Unforgettable Mother’s Day Brunch Ideas for the Queen of Our Hearts!

A fun variety of brunch ideas you can easily add to your menu.

BY: Jennifer Belanger

Updated: January 8, 2024

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We all know moms are the best (ever). Once you’ve landed the perfect gift for your mom and wrote some kind words in her card, it’s time to focus on a fun brunch gathering for the lady of the hour and some close family and her best friends.

In this gastronomic adventure, we’ll explore a collection of delectable recipes that embody the essence of delightful mornings and lazy afternoons – the epitome of the cherished brunch tradition. From exotic global flavors to timeless classics with a twist, these recipes and easy-to-follow menu ideas are designed to inspire, indulge, and ignite your passion for creating memorable moments around the table.

So, grab your aprons, embrace the spirit of culinary exploration, and join us on this flavorful escapade into the world of sensational brunch delights. Get ready to transform ordinary mornings into extraordinary feasts, one delicious bite at a time.

1.

Blooms & Bubbly Brunch

Create a vibrant and floral atmosphere with this “Blooms & Bubbly Brunch.” Decorate the space with fresh flowers, pastel linens, and botanical accents. Consider incorporating a DIY flower arranging station as a fun activity for guests.

FOOD MENU IDEAS

Floral Fruit Salad: Combine a variety of fresh fruits such as strawberries, kiwi, and edible flowers. Drizzle with honey and a hint of mint.
Quiche Florentine: A classic quiche with spinach, feta cheese, and cherry tomatoes. Serve in small slices for easy brunching.
Lemon Blueberry Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes filled with bursts of blueberries and a hint of lemon zest. Top with a dollop of whipped cream.
Smoked Salmon Bagel Bar: Provide an assortment of bagels, smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, and red onion slices for guests to create their own delicious bagel combinations.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Blueberry Pancakes

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 cup fresh blueberries

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
Gently fold in the blueberries.
Preheat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
Pour 1/4 cup portions of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until the other side is golden brown.
Repeat until all the batter is used, adjusting heat as needed.
Serve the pancakes warm with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, additional blueberries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Brunch Cocktails

Elderflower Sparkler:

- 2 oz elderflower liqueur
- 4 oz sparkling wine
- Splash of club soda
- Fresh edible flowers for garnish

Combine elderflower liqueur and sparkling wine in a flute, top with a splash of club soda, and garnish with fresh edible flowers.

Rosemary Grapefruit Mimosa:

- 2 oz grapefruit juice
- 4 oz champagne
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary for garnish

Pour grapefruit juice into a champagne flute, top with champagne, and garnish with a rosemary sprig.

2.

Jet-Set Brunch Buffet

Take your guests on a culinary journey with a “Global Tastes Adventure” brunch. Decorate the space with travel-inspired elements, and use colorful table settings to represent various countries.

FOOD MENU IDEAS

Mexican Avocado Toast: Avocado mash seasoned with lime, salt, and chili flakes on toasted multigrain bread. Topped with cherry tomatoes, radishes, and cilantro.
French Croque Monsieur Sliders: Mini grilled ham and cheese sandwiches with béchamel sauce, a touch of Dijon mustard, and a sprinkle of grated Gruyère.
Japanese-Inspired Sushi Bowls: Sushi rice topped with avocado slices, fresh raw salmon or tuna, cucumber, and sesame seeds. Drizzle with soy sauce and a spicy mayo.
Mediterranean Shakshuka: Poached eggs in a flavorful tomato and bell pepper sauce with cumin, paprika, and a touch of chili. Serve with crusty bread.

Get the Recipe: Mexican Avocado Toast

Ingredients:

2 ripe avocados
Juice of 1 lime
Salt, to taste
Chili flakes, to taste
4 slices of multigrain bread, toasted
Cherry tomatoes, sliced
Radishes, thinly sliced
Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Avocado Mash:
- Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a bowl.
- Mash the avocado with a fork until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Add lime juice, salt, and chili flakes to taste. Mix well.
Toast the Multigrain Bread:
- Toast the slices of multigrain bread until they are golden brown and crispy.
Assemble the Avocado Toast:
- Spread a generous amount of the seasoned avocado mash evenly over each slice of toasted bread.
Top with Cherry Tomatoes:
- Arrange sliced cherry tomatoes on top of the avocado mash. You can halve or quarter them for a neat presentation.
Add Radishes:
- Place thinly sliced radishes on top of the cherry tomatoes. The radishes add a crisp and peppery element to the toast.
Garnish with Cilantro:
- Finish the avocado toast by sprinkling fresh cilantro leaves on top. Cilantro adds a burst of freshness and a hint of citrus.
Optional Extras:
- For an extra kick, you can drizzle a little extra lime juice or hot sauce over the assembled avocado toast.
- Sprinkle additional chili flakes if you prefer more heat.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Mexican Avocado Toast immediately while the bread is still warm, and the avocado is fresh and flavorful.

