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Brunch is a big deal in my house. I make it most weekends, but Mother’s Day is when I actually put effort into it. My mom is Lebanese, and growing up, weekend mornings meant food on the table and everyone sitting together longer than usual. That carried over into how I cook now, and it is the meal I look forward to most when we are all together.
Every year I go through the same thing where I cannot decide what to make for Mother’s day brunch. Too many recipe options, too many tabs open. So I put this list of Mother’s day brunch ideas together to have something I can come back to instead of overthinking it the morning of.
- Consider Mom’s preferences. Start by thinking about Mom’s favorite foods, flavors, and dietary preferences, and tailor the menu to include the dishes she loves the most.
- Keep it simple or go fancy. Decide if you want to choose a few simple but standout dishes that you know will be a hit or step outside your comfort zone and go with elaborate to impress Mom.
- Incorporate seasonal produce. Add freshness, flavor, and color to your dishes by choosing fruits and vegetables typically in season around Mother’s Day. These include fresh berries, rhubarb, stone fruits, asparagus, artichokes, radishes, and carrots.
- Include protein-forward meals. Make sure Mom feels satisfied and energized by including ingredients that are naturally rich in protein. Eggs, lean meats, dairy, and beans will help provide a balanced and hearty brunch.
- Don’t forget the drinks! Make sure your delicious spread includes a mix of your mom’s favorite drinks, both hot and cold like whipped coffee, cold brew, or ginger turmeric tea.
36 Mother’s Day Breakfast & Brunch Recipe Ideas
This collection has 36 Mother’s Day brunch recipes and there is a good mix in here. There are egg recipes, savory brunch dishes, French toast, pancakes and waffles, oats done a few different ways, and the classics like muffins and cinnamon rolls. I also put together a section of Middle Eastern brunch recipes as a nod to my mom and the way she cooks. (Those ones are personal favorites!)
Some of these recipes my kids make on their own now. They can pull off waffles start to finish without me hovering, and that has become its own Mother’s Day tradition. I hope this recipe collection helps you figure out what to make for Mother’s Day breakfast or brunch this year!
Tips for Making Moher’s Day Brunch
- Prep ahead of time. Dishes that can be made ahead of time and either warmed up or served chilled are all great for Mother’s Day. If you want to cook something fresh, such as food on the grill (like marinated chicken), be sure to marinate everything the night before. Then it’s ready to rock when the time comes.
- Have a mix of sweet and savory dishes. To ensure you’re pleasing everyone’s brunch cravings, combine sweet and savory brunch staples, such as pancakes, scrambled eggs, and hash browns. Have an assortment of toppings for your pancakes, such as homemade jam, maple syrup, and butter with lots of fresh fruit.
- Set up everything buffet-style. This makes the brunch much easier to serve family style in large dishes, and it will ensure everyone is happy and gets what they want!
- Enhance with decorative garnish. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, basil, or green onions instantly transforms even the most basic egg omelet into a showstopper. Or add a touch of vibrant flair with fresh lemon zest.
