Brunch is a versatile meal because guests don't expect specific breakfast foods--think bacon and eggs--or traditional lunch fare such as salads and sandwiches. That leaves you open to try new dishes, or to mix and match a variety of treats. Don't go overboard with the "mixing" part or you'll end up with tastes that clash. And remember to serve several food groups to satisfy all your guests.
Easter Brunch
Holidays and brunches go together well, and Easter is one of the most popular examples. For a traditional Easter brunch, the Food Network suggests serving Eggs Benedict with Canadian bacon and spinach, home fries, roasted asparagus, French toast and lemon-poppyseed muffins. Another Food Network Easter menu features roasted potatoes, ham and cheese frittata, scrambled eggs with lox, and an orange-grapefruit salad mixed with mint, lemon zest and an optional bit of gin.
Mexican Feast
Serve brunch with a Mexican theme, recommends Kitchen Daily, a website with menu ideas. Huevos rancheros make a tempting main dish consisting of fried or poached eggs served on tortillas and topped with spicy tomato salsa. To accompany the eggs, Kitchen Daily recommends a cornbread with hints of cheddar cheese; a salad of jicama, mango and cucumber; and rice plus pinto or black beans. For drinks, serve a pot of Mexican hot chocolate fragrant with cinnamon and allspice.
Southern Accent
The Southern states are known for their hospitality, and you can easily create a brunch in that tradition. The Food Network recommends serving pecan waffles, crawfish quiche, hash browns and ham glazed with maple syrup and peach marmalade. For another Southern brunch menu, CBS News favors an ambrosia featuring coconut and oranges, eggs baked with ham and spinach, buttermilk biscuits and pecan-apple pie.
Appetizer Brunch
Try something different and make a brunch out of appetizers, suggests Chef Menus, a website of recipes and food ideas. You can serve plain deviled eggs, or spice them up with chopped ham or salami, chopped herbs, or pickle relish. Put foods on skewers--you can use fruits, marinated vegetables, lemon shrimp or chicken satay. Other appetizers can include an egg-and-potato casserole cut into squares, and chicken salad served in pita pockets. Round out the meal with an assortment of breads, crackers and croissants accompanied by butter and jam.
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