What could be better than a picnic brunch? These dishes are portable, delicious and perfect for an outdoor morning meal.
38 Recipes for a Perfect Brunch Picnic
Updated on Jun. 04, 2024
Italian Brunch Torte
We always serve this impressive layered breakfast bake with a salad of mixed greens and tomato wedges. It is one of our most requested dishes and can be served warm or cold. —Danny Diamond, Farmington Hills, Michigan
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Pear-Berry Breakfast Tarts
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my kids were small, I could never get pancakes on the table while they were all still hot. Then I got the idea for these breakfast tarts. They're a good and simple recipe for any busy family. —Joan Elbourn, Gardner, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 tart: 379 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 193mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
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Egg Biscuit Breakfast Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Determined to come up with a brunch dish that didn’t keep me in the kitchen all morning, I created this biscuit breakfast casserole made with everyone’s favorite ingredients. Preparation is minimal, and then it goes right into the oven, so you can spend more time with the ones you love. Simply serve with a fruit salad for a hearty weekend breakfast guests will love. —Jenny Flake, Gilbert, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 300 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 206mg cholesterol, 923mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein.
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Sunny-Side-Up Herbed Tart
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Feel free to be creative with this versatile egg tart. Try Canadian bacon or ham as the meat ingredient, and add toppings such as thyme, chopped spinach or goat cheese. —Diana Neves, Lafayette, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 585 calories, 40g fat (13g saturated fat), 305mg cholesterol, 893mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 21g protein.
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Blueberry Turnovers
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While you can make them a little in advance, these blueberry turnovers are best served the day they’re made. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 turnover: 400 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 235mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein.
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Muffuletta Frittata
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m a sucker for Italian sub sandwiches and olives. I wanted those flavors but in a low-carb dish, so I created this frittata. Use fresh spinach in place of the arugula if you don’t love arugula’s peppery flavor as I do. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with 1/4 cup olive salad: 384 calories, 31g fat (10g saturated fat), 323mg cholesterol, 1391mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
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Quick Crunchy Apple Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pair crunchy toppings with smooth vanilla in this apple salad with yogurt recipe. You'll love this creative combination! —Kathy Armstrong, Post Falls, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 116 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 13mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Sausage Bacon Bites
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These tasty morsels are perfect with almost any egg dish or as finger foods party guests can just pick up and pop into their mouths. —Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 51 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Doughnuts
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests will have a touch of nostalgia when they bite into one of these old-fashioned doughnuts. Accents of nutmeg and cinnamon, along with a subtle burst of lemon, make them hard to resist. —June Jones, Harveyville, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 doughnut with 1 doughnut hole: 184 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 232mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Breakfast Parfaits
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The combination of pineapple, raspberries and banana in these yogurt treats makes a bright and cheerful morning breakfast. —Adell Meyer, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 parfait: 277 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 52mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (48g sugars, 6g fiber), 5g protein.
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Eggs & Chorizo Wraps
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband grew up in Southern California and loves chorizo. We use the spicy sausage in these chorizo and egg wraps that our children call Daddy’s Eggs. —April Nissen, Yankton, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 519 calories, 32g fat (12g saturated fat), 255mg cholesterol, 1121mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
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Orange-Apricot Mimosa Punch
Total Time
10 min
Servings
20 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
We make this punch for our annual Christmas brunch, and everyone loves it! I usually triple this recipe for a bigger crowd and garnish the punch with an orange-tangerine ice ring made several days ahead of time. —Kathy McKay, Acworth, Georgia
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Apple Pull-Apart Bread
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a fun sweet treat that's certain to satisfy, try this recipe. Drizzled with icing, each finger-licking piece has a yummy surprise filling of apples and pecans. It's well worth the bit of extra effort. —Carolyn Gregory, Hendersonville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 248 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 218mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Mini Sausage Quiches
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These bite-sized quiches are loaded with sausage and cheese—and all nestled into easy crescent roll dough. Serve the cute muffinettes at any brunch or potluck gathering. —Jan Mead, Milford, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini quiche: 66 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
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Blueberry Streusel Coffee Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This blueberry coffee cake smells wonderful as it bakes and tastes even better. The moist cake filled with juicy berries and crunchy pecans is a family favorite. It never lasts long at our house. —Lori Snedden, Sherman, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 476 calories, 26g fat (11g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 323mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
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Strawberry-Lime Quinoa Parfaits
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I serve quinoa with strawberries and Key lime pie yogurt, friends scrape the bottom of the parfait glass to get every delectable bite. —Bev Jones, Brunswick, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 parfait: 341 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 123mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (43g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein.
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Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Scones
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 scones
From the Recipe Creator:
Chocolate, hazelnuts and the tangy taste of buttermilk—these delicious scones are easy to make. They come together fast. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 scone: 409 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 327mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
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Hash Brown Quiche Cups
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Quiche cups are my showstopper potluck dish. Hash browns and Asiago cheese make up the crusts. Eggs, spinach and bacon do the rest. —Nicole Stone, Gilbertville, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 mini quiches: 180 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 205mg cholesterol, 375mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1/2 starch.
