She Strengthens

Easter Brunch on a Budget: A Stress-Free, Make-Ahead Feast

This Easter, why settle for a simple breakfast when you can host a stunning brunch that will impress your friends and family without breaking the bank? For under $50, you can create a mouth-watering spread that serves up to seven people, with most of the prep work done the night before.

Menu Highlights

• Three-cheese egg basil and tomato casserole
• Baked pecan and blueberry French toast
• Crispy bacon hash-browns
• Fresh mimosas

Get Ready the Night Before

To make the most of your time, prepare the French toast and casserole the night before. For the French toast, whisk together eggs, orange juice, milk, sugar, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Slice the French bread, place it in a single layer, and pour the egg mixture over it. Cover and refrigerate overnight, giving it a quick stir before bed.

For the casserole, beat together eggs, milk, and sugar. Mix in shredded jack cheese, cream cheese cubes, flour, baking powder, and cottage cheese. Grease your casserole dish with butter and pour in the mixture. Top with sliced basil and tomatoes, cover, and refrigerate.

Easter Morning: The Final Touches

One hour before your guests arrive, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for one hour. While that’s cooking, prepare the hash-browns by thawing them and heating butter in a frying pan. Add the hash-browns and cook until crispy.

Next, line your cookie sheets with aluminum foil and melt butter in the microwave. Arrange the French toast slices, sprinkle with pecans and blueberries, and bake for 25-30 minutes. Finally, cook the bacon in the oven for 15 minutes.

The Grand Finale

As your guests arrive, set up a mimosa bar with orange juice and champagne. Pull out the brunch spread, and let everyone dig in. With minimal effort on Easter morning, you’ll be enjoying a stress-free, delicious brunch with your loved ones.

Tools and Ingredients

• 2 cookie sheets
• Aluminum foil
• 2 glass casserole pans
• Frying pan
• Cooking spray
• Eggs
• Orange juice
• Milk
• Sugar
• Nutmeg
• Vanilla extract
• Butter
• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• French bread
• Pecans
• Blueberries
• Jack cheese
• Cream cheese
• Cottage cheese
• Bacon
• Frozen hash-browns
• Basil
• Tomatoes
• Champagne