40 Filling Recipes for a Healthier Brunch

December 21, 2013
Here are brunch recipes with wow factor: They look and taste great. (Plus they're healthy!)
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Greg DuPree

Everyone loves brunch. Festive, but still casual, you can relax and really enjoy the meal. Here are 32 delicious and healthy brunch ideas that both look and taste great. Even better, these recipes are also incredibly easy to make. Whether you're looking for a quiche, frittata, French toast, muffins, eggs, or even yogurt, we've got what you need to impress your guests.

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Winter Citrus Salad With Yogurt & Granola

Greg DuPree

Try this recipe: Winter Citrus Salad With Yogurt & Granola

Brunch is great, but it can be heavy. Try this amazingly fresh citrus salad if you're in the mood for something lighter.

Ingredients: blood orange, navel orange, grapefruit, Greek yogurt, honey, granola, pistachios

Calories: 381

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Broccoli–Caramelized Onion Quiche With Quinoa Crust

Greg DuPree

Try this recipe: Broccoli–Caramelized Onion Quiche With Quinoa Crust

The benefits of broccoli hardly need repeating—crisp, delicious, full of antioxidants. Take your brunch to the next level by pairing it with quinoa and caramelized onions for a sweet and savory bite.

Ingredients: quinoa, eggs, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, broccoli, yellow onions, whole milk, fresh thyme, kosher salt, goat cheese

Calories: 232

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Greg DuPree

Try this recipe: Sausage & Kale Strata

Gruyère, sausage, and kale is a delightfully rich combo, making it a brunch all-star. Pro tip: put it all together the night before so the bread can absorb all the yummy liquids.

Ingredients: turkey sausage, yellow onion, kale, milk, dry mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, eggs, whole-grain bread, Gruyère cheese

Calories: 285

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Harissa Shakshuka With Spinach & Chickpeas

Greg DuPree

Try this recipe: Harissa Shakshuka With Spinach & Chickpeas

This Israeli classic is as hearty as it is easy to make. And while you can enjoy a plate any time, the sunny-side up eggs make this a brunch go-to for sure.

Ingredients: olive oil, yellow onion, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, marinara sauce, harissa, oregano, kosher salt, chickpeas, spinach, eggs, feta cheese, lemon juice, parsley

Calories: 276

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Dragon Fruit, Pineapple & Chia Smoothie Bowl

Greg DuPree

Try this recipe: Dragon Fruit, Pineapple & Chia Smoothie Bowl

Dragon fruit makes this bowl incredibly vibrant, but don't worry, it's as hearty and tasty as it is beautiful.

Ingredients: frozen pitaya, pineapple juice, chia seeds, pineapple, flaked coconut, kiwi, Greek yogurt, sea salt

Calories: 277

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Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Greg DuPree

Try this recipe: Cinnamon Roll Muffins

This healthier take on cinnamon rolls is lower in sugar and packs more fiber than the traditional pastry.

Ingredients: whole-wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, kosher salt, honey, canola oil, vanilla extract, egg, whole milk, cream cheese, powdered sugar

Calories: 266

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Sweet Potato Bowl with Blueberries

Christopher Testani; Food Styling: Margret Dickey; Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis

Try this recipe: Sweet Potato Bowl with Blueberries

Like a smoothie in a bowl, pureed sweet potatoes and fresh berries make this brunch fresh as well as hearty.

Ingredients: sweet potatoes, almond butter, almond milk, ground ginger, sea salt, fresh blueberries, flaked coconut, coconut cream

Calories: 348

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Mediterranean Frittata

Christopher Testani; Food Styling: Margret Dickey; Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis

Try this recipe: Mediterranean Frittata

Frittatas are great for their ease and convenience, and with olives and feta, this one packs in the Mediterranean zest.

Ingredients: extra-virgin olive oil, potatoes, egg whole milk, sea salt, Dijon mustard, broccoli, garlic, roasted red bell pepper, kalamata olives, fresh dill, feta cheese, apple cider vinegar, shallot, crushed red pepper

Calories: 306

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Hazelnut Waffles with Blackberries

Christopher Testani; Food Styling: Margret Dickey; Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis

Try this recipe: Hazelnut Waffles with Blackberries

A base of nut meal and oat flour puts a gluten-free spin on the breakfast classic.

