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Our Best-Ever Brunch Recipes

Set up a delicious spread this weekend, complete with tasty classics, decadent treats and a boozy cocktail or two.
recipes with avocado: tomato-avocado toast

Western tortilla. (Produced by Colleen Nicholson, Photography by Christie Vuong, Food Styling by EshunMott, Prop Styling by Madeleine Johari)

From fluffy pancakes and French toast sammies to light-as-air cloud eggs and colourful, berry-filled crepes (watch how to make crepes below), we've got you covered for Mother's Day—or any day.

Western Tortilla

Some call it a Denver, others call it a Western, but whatever the name, salty ham, charred onions and crisp-tender peppers are hard to beat when it comes to an omelette. Here’s one made like a tortilla Española in that it’s large format and cut like a pie. Renowned chef Ferran Adrià famously added potato chips to his version, and, cribbing from his method, we’ve added kettle-cooked jalapeno chips to this hearty skillet dinner for some extra texture and a hum of chili. If you’re nervous about inverting the eggs, skip the flip and finish the tortilla in a moderate oven until just set, then broil it until it’s lightly tanned. Get Tara O'Brady's Western tortilla recipe.

Nargesi-e Esfanaj (Spinach and Eggs)

In this Iranian/Persian dish, the eggs can be scrambled directly into the spinach or poached on top for those who love a runny yolk moment. Some recipes add mint or parsley to the wilted greens and saffron in addition to or in place of the turmeric. Feel free to do the same if you have them on hand. Get Tara O'Brady's spinach-and-eggs recipe.

Nargesi-e Esfanaj, an Iranian/Persian egg dish, served in a frying pan on a speckled kitchen counter

Hot-Smoked Salmon Niçoise Salad

Put a delicious twist on this traditional French salad by swapping tuna for smoky salmon. Get this hot-smoked salmon niçoise salad recipe.

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A blue plate with hard boiled eggs, green beans, olives, tomatoes on a blue table.(Recipes by Irene Ngo; Produced by Stephanie Han Kim, Sun Ngo and Aimee Nishitoba; Photography by Erik Putz and Christie Vuong; Food styling by Ashley Denton; Prop styling by Madeleine Johari)

Ginger-Honey Granola

This granola by recipe developer Michelle Lucas Larving comes together quickly using a stovetop method. Any type of honey will work. Get her ginger-honey granola recipe.

A wide, shallow dish filled with plain yogurt and topped generously with crunchy toasted granola and fresh berries.Produced by Aimee Nishitoba; Photography by Christie Vuong; Food Styling by Eshun Mott; Prop Styling by Nicole Billark

Strawberry Yogurt Snacking Cake

This casual cake makes a perfectly acceptable breakfast, too. Get this strawberry yogurt snacking cake recipe.

A section of pale yellow snacking cake with inlaid strawberries sliced into six pieces on a turquoise table(Recipes by Donna Borooah; Produced by Aimee Nishitoba; Photography by Christie Vuong; Food styling by Eshun Mott; Prop styling by Madeleine Johari)n

Asparagus Tart

No matter how you arrange the asparagus on this simple, peppery tart, it always ends up looking pretty. Get Chantal Braganza's asparagus tart recipe.

A butter puff pastry crust with white sauce and cut asparagus arranged in a herringbone pattern for a post on the best asparagus recipesRecipes and text by Chantal Braganza; Produced by Aimee Nishitoba; Photography by Christie Vuong; Food Styling by Sage Dakota; Prop Styling by Nicole Billark

Spicy Dal Shakshuka

Two of our favourite dishes—dal and shakshuka—unite for a filling, vegetable-laden brunch or quick dinner. Get our spicy dal shakshuka recipe.

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Spicy Dal Shakshuka
(Photo: Erik Putz; Food styling by Matthew Kimura; Prop styling by Madeleine Johari)

Tomato-Avocado Toast

If you can’t get enough avocado toast, this is the dish for you. Get your hands on some nice heirloom tomatoes, whip up a fresh cheese base with garlic and start stacking. Try our tomato-avocado toast recipe.

recipes with avocado: tomato-avocado toastPhoto, Erik Putz.

Kimchi, Egg and Avocado Sandwich

If you haven’t tried kimchi paired with scrambled eggs, you’re in for a treat. The creaminess of the soft scramble goes so well with the spiciness and umami flavour of the kimchi. With this sandwich, you get texture and vibrancy in every single bite—and a filling, protein-packed lunch to boot. Get Diala Canelo's kimchi, egg and avocado sandwich recipe.

