Do-ahead brunch menu

[Anonymous]

Having a celebratory brunch get together after church this weekend. We won't be home long before people come over so I'm trying to come up with dishes that are easy to have ready ahead of time. I'm thinking of getting a Honeybaked Ham (or the Costco version), biscuits, deviled eggs, fruit, a veggie tray, maybe a couple of quiche/strata/egg casserole. That seems like such a springtime menu though. Maybe pumpkin bread or muffins? Cranberry bagels? There will also be a cake so I didn't want to have a lot of sweet items. Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

It actually sounds perfect. If you are really concerned about it being "fall" then just so a thing or two - have a fall spiced tea, pull out the pumpkin bread and have some apple butter. Or do sweet potato biscuits instead of regular ones with the apple butter.

You could also have a salad with butternut squash, apples, and craisins instead of the veggie tray.

While it does seem a bit springy - brunch is kind of brunch in my book. I'd be thrilled!

[Anonymous]

That doesn't sound too springy to me, especially if you emphasize the autumnal condiments. Cranberry sauce or cranberry mustard (sometimes Trader Joe's has a really good one). Maybe skip the deviled eggs in favor of a quiche or egg casserole. How about a squash soup and/or hot spiced cider? Those you can put in a slow cooker and have ready when you get back from church. I happen to like both cranberry and pumpkin quick breads and think those would be a nice touch. I'd do either mini muffins or loaves though, as full size muffins can be a bit large. Or do a green salad with some autumn fruits (apple, pear, cranberry) and a bleu cheese.

[Anonymous]

Agree with the above. You can have several stratas/quiches for variety. Another option to consider is baked french toast.

[Anonymous]

OP here, thanks! My mom also suggested I make my grandmother's (hot) German potato salad, and I will definitely add that since I love it and I know at least a couple of my guests do too (and if they don't more for me!). It's not brunchy, but it was always a requirement at any family gathering.

[Anonymous]

I love stradas and they're easy. I don't usually think of them as "spring." I guess they could be with spring ingredients, like asparagus. I think of them as having sausage, mushroom, and sage, which to me scream fall.

[Anonymous]

Emily bites has these yummy pancake muffins. Basically, you make your normal pancake batter, put the batter in a mini muffin pan sprayed with Pam, bake at 350 for about 15 minutes. They come out perfect and hot... Just add some good maple syrup and done. Oh, you can also chop up bananas, chocolate chips, blueberries, nuts, whatever you like and place them on top before you put them in the oven. I made them with a leftover banana and they were a hit.