Ingredients: hazelnut meal, oat flour, baking soda, sea salt, ground cardamom, almond milk, eggs, coconut oil, vanilla extract, maple syrup, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, fresh blackberries

Calories: 324

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Cardamom-Vanilla Granola

Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro

Try this recipe: Cardamom-Vanilla Granola

Dig in: Nuts and seeds (use any you want) plus oats and fruit are transformed with fragrant cardamom.

Ingredients: Honey, ground cardamom, extra-virgin olive oil, vanilla extract, kosher salt, uncooked rolled oats, raw almonds, raw cashews, pumpkin seeds, unsweetened flaked coconut, cooking spray, cranberries

Calories: 265

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Butternut-Squash Kale Hash

Try this recipe: Butternut-Squash Kale Hash

Put an egg on it: When you crave something savory, try superfood veggies topped with a crispy fried egg.

Ingredients: Unsalted butter, sweet onion, garlic, lacinto kale, kosher salt, black pepper, butternut squash, ground nutmeg, grapeseed oil, eggs

Calories: 282

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Pumpkin Dutch Baby with Pears

Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro

Try this recipe: Pumpkin Dutch Baby with Pears

Fall for pumpkin: Take the autumn staple beyond pies by whipping up a "Dutch baby"—a super-easy baked pancake.

Ingredients: Whole milk, all-purpose flour, white whole-wheat flour, eggs, canned pumpkin, coconut sugar, unsalted butter, Bosc pears, walnuts, pumpkin pie spice, orange zest, fresh orange juice, kosher salt

Calories: 348

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Cornmeal-Bacon Waffles with Apple Compote

Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro

Try this recipe: Cornmeal-Bacon Waffles with Apple Compote

Take a break: Bacon-stuffed waffles and warm fruit feel oh-so indulgent—but they're pack with healthy whole grains and fiber.

Ingredients: Buttermilk, olive oil, eggs, yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, white whole-wheat flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, kosher salt, bacon, fresh chives, cooking spray, unsalted butter, red apples, fresh thyme, kosher salt, pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar

Calories: 465

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Cauliflower "Grits" with Tomato-Mushroom Gravy

Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro

Try this recipe: Cauliflower "Grits" with Tomato-Mushroom Gravy

Add a super sauce: Give your basic grits a nutritional upgrade with a power ingredient: mushrooms.

Ingredients: Cauliflower florets, low-sodium chicken broth, fine yellow cornmeal, Cheddar cheese, grape tomatoes, unsalted butter, cremini mushrooms, kosher salt, black pepper, hot brewed coffee, cornstarch, scallions

Calories: 267

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Horseradish Potatoes With Smoked Trout

Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro

Try this recipe: Horseradish Potatoes With Smoked Trout

Go fish: It's never too early in the morning to get in your daily dose of disease-fighting omega-3s.

Ingredients: Baby new potatoes, white vinegar, eggs, olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, baby spinach, horseradish, smoked trout, lemon wedges

Calories: 263

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Mini Smoked-Salmon Frittatas

Possibly the healthiest and most delicious brunch recipe ever created, these mini frittatas pack 17 grams of protein each, almost no carbs, and loads of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, thanks to the smoked salmon. They cook up in less than 30 minutes, so why not make them this weekend?

Try this recipe: Mini-Smoked Salmon Frittatas

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White Peaches and Prosecco

For an irresistible, bubbly sipper, mix juicy peach slices with Prosecco in champagne flutes.

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Maple-Cinnamon French Toast

Straight from New England, this recipe will be a hit at any brunch. Using vanilla extract and cinnamon will give you plenty of flavor without the added fat of butter.

