Winter moments of indulgence – brunch ideas and winter recipes

There is hardly a better moment to wring the magic out of winter than a brunch that carries the scent of warm pastries, melted butter and wonderfully fragrant spices through the home. The snow flutters outside the window, the candle flickers inside and the setting on the table is somewhere between slow living and “one more portion please”.

In winter, the body longs for warmth, depth and texture. Instead of summery lightness, the focus is now on dishes that are warming, filling and yet elegant. Warming casseroles, baked vegetables, hearty stir-fries and anything that exudes a hint of comfort with cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg or maple syrup are popular.

Simple brunch ideas for at home

If you are expecting guests or simply want to have brunch for two, it is best to opt for dishes that require little effort and are easy to prepare. Classics such as porridge, frittata, shakshuka, baked fruit or savory toasts work perfectly. A small DIY bagel or pancake stand also provides variety without the stress.

Warm winter brunches full of coziness

Warm brunch dishes make all the difference: an oven frittata served directly in the middle of the table. A wintry soup as a small prelude. Or a hearty French toast that is more reminiscent of a “culinary hug” than breakfast. Temperature and aroma are crucial – both immediately create the feeling of having arrived.

Sweet and savory – the best ideas for the weekend

The mix is the most atmospheric:

• Sweet: baked apple pancakes, cinnamon buns, oat porridge with caramelized nuts, baked pears with honey.
• Hearty: eggs in a jar, winter quiche, rösti with smoked salmon or herb yogurt, toasts with mushroom ragout.
  This combination creates balance – and makes everyone at the table happy.

Vegetarian & vegan winter brunch ideas

Meatless options are particularly popular in winter:

• Vegetarian: Mushroom frittata, ricotta pancakes, baked pumpkin with feta & pomegranate, potato rösti with sour cream.
• Vegan: Overnight oats with spice compote, baked cinnamon bananas, hummus & warm vegetables.

Recipes to cook

Baked apple pancakes (sweet, vegetarian)

For 2-3 persons

• 2 apples, diced
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon
• 150 g flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 egg
• 200 ml milk
• 1 tbsp maple syrup

Preparation
Roast the apples in butter with sugar and cinnamon. Mix together the flour, baking powder, egg and milk. Fold in the apple pieces. Fry small pancakes in a pan until golden brown and serve with maple syrup.

Winter mushroom frittata (savory, vegetarian)

For 4 people

• 250 g mushrooms or mixed mushrooms
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 6 eggs
• 80 ml whipped cream
• 1 handful of grated mountain cheese
• Thyme, salt, pepper

Preparation
Sauté the mushrooms and onion. Mix the eggs with the cream, cheese and spices. Pour everything into an ovenproof pan and bake at 180 °C for approx. 15-20 minutes until the frittata is set.

Sweet potato rösti with avocado & herb yogurt (vegetarian, vegan possible)

For 3-4 portions

• 2 large sweet potatoes, coarsely grated
• 1 tbsp starch
• Salt, pepper
• Oil for frying
• 1 avocado
• Yoghurt (possibly vegan)
• Lemon juice, herbs

Preparation
Mix the sweet potato flakes with starch, season and shape into flat hash browns. Fry in oil until crispy. Serve with avocado and herb yogurt.

Baked cinnamon pears with walnuts (vegan, sweet)

For 2-3 persons

• 3 ripe pears
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Coarsely chopped walnuts
• Optional: vegan vanilla ice cream

Preparation
Halve the pears, remove the core, drizzle with syrup and cinnamon. Bake at 180 °C for about 20 minutes. Sprinkle with walnuts – perfect on its own or with ice cream.

List of ingredients for a complete winter brunch

Always good to have

• Fresh bread (farmhouse bread, sourdough, brioche, baguette)
• Butter, herb butter
• Jams (berries, apricot, plum)
• Honey, maple syrup

Sweet & warm

• Apples and pears (for pancakes, baked fruit, compote)
• Walnuts, almonds, pistachios
• Cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg
• Oat flakes, chia seeds
• Milk or plant milk
• Yogurt or vegan alternatives

Hearty & savory

• Eggs (for frittata, shakshuka, scrambled eggs)
• Vegetables: mushrooms, spinach, sweet potatoes, onions
• Fresh herb mix: thyme, parsley, chives
• Grated cheese (mountain cheese, Emmental, mozzarella)
• Smoked salmon or – vegetarian/vegan – smoked carrot fillet
• Avocados
• Cream cheese, hummus, herb spreads

Drinks

• Filter coffee or espresso
• Winter teas (chai, cinnamon-black tea, orange-ginger)
• Freshly squeezed orange juice
• Optional: Prosecco, warm apple punch

Ideas for an unforgettable winter brunch table

Hot-cold mix as a central effect

The charm of a brunch lies in the interplay: Hot dishes meet cool, fresh components. Place a steaming frittata or shakshuka in the middle – group cold spreads, fruit, bread and yogurt around it. This automatically creates dynamism.

A touch of alpine chalet – wood, candles, cloth napkins

Rustic wooden plates, small enamel bowls, linen or wool create warmth. Candles at different heights bring winter poetry into the picture; a few fir branches add an alpine touch without appearing kitschy.

Small stations for a big impact

Guests love choice – and the feeling of putting together small creations themselves. Suitable for this:

• Pancake station: mini pancakes, baked apple compote, roasted nuts, maple syrup.
• Toast bar: various breads, avocado, mushroom ragout, herb cream cheese, grated cheese.
• Winter bowl station: yogurt, granola, warm pear compote, cinnamon.

Colors as mood carriers

In winter, warm colors dominate: golden brown (pastries), dark red (berries, pomegranate), forest green (herbs). Spread out on the table, natural color accents are created – appetizing, aesthetic, cosy.

Large formats for the “wow” moment

A beautiful brunch thrives on two to three large-format dishes: an oven-fresh frittata, a large platter of sweet potato roestis or a sumptuous tray of cinnamon pears. They look inviting and make serving relaxed.

Small bowls for order & elegance

Provide dips, toppings, fruit and nuts in small bowls. The variety of textures – creamy, crunchy, warm, fresh – provides movement and structure at the same time.

The right temperature dramaturgy

Food served hot quickly loses its effect. Therefore:

• Serve hot dishes in cast-iron pans or small dishes – they retain the heat.
• Chill cold components well beforehand.
• Provide drinks such as chai or filter coffee in thermos flasks.

A winter brunch like this brings peace and quiet into the dark season and creates a moment that simply does you good. A few warm dishes and a few beautiful details effortlessly create a relaxed atmosphere. And in the end, the most important thing is that everyone is full and satisfied – and would have liked to stay a little longer.

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