perfect blueberry muffin loaf

It’s been about what how has it been almost 8 years since I overhauled an old blueberry muffin recipe in the archives to turn them into what I consider the highest calling of the category, perfect in taste (not too sweet, dreamy crumb, l…

It’s been about what how has it been almost 8 years since I overhauled an old blueberry muffin recipe in the archives to turn them into what I consider the highest calling of the category, perfect in taste (not too sweet, dreamy crumb, lemon scented, absolutely riddled with blueberries, and finished with the crunchiest bronzed lid, perfect for lifting off in a satisfying shell and swiping the underside with salted butter) and ease (one-bowl, hand-whisked, even measurements, fuss free ingredients). Because who cares if a muffin recipe is perfect if I can’t throw it together half-asleep like the zombie I am most mornings? I’m thrilled that so many of you agreed.

blueberry muffin loaf -2

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Breakfast Potatoes

What’s not to love about breakfast potatoes? They’re crispy on the outside, creamy in the middle, and seasoned to perfection with smoky, savory spices. They’re SO simple to make, and they taste great with just about any breakfast food…


What’s not to love about breakfast potatoes? They’re crispy on the outside, creamy in the middle, and seasoned to perfection with smoky, savory spices. They’re SO simple to make, and they taste great with just about any breakfast food. Pancakes? Scrambled eggs? Yes, please! You’ll find my easy breakfast potatoes recipe below. It’s one of my favorite breakfast dishes, perfect for special occasion brunches and everyday breakfasts alike. I offer two variations in the recipe. If you like, you can simply roast the potatoes with salt, pepper, and spices. OR you can toss the roasted potatoes with sautéed onions and […]

45 Mother’s Day Brunch Ideas & Recipes

These fun Mother’s Day brunch ideas are easy and packed with flavor! Impress everyone with these fun and tasty recipes—especially…

These fun Mother’s Day brunch ideas are easy and packed with flavor! Impress everyone with these fun and tasty recipes—especially mom.

Mother's Day brunch ideas and recipes: asparagus quiche

When it comes to Mother’s Day, there’s nothing more fun than a luxurious brunch! (Well, that’s this mom’s opinion.) Here are our top Mother’s Day brunch recipes to impress everyone: especially mom!

Cozy up to spiced oatmeal bakes, savory quiche, smoked salmon bagel boards, and bright strawberry smoothies! Whoever you’re cooking for, we think she’ll love these Mother’s Day recipes.

And now, our favorite Mother’s Day brunch ideas & recipes!

More brunch recipes and ideas

Want more brunch ideas? We’ve got ’em! Try these brunch recipes we love:

Frequently asked questions

What kind of food should I serve for Mother’s Day brunch?

The beauty of brunch is its versatility! Here are some ideas to inspire you:
Sweet options: Pancakes, waffles, French toast, muffins, scones, fruit salad, yogurt parfaits.
Savory options: Quiche, frittatas, eggs benedict, breakfast burritos, smoked salmon platters, breakfast sandwiches.
Lighter options: Fresh fruit salad, yogurt parfaits, granola bowls.
Heartier options: Sausage links, bacon, breakfast potatoes, hash browns.

How can I make brunch special for Mom?

Personalize the menu! Consider Mom’s favorite breakfast dishes or dietary needs. Here are some extra touches:
Fresh flowers: A beautiful bouquet brightens the table and shows you care.
Homemade card or gift: A heartfelt message or small, thoughtful gift adds a personal touch.
Mom’s favorite beverage: MimosaBellini, coffee, tea, or a refreshing fruit juice.
Relaxing atmosphere: Set the table with nice dishes and flowers. Play calming music or set up a playlist Mom enjoys.

I’m short on time. Are there any quick and easy brunch ideas?

Absolutely! Here are some time-saving tips:
Make some things ahead of time: Prepare pancake batter, fruit salad, or breakfast casserole the night before.
Utilize pre-made ingredients: Frozen waffles, pre-cooked sausage links, or store-bought muffins can be lifesavers.
One-pan meals: Frittatas, quiches, or breakfast hash browns are great options for a complete and easy brunch.

