Quick & Easy Brunch Recipes for a Crowd

Who doesn't love a good brunch? But when you're feeding a crowd, the thought of spending hours in the kitchen can be enough to make you reach for the cereal box. Fear not! I've rounded up some quick and easy brunch recipes for a crowd that are sure to impress your guests without keeping you chained to the stove.

Why Choose Quick and Easy Brunch Recipes for a Crowd?

Before we dive into the recipes, let's talk about why these simple brunch recipes are your new best friend when entertaining a large group.

• Time-saving: Quick brunch ideas mean less time cooking and more time enjoying your company.
• Stress-free: No more frantic chopping and stirring. These recipes are designed to be effortless brunch solutions.
• Crowd-pleasing: These large group meals are packed with flavor and can cater to various dietary needs.

Mastering the Art of Effortless Brunch

The key to pulling off a quick and easy brunch for a crowd is preparation. Here are some tips to help you become a brunch master:

• Plan ahead: Choose recipes that can be prepped in advance. This will save you time and reduce stress on the day.
• Use your appliances: Your oven, slow cooker, and even your Instant Pot can be your best friends when cooking for a crowd.
• Keep it simple: Stick to recipes with minimal ingredients and steps. Remember, you're aiming for effortless, not exhausting.

10 Quick and Easy Brunch Recipes for a Crowd

Now, let's get to the good stuff. Here are ten large group meals that will make your brunch the talk of the town.

1. Sheet Pan Hash Browns

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Total time: 45 minutes

Start your brunch with these crispy, golden hash browns. They're a cinch to make and can be served as a side or a main.

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs frozen hash browns
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Spread the hash browns on a large sheet pan.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.

2. Overnight Oats Bar

Prep time: 15 minutes Total time: Overnight + 5 minutes

This make-ahead breakfast is perfect for feeding a crowd. Set up an oats bar with various toppings, and let your guests customize their own bowls.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups rolled oats
• 4 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 4 cups Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• Toppings: berries, sliced fruit, nuts, seeds, chocolate chips, etc.

Instructions:

1. Combine oats, milk, Greek yogurt, and honey in a large bowl.
2. Divide the mixture into individual jars or bowls.
3. Refrigerate overnight.
4. In the morning, set out toppings and let your guests assemble their own bowls.

3. Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 4 hours Total time: 4 hours 15 minutes

This set-it-and-forget-it casserole is a lifesaver when you're feeding a crowd. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf day-old bread, cubed
• 1 lb breakfast sausage
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 12 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook sausage, onion, and bell pepper in a skillet until browned. Drain and set aside.
2. Layer bread cubes, sausage mixture, and cheese in a slow cooker.
3. Whisk together eggs and milk, then pour over the top.
4. Cook on low for 4 hours.

4. Instant Pot Steel-Cut Oats

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 3 minutes Total time: 8 minutes

These creamy oats are a game-changer. They're ready in a fraction of the time it takes to cook traditional steel-cut oats.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup steel-cut oats
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Toppings: as desired

Instructions:

1. Combine oats, water, and salt in the Instant Pot.
2. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally.
3. Serve with your favorite toppings.

5. No-Yeast Waffles

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes Total time: 10 minutes

These light and fluffy waffles are made without yeast, so they're ready in a snap. Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you can make them ahead of time.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs

Instructions:

1. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine milk, oil, and eggs.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until just combined.
4. Cook in a waffle iron until golden.

6. Baked Avocado Egg Boats

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Total time: 25 minutes

These adorable avocado egg boats are not only cute but also packed with healthy fats and protein.

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe avocados
• 8 eggs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Toppings: salsa, cheese, bacon, etc.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pits.
3. Crack an egg into each avocado half.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the eggs are cooked to your liking.
5. Top with your favorite toppings.

7. Easy Breakfast Taquitos

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Total time: 35 minutes

These crispy, cheesy taquitos are a fun and different take on breakfast for a crowd.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb breakfast sausage
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 12 small tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 8 eggs, scrambled

Instructions:

1. Cook sausage, onion, and bell pepper in a skillet until browned. Drain and set aside.
2. Spread a thin layer of scrambled eggs on each tortilla, then top with sausage mixture and cheese.
3. Roll up the tortillas and place them seam-side down in a baking dish.
4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, until crispy.

8. Banana Pancake Muffins

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 18 minutes Total time: 28 minutes

These banana pancake muffins are a healthier alternative to traditional pancakes, and they're just as delicious.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Toppings: maple syrup, fresh fruit, etc.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Blend bananas, eggs, flour, baking powder, and cinnamon until smooth.
3. Pour the batter into greased muffin tins.
4. Bake for 18 minutes, until golden.

9. Spinach and Feta Frittata

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Total time: 30 minutes

This savory frittata is packed with protein and veggies, making it a perfect crowd-pleasing brunch option.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 12 eggs
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Add spinach and cook until heated through.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, feta, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the spinach mixture in the skillet.
6. Cook on the stovetop for 5 minutes, until the edges start to set.
7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the frittata is set.

10. Overnight French Toast Casserole

Prep time: 15 minutes Total time: Overnight + 45 minutes

This make-ahead French toast casserole is a decadent treat that's perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf day-old bread, cubed
• 8 eggs
• 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Toppings: fresh fruit, whipped cream, etc.

Instructions:

1. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread the bread cubes evenly inside.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the egg mixture over the bread, making sure each piece is coated.
4. Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight.
5. In the morning, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Bake the casserole for 45 minutes, until golden and set.
7. Top with your favorite toppings.

Conclusion

There you have it! Ten quick and easy brunch recipes for a crowd that are sure to make your next brunch a hit. Remember, the key to a stress-free brunch is planning ahead and keeping it simple. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to impress your guests with these effortless brunch ideas.

For more brunch inspiration, check out Food Network's Top Brunch Recipes.

FAQs

1. Q: Can these recipes be made ahead of time? A: Yes, many of these recipes can be prepped in advance. Check out the overnight oats, breakfast casserole, and French toast casserole for make-ahead options.

2. Q: Are these recipes suitable for vegetarians? A: While some of these recipes are vegetarian-friendly, others include meat or eggs. You can easily make substitutions to suit your dietary needs.

3. Q: Can I freeze leftover waffles? A: Yes, waffles freeze beautifully. Just pop them in the toaster to reheat.

4. Q: Can I use frozen fruit in the banana pancake muffins? A: Yes, you can use frozen bananas in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before blending.

5. Q: Can I make the spinach and feta frittata in a regular pan? A: Yes, you can cook the frittata entirely on the stovetop if you prefer. Just cook it until it's set on the bottom and the sides, then finish it under the broiler if needed.

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