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Double Cranberry Banana Bread
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
1 loaf (12 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
We love quick breads, and I've found that they freeze nicely if properly wrapped. This is a scrumptious recipe to make before the holidays and freeze for last-minute guests or gifts. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 289 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 229mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
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Apple-Sage Sausage Patties
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Apple and sausage naturally go together. Add sage, and you’ve got some standout patties. They’re freezer friendly, so I make them ahead and grab when needed. —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 patty: 79 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 211mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
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Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
On a busy morning, these freezer breakfast sandwiches save the day. A hearty combo of eggs, Canadian bacon and cheese will keep you fueled until lunchtime. —Christine Rukavena, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 334 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 219mg cholesterol, 759mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
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Richard’s Breakfast Bars
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My chewy fiber bars with a complex taste are extremely addictive. For clean slices, spray a pizza cutter with cooking spray before cutting. —Richard Cole, Richmond, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 219 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 57mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
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Homemade Biscuits
Total Time
25 min
Servings
15 biscuits
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s so easy to whip up a batch of these biscuits to serve with breakfast or dinner. The dough is easy to work with, so there’s no need for a rolling pin—just pat to the right thickness. The key is not to overwork the dough. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 biscuit: 205 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 582mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Layered Fresh Fruit Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
People always pass on compliments when I take this salad to covered-dish suppers. It's nice on a hot day, with a winter meal, or as a dessert! We live on a small farm where my garden gives me lots of possibilities for fresh food. —Page Alexander, Baldwin City, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 110 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fruit.
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Ham & Egg Pockets
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 pockets
From the Recipe Creator:
Refrigerated crescent roll dough make these savory breakfast pockets a snap to prepare. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 pocket: 345 calories, 22g fat (8g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 756mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein.
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Strawberry Apple Parfait
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I know I can always feel good about eating this healthy parfait for dessert! I enjoy the extra kick of cinnamon stirred in with the vanilla yogurt before layering. —Jennifer Warner, Huntertown, Indiana
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Slow-Cooker Breakfast Burritos
Total Time
4 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Prep these tasty, hearty burritos the night before for a quick breakfast in the morning or let them cook while you are away on a weekend afternoon for an easy supper. —Anna Miller, Churdan, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 359 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 205mg cholesterol, 480mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 16g protein.
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Coastal Carolina Muffin-Tin Frittatas
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Incorporating the flavors of a low country South Carolina crab boil, these tasty frittatas are easy to make and fun to eat. If you have leftover cooked potatoes (roasted or boiled), try dicing them and substituting them for the refrigerated shredded potatoes in this recipe. —Shannon Kohn, Summerville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 frittata: 223 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 135mg cholesterol, 604mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
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Maple Morning Granola
Total Time
50 min
Servings
5 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Here, salty and sweet ingredients combine for an easy, wholesome breakfast or snack. Hosting a kids holiday party? Pack the granola into treat bags and present them as take-home favors. —Elizabeth Godecke, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 268 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 119mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 fat.
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Air-Fryer Puff Pastry Danishes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These simple jam-filled pastries are perfect for a holiday brunch spread. They were my dad's favorite, so the recipe will always be close to my heart. —Chellie Helmke, Jackson Center, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 pastry: 197 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 130mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
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Southern Brunch Pastry Puff
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family just about jumps out of bed when the smell of eggs, sausage and buttery pastry hits their noses. This recipe is morning magic. —Misty M. Leddick, Chester, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 587 calories, 39g fat (14g saturated fat), 208mg cholesterol, 766mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein.
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Overnight Oats with Yogurt
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I tasted muesli on a trip to Switzerland, and when I came home, I made it my way. Keep things interesting (and avoid midmorning munchies) by adding different fruits and nuts every day. —Maddie Kirk, Springfield, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup (calculated without fruit) : 249 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 46mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
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Overnight Cinnamon Rolls
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to try different fun fillings in these soft rolls, and each one is packed with cinnamon flavor. They are definitely worth the overnight wait. —Chris O'Connell, San Antonio, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 278 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 262mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Sausage-Egg Burritos
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I try to eat healthy, but finding new meals for breakfast is a challenge. By adding tomatoes, spinach and garlic to traditional eggs and egg whites, we can have a dish that is both light and satisfying. —Wendy G. Ball, Battle Creek, Michigan.
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 258 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 596mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Coffee Cake
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the excellent texture of this easy cinnamon coffee cake recipe. Always a crowd-pleaser, its pleasing vanilla flavor enriched by sour cream may remind you of breakfast at Grandma's! Make it the night before a holiday to save time in the morning. —Eleanor Harris, Cape Coral, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 340 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
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Egg Muffins
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
After enjoying scrambled egg muffins at a local restaurant, I came up with this breakfast egg muffins recipe that my husband likes even better. They're pretty, hearty and fun to serve, too. —Cathy Larkins, Marshfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 140 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 201mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
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Breakfast Banana Splits
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I can’t brag enough about this recipe. It’s elegant enough for a formal brunch, yet simple and nutritious. With different fruits and cereals, there are endless potential variations. —Renee Lloyd, Pearl, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 337 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 8g fiber), 12g protein.
38/38
Bacon Swiss Squares
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Not only does this savory breakfast pizza come together easily, but it's also a cinch to double the ingredients when I'm hosting a large event. Biscuit mix makes it convenient, and the combination of eggs, bacon and Swiss cheese keeps guests coming back for more. —Agarita Vaughan, Fairbury, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 246 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 470mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