A table with a variety of items: a bowl of kimchi, half an avocado, a printed napkin, and a kimchi, egg and avocado sandwich on a blue plate.Produced by Chantal Braganza and Stephanie Han Kim; photography by Christie Vuong; food styling by Haley Polinsky; prop styling by Cailen Speers.

Roasted Vanilla And Rosemary Rhubarb With Sugared Pistachios

You know that spring has arrived when rhubarb starts popping up at the market or in your garden patch. This easy dessert from recipe developer Haley Polinsky, with its heady vanilla and rosemary bite, is a show-stopping way to celebrate it. Get this roasted rhubarb recipe.

Roasted vanilla and rosemary rhubarb with sugared pistachios on a bed of labneh, served on a pink plate

Fresh Strawberry Scones With Quick Compote

Juicy summer berries bursting from flaky, buttery scones make these easy treats the perfect sweet for brunches, picnics or any time! Get our fresh strawberry scones with quick compote recipe.

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Strawberry scones made with fresh strawberries, lemon zest, butter, and cream on a cooling rack next to a pink plaid tea towel with one scone off to one side, broken in two for a post on on an easy fresh strawberry scone recipe

Carrot Slaw

Shredded carrots and juicy orange chunks are mixed with a spice-infused dressing and nutty toasted sesame seeds in this easy slaw, which is inspired by North African flavours. Get this carrot slaw recipe.

Spiced carrot orange slaw garnished with mint leaves

Scrambled Egg Tacos

Give your tacos a new spin by filling them with cheesy scrambled eggs, chorizo and avocado. Serve with homemade pico de gallo salsa. Get this scrambled egg taco recipe.

Scrambled egg taco recipe with avocadoPhoto, Erik Putz.

Sweet Peas And Avocado Egg Toast

Our sweet peas on toast with sunny-side-up eggs is a meal you can enjoy for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Get our sweet peas and avocado egg toast recipe.

Sweet peas on toast with a fried egg, made with frozen peas, avocados, fried eggs, fresh thyme, lemon juice, lemon zest, on toast for a post on an easy sweet peas and avocado egg toast recipe(Photo: Erik Putz)

Berry Crepes With Rosewater Chantilly Cream

A mix of blueberries and raspberries give these crepes a beautifully rich purple hue. Serve straight away. Get this berry crepes with rosewater chantilly cream recipe.

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Berry crepes filled with rosewater chantilly cream on a plate.Photo, Erik Putz.

Rhubarb Coffee Cake

Rhubarb coffee cake with a streusel topping is a tasty spring treat. Get this rhubarb coffee cake recipe.

Our Best-Ever Brunch RecipesPhoto, Erik Putz.

Green Goddess Egg Salad Sandwich

Light protein with a creamy, green spin, this twist on classic egg salad is a crowed-pleaser. Get this green goddess egg salad sandwich recipe.

Green goddess egg salad sandwich on a cutting boardPhoto, Erik Putz.

Bacon-and-Egg Frisée Salad

Smoky bacon, jammy eggs and just-ripe avocado are staples of any good brunch, and this dish brings them all together. Crisp frisée lettuce and a vibrant vinaigrette cut through the richness to keep it light and fresh. Get this bacon-and-egg frisée salad recipe.

A salad bowl filled with frisée greens, jammy par-boiled eggs sliced in half, crispy bacon and tossed in vinaigrette dressing.

Macerated Citrus with Passion Fruit

Citrus and passion fruit make a punchy pairing. A quick sprinkling of sugar draws out their natural juices for a foolproof maceration. Use whichever variety of citrus you like–the more colourful the better. Get this macerated citrus recipe.

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An oblong plate covered in thin slices of pink and red grapefruit and orange, drizzed in passionfruit pulp and sprinkled with mint and coconut shavings.

Grilled Fruit Sangria

Brewed black tea and grilled in-season fruit make a lighter, more complex sangria with a hint of smokiness. Get this grilled fruit sangria recipe.

A pitcher of fruit-filled sangria with ice and a tumbler with a skewer of strawberries and fruit and sangri and a stemmed glass with the same skewr in the sangria on a blue table against a white stucco wall(Recipes and food styling by Eshun Mott; produced by Aimee Nishitoba; photography by Christie Vuong; prop styling by Madeleine Johari)

Oatmeal-Stuffed Apples

A drizzle of honey makes these oatmeal-stuffed apples even tastier! (This is basically the breakfast version of apple crisp.) Get this oatmeal-stuffed apple recipe.

