15 Brunch Favorites That Don’t Deserve the Buzz
Brunch is a weekend favorite for many, blending breakfast and lunch into a leisurely meal. Some dishes seem to appear on every menu, celebrated as must-haves.
But not every popular brunch plate lives up to its reputation.
Avocado Toast
Avocado toast is a staple at brunch spots everywhere. Its simplicity and photogenic appeal make it a frequent pick.
However, it often leaves you hungry soon after, especially if it lacks protein or hearty toppings.
Adding extras like a poached egg, spices, or fresh herbs can make it more satisfying and flavorful.
It’s best enjoyed as a snack or light meal, rather than a filling breakfast.
Eggs Benedict
Eggs Benedict is a classic that’s become almost synonymous with brunch. Poached eggs, English muffin, Canadian bacon, and hollandaise sauce make up the familiar combination.
The dish can disappoint when the hollandaise is too heavy or bland, or when the muffin turns soggy. Perfectly poached eggs aren’t always guaranteed.
There are inventive takes with spicy sauces, different meats, or global flavors that bring new life to this staple.
Pancakes with Syrup
Pancakes with syrup are a brunch mainstay. Warm, fluffy, and sweet, they’re comforting but can be a bit plain.
Syrup can overwhelm the pancake, masking any subtle flavors or quality ingredients. Making pancakes at home lets you experiment with toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, or savory options.
Try different recipes to shake up the classic stack.
French Toast
French toast often appears on brunch menus with little variation. It’s usually just bread soaked in egg and milk, fried until golden.
This dish can feel uninspired if you’re looking for something unique. Switching up the bread or adding fruits and spices can make a difference.
Croissants or bagels offer a new texture and flavor.
Mimosas
Mimosas are a brunch classic, combining champagne or sparkling wine with orange juice. While refreshing, the drink can lack excitement.
Experimenting with juices like mango, cranberry, or pomegranate adds variety. Mimosas are easy to make but often feel overhyped as the default brunch cocktail.
Explore creative mimosa recipes for a fresh twist.
Croissants
Croissants are loved for their flaky, buttery texture. Still, they can feel basic compared to more substantial brunch options.
They’re often served plain or with simple fillings. Using croissants for sandwiches or French toast casseroles can make them more interesting.
If you’re curious about new ideas, try this collection of breakfast ideas with croissants.
Quiche Lorraine
Quiche Lorraine features a buttery crust filled with eggs, cream, bacon, and Gruyère cheese. It’s a classic, but often heavier and less vibrant than other brunch choices.
Getting the crust and filling just right can be tricky. If you’re after something lighter, you might want to look elsewhere.
Bagels with Lox
Bagels with lox are a traditional brunch favorite. The combination of bagel, smoked salmon, and cream cheese is simple and classic.
You can brighten it up with capers, red onion, dill, or a squeeze of lemon. Serving it as a brunch board lets everyone customize their bites.
Chicken and Waffles
Chicken and waffles pair crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffles, often finished with syrup or butter. The balance can be off if the chicken is greasy or the waffles get soggy.
There’s also a milder version with stewed chicken and gravy over plain waffles. Whether you prefer classic or a twist, quality and preparation make all the difference.
Bloody Mary
A Bloody Mary is a spicy tomato cocktail often overloaded with extravagant toppings. Too many extras can drown out the drink’s actual flavors.
A simpler version with fresh tomato juice and classic seasonings is usually more enjoyable.
Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are a sweet brunch treat, soft and topped with icing. They tend to dominate the table but rarely offer much variety.
Making them from scratch takes effort and time. Quick recipes can help, but relying on cinnamon rolls alone can make brunch feel monotonous.
Breakfast Burritos
Breakfast burritos are celebrated for their convenience and flavor. Most rely on eggs, cheese, and sausage in a tortilla, which can get repetitive.
Creative fillings like chicken-apple sausage or veggies offer more excitement. Making them at home lets you avoid bland, soggy results.
Breakfast Sandwiches
Breakfast sandwiches are a brunch favorite but can be disappointing if soggy or overloaded. The right balance between bread, egg, cheese, and meat is key.
Simple, well-made sandwiches often taste best. Customizing or making them ahead keeps things interesting.
Huevos Rancheros
Huevos Rancheros is often praised as a brunch favorite, but many find it doesn’t quite live up to the hype. The dish usually features fried eggs on tortillas topped with salsa, beans, and cheese.
While it’s flavorful, the combination can sometimes feel basic or overly simple. You might expect a spicy kick, but some versions tone down the heat, making the dish less exciting.
Plus, the texture mix of soggy tortillas and runny eggs isn’t for everyone.
Shakshuka
Eggs poached in a spiced tomato sauce, usually with onions and peppers, make up the heart of shakshuka. This dish is known for its vibrant appearance and warm flavors.
However, the taste can become repetitive, especially if the spices are on the mild side. It’s essentially a tomato-based egg dish, which doesn’t offer much complexity.
Shakshuka is easy to prepare and comforting when you’re craving something warm and filling. If you’re looking for bold or fresh flavors, though, it may not stand out among other brunch choices.
If you haven’t tried shakshuka yet, it’s worth making at least once for variety.
