Starting your day by eating breakfast is one of the most important things you can do to contribute to your long-term health. When you skip breakfast or eat the wrong food, you miss out on important nutrients that give you energy and help you concentrate. By eating it, you can help prevent weight gain, reduce your risk of diabetes, and control your blood sugar levels. In fact, some studies show that children who eat breakfast perform better in school than those who don’t.

However, preparing separate breakfast and lunch could be tiresome for many, which is why brunch happens to be the best option. It can give the best of both worlds, breakfast as well as lunch. But, it might bring stress to many people regarding what can best fit the brunch menu. For all those worried, I have brought five amazing brunch options.

For me, honestly, it is also the best way to start off the weekend! Whether served with mimosas, Bloody Marys, or coffee, these brunch recipes can be enjoyed at your favourite restaurant (bottomless brunch anyone?) or in the comfort of your own home. I am hoping that the following five recipes will surely be a hit at your next weekend’s brunch gathering if you would rather eat in this time.

Bacon and Egg Breakfast

Brunch parties are all fun and games until you run out of food! Luckily, dozens of different brunch recipes are there which are easy to make and even easier to consume. One such option is the Bacon and Egg Breakfast. It has that breakfast feel, but it’s also hearty enough to make for lunch.

French Toast Casserole

French toast casserole is delicious and a great option to enjoy both as a breakfast dish as well as on the lunch menu. Just make this easy French toast casserole the night before, and you’ll have a scrumptious meal, easily ready for breakfast, the next morning.

Banana Pancakes with Berry Compote

An Easter brunch wouldn’t be complete without a delicious stack of banana pancakes. But this can also be a good fit even on normal weekends. Pancakes topped with a delicious berry compote can be made the day before and then reheated the morning of your brunch.

Sausage and Cheese Strata

A Sausage and Cheese Strata is the perfect make-ahead brunch dish. All you need to do in the morning is make the strata, pour everything into a casserole dish, and bake. It hardly takes ten minutes to prepare.

Avocado Toast

Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, avocado toast is a delicious choice at any time of the day. Since avocados contain monounsaturated fats, they can increase good cholesterol as well as help lower bad cholesterol levels. They are also packed with vitamins, such as folate and potassium. Given all these benefits, they can be consumed any time of the day, with toast, salad, or even just as a fruit.

As the weather heats up, mornings can feel even hotter. Something about those first rays of sunshine brings restlessness, especially when you’re hungry. However, instead of heading to your kitchen to make your usual breakfast, you may sometimes need a break from breakfast food, and brunch is the solution.

I must admit, brunch is one of my favourite meals. Not only is it the perfect meal to start the day, but it’s also fun to prepare. I hope you’ll try these recipes out for a weekend brunch. They’re sure to delight your guests, and since everything’s made ahead, you can be the host and enjoy your guests. Make them, try them, and let me know what you think.