16 New Year’s Day Brunch Ideas for the Perfect Start

New Year’s Day is all about fresh starts, good vibes, and gathering with the people you care about most. And what better way to kick things off than with a delicious brunch that everyone will remember? Whether you’re feeding a crowd or keeping it cozy, the right mix of flavors can set the tone for the year ahead. From sweet and indulgent to light and savory, this list of New Year’s Day brunch ideas has something for every craving.

Classic Eggs Benedict

Eggs Benedict features poached eggs and Canadian bacon atop toasted English muffins, drizzled with creamy hollandaise sauce. To prepare, you’ll need 4 English muffins, 8 slices of Canadian bacon, 8 large eggs, 1 cup unsalted butter, 3 large egg yolks, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Begin by toasting the muffins and browning the bacon. Poach the eggs in simmering water with a splash of vinegar until the whites are set. For the hollandaise, blend egg yolks and lemon juice, then slowly incorporate melted butter until the sauce thickens; season with cayenne. Assemble by layering bacon and poached eggs on each muffin half, topping with hollandaise sauce.

Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes

These pancakes are light and airy, perfect for a comforting brunch. Gather 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 cups buttermilk, 2 large eggs, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Combine dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another, then mix until just combined. Pour 1/4 cup batter onto a heated, greased griddle, cooking until bubbles form before flipping. Serve warm with maple syrup and fresh berries.

Savory Breakfast Casserole

This hearty dish combines sausage, eggs, cheese, and hash browns, ideal for feeding a crowd. You’ll need 1 pound breakfast sausage, 1/2 cup diced onion, 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper, 3 cups thawed frozen hash browns, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 8 large eggs, and 1 1/2 cups milk. Cook the sausage with onions and peppers until browned. Layer hash browns in a greased baking dish, and top with sausage mixture and cheese. Whisk eggs and milk, pour over the layers, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes until set.

Smoked Salmon Bagels

An elegant yet simple option featuring smoked salmon and cream cheese on toasted bagels. Ingredients include 4 bagels, 8 ounces smoked salmon, 1 cup cream cheese, 1 small red onion (thinly sliced), 1/4 cup capers, and fresh dill for garnish. Toast the bagels and spread each half with cream cheese. Top with smoked salmon, red onion slices, and capers. Garnish with fresh dill and serve immediately.

Belgian Waffles with Fresh Berries

Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, these waffles are a brunch favorite. You’ll need 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 large eggs, 1 3/4 cups milk, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine until smooth. Cook batter in a preheated waffle iron until golden brown. Top with fresh berries and whipped cream before serving.

Breakfast Tacos

A customizable and fun brunch item, breakfast tacos are sure to please. Ingredients include 8 small flour tortillas, 6 large eggs, 1/4 cup milk, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 4 slices cooked and crumbled bacon, and 1 diced avocado. Scramble eggs with milk over medium heat until just set, then stir in cheese. Warm tortillas and fill each with eggs, bacon, and avocado. Serve with salsa on the side.

Maple-Glazed Bacon

Sweet and savory, this bacon is a delightful addition to any brunch. You’ll need 1 pound of thick-cut bacon, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Arrange bacon on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Mix maple syrup, brown sugar, and pepper; brush over bacon. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until crispy and caramelized.

Spinach and Feta Quiche

This savory quiche combines spinach and feta in a flaky crust, suitable for any brunch. You’ll need 1 pre-made pie crust, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small diced onion, 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped), 1 cup crumbled feta cheese, 4 large eggs, 1 cup heavy cream, and salt and pepper to taste. Sauté onions in olive oil until translucent, add spinach until wilted. In a bowl, whisk eggs and cream, then season. Layer spinach mixture and feta in the pie crust, pour egg mixture over, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes until the center is set. Serve warm or at room temperature for a satisfying and flavorful start to the year.

Avocado Toast with Poached Egg

Avocado toast with poached egg is a modern brunch staple that’s both nutritious and flavorful. Use 2 slices of sourdough bread, 1 ripe avocado, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Toast the sourdough slices until golden, mash the avocado with lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and spread it over the toast. Poach the eggs in simmering water with a dash of vinegar for about 3-4 minutes until soft. Top each toast with a poached egg, garnish with red pepper flakes, and enjoy a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and rich flavors.

Brioche French Toast

Soft, buttery brioche transforms French toast into an indulgent brunch centerpiece. Combine 4 thick slices of brioche, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup whole milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon together; dip each brioche slice until fully coated. Cook on a buttered skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle maple syrup, and serve with fresh fruit for a delicious start to the year.

Hash Brown Egg Nests

These crispy hash brown egg nests are not only visually appealing but also perfectly portioned for a New Year’s brunch. Gather 3 cups of shredded hash browns, 6 large eggs, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix hash browns with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then press into greased muffin tins to form nests. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, remove from the oven, crack one egg into each nest, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for another 10-12 minutes until the eggs are set. These golden bites are crispy, cheesy, and a great way to kick off the year.

Cheddar and Chive Biscuits

Flaky and savory, these cheddar and chive biscuits are a brunch classic that pairs well with any main dish. Mix 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup cold butter (cubed), 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped chives, and 1 cup buttermilk. Cut butter into the dry ingredients, then add cheddar, chives, and buttermilk until the dough comes together. Roll out and cut into biscuits, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden. Serve warm with butter or as a side to savory brunch items.

Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a flavorful North African dish of eggs poached in a spiced tomato sauce. Use 1 can of diced tomatoes (14 oz), 1 small onion (diced), 1 red bell pepper (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 6 large eggs, and fresh parsley for garnish. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic in olive oil, add spices, then stir in tomatoes and simmer until thickened. Create wells in the sauce, crack eggs into each, and cover to cook until the whites are set. Garnish with parsley and serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Breakfast Sausage Rolls

Flaky pastry wrapped around savory sausage makes these rolls a crowd-pleaser. You’ll need 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed), 1 pound breakfast sausage, 1 beaten egg (for egg wash), 1 teaspoon thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Roll out the pastry, spread sausage mixed with thyme and seasoning down the center, fold the pastry over, and seal the edges. Brush with egg wash, cut into portions, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden and crisp. These handheld bites are perfect for a cozy, celebratory brunch.

Mushroom and Spinach Frittata

A frittata is a versatile and protein-rich brunch dish loaded with vegetables and cheese. You’ll need 8 large eggs, 1/4 cup milk, 1 cup sliced mushrooms, 2 cups fresh spinach, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Sauté mushrooms and spinach in olive oil until softened, then transfer to a greased skillet. Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper; pour over the vegetables and sprinkle with cheese. Cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes until set. Slice and serve warm for a light, satisfying start to the year.

Cinnamon Roll Bake

This gooey cinnamon roll bake combines everything you love about cinnamon rolls without the fuss of rolling dough. Use 1 can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls (cut into quarters), 4 large eggs, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Toss cinnamon roll pieces in a greased baking dish, whisk eggs, cream, vanilla, and cinnamon, and pour the mixture over the rolls. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes until golden and puffy. Drizzle with the included icing for a sweet, decadent treat.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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