Father’s Day Brunch Ideas: Delicious Recipes and Tips for a Tasty Celebration

Mom got her brunch last month, so now it’s time to think about dear ol dad! One of the best ways to kick off the celebration is by treating him to a delicious, hearty brunch. With a little creativity and the right recipes, you can express your love through food (better than a tie!) and make this Father’s Day truly special.

Classic Father’s Day Brunch Ideas

Eggs Benedict

Celebrate Father’s Day with a scrumptious serving of Eggs Benedict. This timeless dish consists of a toasted English muffin, topped with Canadian bacon, poached eggs, and creamy hollandaise sauce. Pair it with a side of hash browns for a satisfying start to the day.

Ingredients:

• 4 English muffins
• 8 slices of Canadian bacon or ham
• 8 eggs
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• Hollandaise sauce:
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
• Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the Hollandaise sauce. Fill a saucepan with water and bring it to a simmer over low heat.
2. In a heatproof bowl that fits snugly over the saucepan, whisk the egg yolks and lemon juice together until well combined.
3. Place the bowl over the saucepan (making sure the bottom doesn’t touch the water) and whisk continuously while slowly pouring in the melted butter. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
4. Remove the bowl from the heat and season the Hollandaise sauce with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if desired). Set it aside and keep warm.
5. Toast the English muffins and keep them warm.
6. In a large skillet, heat some oil or butter over medium heat. Cook the Canadian bacon or ham slices for a few minutes on each side until heated through. Remove them from the skillet and keep them warm.
7. Fill a wide saucepan or deep skillet with water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the white vinegar to the water.
8. Crack one egg into a small bowl. Create a gentle whirlpool in the simmering water with a spoon and slide the egg into the center of the whirlpool. Repeat this process with the remaining eggs, poaching them one at a time. Cook the eggs for about 3-4 minutes for a soft yolk or longer if desired.
9. While the eggs are poaching, assemble the Eggs Benedict. Place a slice of Canadian bacon or ham on top of each toasted English muffin half.
10. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove each poached egg from the water and place it on top of the bacon or ham.
11. Spoon the warm Hollandaise sauce generously over each egg.
12. Sprinkle some chopped fresh chives or parsley on top for garnish.
13. Serve the Eggs Benedict immediately and enjoy!

Note: If you prefer, you can also add a layer of sautéed spinach or smoked salmon between the bacon and poached egg for additional flavor.

French Toast Casserole

Surprise your dad with a mouthwatering French toast casserole that oozes delicious flavors. Don’t forget to drizzle some maple syrup on top to enhance its sweetness and finish it off with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of French bread, preferably stale (or a day-old bread)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional toppings:
  • Maple syrup
  • Fresh berries
  • Powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. Cut the French bread into thick slices, about 1-inch thick. Arrange the bread slices in the greased baking dish, overlapping them slightly to form a single layer.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
4. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices in the baking dish, making sure all the bread is soaked.
5. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours. This allows the bread to absorb the custard mixture and enhances the flavor and texture of the casserole.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and bake the French Toast Casserole in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
8. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
9. Serve the French Toast Casserole warm. You can drizzle it with maple syrup, sprinkle powdered sugar on top, or add fresh berries as desired.
10. Enjoy your delicious French Toast Casserole!

Note: You can customize the recipe by adding ingredients like chopped nuts, raisins, or a streusel topping for extra flavor and texture.

Chicken and Waffles

Mix up the sweet and savory for your dad with a classic dish: chicken and waffles. Serve crispy, seasoned fried chicken on top of freshly made waffles, combining the best of both worlds. Offer a side of sweet maple syrup that can be drizzled over the dish to enhance its taste. As an alternative to traditional waffles, consider using sourdough pancakes for this dish.

Ingredients: For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Waffles:

I sometimes cheat and buy frozen waffles….