Try this recipe: Maple-Cinnamon French Toast

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Granola Yogurt Parfait

Like Greek yogurt? Of course you do. This looks good enough to be a dessert, but is, in fact, super healthy and delivers the creamy taste of Greek yogurt you crave. (Plus it's easy to make.)

Just layer 6 ounces of plain fat-free Greek yogurt with 2/3 cup granola mixed with 1/2 cup puffed wheat cereal, and 1 sliced peach.

If you use plain yogurt instead of a sugary one, you can save up to 70 calories. But it's fine to use the flavored varieties too.

Related video: How to Make Greek Yogurt Fruit Parfait  

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Brie With Apple Slices

Just because you're having brunch, doesn't mean you have to spend ages in the kitchen whipping up eggs or flipping pancakes. This light breakfast couldn't be any simpler.

Just serve brie with apple slices (Granny Smith or other variety).

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Potato-Crusted Spinach Quiche

Quiche crust is usually made from butter and flour. This version is made with shredded potatoes, which cuts fat and calories.

Try this recipe: Potato-Crusted Spinach Quiche

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Braised Kale Frittata

Levi Brown

Instead of your usual omelet, try this antioxidant-packed baked frittata that uses kale and tomatoes (both of which fight cancer!). This delicious recipe is a good source of iron as well as protein, with only 7 grams of carbs.

Try this recipe: Braised Kale Frittata

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Almond Ciabatta French toast

This slightly sweet version of French toast will win over breakfast enthusiasts everywhere. A dash of vanilla and almond extracts gives a hint of sweetness to the ciabatta bread, while maintaining its hearty taste. Using egg whites and low-fat milk keeps saturated fat low, while heart-healthy almonds add a boost of protein.

Try this recipe: Almond Ciabatta French Toast

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Zucchini Muffins

Jenna Weber

These light, sweet muffins are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or an after-dinner treat. Developed by Health.com's blogger, Jenna Weber, they look good, taste good, and are good for you.

Make them at the end of summer to use up all of your extra zucchini. You can even make a double batch and save some in the freezer.

Try this recipe: Zucchini Muffins

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Quiche With Leeks and Baby Potatoes

Here's how to make this tasty dish: Whisk 6 eggs seasoned with 1/3 cup grated fontina, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste. Saute 1/3 cup chopped leeks and 3 small baby potatoes (already boiled) in 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for 3-4 minutes.

Pour egg mixture over top and cook for 4 minutes until set. Place pan under the broiler to finish for 3 to 4 minutes. Makes 3 servings.

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Bergamot Sparkler

This tasty sip is perfect for brunch. Light and refreshing (and let's face it, pretty to look at), the ingredients include sugar, water, Earl Grey tea, whole coriander seeds and prosecco.

Try this recipe: Bergamot Sparkler

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Yogurt With Pomegranate Seeds

This recipe couldn't be easier. Just top 6 ounces of plain low-fat yogurt with 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds, 1 tablespoon sliced almonds, 2 teaspoons ground flaxseed meal, and 1 teaspoon honey. Delish!

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Zucchini and Rosemary Frittata With Parmesan

Getty Images

Meet the perfect zucchini dish for company—it's easy to make, full of flavor, and vegetarian.

And because it's a no-hassle recipe, you can spend time with your friends instead of in the kitchen.

Try this recipe: Zucchini and Rosemary Frittata with Parmesan

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Easy French Toast Casserole

Need a new recipe for your Sunday Funday? Try this new take on an old breakfast standby. By baking the French toast in a casserole dish, it soaks up the homemade syrup for a flavorful burst of sweetness in every bite. Watch the video to learn how to make it.

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Crunchy Zucchini Rounds With Sun-dried Tomatoes and Goat Cheese

These bite-size snacks are little bursts of flavor for less than 30 calories per round. Zucchini is rich in fiber and provides a crisp base for the savory sun-dried tomatoes and tangy goat cheese. Fresh chives and a dab of extra-virgin olive oil add a rich quality to this light side dish.

Try this recipe: Crunchy Zucchini Rounds With Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Goat Cheese

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Asparagus With Poached Eggs and Parmesan