In 2018, there is not a meal more trendy than brunch. Not breakfast, not lunch, but brunch: The in-between meal during which it’s socially acceptable to add eggs or avocado to anything. Plus, down it with a mimosa. Here at Basket, we’ve been big brunch fans for years. So if you ask us, everyone is a little behind on the brunch-train.
Lucky for you, we’ve been brunchin’ for so long that we’ve come up with a few tips and tricks on how to score that fancy Sunday brunch for a great price at home. Because while we love Sunday-Funday, sometimes we value our brunchtime at home in our jammies, too.
So, if you’re ready to brunch like a Basketeer, check out these tips on how to brunch on a budget!
1. Embrace the Eggs
Okay, so this might be a no-brainer, but never underestimate the power of eggs in brunch. Scramble them, poach them, or use them to soak your French toast. Ultimately, there are a million different recipes you can create using eggs. Stay tuned, we’re about to list a few.
2. Make an Omelette Bar
This is a big fan favorite at Basket HQ. This method of brunch can also be a hit if you have kids or picky eaters at home. In a large bowl, crack open three large eggs for each person you’ll be feeding. So, for instance, if you’re feeding a group of four, whisk together a dozen eggs.
Next, chop up veggies, meats, and other omelette add-ins. Some of our favorite options include:
- Peppers
- Onions
- Mushrooms
- Tomatoes
- Shredded cheese (try a 4-cheese blend!)
- Spinach
- Feta
- Ham
- Bacon
- Sausage
- Chorizo
- Pulled pork or chicken
- Black beans
- Avocado
- Salsa
Place these ingredients in small bowls, or whatever platters you have handy. Spoon your egg mixture into four bowls and let each guest add in whatever toppings they like. Then, pour their concoctions into a large saute pan – not all at once! – and saute them up the delicious omelette of their dreams.
This is especially fun if you want to try unique flavor combinations or switch up your normal breakfast routine. Plus, you can pull in most of what you have hanging out in the pantry or fridge for fillings, cutting down on your shopping list.
3. Brunch Pull-Aparts
If you’re a fan of the Basket Blog, then you’re well aware of our affinity for pull-apart foods. If we can eat it with our hands, we’re sold. So, get this: Bacon & Cheese Pull-Aparts. Four words have never gotten us so excited.
All this recipe calls for is 1 egg, Pillsbury™ Grands!™ Flaky Layers refrigerated Original biscuits, a tablespoon of milk, 3/4 cup of shredded cheese, and 1 package of bacon chopped into 1/2 inch pieces (pre-cooked works fine, but feel free to fry this up yourself). You can easily prepare this dish the night before, frying the bacon and gathering ingredients. After assembling everything into a pan, this delicious brunch food takes less than 30 minutes to bake.
The best part of this dish is that it gathers everyone together. Place your pull-apart in the center of the table and just have everyone dig in. No forks, no plates (no cleanup!), just your favorite pals and some yummy pull-aparts.
4. Reimagine the Burrito
Seeing as brunch quite literally combines breakfast and lunch, we have no problem taking an item we would typically enjoy later in the day and making it breakfast-appropriate. There are meals that totally already do this – think chicken and waffles or a sunny-side-up burger with extra crispy bacon. But, one of the most versatile options is the burrito.
Breakfast burritos have been around for ages. So, we invite you to create the brunch burrito – brunchito, if you will. Roll up fried potatoes, scrambled eggs, onion, cheesy goodness, and other veggies. Add in hearty, filling staples like mushrooms, shredded chicken, pulled pork, or ground beef. Again, this is another dish you can get a head start on the night before, by slow cooking or grilling the meat you’ll add in for protein.
5. Keep it Healthy with Fruit Kabobs
Okay, we’ve talked a whole lot about eggs and cheese and other not particularly produce-like ingredients. But, don’t forget some fresh fruit! For one, fresh fruit platters immediately act as a put-together adult centerpiece on a brunch table. Even if you’re winging your omelettes, placing a prettily arranged fruit platter on the table gives guests something to snack on while they wait for the main course.
We love the idea of fruit kabobs. Eliminate the need for guests to use big salad spoons to dish out fruit salad – instead, put it on a stick! Pair green grapes with melon, or tangerines with cantaloupe and mango. Place “dips” out as well: Think peanut butter, hazelnut spread, honey, and Greek yogurt. Arranging these on your brunch table will definitely kick Sunday-Funday off right – plus all of these items are easily affordable and filling.
6. Pancake Roll-Up Surprises
We love pancakes, we love roll-ups, and we love surprises. So, say hello to this neat dish! To begin, cook up a few fluffy pancakes. We’re no expert, so we’ll let Martha Stewart walk you through the necessary steps. Or, you can go the easy route and pick up a box of pancake mix at your local grocery store.
Once your pancakes are ready to go, top them with whatever you’ve got on hand. Try bananas and hazelnut spread for one, strawberries and honey for another, even bacon and maple syrup! Once you’ve got everything slathered on, roll the pancake to seal all of your deliciousness inside. Insert two to three toothpicks into your pancake roll-up to ensure everything stays put.
Then, it’s time for the surprise! Allow guests to choose a roll-up and dig in to discover what is hidden inside. Fun and easy to make, this simple brunch recipe is also light on the wallet – perfect for those of us on a budget.
7. Encourage B-Y-O-Beverage
Traditional brunch calls for mimosas or Bloody Mary’s. Unfortunately, booze can take up a hefty chunk of your budget. For that reason, encourage friends to bring their own bubbly. While you can find a cheap prosecco or champagne at the grocery store, mention to friends that you’ll pick up a few juice and mixer options for them to enjoy. Chances are since you’re providing the food, they won’t mind picking up a bottle or two for the occasion.
On the same note, remember that brunch can be just as fun with some virgin drinks. Mix up some hot chocolate the night before and let it cool in the fridge overnight. Pop in some ice cubes for a sweet, refreshing treat. Tell friends to bring any additional beverages they would enjoy as well.
What are your plans for brunch this weekend? Before you hop too hard into brunch-planning, be sure to search your grocery list on Basket before heading to the grocery store. Because brunch will taste that much better when you know you saved on it.
