Brunch Bliss: Two Delicious Recipes You Need to Try

Brunch is the perfect time to indulge in both savory and sweet treats. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to treat yourself, having a mix of hearty, comforting dishes alongside something a little sweet is always a good idea. This week, I’m sharing two incredible recipes that will elevate your next brunch spread: a savory Cheddar Bay Biscuit Breakfast Casserole (without meat) and a decadent Banana Bread Brownies. These dishes are simple to prepare and packed with flavor, making them ideal for a lazy weekend morning or any brunch occasion.

1. Cheddar Bay Biscuit Breakfast Casserole (Meat-Free)

If you love the famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits from Red Lobster, then this breakfast casserole will quickly become your go-to brunch dish. The best part? It’s a meat-free version, so it’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a savory, hearty meal without meat. This casserole combines the buttery, cheesy goodness of Cheddar Bay Biscuits with eggs, making it a satisfying meal that’s great for serving a crowd.

Ingredients:

• One package of Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix and seasoning packet.

• 1/2 cup milk

• 12 large eggs

• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1/4 cup butter, melted

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Garlic and onion powder, to taste

• 2 teaspoons of minced garlic

• Fresh chives or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Fire up that oven to 350°F—let’s get things heated! Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a good spritz of cooking spray so nothing sticks when it’s time to dig in.

2. Prepare the Biscuit Mix:

Now, for the biscuit magic! In a mixing bowl, follow the package instructions to make that Cheddar Bay Biscuits dough. You’ll probably need to add water and some sharp cheddar (because who can resist more cheese?). Stir it all together and set the dough aside—don’t worry, it’ll get its moment in the spotlight soon enough!

3. Whisk Up the Egg Mixture:

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, seasoning of choice, and minced garlic. Give it a good mix until everything’s blended like a well-oiled brunch machine.

4. Whisk Up the Egg Mixture:

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, seasoning of choice, and minced garlic. Give it a good mix until everything’s blended like a well-oiled brunch machine.

5. Assemble the Casserole:

Alright, time to bring this beauty together! Take your prepared casserole dish and pour in that delicious egg mixture. Now, grab a cookie scoop and start plopping the biscuit dough on top like little biscuit clouds ready to rise and shine.

6. Bake Time!

Pop your casserole into the oven and let it bake for 30 minutes. After about 15 minutes, mix up the seasoning packet with some melted butter (because, yes, more butter!). Brush that golden goodness all over the tops of your biscuits to give them that irresistible, buttery shine. Return the casserole to the oven and let it bake for the remaining time until the top is golden brown and your kitchen smells like heaven.

This casserole is hearty enough to be a standalone dish but can also be paired with something sweet (like the Banana Bread Brownies below!) for a complete brunch experience.

2. Banana Bread Brownies

Now, let’s switch it up with something sweet! These Banana Bread Brownies are the perfect blend of moist, banana bread goodness and a light, cake-like texture—combining the comfort of banana bread with the fun of brownies!

Ingredients:

Brownies:

• 2 to 3 ripe bananas, mashed

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup melted butter

• 2 large eggs

• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips and or walnuts (optional)

Frosting:

• 1/2 cup butter

• 3 cups powdered sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 3 to 4 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, sour cream, butter, and eggs until it’s nice and creamy. Then, fold in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and fully combined.

3. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture.

4. Fold in Chocolate Chips and walnuts: If you’re feeling indulgent, fold in some chocolate chips and walnuts to the batter.

5. Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The brownies will be slightly moist but not raw.

6. For the frosting: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Keep a close eye on it—when it turns a rich medium brown, remove it from the heat. Whisk in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, adding milk as needed to reach your desired consistency. Once smooth, stir in the vanilla extract.

   Pour the warm frosting over the banana bread brownies right away, then spread it evenly with a spatula, butter knife, or frosting spatula. Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into squares.

7. Cool and Slice: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before slicing them into squares. The result will be a rich, banana-infused brownie with just the right amount of fudginess.

These Banana Bread Brownies are perfect for a sweet finish to your brunch. They’re easy to make ahead of time and will last for a few days (if they last that long!). If you want to make them even more festive, consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Why These Recipes Are Brunch Gold

These two recipes are a brunch win! The Cheddar Bay Biscuit Casserole is cheesy, savory, and easy to serve at any temperature. Meanwhile, the Banana Bread Brownies bring the perfect touch of sweetness without being too much.

Savory, sweet, simple, and oh-so-delicious—what’s not to love? Try these at your next brunch, and get ready to impress!