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Blueberry waffles

45 Mother’s Day Brunch Ideas & Recipes!


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  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 waffles or 2 large Belgian waffles

Description

These fluffy blueberry waffles are about to become everyone’s favorite! Topped with a quick blueberry sauce, they’re brunch perfection on a plate.


Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup whole wheat flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted (substitute coconut oil for dairy-free)
  • 1 ¼ cups milk (substitute non-dairy milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2/3 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 1 recipe Quick Blueberry Sauce, for serving
  • Greek yogurt, Homemade Whipped Cream or Yogurt Whipped Cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the waffle iron to the high heat setting.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and kosher salt until thoroughly combined. In another bowl, whisk the egg. Then stir in the melted butter, milk, vanilla, and maple syrup. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Stir in the blueberries.
  3. Immediately, add the batter into the center of the waffle iron and let it spread it to within 1/2-inch of the sides, then cook according to the waffle iron’s instructions. Remove the cooked waffles and place them on a baking sheet without stacking. Make the waffles to order, or place cooked waffles in a 300°F oven to keep warm. Serve with Quick Blueberry Sauce. (As a note, these blueberry waffles stick to the waffle iron a bit more than a standard waffle, so make sure to clean it afterwards.)
  4. Cooked waffles can be frozen; place them in a plastic bag and remove the remaining air with a straw before sealing. To reheat, remove from the freezer and lightly toast in a toaster.
  • Category: Brunch
  • Method: Waffle
  • Cuisine: American

French Toast Casserole

This French toast casserole recipe is the easiest way to make French toast for a crowd. Instead of standing at the stove, flipping slices to order, you pile cubed bread into a casserole dish, douse it in a rich, cinnamon-spiced custard, and bake it wit…


This French toast casserole recipe is the easiest way to make French toast for a crowd. Instead of standing at the stove, flipping slices to order, you pile cubed bread into a casserole dish, douse it in a rich, cinnamon-spiced custard, and bake it with pecans and brown sugar on top. It’s a breeze to assemble on the morning you plan to serve it, but if you want to streamline this French toast casserole recipe even more, you can put it together the day before and let it sit overnight in the fridge. The next morning, all you have to […]

Huevos Rancheros

Huevos rancheros are the best way to start the day! I think so, at least. After years of living in Austin, I love any breakfast made with tortillas + salsa + eggs. Huevos rancheros are one of the simplest and most delicious. I’m sharing my easy h…


Huevos rancheros are the best way to start the day! I think so, at least. After years of living in Austin, I love any breakfast made with tortillas + salsa + eggs. Huevos rancheros are one of the simplest and most delicious. I’m sharing my easy huevos rancheros recipe below, complete with tips, variations, and ways to get ahead. I hope it becomes a staple in your rotation, and not just for breakfast. This huevos rancheros recipe makes a great lunch or dinner too! Huevos Rancheros Ingredients Here’s what you’ll need to make this huevos rancheros recipe: Corn tortillas – Don’t […]

Ranchero Sauce

This ranchero sauce is zesty, spicy, tangy, and fresh. It’s the star component in my homemade huevos rancheros (recipe coming soon!), but this punchy sauce is good for so much more. Use it to make enchiladas or chilaquiles, or simply scoop it up …


This ranchero sauce is zesty, spicy, tangy, and fresh. It’s the star component in my homemade huevos rancheros (recipe coming soon!), but this punchy sauce is good for so much more. Use it to make enchiladas or chilaquiles, or simply scoop it up with tortilla chips! What is ranchero sauce? Ranchero sauce is a spicy tomato-based sauce that originated in Northern Mexico. It shares ingredients like tomatoes, chiles, and garlic with enchilada sauce and salsa roja, but some of its distinguishing features are that It contains fresh hot chiles like jalapeños. It’s always a cooked sauce, not a fresh salsa made […]

Classic Asparagus Quiche

This asparagus quiche recipe is a total showstopper! Flaky pastry crust, tender asparagus spears, and a savory cheese filling come…

This asparagus quiche recipe is a total showstopper! Flaky pastry crust, tender asparagus spears, and a savory cheese filling come together for a satisfying and impressive dish.

