My favourite type of hosting is baby shower brunches – it’s light, forgiving, and has lots of treats! Individuals come in with coffee and spend two hours grazing, and somehow, no one requests you to “plate” anything. The secret is to use a combination of make-ahead bites and warm baked anchors, so the entire spread feels purposeful. Here are 31 ideas I’ve either used, borrowed, or shamelessly hovered around during other people’s showers.
Contents
- 1) Mini Quiches
- 2) Cinnamon Rolls
- 3) Mini Pancakes
- 4) Baked French Toast
- 5) Smoked Salmon Bagel Board
- 6) Deviled Eggs
- 7) Yogurt Parfait Cups
- 8) Fruit Salad
- 9) Scones
- 10) Croissant Sandwich Bar
- 11) Breakfast Potatoes
- 12) Scrambled Eggs
- 13) Breakfast Sausage Links
- 14) Vegetarian Frittata
- 15) Mini Grilled Cheese
- 16) Waffle Platter
- 17) Chia Pudding Cups
- 18) Avocado Toast Bites
- 19) Caprese Skewers
- 20) Tea Sandwiches
- 21) Baked Brie
- 22) Breakfast Charcuterie Board
- 23) Biscuit Bites
- 24) Granola Bowl
- 25) Orange Salad
- 26) Simple Green Salad
- 27) Sparkling Mocktails
- 28) Coffee Bar
- 29) Mini Muffins
- 30) Donut Holes
- 31) Baby Shower Cookies
1) Mini Quiches
I feel pretty put together when I eat mini quiches. It doesn’t even matter that I’m in yesterday’s jeans. Here’s a simple mix and match you can do: spinach and feta, mushroom and swiss, and for those who think bacon and cheddar is a breakfast winner, go for it! Unlike toast, they don’t get weird after sitting out for 30 mins, and reheat well. I am perfectly okay with store-bought pie crust if you are running out of time.
2) Cinnamon Rolls
This is where it gets a little ridiculous: people treat cinnamon rolls like they are prized possessions. Bake-and-ice versions are totally respectable: your oven does most of the heavy lifting anyway. Set out a small knife so guests can easily split one without feeling greedy. In my family, I have witnessed the most reserved cousin act like it was some secret operation as he went for a second helping.
3) Mini Pancakes
Lemon-ricotta pancakes make you feel like you really went all out with your brunch plans, compared to regular pancakes, which are just okay. Make them the size of silver dollars so guests can grab a couple without having to commit to a full plate (brunch is always nibble-first). After three desserts themed around cupcakes, I appreciate that the lemon keeps things bright and not-too-sweet. If your first batch is a little pale, join the club: call them “tender” and just keep flipping.
4) Baked French Toast
In theory, this is simple. In practice, it’s also simple, which is uncommon and of worth to celebrate quietly. You put this together the night before, let the bread soak, and bake it just as guests start to arrive. Your house will smell like cinnamon and success. Serve with berries on top so it doesn’t look like dessert pretending to be breakfast. If you want extra points, offer warmed maple syrup in a little pitcher (not necessary, but nice).
5) Smoked Salmon Bagel Board
This is the one that has everybody wandering over and saying, “Oooh.” Generous portions of cream cheese (plain and herby), capers, thin red onion, cucumber, dill, and lemon wedges. It’s honestly nice that it looks plentiful even if you didn’t make anything. If the guest of honor is avoiding smoked fish, it still works beautifully as a veggie-and-cream-cheese bagel situation.
6) Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are the life of the party. They come, they behave, and they leave. I like adding something small like Dijon, smoked paprika, or a spoon of relish, so they taste more complete than just eggy. If you can, make them that morning; crusting over the filling is a good sign they aren’t fresh. You can also hide a few in the fridge for yourself. I won’t tell.
7) Yogurt Parfait Cups
Parfaits are my peace offering to the people who want something fresh among the carbs. If you want to be extra tidy, you can even arrange individual cups, although I sometimes prefer to be messy and use bowls for DIY layering. Keep granola separate until the last minute if you hate soggy crunch. Selecting toppings feels oddly relaxing because it is like an edible personality quiz.
