30 Easy Breakfast and Brunch Side Dish Recipe Ideas

Looking to elevate your next breakfast or brunch to legendary status? Look no further! These easy and varied brunch and breakfast side dishes are the best recipes to complement your morning meal. From savory to sweet, these dishes are sure to take your breakfast spread to the next level and leave your taste buds wanting more.

Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day. A balanced breakfast should include a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to keep you satisfied and energized throughout the morning. Incorporating foods like eggs, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy or dairy alternatives into your meal creates variety and balance.

Planning a brunch with variety is all about offering a range of flavors, textures, and colors to delight your guests. Think about including both sweet and savory options, such as a veggie-packed frittata and a colorful and fresh fruit salad. Make-ahead sides are a time saver and I've included several.

The Best Breakfast Side Dishes

1. Candied Maple Bacon

This candied maple bacon recipe is the perfect sweet and salty addition to your breakfast or brunch spread. Crispy bacon is coated in a sticky maple syrup glaze with a touch of brown sugar. The sweetness pairs well with more savory dishes like Vegetarian Quiche.

2. Air Fryer Breakfast Sausage

Craving perfectly cooked breakfast sausage without the mess? This air fryer recipe is your answer! Just 10-12 minutes gets you juicy, flavorful and tasty sausage links with a crispy golden brown crust. An alternative to sausage patties, they're easy to prepare, cook up quickly, and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser especially when you serve them alongside Blueberry Stuffed French Toast Casserole.

3. Mini Pumpkin Donut Muffins

Skip the bakery line and whip up a batch of these adorable Mini Pumpkin Donut Muffins at home! Spiced pumpkin muffins get a delightful donut makeover with a cinnamon sugar coating, offering a delicious taste of fall perfect for serving with a cozy morning meal or for anyone having a sweet tooth. These donut muffins pair well with a cup of coffee. 

4. Greek Yogurt Breakfast Parfaits

These Strawberry Yogurt Breakfast Parfaits are a layered delight perfect for a refreshing start to your day. Packed with creamy Greek yogurt, juicy fresh strawberries, and crunchy granola, this yogurt parfait recipe offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors in every bite. Plus, it's easy to whip up in minutes and makes a refreshing side for heavier dishes like Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes.

5. Pan-Fried Potatoes and Onions

Craving a hearty and flavorful side dish for your breakfast or brunch? Look no further than these Pan-Fried Potatoes and Onions. Similar to hash browns, these crispy potatoes and tender onions are cooked to perfection with a hint of garlic and paprika, offering a comforting and delicious way to start your day. You could also make these breakfast potatoes with sweet potatoes or white potatoes and I love a splash of hot sauce added to give some spice to this perfect side dish. 

6. Air Fryer Pears with Caramel and Cinnamon

This recipe is quick and easy - in just 10-12 minutes, you'll have warm, tender pears with a touch of caramelized sweetness and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweet breakfast side dish.

7. Honey Lime Berry Fruit Salad with Mint

This refreshing Honey-Mint Lime Fruit Salad is packed with strawberries, blackberries, grapes, and a touch of mint for a perfect light and healthy accompaniment to your breakfast. I enjoy serving this with Pork Roll, Egg and Cheese Sandwich because the sweet refreshing flavor balances the saltiness of the sandwich. It has my favorite fruits in it and is just a delicious easy recipe. 

8. Mango Banana Smoothie

This creamy blend of frozen bananas, mango chunks, and coconut milk is like a taste of paradise in a glass, perfect for a refreshing start to your day. It is a great option for busy mornings too made with simple ingredients. 

9. Air Fryer Turkey Bacon

Craving crispy bacon without the guilt? This healthier option cooks up in just 8-10 minutes. Enjoy delicious, grease-free bacon that's perfect for serving with your favorite breakfast such as these Healthier Waffles with Apples. This is always a breakfast favorite in my house. 

10. Easy Instant Pot Applesauce

Cinnamony sweet homemade applesauce is a quick and healthy option that can be enjoyed in many ways, making it a perfect choice for serving with breakfast. You can enjoy it on its own or add it to yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes for an extra burst of flavor.

11. Healthy Mini Mexican Frittatas

Packed with peppers, corn, cheese, and spices, these bite-sized frittatas are a flavorful and protein-rich option to start your day. They're quick and easy to make and are a great alternative to scrambled eggs or omelets.

12. Banana Nut Muffins

Move over toast, because these Banana Nut Muffins are the perfect way to start your day. Packed with mashed bananas and your favorite nuts, these muffins are moist, delicious, and full of wholesome goodness and pair well with your favorite breakfast protein.

More Breakfast and Brunch Side Dishes

Whether you are serving pancakes, a breakfast casserole, or an omelette for your main course, here are more easy breakfast sides to complete a sweet or savory main dish. Brunch is a great way to round up the whole family and get a delicious spread on your table. 

• Air Fryer Bacon
• Easy Ham and Egg Cups via Amy Casey Cooks
• Slow Cooker Grits via Everyday Eileen
• Bacon Cheese Jalapeno Quick Bread via Souffle Bombay
• Easy Apple Turnovers via Ask Chef Dennis
• Homemade Breakfast Sausage via Beyond the Chicken Coop
• Fluffy Homemade Biscuits via Grumpy's Honeybunch
• French Toast Bites via Grits and Pinecones
• Grilled Apricots
• Mini Chocolate Chip Muffins via Entirely Elizabeth
• Easy Sausage Rolls with Puff Pastry via The Foodie Affair
• Homemade Hash Browns via Grandbaby Cakes
• Double Strawberry Muffins
• The Best Sausage Balls via Aleka's Get-Together
• Almond Flour Blueberry Muffins via Snappy Gourmet
• Simple Vanilla Maple Granola via Dizzy Busy and Hungry
• Easiest Fruit Salad via Iowa Girl Eats
• German Fried Potatoes via Food Fanatic

Whether you're hosting a brunch or just looking to switch up your morning routine, these side dishes are sure to impress. They're not only delicious but also nutritious, helping you start your day on the right foot with a hearty breakfast.

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