Asparagus Quiche in pie pan with feta cheese garnish.

The buttery scent of this asparagus quiche recipe in the oven may win you one or two marriage proposals—or at least it will have the neighbors wandering by to snatch up a slice! It’s packed with savory, cozy flavor, perfect for spring brunches or light dinners with a crisp glass of white wine.

Why we love this recipe: This asparagus quiche is worth every second of time for the satisfaction you’ll get from making a quiche from scratch. Plus, it’s easy to make in advance. We served it to guests who went gaga over this one. Come: let’s make quiche!

How to make this asparagus quiche recipe: an overview!

In under 2 hours, you’ve got a complete masterpiece of an asparagus quiche recipe: made completely from scratch. That includes a homemade quiche crust. Want a shortcut? You can do store-bought crust too: see below. But we highly recommend the homemade crust: it’s crispy, buttery perfection. Here’s what to expect from this process timing-wise:

Make the quiche dough20 minutes, active
Freeze the crust15 minutes, inactive
Blind bake the dough + make the filling25 minutes, active
Bake the quiche40 to 50 minutes, inactive

Here is an overview in photographs of how to make this asparagus quiche. For all the details, jump to the full recipe below.

Step 1: Blind bake the quiche crust.

Step 1: Make the quiche crust (go this quiche crust recipe for instructions). Freeze it for 15 minutes. Blind bake the crust with pie weights at 375°F for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Saute the asparagus and make the filling.

Step 2: Make the filling: sauté the asparagus. Whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, salt, and pepper. Place grated smoked mozzarella cheese in bottom of the crust. Pour the egg mixture over the top. Sprinkle the sauteed asparagus and feta cheese crumbles.

Step 3: Bake the quiche.

Step 3: Bake the quiche for 40 to 50 minutes at 350°F.

Tips for homemade quiche crust

Ever made a quiche crust from scratch? It’s pretty simple, but you do need a few dough-making techniques. Working with dough takes time and practice. If it’s your first time, give yourself patience and grace.

  • Use a standard 9-inch pie plate, not deep dish. Deep dish will be too thick for the filling amount here.
  • A pastry cloth can be helpful (optional). It helps for rolling out the dough so it doesn’t stick on the counter. If you don’t have one, just lightly dust the counter with flour.
  • Use the tines of a fork to decorate the edge. This is easier than a fluted edge, though either works.
  • You’ll freeze the crust 15 minutes before blind baking it. This helps the crust to hold its shape while blind baking. This freezer method shortcuts refrigerating for a few hours. (You’re welcome!)
Asparagus Quiche slice with fork.

Blind baking is key for the crust

The biggest key to making an asparagus quiche recipe is blind baking the crust. Blind baking is baking a pie crust without the filling. This makes sure that crust is perfectly firm before you add the wet filling, which is especially important for a custard pie like a quiche because the filling is so wet. If you don’t blind bake, you’ll get soggy bottom crust for sure (we did!). Here’s what to know about blind baking and how to get the perfect flaky crust:

  • Prick holes with a fork all over the crust. This is called docking the crust: it makes it puff up less while in the oven.
  • Add pie weights: like dried beans or rice! You can use ceramic pie weights (we used these) to weigh down the crust so it doesn’t get too puffy. Or, you can use dried beans or dry rice! It doesn’t harm the beans or rice: you can still cook them as normal after using them as weights.

Shortcut: use store-bought crust

Yes, you can short-cut the effort to make your homemade crust and go with a store-bought pastry crust. Any type of purchased pie crust works (we don’t have a favorite brand since we always make our own). You’ll still need to blind bake the store-bought crust! So start in the recipe below at Step 3.

Asparagus Quiche with slice out and table setting.