Oatmeal-Stuffed Apples filled with oats, almonds and honey oatmeal for a post on a healthy oatmeal-stuffed apple recipe(Photo: Erik Putz)

Instant Pot Yogurt

Spend a little part of your weekend prepping this delicious recipe, and you'll have rich, creamy and thick breakfast yogurt all week. Get the Instant Pot yogurt recipe.

Instant Pot yogurt in a jar on green napkinPhoto, Eising Studio/Stockfood.

Fluffy Japanese Pancakes

Fluffy, airy and delicate pancakes worthy of a slow Sunday morning meal. Get the Japanese pancake recipe.

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Japanese pancakes surrounded by strawberries and blueberriesPhoto, Ashley Capp.

Cream Cheese-Stuffed Bagel Bites

For those days when you don’t have time to sit down and enjoy a freshly toasted bagel, these bagel bites are here for you. Make them in advance and keep them for up to five days. Get this cream cheese-stuffed bagel bites recipe.

Cream cheese-stuffed bagel bites in a basketPhoto, Erik Putz.

The Chatelaine Caesar

This unconventional take on the Canadian classic uses fresh watermelon and a vegan Caesar mix instead of tomato clam cocktail. Plus, all the other products are sourced from Canadian companies with women at the helm. Get this Chatelaine caesar recipe or try our recipe for a classic spicy caesar.

Chatelaine caesar in clear glass, in front of a pink, purple, and red background.Produced by Sun Ngo. Photography by Christie Vuong. Food Styling by Ashley Denton. Prop Styling by Catherine Doherty.

Tahini Cocoa Breakfast Smoothies

Not all smoothies must be green. This richly flavoured (and healthy) take gets your day started with a touch of nuttiness, smooth chocolate and creamy banana. Get this tahini cocoa breakfast smoothie recipe.

Tahini and cocoa Breakfast Smoothies In tall glasses with strawsPhoto, Erik Putz.

Plum And Black Pepper Clafoutis

This dish is eggy and fruity and a touch sweet, and comes together so quickly. Get this plum and black pepper clafoutis recipe.

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Plum and black pepper clafoutisPhotography by Suech and Beck. Excerpted from A Generous Meal by Christine Flynn. Copyright © 2023 Christine Flynn. Published by Penguin, an imprint of Penguin Canada, a division of Penguin Random House Canada Limited. Reproduced by arrangement with the publisher. All rights reserved.

Blueberry Granola Breakfast Cookies

Yes, with the right ingredients, you CAN have cookies for breakfast. Here we’ve mixed a homemade granola of oats, pumpkin seeds, coconut and flax, and turned it into a breakfast cookies recipe that helps you take on the day well-fed and with a smile on your face. Get this blueberry granola breakfast cookie recipe.

Blueberry granola breakfast cookies recipe - cookies resting on cooling rackPhoto, Erik Putz.

Pretty In Pink Strawberry Pavlova

Freeze-dried berries give the meringue its blush-pink hue, while fresh berries add aromatic sweetness. Get this pretty in pink strawberry pavlova recipe.

A pink strawberry pavlova topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream on a turquoise cake stand(Recipes by Donna Borooah; Produced by Aimee Nishitoba; Photography by Christie Vuong; Food styling by Eshun Mott; Prop styling by Madeleine Johari)n

Cloud Eggs

Make your table Instagram-worthy with these beautiful eggs. Get this cloud eggs recipe.

Cloud eggs sitting on toast on plates.Photo, Roberto Caruso.

Champorado (Filipino Chocolate Oatmeal)

Our recipe is inspired by the original Filipino chocolate rice porridge, using oatmeal instead of rice. Get this champorado recipe.

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A yellow bowl of chocolate oatmeal on a table with a colourful pattern.(Recipe by Irene Ngo; Produced by Stephanie Han Kim; Photography by Erik Putz; Food styling by Ashley Denton; Prop styling by Madeleine Johari.)

Cinnamon Twist Wreath

Skip the flowers and make this beautiful and tasty wreath the centrepiece on your brunch table. Get this cinnamon twist wreath recipe.

Cinnamon twist wreath on parchment paper.Photo, Erik Putz.

Classic French Toast With Roasted Plums

While French toast is great on its own, we think topping it with freshly roasted plums is a great way to kick your brunch up a notch. Get our classic French toast recipe. 

French toast on a plate with roasted plums.Photo, Erik Putz.

Sweet Dutch Baby

These puffy pancakes have many unusual names including bismarcks and Dutch Puffs. In every case, a simple batter poured into a hot pan creates instant, unforgettable magic. Get this sweet Dutch baby recipe.