8) Fruit Salad
A pile of empty, watery melon cubes can make a fruit salad very sad. Even if you made it half-awake, just a squeeze of lime and some chopped mint will make it taste like you really tried. Instead of including sad fruits into the plan, use what’s actually good for that week, like berries, pineapple, or grapes. If a person brings in a fruit tray, merge it with the rest and act like it was your idea.
9) Scones
Scones are the ideal signaling baked goods as no elaborate frosting or precise timing is required. I enjoy offering one sweet option (such as blueberry or lemon) and one savory option (such as cheddar-chive, which is a crowd favorite). If you heat them before guests show up, they will smell really good like a bakery for a moment. In fact, being a bit crumbly is scone truth, not a fault.
10) Croissant Sandwich Bar
I appreciate the hosting style where they just put the ingredients on a board and walk away, I suppose a sandwich bar is a bit fancier than that. Please arrange croissants with some proteins and cheeses, and include a crunchy element (like cucumbers or arugula) so the selection isn’t all beige. Individuals are free to construct whatever they wish, even the pregnant guest who might have unique sensitivities to certain odors that day. I once watched my aunt build a triple-layer croissant structure like she was designing a bridge. What a delight.
11) Breakfast Potatoes
Without essential non-sweet carbs, brunch would just be a dessert buffet that opens at 10 a.m. Roast the potatoes until crisp on the edges and then mix them with the sautéed peppers and onions. They hold well in a warm dish and provide a greater sense of “meal” than “snack pile”. If you desire, you can add a little garlicky aioli on the side, but plain ketchup isn’t a problem for me.
12) Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs can be boring or they can be the thing everyone quietly keeps eating. Prepare at a low temperature and for a long time. Pull them off the heat just before they seem done and they will remain tender rather than becoming rubbery. I usually season them later so they don’t weep, because yes, eggs can weep (slightly unsettling). Serve with chives or a bit of hot sauce on the side so that people can tailor to their own breakfast ideology.
13) Breakfast Sausage Links
A protein dish soothes the atmosphere. Sausage links are simple and provide guests with an easy, no commitment to a full plate meal option. Watching Grease and want to swap the sausage for something else? Chicken sausage is a great option, and it still gives brunch vibes. Put out napkins. Individuals will act as though they do not require something and then absolutely require it.
14) Vegetarian Frittata
A frittata is like that ever-reliable friend who shows up early to help carry chairs. Its easy to slice and feels a little virtuous as it can be packed with vegetables and is great at room temperature. I like spinach, mushrooms, and goat cheese, but use what you’ve got. If it puffs up all dramatic like in the oven and then goes down, congrats, you made a frittata.
15) Mini Grilled Cheese
While this isn’t a typical ‘brunch’ it does evoke strong feelings of deep childhood joy. Keep them small so they’re finger-friendly and don’t become full sandwich situations. If you want to be charming, you could add small bowls for dipping or tomato soup shooters. The first time I served these at a daytime party someone said, “Oh thank god something salty,” and I felt seen.
16) Waffle Platter
You could say that waffles are pancakes that have a better structure. Cook a large amount and store them in the oven so you don’t have to be stuck at the waffle iron like a short order chef. Provide toppings such as berries and whipped cream, and possibly peanut butter, for those who like to tinker. A waffle that is a little over-crisp could be called “perfect,” and they are not wrong.
17) Chia Pudding Cups
Chia pudding is for the friend who brings a water bottle the size of a bowling ball. It looks beautiful in small jars, it’s easy to prepare in advance, and it’s mild on almost every stomach. Coconut milk makes it feel lush, while vanilla keeps it classic. The first time I tried it, I wasn’t sold, but with the addition of fruit, it suddenly becomes a game changer.
18) Avocado Toast Bites
Avocado toast doesn’t need to be a lifestyle; it can just be a snack. Use toasted baguette slices because they will hold up better, and mash avocado together with lemon and salt so it tastes more lively. You can add chili flakes or everything seasoning if you’d like. Keep them close to serving time so they remain somewhat green and don’t turn brown.
19) Caprese Skewers
If your menu is on the heavy side, these are easy little bursts of freshness. They are also a relief for guests who would prefer not to have eggs or sweets. When drizzling balsamic glaze be careful, if you use too much it will taste like dessert vinegar. They are adorable, and adorableness matters at baby showers.
