10 Menu Items for Your Summer Backyard Brunch

Call your friends, make space in your fridge, and spruce up the backyard, because it’s outdoor brunch time! Hosting a meatless brunch at your home is a great way to take advantage of the beautiful weather and bring people together under the sun. It’s also a good time to cook for your friends and loved ones who are meat-and-dairy fans, where you can feed them delectable dishes and snacks, so they can see just how enjoyable eating plant-based can be. Check out these 10 menu items for your summer backyard brunch:

1. Cheezy Roasted Tomatoes

You can bake or grill these tomatoes, which get their cheesiness from nutritional yeast. Also, sprinkle some oregeno on top for more kick. From a preparation standpoint, these cheezy tomatoes are easy-breezy to make.

2. Mocha Spice Vegan Pancakes

This recipe calls for Dandy Blend, a powdered, herbal coffee substitute. In addition, these pancakes have several yummy and nutritious ingredients like almond meal, flaxseed meal, and almond milk.

3. Red Pepper Hummus

Hummus is a great dish to serve at a brunch since you can set it out with a plethora of dipping items like chips, pita, and chopped, raw veggies. If your brunch features more lighter fare and finger foods, hummus is a must-have dip for the table.

4. Chocolate Chip, Apricot, and Orange Scones

Orange and chocolate complement each other so well like peanut butter and jelly. When you add apricots, you get a nice softness that complements the flakiness of the scone. Since they’re not too sweet, these scones are perfect for brunch.

5. Pretzel Roll Bagels

You can serve these delicious pretzel roll bagels in bite-sized pieces, then let your brunch guests dip in the aforementioned hummus. Yum!

6. Watermelon Gazpacho

While watermelon slices are certainly gorgeous and super tasty, try using this fruit for something new. Embrace the summer season and use juicy, ripe watermelon as the case for a cold and refreshing gazpacho.

7. Mango Waffles

Mangos are another fruit that should make an appearance at your brunch, since they add a light, juicy taste when you cook with them. These are a perfect option for your gluten-free guests, since they’re made with millet flour, brown rice flour, and sorghum flour.

8. Red Velvet Pancakes With Walnut Whipped Cream

The gorgeous, rich red color of these red velvet pancakes does not come from artificial food coloring, but instead from beets!

9. Arugula Fennel Salad With Creamy Lemon Dressing

Of course, you have to have some fresh, raw veggies at your brunch. Make a lovely, colorful salad, place in a big bowl, and use that as a centerpiece for your table.

10. Cool Pineapple Basil Pops

Forget going to the grocery store and picking up some pre-made frozen popsicles. These pineapple basil pops are so easy to make; you only need pineapple juice, fresh basil leaves, a blender, baking cups, sticks, and a freezer.

Lead image source: Chocolate Chip, Apricot, and Orange Scones