Written by: Nicole Pazdziorko, RDN, LD, Food City Dietitian

Warmer temperatures signal that spring is here and in full bloom, and if there is one meal that celebrates the flavors of spring it is brunch. What’s not to love about brunch anyway? It combines the best of both breakfast and lunch and invites us to slow down and savor amazing flavors over great conversation. Like all eating occasions, brunch presents an opportunity to prioritize produce on our plates. Adding more colorful fruits and vegetables into your eating plan means adding in more vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and fiber and can decrease the risk of heart disease, stroke and certain cancers.

 

How do you brunch?

Whether your preference is for sweet or savory, you can elevate your brunch menu with these produce-packed spins on brunch classics.

 

Waffles and Pancakes

If fresh hot waffles are what you crave when it comes time for brunch, try them made with whole-grain flour for sustained energy, and top with a serving of fresh fruit or sneak in a serving of vegetables by incorporating grated zucchini or carrots into your pancake mix. 

For a flavorful twist try one of the following flavor combinations:

- Carrot Cake – these carrot cake pancakes provide natural sweetness from canned pineapple and carrots, with toasted pecans for crunch.

- Raspberry lemon cheesecake – grate lemon zest into your waffle or pancake batter, and top waffles with ricotta cheese and fresh raspberries.

- Peanut butter banana – These banana bread pancakes are full of natural sweetness from mashed bananas. Try drizzling with warm peanut butter. 

- Blueberry, maple and oatmeal – this recipe features hearty whole wheat, oats and sweet blueberries.

 

Eggs 

If savory is more your style, add a boost of vegetables to egg-based dishes with some of these ideas. 

- Dress up eggs benedict with sauteed onions, mushrooms and spinach.

- Make build your own breakfast burritos by laying out warm whole-wheat and corn tortillas with eggs and an assortment of fillings, including beans, pico de gallo, diced bell peppers, broccoli and different cheeses. 

- For a hunger crushing recipe, add potatoes or squash to an omelet or frittata like this Open-Faced Butternut Squash and Kale Omelet or this Potato and Kale Frittata.

 

Yogurt Bar

If you’re looking for something on the lighter side, try assembling a yogurt bar to offer friends and family. 

- Start with your base: offer two or three yogurt flavors, like vanilla, lemon and strawberry. 

- Add fresh fruit: arrange an assortment of fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, mango slices and banana slices. 

- Dried fruit: Include a selection of dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, or pineapple.

- Add a crunch factor: offer a selection of different granolas, nuts and seeds.

- Fun toppings: these can include extras, like shredded coconut, chocolate chips or peanut butter.