Brunch, a magical blend of breakfast and lunch, has become a staple in weekend dining. Whether you’re hosting a leisurely get-together with friends or simply treating yourself to something special, brunch combines the best of both worlds. The key to a perfect brunch lies in its versatility : a mixture of savory and sweet flavors that leaves everyone satisfied.
In this article, we’re diving into a delicious brunch breakfast recipe that balances hearty ingredients with vibrant, fresh flavors. The star of the show will be an indulgent Savory Spinach and Feta Breakfast Strata paired with Berry Compote Pancakes. We’ll also touch on the importance of having a variety of beverages and sides to complete the meal. Whether you’re new to cooking or a brunch expert, this recipe will take your brunch game to new heights.
Part 1: Savory Spinach and Feta Breakfast Strata
A strata is essentially a layered casserole that combines eggs, bread, cheese, and a variety of other savory ingredients. This brunch breakfast recipe will not only impress guests but can also be prepared the night before, allowing you to relax on the morning of your event.
Ingredients :
8 large eggs
2 ½ cups milk (whole milk preferred)
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
6 cups cubed day-old French bread (cut into 1-inch cubes)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor and color)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions :
- Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Make sure the eggs are thoroughly beaten and the mixture is smooth. The addition of Dijon mustard adds a tangy note, elevating the overall taste profile of this dish.
- Sauté the Spinach
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).
Add the spinach and cook until wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes. You don’t want to overcook the spinach as it will continue cooking in the oven. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Strata
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, evenly distribute the bread cubes.
Layer the sautéed spinach and onions over the bread cubes, followed by the crumbled feta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
Pour the egg mixture over the entire dish, ensuring the bread is evenly soaked.
Sprinkle garlic powder and paprika over the top for added flavor.
- Chill and Bake
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal. This allows the bread to absorb the custard fully, resulting in a fluffy and cohesive strata.
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strata is cooked through.
Allow it to cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.
The Savory Spinach and Feta Breakfast Strata is rich in texture, with the creamy custard mingling with the crunch of the bread and the saltiness of the feta. This dish is ideal for large gatherings as it can be served in slices, making it an easy brunch centerpiece.
Optional Add-Ons :
If you want to customize this brunch breakfast recipe further, you can add a variety of ingredients like :
Meats : Cooked sausage, bacon, or ham add a delicious savory element.
Vegetables : Bell peppers, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes can give your strata a Mediterranean flair.
Herbs : Fresh basil or thyme offer a fragrant, earthy contrast to the richness of the eggs and cheese.
Part 2 : Sweet Berry Compote Pancakes
While the strata is a savory masterpiece, no brunch breakfast recipe is complete without something sweet. Pancakes are a classic, but to elevate this brunch experience, we’ll top them with a luxurious berry compote made from fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
Ingredients for Pancakes :
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 ¼ cups milk
1 large egg
3 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredients for Berry Compote :
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
½ cup fresh raspberries
½ cup fresh blueberries
¼ cup sugar (more if you prefer a sweeter compote)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
¼ cup water
Instructions for Berry Compote :
- Prepare the Berry Compote
In a medium saucepan, combine the strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and water.
Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruit starts to break down and the mixture thickens (about 10-15 minutes).
Once the compote reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and set aside. You can serve this compote warm or cold, depending on your preference.
Instructions for Pancakes :
- Make the Pancake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the pancakes dense.
- Cook the Pancakes
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface (about 2-3 minutes), then flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown.
Repeat with the remaining batter, adjusting the heat as needed.
- Serve
Serve the pancakes hot, stacked high, and generously spoon the berry compote over the top. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup can make these pancakes even more indulgent.
A Balanced Brunch:
Pairing these rich and sweet pancakes with the savory strata creates a balanced brunch menu that will satisfy all taste buds. You can also offer side dishes like crispy bacon, fresh fruit salad, or roasted potatoes to round out the meal.
Part 3: Beverages to Elevate Your Brunch
No brunch breakfast is complete without the perfect beverages to accompany your meal. Here are a few beverage ideas to complement the Savory Spinach and Feta Strata and Berry Compote Pancakes.
Coffee and Tea :
A rich, aromatic coffee is the perfect companion to both sweet and savory dishes. Consider offering a selection of brews such as French press, espresso, or a creamy latte. If you’re a tea lover, a robust black tea or fragrant herbal tea like chamomile or mint pairs well with brunch.
Fresh Juice and Smoothies :
A light and refreshing juice can balance out the richness of your brunch dishes. Orange juice is a classic, but you could also offer fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice or a tropical pineapple-mango blend.
For something heartier, a smoothie made with fresh fruits, spinach, and yogurt can double as both a beverage and a light side dish. A green smoothie with banana, spinach, and almond milk offers a healthy and refreshing start to the meal.
Mimosas and Bellinis :
For a more celebratory brunch, mimosas (orange juice and champagne) or bellinis (peach puree and prosecco) are classic brunch cocktails that elevate the experience. You can even customize these with different fruit purees, like raspberry or mango.
Part 4: Final Tips for a Perfect Brunch
Here are a few final tips to ensure your brunch breakfast recipe is a success :
- Plan Ahead : Preparing the strata the night before will save time in the morning. You can also make the berry compote in advance and simply reheat it before serving.
- Variety is Key : Offer a mix of sweet and savory options to cater to different tastes. The spinach and feta strata and berry pancakes are a great starting point, but consider adding a fruit platter or a few light sides like roasted vegetables or hash browns.
- Keep It Relaxed : Brunch is all about taking it easy, so don’t stress over perfection. Enjoy the process of cooking and gathering with loved ones, and let the meal come together naturally.
By combining a hearty Savory Spinach and Feta Strata with light and fluffy Berry Compote Pancakes, you’ll create a memorable and satisfying brunch experience that will have everyone coming back for more. This balanced brunch menu is easy to prepare and perfect for a lazy weekend or special occasion breakfast.