Make ahead instructions

Yes, it takes about 2 hours to make! But here’s the thing: only about 1 hour of it is active time. Even better: it saves VERY well. It’s so easy to make the night before, or even a few days in advance! Here’s what to do:

  • Make the entire quiche 1 to 3 days in advance. Then refrigerate it until serving!
  • Warm in a 200 degree oven for about 20 minutes before serving. It’s also delicious cold, but we like it warmed up.
  • Saves 5 days refrigerated. Wrap it in plastic or aluminum to keep it fresh.

Ways to serve asparagus quiche

This asparagus quiche recipe is a total showstopper! We served this at a spring birthday brunch for my mom and everyone went crazy over it. In fact, it was suddenly gone before we knew it! It was absolutely perfect for a festive occasion (it would be great for Easter or Mother’s Day). While recipe testing, we also ate it for dinner: which was perfect as well. Here are some ways to serve quiche:

Dietary notes

This asparagus quiche is vegetarian.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to pre-cook the asparagus?

Pre-cooking the asparagus for a few minutes is essential to ensure it’s tender throughout the quiche.

How can I avoid a soggy quiche crust?

Soggy quiche crust can happen for a few reasons. Make sure your dough is chilled before baking to prevent it from melting too quickly. It’s essential to pre-bake (blind bake) the crust for a few minutes before adding the filling.

Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Absolutely! Using a store-bought crust is a great time-saver. Just follow the package instructions for pre-baking.

How can I tell when my quiche is done?

The quiche is done when the center is no longer jiggly and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The crust should also be golden brown.

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Quiche crust

Classic Asparagus Quiche


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  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8

Description

This asparagus quiche recipe is a total showstopper! Flaky pastry crust, tender asparagus spears, and a savory cheese filling come together for a satisfying and impressive dish.


Ingredients

For the quiche crust*

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 to 6 tablespoons ice water

For the asparagus quiche

  • 4 ounces asparagus (about 8 thin stalks)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Fresh ground black pepper
  • 3 ounces (about ¾ cup) smoked mozzarella or smoked gouda, grated
  • ¼ cup feta cheese crumbles

Instructions

  1. Make the quiche crust: Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a medium bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and baking powder. Slice the butter into pieces, then cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry blender until a coarse meal texture is obtained. Sprinkle the ice water over the flour 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gradually with fork until the dough sticks together. Add additional water by the tablespoon until the dough comes together but is not sticky. Form the dough into a ball.
  2. Roll out and freeze the dough: If you have a pastry cloth, set it up and dust it with flour; otherwise, flour a clean work surface. Put on a rolling pin cover (optional), and either way, dust the pin in flour. Roll the dough to an even 12-inch circle (which corresponds to the 9-inch pie pan). Use a rolling pin to transfer the dough to the pie pan (make sure it is standard and not deep dish). Fold the overhanging dough backwards and seal it to form a rim. Then press it with the tines of a fork to decorate the edges (see the photos). Use a fork to gently prick holes in the bottom and sides of the crust (this helps it to not puff up while blind baking). Freeze the crust for 10 minutes before blind baking. 
  3. Blind bake the crust: Remove the dough from the freezer and place a sheet of parchment paper on top of the crust. Fill the dough with pie weights (we used two sets of these), dry beans, or dry rice. Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully remove the parchment and weights and bake additional 8 minutes until the bottom is lightly browned. Remove from the oven and go to Step 5.
  4. Sauté the asparagus: Meanwhile, wash the asparagus and trim off the ends. Cut the stalks into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the asparagus, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and a few grind black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the largest pieces are tender, about 5 to 8 minutes. This depends on the thickness and maturity of the asparagus, so it’s different every time! Taste and remove when it’s just tender and still bright green, but not crunchy.
  5. Reduce the oven heat: When the crust is done blind baking, remove it from the oven and reduce the heat of the oven to 350°F. 
  6. Make the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, and several grinds black pepper. Place the grated smoked mozzarella cheese in bottom of the crust. Pour the egg mixture over the top. Sprinkle the sauteed asparagus and feta cheese crumbles.
  7. Bake: Bake 40 to 50 minutes minutes, until the center is set and the top is lightly browned. Cool at least two hours. It’s easiest to make the night before, so you can refrigerate until serving. Re-warm in a 200°F oven for 20 minutes. (You can also serve it cold.) Leftovers stay for 5 days refrigerated. 

