Lay them out on the baking paper in a flat pan. 
• Turn halfway through cooking. (About 10 minutes)
• Allow to cook until roasted. (About 20 minutes.)
• Time to eat!