From cheesy squares of egg casseroles to sweet pastries, these picnic brunch ideas taste even better on a blanket under the sun.
It’s slightly ironic that it took me moving to the bustling concrete jungle of New York City to fully appreciate the appeal of picnics and dining al fresco. Picnics offered opportunities to find a patch of green in Central Park away from the honking of yellow cabs and the time to connect with friends. This meant I needed picnic food ideas and, specifically, since brunch reigns supreme in the city, I needed picnic brunch ideas worthy of the iconic location.
New Yorkers take brunch very seriously, so forgetting a blanket or contributing a bag of tortilla chips and a jar of salsa is a pretty big faux pas. The recipes in this collection would be perfect for an elegant yet relaxed city brunch picnic, but they are easy enough if you aren’t going further than your backyard. We combined tried-and-true dishes, such as make-ahead breakfast casseroles, with creative twists, like spicy biscuits and donuts with a caramelized sugar shell.
There are plenty of vegetarian options, as well as ones that include high-protein and high-fiber foods, like oats and berries, so you can create a menu that suits your gathering. Once the food is set, don’t forget about some of the other things to pack for a picnic, such as an insulated cup, sunscreen and a Bluetooth speaker to listen to music. A picnic is really just an outdoor party—with better food!
1/40
Hash Brown Quiche Cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Quiche cups are my showstopper potluck dish. Hash browns and Asiago cheese make up the crusts. Eggs, spinach and bacon do the rest. —Nicole Stone, Gilbertville, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 mini quiches: 180 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 205mg cholesterol, 375mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1/2 starch.
2/40
Tiramisu Overnight Oats
From the Recipe Creator:
These tiramisu overnight oats taste like the classic dessert, thanks to the inclusion of freshly brewed espresso and a layer of Greek yogurt sprinkled with cocoa powder on top of the chocolaty oats. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cup: 346 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 61mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein.
3/40
Homemade Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this classic treat from childhood! Homemade Pop-Tarts are, of course, awesome for breakfast, but they are also a satisfying dessert since they are really similar to hand pies. These pastries are worth the extra effort. —Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 pastry: 475 calories, 24g fat (15g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 40mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
4/40
Chorizo Egg Wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband grew up in Southern California and loves chorizo. We use the spicy sausage in these chorizo and egg wraps that our children call Daddy's eggs. —April Nissen, Yankton, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 519 calories, 32g fat (12g saturated fat), 255mg cholesterol, 1121mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
5/40
Creme Brulee Doughnuts
From the Recipe Creator:
These creme brulee doughnuts have a crackly shell, just like the surface of creme brulee. The doughnut version is admittedly a little bit messier to eat—but they're well worth the sugary mess! —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 doughnut: 386 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 123mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (43g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
6/40
Egg Biscuit Breakfast Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
Determined to come up with a brunch dish that didn’t keep me in the kitchen all morning, I created this biscuit breakfast casserole made with everyone’s favorite ingredients. Preparation is minimal, and then it goes right into the oven so you can spend more time with the ones you love. Simply serve it with a fruit salad for a hearty weekend breakfast guests will love. —Jenny Flake, Gilbert, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 300 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 206mg cholesterol, 923mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein.
7/40
Sausage Pancake Muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love sausages and pancakes, but making them during the week is out of the question. I purchased the frozen variety on a stick but wasn't keen on the calories, additives or price. This version of pigs in a blanket is a great alternative that's much more cost effective. —Lisa Dodd, Greenville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
4 mini muffins (calculated without syrup): 280 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
8/40
Sunny-Side Up Herbed Tart
From the Recipe Creator:
Feel free to be creative with this versatile egg tart. Try Canadian bacon or ham as the meat ingredient, and add toppings such as thyme, chopped spinach or goat cheese. —Diana Neves, Lafayette, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 585 calories, 40g fat (13g saturated fat), 305mg cholesterol, 893mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 21g protein.
9/40
Blueberry Turnovers
From the Recipe Creator:
Growing up, I loved to heat up a Pepperidge Farm blueberry tart for an after-school treat. I decided I'd try my hand at making them for my kids. I think they are really close and my kids love them. —Christine Hair, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 turnover: 400 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 235mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein.
10/40
Waffle Sandwich
From the Recipe Creator:
We love the sweet, smoky flavor of these morning sandwiches. I use store-bought frozen waffles to save time, but have at it if you want to put your waffle maker to good use. —Kelly Reynolds, Urbana, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich (calculated without syrup): 511 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1163mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
11/40
Perfect Bite Fruit Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Getting that perfect bite in fruit salad means skewering one of every type of fruit in one mouthful, which is often hard with large pieces of fruit. If you chop each type of fruit finely and evenly, like the chopping method we call for in our recipe, it's possible! —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 185 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 5g fiber), 2g protein.
