Sunday Brunch Buffet Recipes & Ideas

Plan a no-fuss Sunday brunch buffet with these simple recipes and ideas. Everything can be adapted for any size group, with time-saving tips included!

The best thing about serving brunch is that it simplifies your day by combining two meals into one. With breakfast and lunch rolled into a single, delicious spread, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of family and friends. A brunch buffet keeps things effortless…just set up a casual spread, let everyone help themselves, and enjoy a relaxed, stress-free gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just embracing a slow Sunday morning, brunch is the perfect way to bring everyone together.

The Main Course

First up is a Drake family favorite. One of the easiest things to do for your main course is a make-ahead breakfast casserole. The ingredients are super simple, and it’s all assembled the night before. That means in the morning, there is nothing more to do than place it in the oven. I’ve been making this breakfast casserole recipe for so long that I know the ingredients by heart! It’s baked in a 9 x 13 dish, and feeds 6-8 people. I’ve also adapted the recipe into Breakfast Egg Muffins. You can find the recipe for the muffins, including how to make it in a 9×13 casserole, HERE.

More Main Course Ideas

• Stuffed French Toast Casserole: thick slices of brioche or French bread stuffed with sweetened cream cheese, baked to perfection and served with warm syrup.
• Classic Quiche Lorraine: a classic French tart filled with eggs, cream, crispy bacon, and Gruyère cheese in a flaky pastry crust.
• Tater Tot Casserole: delicious layers of eggs, tater tots, cheese, and sausage.
• Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake: buttery croissants layered with ham, Swiss cheese, and a savory Dijon custard, then baked until golden and bubbly.

Brunch Side Dishes

• Sour Cream Coffee Cake: made in a bundt pan, this is a beautiful addition to your Sunday brunch. It can be made a day ahead, and stored in an air-tight container.
• Blueberry Muffins: soft, buttery muffins packed with juicy blueberries and a hint of vanilla.
• Blueberry Coffee Cake: a tender cake with sweet blueberries and a crumbly cinnamon topping.
• Cinnamon Muffins: light and fluffy muffins with warm cinnamon flavor and a sugar topping.
• Citrus Salad: A refreshing mix of oranges and grapefruit, with a light olive oil drizzle.
• Sweet or Savory Quick Bread: quick breads are so easy, and they can all be made a day ahead.
• Fresh Fruit Bowl: choose your favorite fruits and combine them in a pretty bowl, or arrange them on a platter. You can’t get any easier than that!
• Strawberry Scones: buttery, flaky scones filled with fresh strawberries and a touch of sweetness.

Brunch Buffet Setup Tips

• Choose the Right Location
  Set up the buffet on a kitchen island, dining table, or sideboard to create an easy-to-access serving area. If space is tight, consider using a folding table with a tablecloth to create a portable buffet station.
• Arrange Food in a Logical Order
  Place plates at the start of the buffet, followed by main dishes, sides, and finally, condiments and napkins. This ensures an easy flow and prevents crowding.
• Use Tiered Stands and Trays
  Your secret weapon to maximize space is to use tiered stands, cake plates, or baskets to create height. By taking advantage of vertical space, your buffet will look organized and less crowded.
• Provide Serving Utensils for Every Dish
  This is such an easy thing to forget! Make sure each dish has the right serving spoon, tongs, or fork.
• Set Up a Beverage Station
  Keep drinks separate from the main buffet to prevent traffic jams. Include coffee, tea, or juice, with cups, sweeteners, and stirrers.
• Label the Dishes
  If you have a variety of dishes, small labels or tent cards can help guests identify their choices. This is definitely an extra step in the process, but it’s a fun way to add your own personal style to your buffet.

Buffet flower Arrangement Ideas

• Mason Jars: so simple. Place a group of mason jars on your buffet, and fill them with flowers. Vary the sizes, or keep them uniform. They don’t take up much room, and they will add the perfect amount of charm.
• Meyer Lemon Centerpiece: equally as simple as the mason jars, just place fruit and greenery on a cake plate or in a basket. Vary the fruit, or use all one kind.
• Small Bud Vases: use several small bud vases or recycled glass bottles, each holding a single stem of a flower like a rose, carnation, or tulip, and spread them along the buffet.
• Herb & Flower Mix: combine fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or mint with a few stems of seasonal flowers in a neutral pitcher, or a group of small pitchers.

Time Saving Tips

• Plan the menu in advance
  Choose simple, make-ahead recipes and ensure a good balance of sweet and savory dishes.
• Prep ingredients the night before
  Chop fruits, vegetables, and herbs, grate cheese, and pre-measure ingredients to streamline cooking.
• Set up the buffet early
  Arrange plates, napkins, utensils, and serving dishes the night before so everything is ready to go.
• Make-ahead dishes
  Opt for casseroles, quiches, and baked goods that can be prepared the night before and simply reheated in the morning.
• Self-serve beverage station
  Set up a coffee, tea, and juice station with cups, sweeteners, and creamers so guests can help themselves. Again, do as much as possible the night before.
• Keep the buffet simple
  Arrange food in an easy-to-reach way, using tiered stands or trays to maximize space and minimize fuss.
• Use slow cookers and warmers
  Keep items like breakfast meats and casseroles warm without needing constant attention.
• Clean as You Go
  Wash dishes, wipe counters, and tidy up while cooking to avoid a big mess later.
• Relax and Enjoy
  Give yourself plenty of time to get ready before guests arrive, and don’t stress about perfection. Brunch should be fun and easy.
• Accept Help
  This is a hard one for me. If guests offer to help, let them! They can clear the table, load the dishwasher, or wash large serving pieces. Most people appreciate the effort you put into hosting and simply want to make the day easier for you. Saying yes allows you to enjoy the gathering without feeling overwhelmed.

I hope these easy Sunday brunch buffet ideas make hosting stress-free and enjoyable. With simple food and a casual setup, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family and friends. Whether it’s a regular weekend meal or a special gathering, brunch is a great way to bring everyone together and make happy memories.