10 Make-Ahead Healthy Brunch Dishes Perfect for Spring

April 16, 2024

Courtesy of Downshiftology

Planning a healthy make-ahead spring brunch can be a game-changer. Having everything ready (or nearly so) when your guests arrive means you get to relax and enjoy your loved ones and the meal. Plus, these springy recipes are both indulgent and good for you, so everyone gets a meal that feels nourishing and celebratory. Choose one or a few of these delicious recipes, prep ahead, and your brunch will be a hit.

1. Spring Vegetable Brunch Casserole

A breakfast casserole is a perfect make-ahead brunch dish, and this one is packed with vegetables like carrots, snap peas, asparagus, and mushrooms, with richness from feta cheese. Change up the veggies, if you like, and add some chopped fresh herbs to give it even more depth. However you do it, this recipe is your ticket to a stress-free Easter brunch.

Try this recipe from Gimme Some Oven.

2. Spring Salad

A light and flavorful salad is always a welcome addition to a brunch table filled with richer fare. This one features delicate gem lettuce, cucumbers, spring radishes, artichoke hearts, and fresh herbs, so it’s as colorful as it is refreshing. Prep the vegetables and the elegant lemon-champagne vinaigrette in advance, then just toss it all together right before serving.

Try this recipe from Two Peas and Their Pod.

3. Blueberry Baked Oatmeal with Pecans and Coconut

Topped with crunchy pecans and coconut, this blueberry baked oatmeal truly tastes like a treat. It’s also loaded with wholesome ingredients like almond butter, cinnamon, banana, and, of course, oats. It’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Serve it with some plain or vanilla Greek yogurt on the side.

Try this recipe from Love and Lemons.

4. Sausage-Hash Brown Brunch Egg Muffins

Making individual egg muffins means you don’t have to fuss with cutting anything up or using serving utensils (and that’s one less thing to clean). This protein-packed version has sausage and hash browns mixed in, along with onion and bell peppers. The muffins are hearty, satisfying, and delicious. Make them in silicone muffin pans for easy release, and rewarm just before serving.

Try this recipe from The Real Food Dietitians.

5. Spring Fruit Salad

It’s always a good idea to offer a bright, colorful, and refreshing fruit salad at brunch. This one is a juicy mix of kiwi, strawberries, pineapple, and either oranges or grapefruit (or both), with a light lemon-honey dressing. Prep the fruit and the dressing ahead and toss just before serving. We’d also add a tiny pinch of fine sea salt (trust).

Try this recipe from Exploring Healthy Foods.

6. Beet Pickled Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a crowd pleaser, and these are extra special thanks to the eye-catching hue from pickling the eggs in beet brine. To save time, you can use the liquid from canned beets (then chop the beets and freeze; toss a few chunks into your smoothies). Chopped chives make the perfect garnish.

Try this recipe from Downshiftology.

7. Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip

Whether your guests are plant based or not, they’ll love this vegan spinach artichoke dip. It’s creamy and flavorful, with a base of pureed cashews, and it’s perfect for dipping veggies or crackers.

Try this recipe from Detoxinista.

8. Breakfast Potatoes

Crispy potatoes with onions, bell peppers, plenty of garlic, and a touch of smoked paprika – it’s a perfect side dish for just about any brunch entree. Make it ahead and reheat in a large skillet, or in your air fryer.

Try this recipe from Nora Cooks.

9. Healthy Carrot Cake Bread

Carrot cake is a spring classic, and this moist, sweet quick bread hits the same notes with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, plus raisins and walnuts. It’s delicious as is, or you can whip up a simple cream cheese frosting to spread on and give it that extra flair.

Try this recipe from The Natural Nurturer.

10. Almond Flour Banana Muffins

You’d never guess that these luscious, indulgent muffins are free of gluten, grains, dairy, and refined sugar. Thanks to almond butter, mashed banana, cinnamon, and other wholesome ingredients, you don’t have to sacrifice a bit of flavor, and they’re still on the healthier side. Use peanut butter instead of almond, if you prefer.

Try this recipe from Wellness by Kay.