12/40
Bacon-Wrapped Sausage Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
These tasty morsels are perfect with almost any egg dish or as finger foods party guests can just pick up and pop into their mouths. —Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 51 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
13/40
Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
On a busy morning, these freezer breakfast sandwiches save the day. A hearty combo of eggs, Canadian bacon and cheese will keep you fueled until lunchtime. —Christine Rukavena, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 334 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 219mg cholesterol, 759mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
14/40
Huckleberry Bear Claws
From the Recipe Creator:
Beware: Bear claws may lead to bear hugs! My family can't get enough of these quick, easy pastries made from homegrown huckleberries, especially when one of the treats is paired with a cup of coffee or tea. Use blueberries if you can't find huckleberries. —Nancy Beckman, Helena, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 bear claw: 577 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 507mg sodium, 92g carbohydrate (56g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
15/40
Muffuletta Frittata
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a sucker for Italian sub sandwiches and olives. I wanted those flavors but in a low-carb dish, so I created this frittata. Use fresh spinach in place of the arugula if you don't love arugula's peppery flavor as I do. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with 1/4 cup olive salad: 384 calories, 31g fat (10g saturated fat), 323mg cholesterol, 1391mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
16/40
Orange-Apricot Mimosa Punch
From the Recipe Creator:
We make this punch for our annual Christmas brunch, and everyone loves it! I usually triple this recipe for a bigger crowd and garnish the punch with an orange-tangerine ice ring made several days ahead of time. —Kathy McKay, Acworth, Georgia
17/40
Chili Crisp Biscuits
From the Recipe Creator:
I added chili crisp to my favorite butter swim biscuits. Spice lovers can't get enough of this mashup biscuit recipe! —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 biscuit: 287 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 952mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
18/40
Mini Sausage Quiches
From the Recipe Creator:
These bite-sized quiches are loaded with sausage and cheese—all nestled into easy crescent roll dough. Serve the cute muffinettes at any brunch or potluck gathering. —Jan Mead, Milford, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini quiche: 66 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
19/40
Blueberry Streusel Coffee Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This blueberry coffee cake smells wonderful as it bakes and tastes even better. The moist cake filled with juicy berries and crunchy pecans is a family favorite. It never lasts long at our house. —Lori Snedden, Sherman, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 476 calories, 26g fat (11g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 323mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
20/40
Breakfast Parfaits
From the Recipe Creator:
The combination of pineapple, raspberries and banana in these yogurt treats makes a bright and cheerful morning breakfast. —Adell Meyer, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 parfait: 277 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 52mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (48g sugars, 6g fiber), 5g protein.
21/40
Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Scones
From the Recipe Creator:
With chocolate, hazelnuts and the tangy taste of buttermilk, these delicious scones are easy to make, come together fast and taste amazing with your morning coffee. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 scone: 409 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 327mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
22/40
Apple-Sage Sausage Patties
From the Recipe Creator:
Apple and sausage naturally go together. Add sage, and you’ve got some standout patties. They’re freezer friendly, so I make them ahead and grab when needed. —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 patty: 79 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 211mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
23/40
Pear-Berry Breakfast Tarts
From the Recipe Creator:
When my kids were small, I could never get pancakes on the table while they were all still hot. Then I got the idea for these breakfast tarts. They're a good and simple recipe for any busy family. —Joan Elbourn, Gardner, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 tart: 379 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 193mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
24/40
Chicken Salad Croissants
From the Recipe Creator:
This tempting chicken salad gets its special taste from Swiss cheese and pickle relish. It's a favorite of my brother, who insists I make it whenever he visits. —Laura Koziarski, Battle Creek, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 593 calories, 40g fat (14g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 818mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
25/40
Chocolate Overnight Oats
From the Recipe Creator:
Chocolate lovers will enjoy this easy and healthy breakfast recipe! Simply stir oats, cocoa powder, Greek yogurt, milk, brown sugar and vanilla together in a jar and look forward to tomorrow's breakfast. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cup: 342 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 64mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein.
26/40
Ham & Egg Pockets
From the Recipe Creator:
Refrigerated crescent roll dough makes these savory breakfast pockets a snap to prepare. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 pocket: 345 calories, 22g fat (8g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 756mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein.
27/40
Layered Fresh Fruit Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
People always pass on compliments when I take this salad to covered-dish suppers. It’s nice on a hot day, with a winter meal or as a dessert! We live on a small farm where my garden gives me lots of possibilities for fresh food. —Page Alexander, Baldwin City, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 110 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fruit.
28/40
Slow-Cooker Breakfast Burritos
From the Recipe Creator:
Prep these tasty, hearty burritos the night before for a quick breakfast in the morning or let them cook while you are away on a weekend afternoon for an easy supper. —Anna Miller, Churdan, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 359 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 205mg cholesterol, 480mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 16g protein.
