Today, Lauren B., a manager in our Visual Merchandising Studio, is a master at hosting effortless parties. Today she’s making it even more effortless by sharing holiday brunch ideas that can be made ahead. Enjoy and download the recipes here.
Do you ever think about inviting friends and family over for a special holiday gathering, but when it comes down to it, your to-do list is a mile long and you just don’t have the time or energy? Well, I have the perfect answer for you—a brunch that can be made entirely before the holidays. You can make these recipes as you have time and store them in the freezer/fridge where they will be ready to go when you are.
Everyone knows brunch is a great way to celebrate any season. But that’s especially true around the holidays, when evenings fill up fast. Brunch starts off the day with festive food, drink, friends, family and fun, and it leaves the rest of your day free.
Below is a menu that has something for everyone. I love all these recipes, and I’m sure you will too. Simple to prepare, delicious, beautiful and the best part—they can be made in advance! Check out this spread and then download the recipes on how to recreate this meal for your friends and family.
MAKE-AHEAD BRUNCH MENU
- Pomegranate Mimosas
- Apple Cinnamon Scones
- Caramelized Onion and Bacon Quiche
- Blueberry French toast Bake
- Lemon Curd with Fresh Berries
Let’s start with the Quiche—but not just any ordinary quiche! This quiche is made extra delicious with the yummy caramelized onions and bacon. It’s always a hit! And it can be made two to three months in advance.
Every little crumb of this quiche is amazing. And you don’t even have to make your own crust! All you need to do is make the quiche and bake ‘til done. Then cover tightly and freeze until the day before, thaw, and reheat.
Next up are apple scones. Usually, you bake and freeze scones, but I prefer to just make the dough and shape it, then freeze. When freezing, wrap scones tightly with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap and place in heavy duty freezer bag. Later, thaw the dough and they bake up beautifully. Warm apple and a bit of cinnamon and melted butter make these delicious!
Then, of course, we have to have some French toast. I love this recipe because it has both the custardy parts of the French toast and the really crisp parts. It seems like everyone has a preference there, right? And the warm blueberry compote is a nice change from maple syrup, but certainly use syrup if you prefer. This dish can be made a month in advance and wrapped up tight! Thaw over night, and pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
This next recipe may not be traditional at a brunch, but I absolutely love it. Lemon curd has the tart component that works well with everything else going on in the brunch, and I love to include fresh berries for the lighter component. You can spread it on the scones as well. Anything that will carry the silky deliciousness to your mouth! The lemon curd can be made up to 2 weeks in advance. And on a side note, it makes a great holiday hostess gift—so make extra!
The berries can be washed and cut up the night before with a little sugar mixed in. Use any berries you’d like! Here I use strawberries, black berries, raspberries and blueberries—just a bit of everything. I like to add a little mint to it as well, to make it nice and fresh-tasting, but that’s optional, of course.
And for me, a holiday brunch just wouldn’t be brunch without a bubbly cocktail. Here I’ve made Pomegranate Mimosas. They are delicious and gorgeous! Feel free to substitute whatever juice you’d like. Serve this brunch with some hot coffee, and wow! You have just created a fabulous brunch your family will remember for a while to come, and isn’t that what it’s all about? Gathering together and making memories with those you love.
I hope you try this brunch—your friends and family will love it!
Hope you have an amazing holiday season. If you host this festive brunch please share your photos with me (@lauren_lane_culinarian) on Instagram with the hashtag #celebratetheeverydays. I’d LOVE to see your holiday brunch ideas!
Find even more tips, party guides and inspiration for celebrating the big days and the everydays here. Cheers!
Are there recipes for these delicious looking dishes?
Never mind my earlier inquiry about recipes. I needed to look more closely! Will definitely be making these. Thank you