Dutch baby in a cast iron pan with strawberries and sauce.Photo, Roberto Caruso.

Whole Wheat Waffles With Blackberry Compote

Dress up waffles with homemade compote made with ripe berries, as well as rich cream and a dusting of sugar for an Instagram-worthy breakfast. Get this whole wheat waffles with blackberry compote recipe.

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Two whole wheat waffles drizzled with blackberry compote overtop whipped cream and dusted with powdered sugar on a. grey plate next to a carton of fresh blackberries(Photo: Erik Putz)

Peanut Butter And Raspberry Jam Chia Parfait

This pretty in pink layered treat uses homemade raspberry jam using chia seeds instead of pectin. Get the peanut butter and raspberry jam chia parfait recipe.

Peanut butter and raspberry jam chia parfait in mason jarPhoto, Erik Putz.

Vegan Chickpea Quiche

It's not brunch without a quiche. This one is a plant-based version, using chickpea flour instead of eggs. Get this vegan quiche recipe.

A plant-based, vegan chickpea quiche on a plate for a recipePhoto, Erik Putz.

Blueberry Oat Muffins

This breakfast classic comes together in under an hour and freezes beautifully. Get this blueberry oat muffins recipe.

Three blueberry muffins with blue wrapper, on blue background.(Recipes by Donna Borooah and Irene Ngo. Produced by Stephanie Han Kim. Photography by Erik Putz. Food styling by Ryan Barclay. Prop styling by Madeleine Johari.)

Braided Egg Bread

Break bread with your family with this gorgeous braided egg bread. We wouldn't say no to a warm slice slathered in butter. Get the braided egg bread recipe.

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Chatelaine's braided egg bread, on a light blue backgroundPhoto, Erik Putz.

French Toast Crumpets

Take these traditional hotcakes to the next level with a few extra ingredients. Top with berries, drizzle with maple syrup, then serve. Get this crumpet French toast recipe.

a stack of French toast made with homemade English crumpets and topped with fresh berries and powdered sugar topped with maple syrup for a post on easy English crumpet French toast recipe(Photo: Sian Richards)

Buckwheat Blinis

Made with a mix of buckwheat and all-purpose flours, these blinis can be prepared several days in advance. Get this buckwheat blinis recipe.

blinis with sour cream, caviar and trout roe

Maple-Fennel Bacon

Bacon. A brunch essential. Get this maple-bacon with fennel recipe.

Maple bacon with fennelPhoto, Roberto Caruso.

Buttermilk Pancakes

Classic pancakes that are thick, fluffy and oh-so delicious. Get this buttermilk pancakes recipe.

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A stack of pancakes on a white plate with a fork topped with a pat of butter and blueberries getting drizzled with maple syrup, classic buttermilk pancake recipe(Photo: Erik Putz)

French Onion Tart

An elegant brunch tart to impress those gathered around your weekend brunch table. Get this French onion tart recipe.

A freshly baked tart in a ceramic plate on a charger.Photo, Roberto Caruso.

Yogurt Parfait With Toasted Muesli

These easy yogurt parfaits (made with our homemade toasted muesli) are easy to make ahead of time. Get this yogurt parfait with toasted muesli recipe.

A stemless wine glass full of layered toasted oat muesli, layered with yogurt and fresh fruit, being drizzled with honey from a wooden honey server, on a blue napkin on a wood table(Photo: Erik Putz)

Vegan Banana Chocolate Chunk Muffins

Better than banana bread and ultra portable! Using spotty, very ripe bananas will ensure a softer, moist muffin. Get this vegan banana chocolate chunk muffins recipe.

Three vegan banana chocolate chunk muffins in yellow wrapper on a pink background(Recipes by Donna Borooah, and Irene Ngo. Produced by Stephanie Han Kim. Photography by Erik Putz. Foodstyling by Ryan Barclay. Prop styling by Madeleine Johari.)

Easy Eggs Benedict

Although eggs Benny is usually a restaurant brunch treat, why not save a little cash and enjoy it at home (maybe even in bed)? Just follow these simplified steps to a decadent breakfast that’s as stress-free and easy as Sunday morning. Get this easy eggs Benedict recipe.

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A plate of eggs Benedict with smoked salmon and avocado adorned with easy hollandaise sauce for a piece on simple eggs Benedict recipes

French Toast Sandwich

This rich French toast with creamy mascarpone and raspberry filling is a decadent way to start the day. Get this French toast sandwich recipe.

