Welcome to a delightful Southern brunch that’s as warm as a summer morning and as rich as Southern hospitality. In this culinary adventure, we’ll explore a mouthwatering buffet featuring beloved Southern recipes – from the heartiest biscuits and gravy to the refreshing Southern Belle Fizz cocktail. Join me as we dive into the flavors of the South, perfect for any gathering with family and friends.
Section 1: Biscuits and Gravy
Start your Southern brunch journey with the classic comfort of biscuits and gravy. Picture fluffy, golden biscuits smothered in a creamy, savory gravy that’s a taste of pure indulgence. Learn the secrets to achieving that perfect biscuit texture and how to make a gravy that will leave your guests asking for seconds.
Homestyle Southern Biscuits and Gravy Recipe
Ingredients:
◦ – 2 cups all-purpose flour
◦ – 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
◦ – 1/2 teaspoon salt
◦ – 2 teaspoons sugar
◦ – 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
◦ – 3/4 cup buttermilk
◦ For the Gravy:
◦ – 1/2 pound breakfast sausage
◦ – 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
◦ – 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
◦ – 3 cups whole milk
◦ – Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
◦ 1. Preheat the oven to 475°F
◦ 2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the diced butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
◦ 3. Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. Gently stir until just combined. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and knead it 2-3 times until it comes together.
◦ 4. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Use a round biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits. Place them on a baking sheet, ensuring they touch for soft sides. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
◦ 5. While the biscuits are baking, cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once cooked, sprinkle flour over the sausage and stir to combine.
◦ 6. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
◦ 7. Once the biscuits are done, split them open and ladle the sausage gravy over the top.
◦ 8. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Southern biscuits and gravy!
Section 2: Sweet Potato Hash
Add a touch of Southern sweetness with a twist on the traditional hash. Sweet potato hash combines the earthy flavors of sweet potatoes with the savory goodness of sautéed onions and colorful peppers. Discover the art of balancing sweet and savory for a dish that’s sure to become a brunch favorite.
Classic Sweet Potato Hash Recipe
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 green bell pepper, diced
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup cooking oil (vegetable or bacon fat for extra flavor)
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. – Peel and dice the sweet potatoes, chop the bell peppers and onion, mince the garlic.
2. – In a large skillet over medium heat, add cooking oil or bacon fat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
3. – Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet. Cook until they start to brown, stirring occasionally.
4. – Stir in the diced red and green bell peppers. Cook until the vegetables are tender yet still slightly firm.
5. – Sprinkle smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper over the sweet potato mixture. Adjust the seasonings to your taste.
6. – Continue cooking until the sweet potatoes are fully cooked and have a golden brown exterior.
7. – Spoon the soulful sweet potato hash onto plates and savor the rich, flavorful goodness.
Section 3: Cajun Eggs Benedict
Spice up your brunch with a Southern take on the classic Eggs Benedict. Cajun Eggs Benedict introduces a kick of flavor with a zesty hollandaise sauce and perfectly poached (baked) eggs, all atop a golden English muffin. Explore the magic of Cajun seasoning and how it transforms this brunch staple.
Cajun Benedict Recipe with Baked Eggs:
Ingredients:
– Eggs
– English muffins
– Cajun-spiced hollandaise sauce (see below)
– Smoked Andouille sausage
– Fresh chives (for garnish)
**Cajun-Spiced Hollandaise Sauce:**
– 3 egg yolks
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Cajun seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1.- In a blender, combine egg yolks and lemon juice. Blend until it lightens in color. Slowly stream in the melted butter with the blender running until the sauce thickens. Add Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Blend again to incorporate.
2. – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Crack an egg into each well-greased muffin tin cup. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the whites are set but the yolks remain slightly runny.
3. – Slice the Andouille sausage and cook in a skillet until browned and cooked through.
4.- Slice and toast the English muffins until golden brown.
5. – Place toasted English muffin halves on a plate. Top each half with a slice of the cooked Andouille sausage.
6. – Carefully remove the baked eggs from the muffin tin and place one on top of each sausage slice.
7. – Drizzle the Cajun-spiced hollandaise sauce generously over each baked egg.
8. – Sprinkle with fresh chives for a burst of color and flavor.
9. – Serve immediately, and enjoy the flavorful Cajun twist on the classic Eggs Benedict with baked eggs!
