I particularly enjoy hosting baby shower brunches because it’s a more relaxed atmosphere with lots of food! Everyone comes with a coffee and they can hang out for a couple of hours just picking at brunch foods. Plus, the best part is nobody ever tells you to plate anything.
It makes it super simple to plan a brunch shower! I like to keep a mix of things that can be made in advance and a few warm items that can be baked to keep the whole spread looking nice. Over the years, I know I’ve used, borrowed, or shamelessly hovered at other people’s showers, so I thought I’d share 31 ideas.
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
Mini quiches are a great meal prep item to stay organized throughout the week. Simple combinations can be mixed: I love spinach and feta, and for a more hearty option, mushrooms and Swiss are a great combo!
If you are a breakfast fan and enjoy bacon and cheddar, that is a winning combination as well. The benefit of quiches is that they do not get soggy like toast, and they reheat well. I get it, it is all about the shortcuts, which is why I don’t mind premade pie crusts!
2) Cinnamon Rolls
At this stage, it starts to become quite absurd. Some people act like cinnamon rolls are some kind of trophy.
Bake-and-ice versions are totally respectable: your oven does most of the heavy lifting anyway.
Place a small knife so that guests can help themselves without feeling greedy about splitting one. I have seen that my shiest cousin in the family, made it seem like going for seconds was some kind of secret mission.
3) Mini Pancakes
Unlike basic pancakes, lemon-ricotta pancakes are a sign that you have elevated your brunch game. To encourage guests to feel free to not take an entire serving, make these pancakes the size of silver dollars so they can easily take multiple (brunch is always nibble-first). I’ve had three desserts based around cupcakes, and I know from experience that’s too sweet. The lemon adds a nice touch and brightness to the dish. If your first pancakes are a little too blond, just call them “tender” and keep flipping.
4) Baked French Toast
Although the idea might be simple, and the steps might be simple as well (which is rare, so this should be an event worth celebrating), the night before, you could put this all together and let the bread soak. When your guests arrive, you can put it in the oven and enjoy the delicious smell of cinnamon, along with the smell of success.
To make it look nicer, don’t let it just look like dessert masquerading as breakfast; put some berries on top. If you want some bonus points, you can give warmed maple syrup in a small pitcher (this is appreciated, but not necessary).
5) Smoked Salmon Bagel Board
This has got everyone saying “oooh” and looking hungry. Generous portions of cream cheese, herbed cream cheese, capers, thinly sliced red onion, cucumber, dill, and lemon wedges. It’s really great how this looks bountiful even if you didn’t put in any effort at all. And if the guest of honor is not a smoked fish person, it still works beautifully as a bagel with veggie cream cheese situation.
6) Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a classic for any type of gathering. They show up, behave, and leave. I love to use little extras, like Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, or a little relish, to make them more than just eggy to fully flavored. I would recommend making them the day of the gathering since, after the filling cakes over, it is a sign that they have gone stale. You could also stash some away in the fridge for your secret supply. I won’t spill the beans.
7) Yogurt Parfait Cups
I intend to make and bring parfaits as a peace offering since they will offer something fresh and tasty to balance out all those carbs. If you want a neater look, feel free to make your own parfaits in separate cups, but I like to get a bit messy sometimes, so I use bowls for my DIY layers.
Keep granola separate until the last minute if you hate soggy crunch.
8) Fruit Salad
Many people find watery melon cubes unappetizing. An almost minimal effort can still be enhanced with mint and some sugar. If sad fruit is given, berries, pineapple, or grapes can be used if provided. If there is a fruit tray, feel free to take credit for the entire idea and use it with the rest.
9) Scones
Scones are great baked goods for signaling because no intricate frosting or specific timings are required. I enjoy providing one sweet choice (such as lemon or blueberry) and one savory choice (like cheddar & chive, which is a crowd pleaser). When heated, they will give the house a temporary, bakery-like scent. In fact, being somewhat crumbly is the truth about scones and is not a defect.