French toast sandwich with raspberry cream topped with almonds on a white plate with fresh raspberriesPhoto, James Tse.

Egg And Toast Tartlets

Whether you hurriedly pop one in your mouth on the run, or savour them over Sunday brunch, these tartlets are one of our favourite ways to start the day! Get this eggs and toast tartlets recipe.

Eggs and toast tartlets in a muffin tin.Photo, Roberto Caruso.

Gluten-Free Raspberry And Almond Muffins

Fresh raspberries and thick yogurt keep these gluten-free muffins extra moist. Get this gluten-free raspberry and almond muffins recipe.

Three gluten-free raspberry and almond muffins in an orange wrapper on pink background.(Recipes by Donna Borooah, and Irene Ngo. Produced by Stephanie Han Kim. Photography by Erik Putz. Foodstyling by Ryan Barclay. Prop styling by Madeleine Johari.)

Monkey Bread

A long-standing favourite, this pull-apart sweet bread is fun to eat and incredibly delicious. Get this monkey bread recipe.

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A loaf of monkey bread on a white cake stand on a red placemat(Photo: Angus Fergusson)

Chardonnay-Lemon Cocktail

Instead of mimosas, add a bit of zip to brunch with chardonnay and limoncello cocktails. Get this chardonnay-lemon cocktail recipe.

A chardonnay, lemon, limoncello, and tonic cocktail in a wine glass on a white table next to two salt and pepper shakers for a post on an easy brunch cocktail recipe of chardonnay-lemon cocktail(Photo: Roberto Caruso)

Three-Cheese Tomato Strata

If you love bruschetta and garlic bread, you will love this strata. The cheeses and tomatoes are cooked into the bread so there’s no worry of toppings falling off as you indulge in this savoury brunch favourite. Get this three-cheese tomato strata recipe.

A three-cheese tomato strata on a white plate on a pink patterned tablecloth(Photo: Michael Graydon)

Morning Glory Muffins

If you've only had morning glory muffins from a plastic grocery store shell, you need to try them the way they were originally meant to be enjoyed when they first appeared on the scene in the '70s: fresh, from scratch, with plenty of grated carrot and apple for crunch. Get this morning glory muffins recipe.

Three morning glory muffins with green wrappers and blue backdrop.(Recipes by Donna Borooah, and Irene Ngo. Produced by Stephanie Han Kim. Photography by Erik Putz. Food styling by Ryan Barclay. Prop styling by Madeleine Johari.)

Grilled Cheese Croque Madame

This ham and cheese sandwich is topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and broiled to perfection. It’s served with a fried egg to create a rich and indulgent meal. Get this grilled cheese croque madame recipe.

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Grilled cheese croque madame on a plate next to a green saladPhoto, Erik Putz.

Green Shakshuka

This egg dinner gets you halfway to a Seuss-inspired meal. We used vegetable broth, peas, kale and parsley to poach the eggs and give the dish a cool green hue. (All that’s missing now is a slice or two of ham, and you’ll be set!) Get this green shakshuka recipe.

green shakshuka recipePhoto, Erik Putz.

Bacon And Egg Pasta

This simple pasta lets eggs and bacon do the heavy flavour lifting. The yolks coat the rigatoni, while the bacon adds a bit of salty goodness. Get this bacon and egg pasta recipe.

Bacon and egg pastaPhoto, Erik Putz.

Jam Swirl Mini Cheesecakes

End brunch on a sweet note with these jam-infused cheesecake cups. Get our jam swirl mini cheesecakes recipe.

Several jam swirl mini cheesecakes on a serving dish laid on top of a pink lace tablecloth(Production: Sun Ngo. Photography: Christie Vuong. Food styling: Eshun Mott. Prop styling: Christine Hanlo.)

Almond Butter And Jam Breakfast Bars

"I love a good crumb bar, and this recipe is the breakfast equivalent. These bars feel decadent, but you can tell from the mostly wholesome ingredients list that they are anything but. I like to serve them to the kids with a smoothie when I’m in a hurry, or on their own as something to take on the go. While I use jam in this recipe, sliced or fresh berries scattered over the bottom layer of the bar will work as well. They are easiest to cut once chilled and store exceptionally well in the refrigerator and freezer." Get Jan Scott's almond butter and jam breakfast bars recipe.

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Almond butter breakfast bars - Jan Scott Oven To TablePhoto, Jan Scott.

Related: 8 Easier-Than-They-Look Recipes For A Mother's Day Bagel Brunch

This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2023.

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