29/40
Homemade Cherry Danishes
From the Recipe Creator:
These rolls with their cherry-filled centers melt in your mouth and store well unfrosted in the freezer. —Leann Sauder, Tremont, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 pastry: 218 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
30/40
Coastal Carolina Muffin-Tin Frittatas
From the Recipe Creator:
Incorporating the flavors of a low country South Carolina crab boil, these tasty frittatas are easy to make and fun to eat. If you have leftover cooked potatoes (roasted or boiled), try dicing them and substituting them for the refrigerated shredded potatoes in this recipe. —Shannon Kohn, Summerville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 frittata: 223 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 135mg cholesterol, 604mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
31/40
Strawberry Muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
Sunday suppers were always a little sweeter when my Nana served us these special spring muffins. Take them to a whole new level by topping them with toasted walnuts. —Becky Kummery, Quakertown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 149 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 171mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
32/40
Southern Brunch Pastry Puff
From the Recipe Creator:
My family just about jumps out of bed when the smell of eggs, sausage and buttery pastry hits their noses. This recipe is morning magic. —Misty M. Leddick, Chester, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 587 calories, 39g fat (14g saturated fat), 208mg cholesterol, 766mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein.
33/40
Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake
From the Recipe Creator:
This blueberry cottage cheese breakfast bake is an easy, high-protein way to start the day. Notes of cinnamon and vanilla, and pops of juicy blueberries, make eating a healthy breakfast doubly delicious! —Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 81 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 127mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
34/40
Sausage-Egg Burritos
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I try to eat healthy, but finding new meals for breakfast is a challenge. By adding tomatoes, spinach and garlic to traditional eggs and egg whites, we can have a dish that is both light and satisfying. —Wendy G. Ball, Battle Creek, Michigan.
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 258 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 596mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
35/40
Coffee Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the excellent texture of this easy cinnamon coffee cake recipe. Always a crowd-pleaser, its pleasing vanilla flavor enriched by sour cream may remind you of breakfast at Grandma's! Make it the night before a holiday to save time in the morning. —Eleanor Harris, Cape Coral, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 340 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
36/40
Egg Muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
After enjoying scrambled egg muffins at a local restaurant, I came up with this breakfast egg muffins recipe that my husband likes even better. They’re pretty, hearty and fun to serve too. —Cathy Larkins, Marshfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 140 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 201mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
37/40
Breakfast Banana Splits
From the Recipe Creator:
I can’t brag enough about this recipe. It’s elegant enough for a formal brunch, yet simple and nutritious. With different fruits and cereals, there are endless potential variations. —Renee Lloyd, Pearl, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 337 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 8g fiber), 12g protein.
38/40
Bacon Swiss Squares
From the Recipe Creator:
Not only does this savory breakfast pizza come together easily, but it's also a cinch to double the ingredients when I'm hosting a large event. Biscuit mix makes it convenient, and the combination of eggs, bacon and Swiss cheese keeps guests coming back for more. —Agarita Vaughan, Fairbury, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 246 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 470mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
39/40
Crescent Rolls with Cherry Pie Filling
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll need refrigerated crescent dough and just four more ingredients to assemble these fruity filled rolls. My family and friends love them. I never have any left over. —Elouise Bullion, Kingsville, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 182 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
40/40
Breakfast Sliders
From the Recipe Creator:
These breakfast sliders combine all your favorite morning foods—like eggs, bacon and bagels—into one tasty package. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 417 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 253mg cholesterol, 1072mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
Picnic Brunch Ideas FAQ
What should I take to a brunch picnic?
If you are heading to a brunch picnic, take one or a few portable crowd-friendly dishes that are easy to share, such as muffins, bite-sized egg cups, mini quiche or baked oatmeal. For smaller gatherings, assemble parfaits or overnight oat recipes in cute individual jars with lids. I like to take one savory and one sweet option for a better variety. Don’t forget a fun beverage, whether it’s cold seltzer or fresh juice.
What are some creative outdoor brunch ideas?
Our best creative brunch picnic ideas include a breakfast board loaded with bagels, fruit, waffles and bacon that you can assemble once you arrive at the picnic, jarred layered breakfast salads, and hand-held pastries filled with fruit or eggs and cheese. When I want to bring something less expected, I make a batch of fried chicken or a loaded grain salad recipe, both of which taste amazing at room temperature.
How should I pack portable brunch dishes for a picnic?
Properly packing brunch dishes is just as important as deciding what to make so your fruit salad recipe doesn’t leak all over your crisp, flaky homemade croissants. Use airtight containers or jars with tightly fitted lids to prevent anything juicy from leaking and to protect soft baked goods from getting squished. Add lighter items such as bags of chips or lemon wedges, cutlery and napkins to the top of the bag or basket.
It’s worth investing in a good picnic basket that’s comfortable to carry and roomy enough to hold all your food and utensils. For food safety, you’ll want to include ice packs or frozen water bottles so your cold picnic foods stay cold under the hot sun and nothing spoils if your brunch lingers through the afternoon.
