My favorite kind of hosting is baby shower brunches. It’s easy and casual, and there are plenty of treats! Guests arrive with coffee, and then they spend two hours grazing. Best of all, no one ever asks you to “plate” anything. The trick is to balance a variety of make-ahead items and some warm-baked items so the whole display feels cohesive. I’ve either used, borrowed, or unashamedly hovered at other people’s showers. Here are 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 give me a sense of order. Not even yesterday’s jeans are an issue. Here’s a simple mix that you can do: spinach + feta, mushrooms + Swiss cheese, and if you think bacon and cheddar is a breakfast winner, throw that in too! Unlike toast, mini quiches do not get weird after sitting out, and they are great for reheating. I understand it’s about shortcuts, so I have no problem with store-bought pie crusts.
2) Cinnamon Rolls
At this point, things begin to border on the ridiculous. Some folks behave as if cinnamon rolls are some sort of prized possession. Bake-and-ice versions are totally respectable: your oven does most of the heavy lifting anyway. Put out a small knife so that guests can help themselves without feeling like they are being greedy splitting one up. I have noticed that my cousin in my family who is the most shy, made going for seconds look like some sort of secret operation.
3) Mini Pancakes
In contrast to ordinary pancakes, lemon-ricotta pancakes help to show you have stepped up your brunch game. To help guests feel like they don’t have to take a full plate, make these pancakes the size of silver dollars so they can easily grab a few (brunch is always nibble-first). I’ve had three desserts centered around cupcakes, and I know from experience that’s too sweet. The lemon adds a nice touch and brightness to the dish. If your initial pancakes are a bit pale, just call them “tender” and keep flipping.
4) Baked French Toast
The concept is pretty basic and for once, the actual steps are also basic, which is a rare occurrence and deserving of quiet celebration. The night before, you can put this together and let the bread soak. Pop it in the oven when your guests are home and watch the house fill with the delightful scents of cinnamon and success. For aesthetics, add some berries on top instead of letting it look like dessert masquerading as breakfast. If you would like some extra points you can provide warmed maple syrup in a small pitcher (this is not required, but appreciated).
5) Smoked Salmon Bagel Board
This one has 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 really is 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 hose bagel with veggie cream cheese situation.
6) Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are always a great addition to any occasion. They come, behave, and leave. My favorite part is using mini add-ins, like Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, or a dab of relish, to take them beyond just eggy to fully flavored. If you make them early in the day, that’s ideal since, as filling caking over is a sign that they have gone stale. You might also hide some in the fridge for personal use. I won’t tell.
7) Yogurt Parfait Cups
My peace offering will be parfaits, which will offer something fresh to balance out the carbs. If you want a neater look, you can arrange separate cups. However, I sometimes enjoy being a bit messy and use bowls for my DIY layering. Keep granola separate until the last minute if you hate soggy crunch. Selecting pizza toppings can be oddly soothing. It seems as though it’s a personality quiz that you can eat.
8) Fruit Salad
Watery melon cubes can be a turn off for many people. Even a half asleep effort can be improved with a little sugar and mint. Instead of sad fruit, use berries, pineapple, or grapes if they are brought in. If there is a fruit tray, use it along with the rest to take credit for the idea.
9) Scones
Since no detailed timings or fancy frosting are required, scones are ideal baked goods for signaling. I like to offer one sweet option (like lemon or blueberry) and one savory option (like cheddar & chive, which is a fan favorite). When heated, they will provide a temporary, bakery-like aroma to the home. In fact, being somewhat crumbly is the honest truth about scones and is not a flaw.
10) Croissant Sandwich Bar
I appreciate the hosting style where they just set out ingredients on a board and walk away; a sandwich bar is a little classier than that though. Maybe add some meats and cheese with the croissants and also include a crunchy element like cucumbers or arugula — it would be a shame for the options to be all beige. Everyone is free to create what they want, even if the pregnant attendee might have some smell-related sensitivities that day. I once saw my aunt build a three-tier croissant construction that looked like a bridge. What a joy.
11) Breakfast Potatoes
Brunch without the important non-sweet carbohydrates 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 last well in a warm dish and provide a greater sense of “meal” 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. Cook for a long period at a low temperature. To ensure tenderness and prevent them from becoming rubbery, remove them from the heat just prior to fully cooking. I choose to add seasoning afterwards to prevent them from weeping. Yes, eggs do weep, and that is rather off-putting. Provide chives or a touch of hot sauce on the side for guests to personalize their breakfast philosophies.
13) Breakfast Sausage Links
The protein option helps to relax the atmosphere. The guests can pick up the not-fully-assembled-meal-with-sausage-links and avoid a full commitment. Would you like to watch Grease and do something else with your sausage? You can change it to chicken sausage which is great and keeps it brunchy. Napkins will go out. Someone will fain a lack of a something when in fact they need it a lot.
14) Vegetarian Frittata
Frittatas resemble that reliable friend who arrives early to assist in the set-up. It is easy to prepare and appears virtuous as it can be packed with goodness and taste and is healthy to eat at room temperature. I like spinach, mushrooms, and goat cheese, but use what you’ve got. Oven puffed up? Then sunk? Frittata achieved.
15) Mini Grilled Cheese
While this isn’t an ordinary ‘brunch’, it does bring back some very strong emotions of pure joy from my childhood. Try to keep them _small_ so they are finger-friendly, and we don’t have any full sandwich situations. If you want to be more cute about it, consider adding small dipping bowls, or little tomato soup shooter things. When I first served these I felt seen when someone at a day party said, ‘oh thank god something salty’.
