Spring Brunch Made Easy: Best Meats for Entertaining
Food may be the centerpiece of a spring brunch, but the real reason for gathering is the friends and family at the table. Any dish that makes conversation a cinch—not to mention clean-up—is a welcome addition.
With that in mind, we’ve put together some easy spring brunch options. From ideas for organic turkey breast to tips on serving succulent Virginia ham, this guide has you covered.
Simple Yet Satisfying Brunch Staples
Everyone loves the brunch classics. But on a sleepy Sunday morning, the classics can feel like far too much effort.
Here are some ways to include your favorite meats in a memorable meal—without setting a 6 AM alarm.
Omelets
For a fun brunch tradition that takes a load off the chef, set up a build-it-yourself omelet bar.
Chop your ingredients and separate them into bowls, then let guests scoop their preferred fillings onto a plate. Tip that plate into a buttered skillet, add some whisked eggs (prepared ahead), and cook the omelet to their desired doneness. Serve it on the same toppings plate to eliminate dishes.
Some crowd-pleasing omelet bar ingredients include:
- Uncured turkey bacon (fully cooked)
- Bacon bits
- Smoked chorizo sausage
- Black Forest uncured deli ham
- Mushrooms
- Bell peppers
- Onion (white, yellow, or red)
- Shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Gruyère)
- Feta cheese
- Chives
Breakfast Boards
Looking for a photo-worthy spread? Try a breakfast board, the perfect prep-ahead brunch centerpiece.
Taking inspiration from charcuterie, breakfast boards are a carefully arranged collection of meats and other brunch favorites. You can serve anything you like, but most breakfast boards contain a combination of fresh fruits, deli meats, and pastries or waffles. Add a few bowls of jam, spreads, and syrups, then let guests experiment with flavor combos and build their ultimate bite.
And because everyone picks off a central platter, the post-meal washing up is minimal.
Breakfast Sandwiches
When table space is a luxury, handheld brunch staples are the obvious choice. Breakfast sandwiches make it easy for guests to move around and mingle.
As with omelets, you can turn breakfast sandwich-making into a DIY activity. Simply set out an assortment of:
- Breads – Start with toasted bagels, sourdough bread, or English muffins.
- Meats – Include can’t-go-wrong options like bacon, sliced smoked turkey breast, or Breakfast Slices made from fully cooked, uncured, seasoned ham.
- Cheeses – To make assembly easier, opt for pre-sliced hard cheeses (like cheddar and Gouda) or slice your own ahead of time.
- Vegetables – Round out the ingredient list with salted tomato slices, spinach, and avocado.
Perfect Pairings for Brunch Meats
Rich, tasty meats are often the stars of the brunch table. But if you want a truly memorable meal, you need to balance the savoriness of those meats with complementary flavors.
Below are some suggestions on what to serve with:
- Uncured bacon – As a forever brunch favorite, bacon needs no introduction. But it does need a counterpoint to its salty flavors. Serve applewood smoked bacon alongside fruit salad, scrambled eggs, and sweet staples like French toast or pancakes.
- Virginia ham – Thick slices of Virginia ham have a smoky richness that you can cut with collard greens, roasted breakfast potatoes, and fluffy biscuits.
- Turkey breast – Organic turkey breast is less assertive than bacon and ham, so you can pair it with bolder flavors. Consider a spring salad with a bright vinaigrette or a plate full of strong cheeses.
Tips for Effortless Entertaining
No matter what you cook, you and your guests will have a better spring brunch if the entire morning (and afternoon) goes smoothly. These tips can help.
Opt for Make-Ahead Meals
The less you have to cook in the morning, the more you can sleep in on your weekend. Anything you can whip up the night before and reheat the next day is ideal.
Baked egg dishes like quiche Lorraine (packed with Gruyère cheese and bacon or ham) or frittata are brunch classics for a reason. Pastries and breads also fit the bill, as do breakfast casseroles.
Embrace the Potluck
Stressed about cooking for 19 before 9 AM? Ask for help.
Potlucks take the weight off the host’s shoulders—that’s you—and turn the meal into a collaborative effort. As long as you coordinate with your guests to avoid duplicate dishes, you can make brunch a breeze.
Focus on Quality Ingredients
As tempting as it may be to wow your friends and family with Michelin-starred cookery, brunch is traditionally a humble meal.
So, instead of cooking up complicated dishes, let fresh, high-quality ingredients shine with simple preparations. Start with all natural meats, then round out your meal with local spring veg, buttery baked goods, and free-run organic eggs.
Not only will prep and clean-up be easier, but the food will also stand out.
Enjoy Better Brunches With Wellshire
Now that you understand the secrets to hosting a worry-free spring brunch, you have a memorable morning ahead of you.
Of course, the best meals start with the best ingredients. That’s why Wellshire produces nothing but all natural meats—with no added growth hormones, antibiotics, or added nitrates or nitrites.
Explore our products and bring the best to your brunch table this spring.
Sources: Food & Wine. Quiche Lorraine. https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/quiche-lorraine