10) Croissant Sandwich Bar
I enjoy the style of hosting where they put ingredients on a board and leave. A sandwich bar is a bit more sophisticated than that though. You could also put some meat and cheese options with the croissants, and maybe a crunchy element like cucumbers or arugula, otherwise the options will all be beige.
Everyone is welcome to make whatever they want, including the pregnant person who could have some smell sensitivities that day. I once saw my aunt make a croissant tower with three levels that looked like a bridge. How fun.
11) Breakfast Potatoes
If there are no essential non-sweet carbs, brunch is a dessert buffet that opens at 10 a.m.
Once the potatoes are roasted and crispy on the edges, you can combine them with the sautéed peppers and onions.
They hold up nicely in a warm dish and gives a greater sense of “meal” rather than “snack pile”.
If you like, I don’t mind a side of garlicky aioli, and you can also add plain ketchup.
12) Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs can be boring or they can be the thing everyone quietly keeps eating.
When cooking the eggs, do so at a low temperature for an extended period of time. To maintain tenderness and to keep the eggs from cooking to the point that they become rubbery, remove the eggs from heat a few minutes before they are fully done. I prefer to add seasoning after cooking to avoid the weeping phenomenon that can occur. Eggs do weep, and this can be quite unappetizing. For guests’ personal breakfast preferences, offer chives or a little hot sauce on the side.
13) Breakfast Sausage Links
The protein choice fosters an easy-going environment. Guests have the option to take the partially assembled meal with sausage links to avoid making a full commitment. You can switch it to chicken sausage which is awesome and keeps it brunchy.
14) Vegetarian Frittata
Frittatas are like that dependable friend who comes early to help with the setup. They are simple to make, and they look good since they can be full of vegetables and also taste great, and are even healthy to eat at room temperature.
I like spinach, mushrooms, and goat cheese, but use what you’ve got.
Did your oven puff up and then sink? Congratulations, you frittata-ed!
15) Mini Grilled Cheese
Although this isn’t a regular brunch, it does remind me of my childhood and pure happiness. Please try to keep them small so they are easy to pick up and we don’t end up with any full sandwich situations. If you want to get a little more creative, you could include some small dipping bowls, or those little shooter cups with tomato soup. I first served these and I felt seen when someone at a day party said, oh thank god something salty .
16) Waffle Platter
Some would even claim that waffles are just pancakes that are constructed a little more firmly. You can even make a large batch of waffles and keep them warm at the oven so that you won’t be stuck at the waffle iron like a short ordered chef. For adventurous patrons, toppings like peanut butter, and whipped cream and berries will be available.
There is nothing wrong with people calling a waffle that has been cooked a little longer than ideal, to the point of being over crisp, and considering it to be perfect.
17) Chia Pudding Cups
Chia pudding is for that friend who carries a giant, bowling ball-sized water bottle. Chia puddings look nice in jars, can be made ahead of time, and are generally easy to digest.
Coconut milk makes it feel lush, while vanilla keeps it classic.
I initially did not grasp the attraction, but once I included fruit, it transformed the experience entirely.
18) Avocado Toast Bites
Avocado toast doesn’t need to be a lifestyle; it can just be a snack.
Instead of using bread slices, use baguette slices that have been toasted and mash the avocado mixed with some lemon and a dash of salt to freshen the flavor. You can also include chili flakes or everything seasoning if you wish. Avocado will turn brown if not served fresh enough, so serve them just before.
19) Caprese Skewers
They offer a handful of fresh options. Depending on your guests, they can also provide some relief for those who don’t want eggs or anything sweet on the menu. Be careful when drizzling balsamic glaze, as too much can provide a dessert vinegar sort of taste. Baby showers do need a little cuteness.
20) Tea Sandwiches
Cucumber sandwiches have a simplistic charm that is a bit old fashioned and would definitely be appreciated by your grandmother. To make these even posher, you could remove the crusts. Then there’s the issue of spreading dill (or plain) cream cheese on one side and layering it with sliced cucumbers. When the audience warms up the room, they are very refreshing. I have seen a toddler eat four of these and ask for ‘more green sandwiches’; it felt like a miracle.