Brunch Cocktails

Sangria Sunrise:
- 3 oz red wine
- 2 oz orange juice
- 1 oz brandy
- Mixed fruits (orange slices, berries, etc.)
Mix all ingredients in a pitcher and let it chill. Serve over ice.
Thai Basil Mojito:
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Fresh lime wedges
- Thai basil leaves
- Soda water

Muddle lime wedges and Thai basil in a glass. Add rum, simple syrup, and ice. Top with soda water and stir gently.

3.

Rustic Farmhouse Feast

Create a cozy and rustic farmhouse vibe with wooden accents, burlap table runners, and wildflower arrangements.

FOOD MENU IDEAS

Baked Egg Casserole: Eggs baked with a medley of vegetables, cheese, and herbs.
Country-style Breakfast Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs and garlic.
Buttermilk Biscuits with Sausage Gravy: Flaky biscuits smothered in a creamy sausage and black pepper gravy.
Honey Butter Cornbread Muffins: Moist cornbread muffins with a touch of sweetness from honey butter.

Get the Recipe: Baked Egg Casserole

Ingredients:

8 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup diced bell peppers (assorted colors)
1 cup diced onions
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives) for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
In a greased baking dish, layer bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes.
Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the eggs are set.
Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.

Brunch Cocktails

Rosemary Maple Bourbon Smash:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz maple syrup
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
Muddle rosemary in a glass. Add bourbon, maple syrup, and lemon juice. Shake with ice and strain into a glass.
Farmhouse Bloody Mary:
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz tomato juice
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- Dash of hot sauce
- Celery stalk and pickles for garnish
Mix vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, and hot sauce in a shaker. Pour over ice and garnish with celery and pickles.

4.

Tiki Tropi-Brunch Bash

Transform your space into a tropical oasis with vibrant colors, tiki torches, and tropical foliage. Add a touch of Hawaiian music to set the mood.

FOOD MENU IDEAS

Coconut Banana Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes with shredded coconut and banana slices. Top with coconut syrup.
Pineapple Chicken Skewers: Grilled chicken skewers marinated in a pineapple teriyaki glaze. Serve with pineapple chunks.
Mango Avocado Salsa: Fresh salsa with diced mango, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Perfect as a topping for grilled proteins or as a side.
Tropical Fruit Salad: A medley of fresh tropical fruits like mango, papaya, kiwi, and passion fruit.

Get the Recipe: Coconut Banana Pancakes

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1 ripe banana, sliced

Instructions:

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Fold in shredded coconut and banana slices.
Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
Pour 1/4 cup portions of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden brown.
Serve warm with coconut syrup or your favorite toppings.

Brunch Cocktails

Mango Coconut Mojito:
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz coconut cream
- Fresh mango chunks
- Mint leaves
- Club soda
Muddle mango and mint in a glass. Add rum, coconut cream, and ice. Top with club soda.
Pineapple Ginger Punch:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 2 cups ginger ale
- Pineapple slices and mint leaves for garnish
Combine pineapple juice and ginger ale in a pitcher. Serve over ice and garnish with pineapple slices and mint leaves.

5.

Timeless Tea & Tidbits Brunch

Transport your guests to a bygone era with vintage teacups, lace doilies, and mismatched floral patterns. Soft pastel colors will add to the quaint charm.

FOOD MENU IDEAS

Cucumber Tea Sandwiches: Thinly sliced cucumber on buttered white bread with a hint of dill.
Lemon Lavender Scones: Scones infused with the delicate flavors of lemon and lavender. Serve with clotted cream and lemon curd.
Petite Quiches: Mini quiches with assorted fillings like spinach, mushroom, and smoked salmon.
Strawberry Shortcake Cups: Layers of fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and shortcake crumbles in individual cups.

Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

Ingredients:

1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
8 slices of white bread
Unsalted butter, softened
Fresh dill, finely chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Cucumber:
- Wash the English cucumber thoroughly. You can peel it if you prefer, but the peel adds a nice color contrast.
- Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, thinly slice the cucumber into rounds. Place the slices on paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
Butter the Bread:
- Take each slice of white bread and spread a thin, even layer of softened unsalted butter on one side of each slice. Ensure that the entire surface is covered.
Add Cucumber Slices:
- Arrange a layer of thinly sliced cucumber on the buttered side of half of the bread slices. Ensure that the cucumber slices cover the entire surface.
Season with Dill, Salt, and Pepper:
- Sprinkle a hint of freshly chopped dill over the cucumber slices. Season with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper to enhance the flavors.
Top with More Bread:
- Place the remaining slices of buttered bread on top of the cucumber-covered slices, buttered side down. Press gently to create a sandwich.
Trim the Crusts (Optional):
- If desired, trim the crusts off the sandwiches using a sharp knife to achieve a more traditional tea sandwich shape.
Cut into Triangles or Squares:
- Cut the sandwiches into desired shapes, such as triangles or squares, using a serrated knife. This adds an elegant touch suitable for tea time.