Notes

*You can also use a storebought pastry crust to shortcut some time. You’ll still need to blind bake the crust, so start with Step 3.

  • Category: Main dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Blueberry Scones

The best scones are buttery, flaky, and moist inside. They’re crisp and crumbly around the edges, perfect for pairing with a cup of coffee or tea. Scones can get a bad rap for being bland or dry (my husband Jack swore he didn’t like them fo…


The best scones are buttery, flaky, and moist inside. They’re crisp and crumbly around the edges, perfect for pairing with a cup of coffee or tea. Scones can get a bad rap for being bland or dry (my husband Jack swore he didn’t like them for years), but when they’re prepared well, they shouldn’t be either of those things. I’m sharing my favorite blueberry scones recipe below. It’s easy to make with 10 basic ingredients, and it yields tender, flavorful, bakery-worthy scones every time. If you’re on the fence about scones, I think it’ll win you over. Even Jack will tell […]

Lemon Curd

This homemade lemon curd is so delicious that you’ll want to eat it off a spoon. It’s rich, sweet, and delightfully tart, bursting with bright citrus flavor. Imagine if the top of a lemon bar or the middle of a lemon meringue pie became a s…


This homemade lemon curd is so delicious that you’ll want to eat it off a spoon. It’s rich, sweet, and delightfully tart, bursting with bright citrus flavor. Imagine if the top of a lemon bar or the middle of a lemon meringue pie became a smooth and creamy spread. That’s this lemon curd. As the world’s biggest fan of anything lemon, I’ve always loved lemon curd. But I didn’t try making my own until recently. I thought it would be fussy and hard to get just right, but I was in for a surprise: Lemon curd is super easy to […]

35 Festive Easter Brunch Ideas

Celebrate the morning with these easy Easter brunch ideas and recipes, bright and springy to create a memorable gathering with…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

Celebrate the morning with these easy Easter brunch ideas and recipes, bright and springy to create a memorable gathering with family and friends!

Easter Brunch Ideas

Spring into Easter with a delightful brunch spread! We’re married cookbook authors who have been hosting Easter brunch for years, and we’ve put together this collection of our very favorite dishes to eat at our table. We love seasonal delights like asparagus frittatas alongside fun treats like fluffy ricotta pancakes, carrot cake pancakes, or decadent stuffed French toast. Every single recipe from our website we’ve tested and tasted in our kitchen and we know our family loves!

We’ve also included a few cute Easter animal-inspired treats from some of our favorite recipe websites. Sometimes you’re just in the mood for something fun and festive: we want to make them all!

And now, our top Easter brunch ideas & recipes!

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Stuffed French Toast

35 Easter Brunch Ideas & Recipes


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 5

Description

Celebrate the morning with these easy Easter brunch ideas and recipes, bright and springy to create a memorable gathering with family and friends!


Ingredients

For the filling

  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 ½ tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the French toast

  • 4 eggs
  • ½ cup milk (whole or 2%*)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 10 slices brioche bread, challah bread or Texas toast (cut 1/2” thick)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, for cooking

Instructions

  1. Warm the cream cheese in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds until softened. Whisk together the cream cheese, maple, and vanilla until smooth.
  2. Divide the cream cheese mixture and spread it onto 4 slices of brioche or challah, leaving a small border around the outside. Top with another slice of bread and press down gently.
  3. In a wide shallow bowl or container, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and kosher salt.
  4. Preheat a griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon butter. Soak each side of the sandwiches in the egg mixture until it becomes saturated, about 15 seconds per side.
  5. Place the bread on the hot skillet and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side, until browned.
  6. Repeat with the remaining butter and 4 slices bread. Serve immediately with maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar (or toss both sides in cinnamon sugar, following the instructions in Cinnamon French Toast).
  • Category: Brunch
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Brunch
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: Easter brunch ideas, easter brunch recipes

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.