As the weather cools down and the leaves start to change, there’s nothing quite like hosting a cozy fall brunch to celebrate the season’s flavors and colors. Whether you’re planning a casual get-together with friends or a more elaborate meal with family, a fall-inspired brunch is the perfect way to enjoy the bounty of autumn. From warm, spiced dishes to comforting baked goods and seasonal drinks, fall brunch menus offer a delightful mix of sweet and savory options that showcase the best of the harvest.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore a variety of fall brunch ideas that are sure to impress your guests and make your gathering memorable. From classic brunch staples with an autumn twist to innovative new dishes, we’ve got everything you need to plan the perfect fall brunch.
Savory Fall Brunch Dishes
Pumpkin Spice Waffles with Maple Syrup
Pumpkin spice is a quintessential flavor of fall, and these pumpkin spice waffles bring all the cozy autumn vibes to your brunch table. Light, fluffy, and full of warm spices, these waffles are perfect for a crisp fall morning.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Maple syrup and whipped cream for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the preheated waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve the waffles warm with maple syrup and a dollop of whipped cream.
Sweet Potato Hash with Sausage and Kale
This hearty sweet potato hash is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a great addition to any fall brunch menu. The combination of sweet potatoes, savory sausage, and kale creates a balanced dish that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken), casings removed
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 large eggs
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
- Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the kale and garlic, cooking for an additional 3 minutes until the kale is wilted.
- Return the sausage to the skillet and mix everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Create four small wells in the hash and crack an egg into each well. Cover the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your liking.
- Serve the hash warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Quiche
Quiche is a brunch classic, and this version with caramelized onions and mushrooms is perfect for fall. The savory flavors of the onions and mushrooms are complemented by the creamy custard filling, making this quiche a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized, about 20 minutes.
- Add the mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 10 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Spread the caramelized onions and mushrooms evenly over the pie crust. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese over the top.
- Pour the egg mixture over the filling, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Bake the quiche for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Allow the quiche to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Sweet Fall Brunch Treats
Apple Cinnamon Scones
These apple cinnamon scones are a delightful fall treat that combines the flavors of sweet apples and warm cinnamon in a tender, flaky pastry. They’re perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea on a cool autumn morning.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup chopped apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Turbinado sugar for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add the cold butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the chopped apples.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently a few times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle and cut it into 8 wedges.
- Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with additional heavy cream. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through. Serve warm.
Maple Pecan Sticky Buns
These maple pecan sticky buns are the ultimate indulgence for a fall brunch. Soft, fluffy rolls are filled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a gooey maple pecan glaze.
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- For the Maple Pecan Glaze:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy. Add the sugar, melted butter, eggs, flour, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
- Roll and Cut the Buns: Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long side. Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and maple syrup until smooth. Pour the glaze into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
- Assemble and Bake: Arrange the sliced buns on top of the glaze in the baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the buns for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter. Serve warm.
Pear and Cranberry Baked Oatmeal
Baked oatmeal is a wholesome and comforting dish that’s perfect for a fall brunch. This version features pears and cranberries, which add a touch of sweetness and tartness, along with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large pear, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, pecans, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, applesauce, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
- Fold in the diced pear and cranberries.
- Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the oatmeal is set and golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Fall Brunch Beverages
Spiced Apple Cider Mimosas
Add a seasonal twist to the classic mimosa by using spiced apple cider instead of orange juice. This bubbly cocktail is perfect for a fall brunch and is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of champagne or sparkling wine
- 2 cups spiced apple cider
- Ground cinnamon and sugar for rimming the glasses
- Apple slices for garnish
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix together ground cinnamon and sugar. Dip the rims of champagne flutes into a shallow dish of water, then dip them into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.
- Fill each glass halfway with spiced apple cider, then top with champagne or sparkling wine.
- Garnish with apple slices and serve immediately.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
No fall brunch is complete without a pumpkin spice latte. This homemade version is easy to make and tastes just like the ones you get at your favorite coffee shop.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso
- Whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for topping
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the hot milk mixture into a blender and blend until frothy, about 15 seconds.
- Divide the brewed coffee or espresso between two mugs, then pour the frothed pumpkin spice milk over the top.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Serve hot.
Maple Pecan Iced Coffee
This maple pecan iced coffee is a refreshing and flavorful drink that’s perfect for those warmer fall days. The combination of maple syrup and pecan flavors gives this coffee a distinctly autumnal twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brewed coffee, cooled
- 1/4 cup milk of choice
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon pecan extract
- Ice cubes
- Whipped cream and chopped pecans for topping
Instructions:
- In a glass, combine the cooled coffee, milk, maple syrup, and pecan extract. Stir well to combine.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes and stir again to chill.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Serve immediately.
Tips for Hosting a Fall Brunch
Hosting a fall brunch is a wonderful way to bring people together and enjoy the flavors of the season. Here are some tips to ensure your brunch is a success:
Plan Ahead
To make hosting stress-free, plan your menu ahead of time and prepare as much as possible in advance. Many brunch dishes, like quiches and baked goods, can be made the day before and reheated just before serving.
Embrace Seasonal Decor
Incorporate autumnal elements into your table setting and decor. Think pumpkins, gourds, fall foliage, and candles to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Offer a Variety of Dishes
To cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, offer a mix of sweet and savory dishes, as well as options for those with dietary restrictions. Including a variety of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, is also a good idea.
Set Up a Beverage Station
Create a self-serve beverage station with coffee, tea, water, and a selection of brunch cocktails. This allows guests to help themselves and ensures that everyone has something they enjoy.
Enjoy the Moment
Most importantly, remember to relax and enjoy the moment with your guests. A fall brunch is all about celebrating the season and spending time with loved ones, so don’t stress about perfection—just have fun!
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A fall brunch is a fantastic way to celebrate the flavors and colors of the season with friends and family. From savory dishes like pumpkin spice waffles and sweet potato hash to sweet treats like apple cinnamon scones and maple pecan sticky buns, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. Pair your menu with seasonal beverages like spiced apple cider mimosas and pumpkin spice lattes, and you’re sure to create a memorable and cozy brunch that everyone will enjoy.
With the ideas and recipes provided in this guide, you’re well on your way to hosting the perfect fall brunch. So gather your loved ones, set a beautiful autumn table, and enjoy the bounty of the season!