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• Vegetable oil or non-stick cooking spray, for greasing

Optional Toppings:

• Maple syrup
• Honey
• Hot sauce
• Butter

Instructions:

1. Start by marinating the chicken. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour buttermilk over them, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
2. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt for the waffles.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Add the milk and melted butter, and whisk until well combined.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are okay.
6. Grease the preheated waffle iron with vegetable oil or non-stick cooking spray. Spoon the waffle batter onto the iron (the amount will vary depending on the size of your iron), close it, and cook the waffles until golden brown and crispy. Repeat until all the batter is used. Set the waffles aside and keep them warm.
7. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for the chicken.
8. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to about 350°F (175°C).
9. Remove the chicken breasts from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, coating it thoroughly.
10. Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil and fry them for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
11. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
12. To serve, place a chicken breast on top of a waffle. Add additional waffles and chicken as desired. Drizzle with maple syrup, honey, or hot sauce, and top with butter if desired.
13. Enjoy your delicious Chicken and Waffles!

Note: You can also serve Chicken and Waffles with additional side dishes like coleslaw, a garden salad, or a fruit salad for a complete meal.

Hash Brown Pizza

Your Father’s Day brunch will be unforgettable with a unique and tasty hash brown pizza.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or your choice of toppings
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Pizza sauce, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 12-inch pizza pan or baking sheet and set it aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, melted butter, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well until the hash browns are coated evenly.
3. Transfer the hash brown mixture onto the greased pizza pan. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to press the hash browns into an even layer, forming a crust-like shape.
4. Bake the hash browns in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy around the edges.
5. Remove the hash browns from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the crust.
6. Next, add the diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and sliced pepperoni (or your preferred toppings) on top of the cheese.
7. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the toppings.
8. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Once cooked, remove the hash brown pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
10. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley.
11. Slice the pizza into wedges and serve it with pizza sauce on the side if desired.
12. Enjoy your delicious Hash Brown Pizza!

Note: Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences. You can add cooked bacon, sausage, or any other favorite pizza toppings you enjoy.

Bloody Marys

No brunch would be complete without a zingy Bloody Mary!

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (120 ml) vodka
• 2 cups (480 ml) tomato juice
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Celery stalks (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for garnish)
• Optional garnishes:
  • Pickle spears
  • Olives
  • Pepperoncini
  • Bacon strips
  • Celery leaves

Instructions:

1. In a pitcher, combine the vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, celery salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine.
2. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings to your preference. Add more hot sauce for extra spiciness or more Worcestershire sauce for added savory flavor.
3. Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the Bloody Mary mixture over the ice.
4. Stir the drink well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
5. Garnish the glass with a celery stalk and a lemon wedge.
6. For additional garnishes, skewer pickles, olives, pepperoncini, or bacon strips and place them in the glass. You can also add a sprinkle of celery leaves on top.
7. Serve the Bloody Mary immediately and enjoy!

Note: Feel free to get creative with your garnishes and adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Some people enjoy adding horseradish, additional spices, or even clam juice for a unique twist. Cheers!

Fruit Salad

Fruit salad makes a delicious side dish for all of these brunch dishes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups diced watermelon
• 2 cups diced cantaloupe
• 2 cups diced pineapple
• 2 cups sliced strawberries
• 2 cups green grapes, halved
• 2 cups blueberries
• 1 cup sliced kiwi
• 1 cup sliced bananas
• Juice of 1 lime or lemon (optional)
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, strawberries, grapes, blueberries, kiwi, and bananas.
2. Gently toss the fruits together until they are well mixed.
3. If desired, squeeze the juice of one lime or lemon over the fruit salad. This can help enhance the flavors and prevent browning of certain fruits.
4. Toss the fruit salad again to distribute the citrus juice evenly.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the fruit salad to chill.
6. Just before serving, give the fruit salad a final gentle toss.
7. If desired, garnish with fresh mint leaves for added freshness and visual appeal.
8. Serve the fruit salad chilled and enjoy!

Note: You can customize the fruit salad by adding or substituting fruits based on your preferences and seasonal availability. Other delicious additions could include mango, raspberries, blackberries, or sliced oranges. Feel free to adjust the quantities of each fruit to your liking.