15 Easter Brunch Recipe Ideas That’ll Make You the Brunch MVP
Easter brunch is one of the best meals of the year—it’s like breakfast, but fancier, and lunch, but more fun. Whether you’re hosting a big crowd, making a cozy brunch for two, or just trying to impress your family, you need recipes that are easy, delicious, and won’t keep you stuck in the kitchen all morning.
I’ve put together 15 Easter brunch recipes that hit every category—sweet, savory, easy, gluten-free, healthy, make-ahead, and even kid-friendly options. Plus, I’ll throw in tips, comparisons, and personal experience because, let’s be honest, we’ve all had a recipe go completely sideways at the worst possible time.
Let’s get into it!
📌 Quick Comparison: Easter Brunch Recipe Types
| Recipe | Best For | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| French Toast Casserole | Make-ahead, feeding a crowd | Bakes all at once, minimal effort |
| Savory Breakfast Casserole | Big groups, hearty brunch | Cheesy, filling, packed with flavor |
| Easter Bunny Pancakes | Kids, fun presentation | Easy, adorable, and delicious |
| Smoked Salmon Bagel Board | Fancy but easy Easter brunch | No cooking, just assemble |
| Spring Vegetable Frittata | Healthy, gluten-free option | Loaded with fresh, seasonal veggies |
| Hot Cross Buns | Classic Easter brunch item | Traditional, slightly sweet, great with coffee |
| Deviled Egg Bar | Easter egg leftovers, fun DIY | Customizable and easy to prep ahead |
| Carrot Cake Muffins | Sweet, but not too heavy | Perfect balance of dessert & breakfast |
| Strawberry Spinach Salad | Light, refreshing side dish | Adds balance to heavier dishes |
| Easter Brunch Mimosa Bar | Crowd-pleaser, low effort | Everyone builds their own drink |
| Ham & Cheese Croissant Bake | Hearty, cheesy, savory brunch | Rich, buttery, easy to prep ahead |
| Lemon Poppy Seed Scones | Light, citrusy, goes with coffee | Soft inside, slightly crisp outside |
| Cinnamon Roll Waffles | Easy, no-bake fun recipe | No flipping, quick & delicious |
| Asparagus & Goat Cheese Tart | Elegant but easy appetizer | Crispy pastry, tangy goat cheese, fresh asparagus |
| Easter Bunny Fruit Platter | Healthy, kid-friendly, festive | Fun way to serve fruit, easy to assemble |
1. French Toast Casserole (The Make-Ahead MVP)
If you don’t want to stand over the stove flipping bread for an hour, this overnight French toast casserole is the way to go. It’s sweet, custardy, and crispy on top—like a giant pan of cinnamon toast goodness.
What You Need:
✔ 1 loaf challah or brioche, cubed
✔ 6 eggs
✔ 2 cups milk or half-and-half
✔ ½ cup brown sugar
✔ 1 tbsp cinnamon
✔ 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make It:
- Arrange the bread cubes in a greased baking dish.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, then pour over the bread.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).
- Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes until golden.
✅ Tip: Serve with fresh berries and powdered sugar for a fancy touch.
2. Savory Breakfast Casserole (For the People Who Don’t Like Sweet Brunch)
This cheesy, hearty, protein-packed breakfast casserole is a brunch lifesaver—feeds a crowd, bakes all at once, and reheats well for leftovers.
What You Need:
✔ 1 lb breakfast sausage or bacon
✔ 8 eggs
✔ 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or a mix)
✔ 1 cup milk
✔ 1 package frozen hashbrowns
How to Make It:
- Brown the sausage and drain excess fat.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, and cheese.
- Layer hashbrowns, sausage, and pour the egg mixture over.
- Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes until set.
✅ Tip: Add spinach, peppers, or mushrooms to sneak in some veggies.
3. Easter Bunny Pancakes (Because Kids Love Cute Food)
These are just regular pancakes, but arranged to look like a bunny face—which somehow makes them taste better.
How to Make Them:
✔ Make pancakes (any recipe works).
✔ Use banana slices for ears, chocolate chips for eyes, and strawberries for the nose.
✔ Serve with whipped cream or syrup.
✅ Personal Opinion: If you have kids or just want a fun Easter vibe, this is the easiest way to win brunch.
4. Smoked Salmon Bagel Board (Looks Fancy, But Takes 5 Minutes)
If you want a fancy brunch without actually cooking, a bagel board is the way to go. It’s elevated but effortless.
What to Include:
✔ Bagels (plain, everything, whole wheat)
✔ Smoked salmon
✔ Cream cheese (plain + flavored options)
✔ Capers, sliced red onions, cucumbers, dill
✅ Tip: Arrange everything on a wooden board for an Instagram-worthy Easter brunch aesthetic.
5. Spring Vegetable Frittata (Healthy & Gluten-Free)
If you want a healthy Easter brunch recipe that’s not boring, a veggie-loaded frittata is the way to go.
What to Include:
✔ Eggs + milk (base)
✔ Asparagus, spinach, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers
✔ Cheese (goat cheese or feta works well)
✅ Tip: Serve with a side salad for a light but satisfying meal.