20) Tea Sandwiches
Cucumber sandwiches are pretty old-fashioned and elegant in a subtle way that your grandma would likely enjoy. If you feel like going all out, you can cut off the crusts. Spread dill (or plain) cream cheese on one side, layer some thinly sliced cucumber, and you’re finished. They are especially refreshing when the room is warm from a crowd. I once witnessed a toddler eat four then ask for “more green sandwiches,” which felt like a mini miracle.
21) Baked Brie
This kind of appetizer has people hovering. As the brie warms up, it becomes gooey; the jam becomes glossy, and your kitchen instantly transforms into a proper party. For added variety, serve with some crackers and sliced apples. It’s rich, so a little goes a long way. Some people may eat half of it though.
22) Breakfast Charcuterie Board
A breakfast board is the ultimate “I made an effort” illusion. And I mean that as a compliment. Mix cheeses, a cured meat or two, fruit, nuts, and something sweet like fig jam. It provides guests with something to snack on as they talk and wait for the hot food. It’s great for photos, which we pretend isn’t a big deal at baby showers, but actually kind of is.
23) Biscuit Bites
These are warm and inviting, maybe even a bit risky as you might eat five without realizing it. Take some biscuit dough (homemade or store-bought) and wrap it around cooked sausage and cheddar. Being good even when they’re lukewarm is basically the highest compliment you can give to party food. Put out some hot sauce and watch the way people’s personalities come to life.
24) Granola Bowl
Granola is the useful, but not flashy, backup singer of brunch. Place a large bowl of nuts and dried fruit, and set out milk or yogurt. It benefits guests seeking something on the lighter side and caters to people with picky preferences. I always keep more in stock because someone always asks if they can “just have a little more crunch.”
25) Orange Salad
This is for those (like me) who get overwhelmed by so much beige food on one table. Pairing oranges with fennel interjects a sharp, clean taste that refreshes your palate between bites of pastry. It might sound strange until you try it, just add a little drizzle of olive oil and a small pinch of salt. If selling fennel is going to be difficult, then just do citrus with mint and call it a day.
26) Simple Green Salad
A green salad at brunch feels like an adult has entered the room. Keep it fresh (garnish it with cucumber and perhaps some shaved parmesan) and dress with a light citrus vinaigrette. It balances out the sugary items and gives them something to place beside the eggs. I have watched guests who claim to “not eat salad” take seconds when the salad is cold and crunchy enough.
27) Sparkling Mocktails
Baby showers deserve a special drink. They should have something more interesting than “juice in a cup.” Sparkling water with citrus slices and rosemary feels celebratory. It’s refreshing and not too sweet. Serve it in a pitcher so everyone can easily top off their drinks without bothering the host to play bartender all morning. When adding honey syrup, please be gentle: some guests prefer it not to be sweet.
28) Coffee Bar
A coffee bar is more about hospitality than expensive beans. Provide regular and decaf (people strangely get emotional about this), and set out cream, oat milk, and cinnamon. For a cohesive look in images, use unbranded plain mugs or cups. I forgot to bring decaf to a shower and received a kind of disappointment that could linger for years.
29) Mini Muffins
Mini muffins are great because they’re easy to grab and aren’t messy to eat. They’re also not loud or obvious like a cupcake. Offer two flavors so that people can pick their favorites (and they will). They are also wonderful for children, who see baby showers as an odd adult drama theater intermission. If you bake, make extras and freeze them. Future you will appreciate it.
30) Donut Holes
Put some donut holes in a bowl and see how fast their spirits improve. For a party where people may be holding gifts, phones, and feelings, it’s a low commitment option which is perfect. Pick two styles: powdered, cinnamon, or possibly glazed. Put out some extra napkins as the powdered sugar has a mischievous love of getting sugar on dark clothes.
31) Baby Shower Cookies
While I enjoy themed cookies, I prefer the dessert table to a craft store. Keep it simple: soft sugar cookies in soft shades with no required puns or complex piping. They are a nice little sweet treat to end the event and also easy to send home in favor bags. And if a few get eaten before the party starts… that’s quality control.
