Host the Most Pinterest-Worthy Brunch with These Simple Healthy Tips
Is anything better than a leisurely morning spent with loved ones over bottomless mimosas and Insta-worthy brunch spreads? Um, nope! Brunch is hands down one of my favorite celebratory meals but balancing delicious dishes with nutrition can feel tricky at times. Well, we’re going to tackle exactly that today. We’re sharing savvy tips for creating a healthy yet totally scrumptious brunch setup that will impress guests and leave everyone energized, not sluggish. Think vibrant veggie-packed scrambled, antioxidant-rich acai bowls, and a showstopping wholesome charcuterie board. Let’s do this brunch thing in a way that makes our bodies feel as good as the mood we’re in!
Healthy Brunch Bar Setup Tips & Ideas
When hosting a crowd for brunch, a self-serve spread allows guests to easily nibble and graze. Here are my top tips for designing a brunch buffet balanced with nutrition:
Lean Into Veggies & Fruit
Pile towering platters high with grilled asparagus, sauteed greens, roasted squash and potatoes, fresh fruit kabobs, and vibrant salads. These plant-based options offset any indulgent items.
Offer Lighter Proteins
Scrambled egg whites, smoked salmon, seared tofu and turkey sausage make stellar lean protein choices compared to cheese-laden casseroles and fatty bacon.
Include Fiber & Whole Grains
Quinoa, barley or farro salads provide filling fiber, as do chia puddings and oatmeal bars. You may also opt for whole grain toasts, waffles, and muffins over refined carbs.
Consciously Craft Beverages
Infused fruit water, green juice shots, or hibiscus tea inject antioxidants, not just empty calories. And let’s not forget the staples; bloody marys and mimosas!
Rethink the Pastry Platters
Balance muffins and croissants with energizing delights like yogurt parfaits, chia puddings and sliced fruit. This certainly help to curb the urge to carb overload on fluffy baked goods.
Get Creative With Condiments
Beyond butter and syrup, liven up the table with fun toppers like sliced avocado, nut butter, hummus, chili crisp, lemon wedges, or even edible flowers, if you’re feeling adventurous!
Healthy Brunch Charcuterie Board
A grazing charcuterie board makes the perfect centerpiece, and this wholesome version does not skimp on drool-worthy appeal! It piles roasted veggies, fresh and dried fruits, seeded crackers, nuts and cheese for a texture-packed protein energy boost.
The Veggies:
- Roasted asparagus
- Blistered mini peppers
- Grilled zucchini rounds
- Marinated artichoke hearts
- Roasted beets
The Fruits:
- Orange segments
- Pomegranate arils
- Figs
- Dried apricots
- Fresh berries
The Cheese:
- Manchego
- Fresh mozzarella
- Goat cheese crumbles
- Parmesan crisps
The Extras:
- Seeded whole grain crackers
- Sliced almonds
- Walnuts
- Pistachios
- Mixed olives
Pull It Together:
Arrange cheese wedges and crackers down the center and flank with rows of veggies and fruit. Sprinkle nuts around board and add olives, figs and dried fruit. Don’t forget a side of whole grain mustard for dipping!
This nutrition all-star appetizer board proves wholesome and decadent certainly can coexist. It takes a little creativity and vision, but trust me, your body and guests will thank you!
More Tips for a Nourishing DIY Brunch Bar:
- Make a batch of fluffy yet protein-packed cloud bread to use for avocado toast or breakfast sandwiches.
- Prep sheet pans of roasted maple cinnamon sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts and beets the day before.
- Whip up a hearty 9-grain porridge bar with toppings like chia seeds, toasted coconut, fresh berries, sliced almonds and honey.
- Bake plain Greek yogurt in the oven at a super low temp to make thick, creamy Greek yogurt for bagels. Think of it as your own take on cheese.
- Infuse a pitcher of water with fruits and herbs like lemon, lime, oranges, strawberries, mint, basil and pineapple for refreshing hydration.
- Make a batch of vegan breakfast sausage patties from lentils, walnuts, oats and mushrooms for a delicious plant-based protein.
- Bake fluffy egg frittatas in muffin tins loaded with broccoli, peppers, spinach and turkey bacon crumbles. These can certainly serve as the perfect finger foods!