Brunch is my favorite way to gather friends and family for a leisurely meal, and I love to elevate the experience with some delightful side dishes. Here are seven recipes that will definitely spruce up your next brunch!
1. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Prep & Cook Time
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 head of garlic
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wrap the garlic head in foil and roast for 30 minutes, until soft.
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain and return potatoes to the pot. Squeeze in the roasted garlic.
- Add sour cream, milk, and butter. Mash until smooth and season with salt and pepper.
Servings
Makes about 6 servings.
Nutrition Info
Per serving: 250 calories, 10g fat, 35g carbs, 4g protein.
2. Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Bites
Prep & Cook Time
Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut into squares.
- Mix spinach, feta, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Place a spoonful of the mixture on each pastry square and fold over to form triangles.
- Brush with egg wash and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Servings
Makes about 12 bites.
Nutrition Info
Per serving: 150 calories, 9g fat, 12g carbs, 4g protein.
3. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Prep & Cook Time
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring quinoa and water to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, and olives.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
Servings
Makes about 4 servings.
Nutrition Info
Per serving: 200 calories, 10g fat, 24g carbs, 6g protein.
4. Sweet Potato Hash
Prep & Cook Time
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sweet potatoes, bell pepper, and onion. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender.
Servings
Makes about 4 servings.
Nutrition Info
Per serving: 180 calories, 7g fat, 27g carbs, 3g protein.
5. Fresh Fruit Salad
Prep & Cook Time
Prep time: 15 minutes | No cook time
Ingredients
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup pineapple, diced
- 1 cup kiwi, diced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all the fruits.
- Drizzle with honey and lime juice and toss gently to mix.
Servings
Makes about 6 servings.
Nutrition Info
Per serving: 120 calories, 0.5g fat, 30g carbs, 1g protein.
6. Caprese Skewers
Prep & Cook Time
Prep time: 15 minutes | No cook time
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- On skewers, alternate threading cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and season with salt and pepper before serving.
Servings
Makes about 6 servings.
Nutrition Info
Per serving: 110 calories, 5g fat, 10g carbs, 6g protein.
7. Zucchini Fritters
Prep & Cook Time
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix grated zucchini with flour, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Scoop tablespoons of the mixture into the skillet and flatten slightly. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Servings
Makes about 4 servings.
Nutrition Info
Per serving: 150 calories, 8g fat, 13g carbs, 5g protein.
Final Thoughts
These side dishes are perfect for your brunch table, adding color, flavor, and variety. I can’t wait to make them again for my next gathering—what a treat for everyone!