21) Baked Brie
This kind of appetizer piques curiosity. The brie cheese becomes gooey, the jam becomes shiny, and your kitchen transforms into a party. To add more different taste options, provide some sliced apples and crackers. Given its richness, only a small amount is needed, though some people may be able to consume over 50% of it.
22) Breakfast Charcuterie Board
A breakfast board allows you to create the impression of having put in a great deal of work while in reality requiring little to no effort. I mean this as a compliment.
Mix cheeses, a cured meat or two, fruit, nuts, and something sweet like fig jam.
It gives consumers a light meal to enjoy as they converse and anticipate their meal. Although we attempt to minimize the significance of capturing images at baby showers, the truth is it is extremely important.
23) Biscuit Bites
Eating five of these will be no problem as the ease of consumption may cause you to lose track of how many you ate. Simply take some cooked sausage and cheddar, and wrap the mixture in either homemade or store-bought biscuit dough, then bake them. For food at a party, they can be served lukewarm and it is almost a compliment to hear that people enjoyed them. Put some hot sauce on the table and watch people change.
24) Granola Bowl
Granola is useful but it is not particularly exciting. It’s like the backup singer at a concert during brunch. Provide your guests with nuts, yogurt or milk, and dried fruit. These provide more flexibility and accommodate those with particular tastes. I know from experience that I always need to have a surplus in stock because I get a lot of requests for, “Can I just have a little more crunch?”
25) Orange Salad
This will be appreciated by people (including me) that feel stressed more so by the assortment of beige foods on the table. The oranges and the fennel offer a nice crisp, zesty flavor in addition to clearing your palate of the pastry. I know it sounds strange but trust me on this, a tad bit of olive oil and a dash of salt. If selling fennel is too big of a challenge, then go mint citrus and that s fine.
26) Simple Green Salad
A green salad at brunch really adds a touch of sophistication. It should include some garnished cucumber and perhaps some shaved parmesan, lightly dressed with a citrus vinaigrette. This will help to neutralize what will surely be a very sugary spread, and will also go nicely with the eggs. I’ve even seen guests who claim to do ‘not eat salad’ come back for seconds when the salad is cold and crunchy enough.
27) Sparkling Mocktails
A designated drink for Baby Showers is warranted. This can be more creative than ‘juice in a cup.’ Sparkling water with citrus and rosemary is celebratory and refreshing and isn’t overly sweet. Please serve it in a pitcher so that guests can self serve instead of having to interrupt the host to refill their cups. Honey syrup can be added to the drink on request as some guests may not want it to be sweet.
28) Coffee Bar
A coffee bar is not merely about coffee but the experience and service that goes with it. Provide regular and decaf coffee, cream, oat milk, and cinnamon (people can get weirdly intense about this). Use unbranded solid color mugs/cups for a cohesive look in the pictures. I forgot to bring decaf to the shower, and I felt the kind of letdown that could haunt someone for decades.
29) Mini Muffins
Mini muffins are a great idea for a snack because they can be grabbed and eaten without creating a mess. They’re also less distracting because they’re not as attention grabbing as a cupcake. Children usually consider mini muffins to be unappetizing at adult functions like baby showers. If you plan to do any baking, it may also be a good idea to bake some extras and freeze some of your baked goods. You will appreciate this idea in the future.
30) Donut Holes
A quick method to enhance happiness is to place donut holes in a bowl. Given the possibility of gift cards and phones, as well as the emotional component, this is an excellent low commitment option. You may choose two of the following options: powdered, cinnamon, or glazed. Since we want to minimize the potential of sticky fingers, we ask that you provide extra napkins to customers as the powdered sugar can be particularly troublesome on people’s darker clothing.
31) Baby Shower Cookies
I do appreciate themed cookies, but I would choose a dessert table over a craft store any day. To keep it simple: light colored soft sugar cookies, no puns, no piping. They also serve as a simple sweet treat to finish off the event and to place in favor bags to send home. And if a few get eaten before the party starts… that’s quality control.
