37 Mother’s Day Brunch Ideas Better Than a Last-Minute Bouquet
Put down the scented candle. Turn away from the fancy bubble bath. A great Mother’s Day brunch is what your mom really wants—probably. (You know her better than we do.)
What says thank you better than cooking for the person who’s been feeding you forever? Whether you’re planning breakfast in bed or pulling together a full spread, the best Mother’s Day brunch ideas strike a balance: something sweet, something savory, and at least one drink worth raising a glass to.
From plush cinnamon rolls and a giant blueberry pancake to herby frittatas, eggs Benedict, and springy salads, these recipes cover every kind of craving. Some come together in under an hour; others can be made ahead so you can spend less time cooking and more time at the table. Either way, these Mother’s Day brunch recipes feel like a proper thank-you—just remember, it’s also helpful to say “thank you.” Out loud. A lot.
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Spencer Richards, Prop Styling by Marina Bevilacqua1/37Eggs en Cocotte
These individually portioned baked eggs from Jacques Pépin feel quietly elegant but make for a surprisingly low-effort Mother’s Day brunch. Serve with toast for dipping and a little cheese if that’s Mom’s thing.
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Thu Buser, Prop Styling by Beth Pakradooni3/37Crispy Mushroom Toast With Ricotta
Photograph by Laura Murray, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, prop styling by Sophie Strangio4/37Simplest Rosti
5/37Lamb and Feta Frittata
Sure, frittatas are great for using up leftovers (case in point: the Use-It-Up Frittata), but this version goes all out with savory lamb, briny feta, and herbs that make it feel occasion-worthy.
Photograph by Travis Rainey, Prop Styling by Alexandra Massillon, Food Styling by Luciana Lamboy6/37Tuna Niçoise Salad
Photograph by Carl Ostberg, Food Styling by Micah Morton, Prop Styling by Andrea Bonin7/37Curried Chickpeas and Baked Eggs
Photographs by Elliott Jerome Brown Jr. & Travis Rainey, Prop Styling by Emma Ringness, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne8/37Asparagus and Marinated Artichoke Galette
Store-bought puff pastry keeps things simple, while asparagus and artichokes bring peak spring energy. It looks impressive, but doesn’t require much hands-on time.
Photo by Alex Lau9/37BA’s Best Soft Scrambled Eggs
These eggs are all about texture—soft, creamy, and just set. A little patience (and maybe an immersion blender) makes all the difference here.
Photograph by Emma Fishman, food styling by Caroline Hwang, prop styling by Elizabeth Jaime.10/37Bloody Mary Salmorejo
This chilled tomato soup takes inspiration from a Bloody Mary, complete with bold toppings like jammy eggs, olives, and cured meat for a brunch-ready twist.
Photo by Chelsie Craig, styling by Judy Mancini11/37Eggs Benedict for a Crowd
Yes, eggs Benedict can be done for a group. With make-ahead elements (like perfect poached eggs) and a hollandaise that holds, this version keeps things surprisingly manageable.
Photograph by Emma Fishman, food styling by Micah Morton, prop styling by Stephanie Yeh12/37Shrimp and Grits With Fennel Potlikker
This is a bit of a weekend project, but one that pays off in a big way. Start components ahead so the final assembly feels manageable. (Not for nothing, the entrée is also a Father’s Day banger.)
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Thu Buser, Prop Styling by Sean Dooley14/37Sheet-Pan Merguez Hash With Fried Eggs
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Spencer Richards, Prop Styling by Marina Bevilacqua15/37Crispy, Crunchy Chicken and Waffles
Buttermilk-brined fried chicken meets tender waffles and maple syrup in this over-the-top brunch classic. Add a mimosa and you’ve officially done enough.
Photo by Chelsie Craig, Food Styling by Kate Buckens16/37French Toast Casserole
All the flavor of classic French toast, baked into one crowd-friendly dish. Assemble it ahead of time, then bake until the center is custardy and the top is crisp.
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne, Prop Styling by Marina Bevilacqua17/37Extra-Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting
The secret to these ultra-plush cinnamon rolls is tangzhong, a simple technique that keeps them soft and tender long after baking. Generous frosting is nonnegotiable.
Photographs by Jenny Huang, food styling by Sue Li, prop styling by Sophie Strangio19/37Granola Scones
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Pearl Jones, Prop Styling by Stephanie De Luca23/37Brown-Butter Banana Nut Muffins
Photograph by Elliott Jerome Brown Jr., Food Styling by Micah Morton, Prop Styling by Christina Allen24/37Strawberry Shortcake Roll
Photograph by Elliott Jerome Brown Jr., Food Styling by Micah Morton, Prop Styling by Christina Allen25/37Earl Grey–Chocolate Cupcakes With Blackberry Frosting
Photographs by Jenny Huang, food styling by Sue Li, prop styling by Sophie Strangio26/37Ricotta Cornmeal Pound Cake
Photo by Laura Murray27/37BA’s Best Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
Sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb come together in a flaky crust that feels perfectly timed for spring celebrations like Mother’s Day.
Photograph by Shawn Michael Jones, Food Styling by Thu Buser, Prop Styling by Stephanie De Luca28/37Hot-and-Sour Fruit Salad
Photograph by Elliott Jerome Brown Jr., Food Styling by Micah Morton, Prop Styling by Christina Allen29/37Extra-Creamy Deviled Eggs
Blending whole hard-boiled eggs into the filling makes these deviled eggs especially smooth and rich, a small trick that delivers big results.
Photograph by Elliott Jerome Brown Jr., Prop styling by Sean Dooley, Food Styling by Emilie Fosnocht30/37Smashed Asparagus Salad
Lightly crushing raw asparagus helps tenderize it, turning a simple ingredient into a surprisingly satisfying and very spring-forward side dish that tastes great alongside a simple French omelet.
Photograph by Doaa Elkady, Food Styling by Pearl Jones, Prop Styling by Gözde Eker31/37Grapefruit Crudo
Photo by Gentl and Hyers, food Styling by Susie Theodorou, prop Styling by Nina Lalli33/37Fresh Fruit With Cheese and Peppery Nuts
Photo by Travis Rainey, Prop styling by Christine Keely, Food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich34/37Hugo Spritz
Photograph by Emma Fishman, food styling by Caroline Hwang, prop styling by Elizabeth Jaime.36/37Citrus Slushy
Photograph by Rana Düzyol, food styling by Pearl Jones, prop styling by Beth Pakradooni37/37Strawberry-Ginger Limeade