16) Waffle Platter
Some people might even say waffles are more firmly constructed pancakes. You can make a big batch of waffles and keep them warm in the oven so you don’t have to be stuck at the waffle iron like a short order chef. Toppings such as peanut butter for some adventurous patrons and whipped cream and berries will be available. Those considering a waffle that has been cooked a little longer than ideal, to the point of being ‘over-crisp’ are not wrong in calling it ‘perfect’.
17) Chia Pudding Cups
Chia pudding is for that one friend who brings a giant, bowling ball-sized, water bottle with them. They look nice in little jars, can be prepped in advance, and are usually easy on the stomach. Coconut milk makes it feel lush, while vanilla keeps it classic. I did not understand the appeal at first, but when I added fruit, it completely changed the experience.
18) Avocado Toast Bites
Avocado toast doesn’t need to be a lifestyle; it can just be a snack. Toasted baguette slices will work better, and mash the avocado with some lemon and salt to brighten the flavor. If you would like, you can add chili flakes or everything seasoning. Hold them close to the serving time so they will remain somewhat green and not turn brown.
19) Caprese Skewers
Considering your options, they provide some quick little fresh options. Depending on your guests, they could also give some relief for those who don’t want eggs or something sweet. When drizzling balsamic glaze, be careful, because a lot of it can give a dessert vinegar sort of taste. When it comes to baby showers, having a bit of cuteness is important.
20) Tea Sandwiches
Cucumber sandwiches are somewhat out of date, and have a simple, classic elegance that your grandma would likely appreciate. To make them even more fancy, you could cut the crusts off. Then there is the matter of dill (or plain) cream cheese on one side, topped with thinly sliced cucumber. They seem especially refreshing when the room is warmed up by an audience. I once witnessed a toddler eat four and then request ‘more green sandwiches’; it felt a little like a miracle.
21) Baked Brie
This type of appetizer captures interest. The brie cheese gets gooey, the jam gets glossy, and your kitchen turns into a celebration. To provide further variety, include some crackers and some sliced apples. Given it’s richness, only a small portion is necessary, but some people may be able to eat upwards of 50% of it.
22) Breakfast Charcuterie Board
A breakfast board gives off the ultimate illusion of effort without having to actually put in the effort. My intent is to express a compliment. Mix cheeses, a cured meat or two, fruit, nuts, and something sweet like fig jam. It provides customers with something to snack on, while they chat and wait for their food. We try to downplay the importance of pictures at baby showers, but to be honest, it really is a big deal.
23) Biscuit Bites
They are also maybe too easy to eat as you might not notice if you ate five of them. You can use either store-bought or homemade biscuit dough to wrap around some cooked sausage and cheddar, and then, of course, bake them. For party food, getting the compliment of being good is almost enough to make us forget that they are served lukewarm. You can put hot sauce on the table and watch people as they transform.
24) Granola Bowl
Granola is helpful but not noteworthy; it is like the backup singer at a brunch concert. Offer guests nuts with yogurt or milk, and dried fruit. They provide lighter options and serve those with more specific preferences. I find in my experience that I always need to have more than enough on hand since I get requests for, \”Can I just have a little more crunch?\”
25) Orange Salad
This will be appreciated by people (including myself) that feel stressed more so by the variety of beige foods on the table. The oranges and the fennel will provide a nice crisp, zesty flavor, which will help clear your palate from the pastry. I know it sounds weird, but try it; just a little bit of olive oil and a pinch 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 feels like an adult is in the room. Add some freshness with garnished cucumber and maybe some shaved parmesan and dressed with a light citrus vinaigrette. It helps to neutralize all of the sugary things and provides something to go with the eggs. I’ve seen guests who say they do ‘not eat salad’ come back for seconds when the salad is cold and crunchy enough.
27) Sparkling Mocktails
A drink specially designed for Baby Showers is deserved. Assuming this could be something more creative than ‘juice in a cup’. Sparkling water with citrus and rosemary is celebratory, and refreshing while not being overly sweet. Please serve it in a pitcher so that guests do not have to keep interrupting the host to refill their cups, and can serve themselves. Adding honey syrup can be done on request since some guests may not want the drink to be sweet.
28) Coffee Bar
A coffee bar is more than just serving coffee, it is about the experience and the hospitality involved. Set out regular and decaf coffee, cream, oat milk, and cinnamon (people can get weirdly intense about this). To keep a cohesive look in the photos, use unbranded solid color mugs/cups. I forgot to bring decaf to the shower, and I felt the kind of letdown that could haunt someone for decades.
29) Mini Muffins
Because mini muffins can be easily taken and eaten without creating a mess, they are a great snack idea. They also are less distracting to eat since they don’t draw as much attention as a cupcake would. Due to the solidified batter in a muffin form, children may have less intrigue in the snack as they often find miniature muffins unappetizing at adult functions like baby showers. If you intend to do any baking, it may also be worth your time to bake extra and freeze some of your baked goods. You will be glad you did so in the future.
30) Donut Holes
To increase happiness, simply put some donut holes in a bowl. With the potential of people having gifts and phones, plus the inclusion of emotions, this is a great low commitment option. You can select two of the following: powdered, cinnamon, or glazed. Because we want to avoid the risk of sticky fingers, please offer extra napkins to patrons as the powdered sugar tends to get on people’s darker clothing.
31) Baby Shower Cookies
While I do value themed cookies, I would take a dessert table over a craft store any day. To keep it simple: light colored soft sugar cookies with no puns or detailed piping. They also make for a simple sweet treat to end the event and put into favor bags to send home. And if a few get eaten before the party starts… that’s quality control.
