10 ways to dress up your eggs for Sunday brunch

Separated egg white and yolk.
Photo by PIMPAN/Shutterstock

Eggs are a staple at the breakfast table, and while we’ve all been told to avoid them—opting for egg whites and passing up the yolks—studies are now showing that egg yolks are full of nutrition, and the healthy cholesterol and fats they contain are excellent for our health. They’re an easy on-the-run snack when kept hard-boiled in the fridge, but turning them into something exciting for a spectacular brunch menu can sometimes leave one scratching their head.

As long as you’re more often opting for baked, boiled, and poached over a crispy fried egg, some suggest that you should be eating as many as three whole eggs a day. Here are ten hearty, and healthy brunch recipe ideas to get you egg-cited about serving eggs at your next brunch. The best part? They’re totally easy to make!

Baked eggs (a zillion ways)

Baked eggs.

Photo courtesy of JamieOliver.com.

The only thing really required to make baked eggs is a few good ramekins (alternately, you can bake this in a large pan, serving the eggs casserole style), some delicious add-ins, and a little creativity. Jamie Oliver provides suggestions for spinach and ham, tomato and basil, salmon, and even truffle mushroom eggs, but the sky’s the limit with what you include.

Baked egg in an avocado nest

Egg baked in avocado.

Photo courtesy of Scrumptiouslyskinny.com

Another variation on the classic baked egg, but this time, in a delicious, creamy, avocado, making this a decadent treat full of healthy fats (eating it with hearty serving of greens is a wise choice). Adding cheddar, chives, or a bit of spice (red chili flakes, hot sauce, jalapeños) make these huevos extra exciting. Bake a ton for a crowd on a baking sheet in the oven, or as quick side at a romantic breakfast for two.

Healthy Huevos Rancheros

Healthy huevos dish.

Photo courtesy of SPARKSTAR

Huevos Rancheros are a simple healthy meal that makes brunch feel like Mexican night (Mimosa Margarita, anyone?). You can make these as simple and clean, or complex and rich as you like (or some combination of the two). Added black beans are a great source of fibre and additional protein, and salsa and sauces are a must.

Grits with a poached egg

Grits are a Southern staple, and aren’t too far off from their Italian cousin, Polenta, but the two vary in taste and texture, as the corn and recipes have distinct origins. Made with the just the right amount of dairy fat—don’t go overboard with the cheese and butter—these are delicious, healthy, and a totally unique brunch item that will have guests really impressed. Add cheddar and jalapeño to liven things up with, or choose your own flavours.

Sweet potato and caramelized onion hash with baked eggs

Sweet potato hash.

Photo courtesy theironyou.com

Craving hash browns but want to stay away from regular white potatoes? Some think that sweet potatoes are a better choice, as they are lower in carbohydrates, but we should add, much higher in (natural) sugars. Regardless, this is a fun spin on a classic meal, and the sweet potatoes can be prepped in advance (parboiled and left in the fridge the night before). The cast-iron skillet is pretty, but this recipe could easily be made in a large, well-greased, baking pan as well.

Crustless vegetable quiche

Crustless vegetable quiche.

Photo courtesy of reciperunner.com

This cheesy baked crustless quiche is filling, healthy, and totally satisfying (plus it serves a decent crowd). As with many egg recipes, the add-ins can be totally up to you; choose your favourite flavour combinations.

Bell Pepper Egg-in-a-hole

 

Bell pepper egg in a hole.

Photo courtesy of Natashaskitchen.com

Do you remember eating egg-in-a-hole as a kid? Warm buttery fried bread filled with a warm gooey egg is a fun memory that many share, but we’re probably less inclined to eat a fried piece of bread on the regular these days. These bell pepper egg-in-holes are just as fun, more colourful, and like many of the recipes in this list, can be made to feed a brunch army if need be.

Avocado Toast with Poached Egg

Avocado toast.

Photo courtesy of Many Kitchens

Another great excuse to eat avocado and eggs together! Choose a hearty, dense bread (seeded is nice), and serve with fresh greens and fruit. For some, avocado toast is an acquired taste, but for many, it’s totally addictive. It is reminiscent of Eggs Benedict—especially with a runny egg—but is a much healthier choice.

Feta Kale Eggs Florentine

Kale feta eggs florentine.

Photo courtesy of wellplated.com

Florentine and Benedict are brunch classics, but healthy, fresh variations on these recipes are also totally delicious (and impressive to guests). Skipping the hollandaise sauce may break some hearts, but a sprinkle of feta cheese still gives these a fun kick.

South American Style Brunch

South American style brunch.

Photo courtesy of JamieOliver.com

This meal looks lovely plated—a quinoa base with black beans, fresh tomato, chilies, cilantro, and green onion but can also be served buffet style at the brunch table so that guests can pick and choose their favourites. Serve with grilled sweet potatoes, tamales, or even freshly baked cornbread for a totally impressive (and delicious) spread.


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