Sunday brunch: it’s a staple, a necessity, part of the cultural tradition of New Yorkers everywhere. But when you’re staying in (whether due to the current fears of getting ill, a strict budget, or just a case of good old fashioned burnout), how do you still get your brunch fix? Sure, you could call DoorDash or one of the other many food delivery options in your area…or, you could do something amazing in the kitchen. Make your current situation as pleasant as possible since you have to be indoors with these Sunday brunch ideas.

Why not treat your family or friends to a wonderful Sunday brunch that you’ve prepared? There are all sorts of out-of-the-box ideas for delicious recipes that are fun, exciting and delicious; all of them easy and require minimal ingredients. You can make a delicious brunch on a budget in a snap that’ll have everyone ready to nap on the couch afterward. A few of our favorites are below. 

Quiche

Quiche is nothing new or “fancy”; we’ve all had a good quiche lorraine. But what about putting a new twist on an old standby? This egg pie, featuring lots of cheese and a flaky crust, can be adapted in so many different ways. A favorite is a play on a Tex-Mex quiche – fill with Monterey jack cheese, black beans, and poblano peppers and spike with smoked paprika, encased with a crispy cornbread crust instead of your usual flaky pastry. Top with fresh avocado, cilantro and you’ve got something amazing. 

Another delicious filling for quiche is as classy as it is tasty. Leek, caramelized onion and gruyere quiche is a winning combination of flavors that will make your taste buds sing. Drizzle with a little balsamic reduction and a fresh sprig of parsley and you’re in heaven. One word of caution: learn how to clean leeks properly before using them in the dish. So many people don’t know how to deal with leeks, and it’s a shame because leaks are an amazing addition to any dish. 

Waffle Bar

We’ve all made waffles, but have you ever tried a waffle bar? If you have kids or young friends, this is a guaranteed pleaser. Whip up a huge batch of waffles (Belgian or buttermilk, your choice) and sit out an array of toppings and accompaniments. Options include fresh fruit like bananas, mango, and strawberries, whipped cream, coconut cream for the vegans, toasted almonds, chocolate chips, fresh jam or preserves, real maple syrup, and for those who like a bit of savory, some crumbled turkey bacon or sausages. Whatever you have on hand! Having a huge variety of toppings will ensure your brunch-goers will want seconds – maybe even thirds!

Pasta

Pasta for brunch? Once you’ve tried it you won’t scoff. Whether you’re whipping up a traditional pasta puttanesca (how can you go wrong with a spicy pasta sauce with spaghetti?), gnocchi, or something more extravagant like breakfast lasagna (layered noodles with sauce, your choice of meat, cheese, hash browns and topped with scrambled eggs – this is decidedly not a healthy brunch, so eat in moderation), you cannot go wrong when you incorporate pasta into your brunch. Other options that go well with breakfast food include noodle kugel and even macaroni and cheese with bacon. These are just three unique ideas for how to jazz up your brunch.

You don’t have to feel like you are missing out if you stay home for brunch. Brunch can literally be what you make of it and become a another way to bring family and friends closer together. It can become a regular thing where each person hosts a turn. The dishes will then become varied and more exciting. Imagine the foodie levels on those Sundays!

There are tons of other options for exciting and delicious food that won’t cost an arm and a leg to make. Yogurt parfaits! Homemade acai bowls! Buckwheat pancakes with blueberry maple syrup! Biscuits and Gravy! While you are home, the sky is the limit. Do you have a favorite brunch recipe that you are a master of? Tell me about it so I can add it to my repertoire in the comments below. Bon Appetit!

Until our next rendezvous…

XOXO

Trudy