Brunch Cocktails

Classic Earl Grey Martini:
- 2 oz Earl Grey tea-infused gin
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Lemon twist for garnish
Shake infused gin and simple syrup with ice, strain into a martini glass, and garnish with a lemon twist.
Sparkling Rosé Tea Punch:
- 1 bottle of sparkling rosé
- 1 cup brewed hibiscus tea, chilled
- Fresh berries for garnish
Mix sparkling rosé and hibiscus tea in a punch bowl. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh berries.

6.

Mother's Day Mimosa Recipes

Who doesn’t love a mimosa, especially a mom on Mother’s Day!? We’ve come up with a bunch of different really simply ideas that’ll kick up your normal run-of-the-mill mimosa. Feel free to adjust the ratios based on personal preferences. Cheers to toasting to the wonderful moms in our lives!

Classic Mimosa

Ingredients:
- 3 oz chilled champagne or sparkling wine
- 3 oz chilled orange juice
Instructions:
- Pour the champagne or sparkling wine into a flute.
- Top it off with chilled orange juice.
- Gently stir and garnish with an orange slice.

Raspberry Lemonade Mimosa

Ingredients:
- 3 oz chilled champagne or sparkling wine
- 2 oz chilled raspberry lemonade
Instructions:
- Combine the champagne or sparkling wine with raspberry lemonade in a flute.
- Stir gently and garnish with a fresh raspberry or lemon twist.

Tropical Mango Mimosa

Ingredients:
- 3 oz chilled champagne or sparkling wine
- 2 oz chilled mango juice
Instructions:
- Pour the champagne or sparkling wine into a flute.
- Add the chilled mango juice.
- Stir gently and garnish with a slice of fresh mango.

Strawberry Basil Mimosa

Ingredients:
- 3 oz chilled champagne or sparkling wine
- 2 oz chilled strawberry puree
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- In a flute, combine champagne or sparkling wine with strawberry puree.
- Stir gently and garnish with a sprig of fresh basil.

Pineapple Coconut Mimosa

Ingredients:
- 3 oz chilled champagne or sparkling wine
- 2 oz chilled pineapple-coconut juice
Instructions:
- Pour the champagne or sparkling wine into a flute.
- Add the chilled pineapple-coconut juice.
- Stir gently and garnish with a pineapple wedge.

Pomegranate Rosemary Mimosa

Ingredients:
- 3 oz chilled champagne or sparkling wine
- 2 oz chilled pomegranate juice
- 1/2 oz fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
- Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions:
- In a flute, combine champagne, pomegranate juice, and fresh orange juice.
- If you prefer a sweeter touch, add honey and stir gently.
- Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig for an aromatic and herbal twist.
- Give it a gentle stir before sipping to enjoy the vibrant flavors.

7.

Mother's Day Bloody Mary Recipes

If everyone is over the mimosa bar at brunch, kick things up with a variety of these super fun Bloody Mary’s we’ve come up with. They’re pretty simple to make – even we were able to do it!

Classic Bloody Mary

Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 3 oz tomato juice
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- Dash of Worcestershire sauce
- Dash of hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- Celery stalk and lemon wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a celery stalk and a lemon wedge.

Spicy Sriracha Bloody Mary

Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 3 oz tomato juice
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1 tsp Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- Dash of soy sauce
- Pinch of smoked paprika
- Celery stick and jalapeño slice for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass with ice.
- Garnish with a celery stick and a slice of jalapeño.

Cucumber Mint Bloody Mary

Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 3 oz tomato juice
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 2 slices cucumber, muddled
- Fresh mint leaves
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- Cucumber wheel and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions:
- Muddle cucumber slices and mint leaves in a shaker.
- Add vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Shake well and strain into a glass with ice.
- Garnish with a cucumber wheel and a mint sprig.

Bloody Maria (Tequila)

Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz tequila
- 3 oz tomato juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- Dash of hot sauce
- Dash of Worcestershire sauce
- Pinch of cumin
- Lime wedge and jalapeño slice for garnish
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass with ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and a slice of jalapeño.

Garden Fresh Bloody Mary

Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz gin
- 3 oz tomato juice
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Cherry tomatoes, olives, and pickles for garnish
- Sprig of rosemary for additional aroma
Instructions:
- Combine gin, tomato juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass with ice.
- Garnish with cherry tomatoes, olives, pickles, and a sprig of rosemary.

Smoky Bacon Bloody Mary

Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 3 oz tomato juice
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- Dash of hot sauce
- Dash of Worcestershire sauce
- Smoked paprika rim (mix smoked paprika with salt for rimming)
- Crispy bacon strip for garnish
- Celery stick for garnish
Instructions:
- Rim the glass with the smoked paprika and salt mixture.
- In a shaker with ice, combine vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Shake well and strain into the rimmed glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a crispy bacon strip and a celery stick.

IN CONCLUSION

Whether you’ve indulged in the zesty Mexican Avocado Toast, savored the delicate Cucumber Tea Sandwiches, or embarked on a global taste adventure, we trust your culinary escapades have been nothing short of delightful. As the aromas linger and the flavors resonate, may your brunch table continue to be a canvas for exploration, connection, and the simple pleasure of good food and quality time with your mom.