6. Hot Cross Buns (Because They Just Feel Like Easter)
A classic Easter brunch recipe—slightly sweet, spiced buns with raisins and a simple icing cross.
What You Need:
✔ Flour, yeast, sugar, butter (basic dough ingredients)
✔ Cinnamon + nutmeg
✔ Raisins or currants
✅ Tip: Make ahead and warm up before serving so you’re not baking at the last minute.
7. Deviled Egg Bar (Because You Already Have a Bunch of Boiled Eggs)
Turn your Easter egg leftovers into a fun DIY deviled egg bar with different toppings.
Topping Ideas:
✔ Classic (paprika, mayo, mustard)
✔ Bacon & chives
✔ Sriracha & lime
✅ Tip: Serve on a cute platter for a buffet-style Easter brunch.
8. Carrot Cake Muffins (Easter Dessert But Make It Breakfast)
If you love carrot cake, these muffins are sweet, spiced, and perfect with coffee.
What You Need:
✔ Shredded carrots
✔ Cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla
✔ Greek yogurt (for moisture)
✅ Tip: Add cream cheese glaze for that true carrot cake flavor.
9. Strawberry Spinach Salad (For a Fresh Balance to the Brunch Menu)
A light, spring salad that pairs well with heavier dishes.
What’s In It:
✔ Fresh spinach + strawberries
✔ Feta cheese + pecans
✔ Balsamic dressing
✅ Tip: This is a great gluten-free, healthy Easter brunch option.
10. Easter Brunch Mimosa Bar (Because Brunch Needs Drinks)
Set up a DIY mimosa bar with different juices and fruit garnishes.
✔ Champagne + fresh juices (orange, mango, strawberry)
✔ Berries + mint for garnish
✅ Tip: Use cute champagne glasses for a fun brunch aesthetic.
11. Ham & Cheese Croissant Bake (Savory, Buttery, & Perfect for a Crowd)
If you want a rich, savory, cheesy dish that feeds a lot of people, this ham & cheese croissant bake is your answer.
What You Need:
✔ 6-8 buttery croissants (stale ones work best!)
✔ 1 ½ cups diced ham
✔ 2 cups grated Swiss or Gruyère cheese
✔ 6 eggs + 1 ½ cups milk (custard base)
✔ 1 tsp Dijon mustard (adds a little zing)
How to Make It:
- Layer torn croissants, ham, and cheese in a baking dish.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, and mustard, then pour over the top.
- Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for make-ahead magic).
- Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes until golden.
✅ Tip: This dish tastes like a fancy ham & cheese sandwich but better.
12. Lemon Poppy Seed Scones (A Light, Springtime Treat)
Scones are a great Easter brunch recipe because they’re sweet but not overpowering—plus, they go great with coffee, tea, or mimosas.
What You Need:
✔ 2 cups flour
✔ ⅓ cup sugar
✔ 1 tbsp baking powder
✔ Zest of 1 lemon
✔ 2 tbsp poppy seeds
✔ 1 cup heavy cream
How to Make Them:
- Mix dry ingredients, then fold in cream until dough forms.
- Shape into a disc, cut into wedges, and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes.
- Drizzle with lemon glaze for extra flavor.
✅ Personal Take: These taste like spring in a bite. Soft inside, crispy outside, and perfectly lemony.
13. Cinnamon Roll Waffles (Because Waffles Are Too Much Work)
If you want zero effort but big payoff, use canned cinnamon rolls and a waffle iron for crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside waffles.
How to Make It:
- Heat a waffle iron and spray with nonstick spray.
- Flatten canned cinnamon rolls and cook in the waffle iron.
- Drizzle with cream cheese glaze (included in the can—easy win!).
✅ Best Part? No batter mixing, no flipping, and they taste like bakery waffles.
14. Asparagus & Goat Cheese Tart (Fancy Brunch Without the Work)
Want something elegant but ridiculously easy? A puff pastry tart topped with asparagus and goat cheese is your move.
What You Need:
✔ 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought = no stress)
✔ ½ cup goat cheese
✔ 1 bunch asparagus spears
✔ 1 egg (for egg wash)
How to Make It:
- Roll out puff pastry, fold in edges, and spread with goat cheese.
- Arrange asparagus in neat rows, brush edges with egg wash.
- Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden.
✅ Personal Take: This looks super fancy but takes less than 10 minutes of actual work.
15. Easter Bunny Fruit Platter (Healthy, Fun & Kid-Friendly)
If you need something fresh, healthy, and cute, an Easter bunny-shaped fruit platter is the way to go.
How to Make It:
✔ Use sliced bananas for the bunny’s face.
✔ Strawberries for the ears.
✔ Blueberries or grapes for eyes & nose.
✔ Whipped cream or yogurt for a fluffy tail.
✅ Tip: This is easy for kids to help with and makes sure there’s at least one healthy Easter brunch option.
Easter Brunch Should Be Fun, Not Stressful
Whether you’re making a huge Easter brunch buffet or just a cozy meal for two, these 15 Easter brunch recipes cover everything—sweet, savory, make-ahead, healthy, and kid-friendly options. Pick a mix of make-ahead, sweet, and savory recipes and enjoy the holiday instead of spending all morning cooking!
