8 Brunch Ideas That Are a Celebration of Summer

Fall may be right around the corner but that doesn’t mean we’re ready to pack up the swim trunks and reach for our sweaters just yet.  

In fact, we’re planning to hold on to these lazy, hazy days as long as we can—and what better way to celebrate the season of sun than with breakfast ideas to get you in the mood. From berry-filled Dutch babies to crêpes galore, we’re celebrating summer with 8 bright and delicious breakfasts ideas to fuel your summer fun.

Mixed Summer Berry and Ricotta Filled Crêpes

Berries, ricotta, and thin, buttery crêpes—could you ask for a more summery breakfast? Berries are in peak season right now which adds a certain jammy richness to this light and airy meal. The creamy ricotta is done up with a dash of lemon zest and vanilla, making this a winner with any crowd. 

Peaches and Cream Waffles

Few things scream “SUMMER!” quite like juicy, ripe peaches. In fact, we think that during these sunny summer months, peaches should be the star of every dish—breakfast included. Paired with homemade whipped cream and nestled on cinnamony, warm waffles, it’s like biting into a late August sunset as hints of honeysuckle carry on the breeze.

Puffed Oven Pancake With Fresh Berries

If you’re looking to impress at Sunday brunch, this berry-bursting popover will definitely do the trick.  

Inspired by the classic Dutch baby, this puffed pancake is big enough to serve all your guests and is packed with enough ripe, juicy berries that will make you wish summer would never end.

Finish it with some homemade whipped cream and a drizzle of cinnamon and vanilla-infused syrup for a dish that’s sure to please.

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes With Blackberry Syrup

Okay, okay, yes we are a little obsessed with berries and ricotta right now, but how could we not be? Especially when they’re both used to create this light, fluffy, perfect-for-those-lazy-hazy-days-of-summer pancakes. 

Homemade blackberry syrup is the star here, and rightfully so—the jammy, plummy, juiciness of the blackberries marries impeccably with the fluffy creaminess of the pancakes, it’ll be all you can do not to go back for seconds… or thirds. 

Chicken and Waffles

In our expert opinions, fried chicken is good all year ‘round. And it’s even better on a bed of homemade buttermilk waffles drizzled with hot honey and maple syrup—yes, our mouths are watering too.  

The best part? This dish is hearty enough to fill bellies in preparation for a day on the water or to fuel you through a shady, beat-the-heat hike.

Strawberry Stuffed French Toast

We couldn’t create a list of brunch recipes without including French toast. It’s one of the most popular breakfast dishes, with roughly 25% of Americans regularly chowing down on it.

But this is Sur La Table, and we don’t just whip up any old French toast. We make a dish that’s stuffed with rich, decadent cream cheese and topped with ripe summer strawberries and a drizzle of bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup (because why not?).  

Fair warning: don’t be surprised if after diving into this deliciousness, you grab a floatie and opt for a sun-soaked siesta on the water.  

Caramelized Pear Crepes

When we see goat cheese, pears and pistachios stuffed into a thin, buttery crêpe, we can’t help but feel like we’re sitting in some little café in the south of France, our suitcases stuffed to the brim with everything but our worries. 

Alas, we are not. But with this complex combination of tangy goat cheese, ripe pears and earthy pistachios, we can certainly eat like we are!  

Orange Scented French Toast Strata With Candied Lemon Zest

As summer starts to wane and we head into the cooler, transitional days of September, we still want to hold on to those last little bits of sunshine.  

And with this bright, orange-infused French toast, each bite is a nod to summer with airy notes of lemon and orange juice while hints of nutmeg and brown sugar will ease you into cooler weather. 

This dish is best enjoyed on your porch in the cool of the early morning as the sun peeks through the trees.