Let Mom sleep in while you finish making this delicious meal.
Mother's Day brunch
Credit: Linda Pugliese

What says "I love you Mom" better than breakfast in bed? We've got it: letting Mom sleep in while you prepare a delightful brunch for the family. Don't worry, you don't have to wake up too early—our menu is packed with make-ahead recipes and tips. When Mom wakes up, greet her with a glass of cold-brew coffee and a beautiful array of fresh vegetable chips with a three-ingredient savory yogurt dip. Once everyone is done snacking, sit down for a decadent main. Our pick is a baked French toast that's stuffed with ham and Gruyère, served with a simple yet satisfying salad. For dessert, slice a gorgeous mix of tropical fruits and top with a crunchy coconut and pistachio topping for a sweet ending that's fresh and healthy but feels indulgent.

What makes this glorious meal easy to pull off is that most of the work can be done ahead of time, and we've included make-ahead tips throughout to help you along the way.

To Toast

Every good brunch begins with coffee, and our DIY cold brew is something you'll always make ahead of time. Put it together the night before and let it steep overnight. In the morning, all you need to do is strain the coffee and serve the cold brew over ice with Mom's favorite milk.

We also suggest toasting Mom with a pitcher of bright, beautiful citrusy cocktails. Our big-batch Vermouth-Grapefruit Sangria recipe can be made up to a day before serving.

Credit: Aya Brackett

To Snack

This three-ingredient Yogurt Dip with Crudités and Chips couldn't be easier or more flavorful. Za'atar, a flavorful Middle Eastern spice blend, is the star, with an assist from a little grated garlic, it complements the tangy, creamy strained yogurt. Make it the night before and let the flavors meld in the refrigerator. Make sure to serve it with dippers Mom loves.

Frisee Salad with Pistachios and Dijon Vinaigrette
Credit: Linda Pugliese

The Main

For an inspired sweet-and-savory brunch main, prepare Baked Stuffed French Toast, which is filled with ham and Gruyère cheese. The individual servings look elegant, and the cook's secret is that it's actually baked as a casserole. A warm drizzle of maple syrup at the table seals the deal—this is one of the tastiest brunch dishes ever. Assemble the French toast in a baking dish the night before so it's ready to bake in the morning while you finish the rest of the brunch prep.

The Side

Balance the stuffed French toast with a lighter side, such as our Frisée Salad with Pistachios and Dijon Vinaigrette. When you shop for ingredients, be sure to pick out beautiful greens as they make all the difference for the presentation. Drizzle the salad with a classic Dijon vinaigrette to serve. Prep ahead by making the vinaigrette the night before and refrigerating, covered. Re-whisk before serving if the dressing separates. You can also wash the frisée and dry in a salad spinner, then store the ready-to-go greens in a freezer bag with a sheet of damp paper towel.

tropical fruit salad pistachio crunch

The Dessert

Tropical fruits on their own are such a treat, but when you pair them with a crunchy, nutty topping, they're even better. Our Tropical Fruit with Coconut-Pistachio Crunch is the perfect healthy brunch dessert. It's beautiful and fresh—you'll achieve the "crunch" with what is essentially an oat-less granola with lots of nutty coconut and lime flavor and a subtle cayenne kick. It's sure to become the new favorite fruit topping in your household. The coconut-pistachio crunch can be made up to three days ahead. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature.


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