Section 4: Fall-Inspired Fruit Salad
Celebrate the season with a Fruit Salad that highlights fall and winter’s bounty. Apples, pears, and a hint of cinnamon come together for a refreshing and comforting side dish. Explore the versatility of fall fruits and how they complement the richness of Southern brunch.
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine diced pears, diced apples, and halved red grapes.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.
3. Pour the maple yogurt dressing over the fruit mixture and gently toss until the fruit is evenly coated.
4. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top of the salad for added crunch and nutty flavor.
5. Refrigerate the fruit salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.Compose
Section 5: Texas Buttermilk Pecan Pie Bars
No Southern brunch is complete without a taste of pecan pie. Elevate the experience with Texas Buttermilk Pecan Pie Bars – a portable, shareable twist on the classic dessert. Uncover the secrets to achieving the perfect buttery crust and gooey pecan filling in every bite.
Texas Buttermilk Pecan Pie Bars Recipe:
Ingredients:
**For the Crust:**
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
**For the Pecan Filling:**
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Instructions:
1.- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. – In a bowl, combine the softened butter, flour, sugar, and salt until crumbly. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the crust.
3.- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until it’s just starting to turn golden.
4.- In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well combined. Stir in the pecan halves.
5. – Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust. Continue baking for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6.- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate for a few hours to set.
7. – Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Place on a cutting board and cut into squares or bars of your desired size.
8. Serve- Serve the Texas Buttermilk Pecan Pie Bars and enjoy the deliciousness in a convenient, portable form!
Section 7: Southern Elegance Cocktail
Raise a toast to Southern elegance with the Southern Elegance cocktail. This refreshing beverage combines the sweetness of peaches with the effervescence of sparkling wine, creating a drink that’s both light and sophisticated. Learn how to balance flavors to craft a cocktail that embodies Southern charm.
Southern Elegance Cocktail
Ingredients:
– 2 cups peach juice or nectar
– 1 cup Grand Marnier
– 1 bottle (750 ml) prosecco (or sparkling wine)
– Splash of cranberry juice
– Frozen peach slices
Instructions:
1. In a pitcher, combine 2 cups of peach nectar and 1 cup of Grand Marnier.
2. Pour in the entire bottle (750 ml) of prosecco or sparkling wine.
3. Add a splash of cranberry juice for color and additional flavor.
4. Stir the ingredients gently to combine.
5. Include frozen peach slices in the pitcher for added flavor and a chill.
6. If desired, you can also include ice cubes.
7. Optionally, garnish glasses with fresh peach slices or mint sprigs when serving.
8. Pour into individual glasses and enjoy!
Section 8: Hosting Tips for a Southern Brunch
Now that we’ve got our menu set, let’s talk about hosting. As a mom of six, I know a thing or two about making gatherings stress-free and full of joy. First off, plan ahead! Prep whatever you can the night before – chop those veggies, bake the pie. It’s a game-changer when the big day arrives. And don’t hesitate to delegate tasks. Family and friends love to pitch in, and it makes the whole experience more communal.
Create a warm, welcoming atmosphere by setting the table with care. I love using a mix of seasonal decor and vibrant, mismatched dishes – it adds a touch of nostalgia and personality to the spread. For an extra special touch, fold cloth napkins in a simple yet elegant style.
Remember, it’s not just about the food; it’s about the company. Put together a playlist of your favorite tunes – maybe some good worship music or smooth jazz – to set the mood. And if the little ones want to join in on the cooking fun, let them! It’s a chance for family bonding and creating lasting memories.
Section 9: Southern Brunch Traditions
Southern traditions run deep, and brunch is no exception. Many of us here believe in the power of prayer and gratitude. Before digging into the delicious spread, try gathering around the table, hold hands, and take a moment to express thanks. It sets a beautiful tone for the meal, reminding everyone to appreciate the blessings of family and good food.
Another cherished tradition is the passing down of recipes. My biscuit recipe? It’s a treasure that I’ve made for over 15 years now and now I am passing it on to my children. By incorporating these family recipes into our brunch, we’re not just enjoying good food – we’re honoring our roots and preserving a legacy.
Let’s not forget about the importance of storytelling. Between bites of sweet potato hash, share stories of family triumphs, celebrations, and maybe a few funny mishaps. It creates a sense of connection, weaving together the past, present, and future.
Lastly, every Southern brunch needs a touch of hospitality. Encourage guests to take leftovers home in cute mason jars or share a favorite recipe with them. It’s a gesture that goes beyond the brunch table, creating a sense of community and togetherness.
