This post contains affiliate links.
If you’re going to arrange a potluck at work for the holidays, a birthday, or an office meeting, why not make it a brunch theme? Everyone loves brunch, and people will be happy to pitch in to arrange this special event food. Even if you do it in the afternoon, breakfast food is fun for everyone.
These are some ideas for foods to bring, and links to articles about how much you’ll need for a group.
Breads & Pastries
Bread and rolls are a brunch staple, especially pastries like croissants and bread like bagels. Click on the links to see articles that go over how much of each you should plan for the crowd that you’ll have.
- Croissants (plain, almond, chocolate)
- Bagels with cream cheese
- Assorted muffins (blueberry, bran, banana nut)
- Cinnamon rolls
- Danish pastries (cheese, fruit-filled)
- Banana bread
- Scones with jam and clotted cream
- Breakfast biscuits
- French toast casserole
- Biscuits and gravy
Eggs & Breakfast Casseroles
If you can bake ahead and keep the food warm, a breakfast casserole is a good option for feeding a group. Here are some ideas for casseroles and other types of food that include eggs.
Click the links for more information about the highlighted foods.
- Quiche Lorraine
- Spinach and mushroom quiche
- Frittata (vegetable, cheese, sausage)
- Egg muffins
- Deviled eggs
- Scrambled eggs with toppings
- Breakfast burritos
- Huevos rancheros
- Egg and sausage casserole
- Shakshuka
Meats & Proteins
Let’s talk about bacon and how you have to have it for brunch. It’s a must, so don’t skimp on this or other meats like sausage or lox and bagels. Click the links to read more about the amount you should get for each item.
- Bacon strips
- Sausage links
- Turkey sausage
- Ham slices
- Smoked salmon
- Chicken and waffles
- Chorizo and eggs
- Lox with bagels
- Breakfast sliders (bacon, egg, and cheese)
- Steak and eggs
- Smoked salmon platter
- Shrimp and grits
- Chicken salad with crostini
- Breakfast pizza
- Omelet station (if possible)
For an article about potluck dishes for work that aren’t just for brunch, click here.
Fruits & Vegetables
Fresh fruit is a must for brunch, and there are a lot of dishes that incorporate fruit and vegetables that would be a good fit.
Click the links to read more about how much you’ll need of each thing.
- Fresh fruit platter (berries, melon, pineapple)
- Fruit salad with mint
- Avocado toast
- Grilled vegetables
- Spinach salad with strawberries
- Caprese salad (tomato, mozzarella, basil)
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Greek yogurt with granola and fruit
- Berry parfaits
- Vegetable platter with dip
Pancakes, Waffles & French Toast
If you’re going to do waffles and pancakes, you’ll need a way to cook them, but your guests will be happy that you went to the trouble! Bringing a hot plate or griddle can be the solution if you’re working in an office space without a kitchen. Read an article about electric griddles here.
Click for more serving count information and info about keeping things warm.
- Buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup
- Blueberry pancakes
- Belgian waffles with toppings
- Crepes with fruit filling
- French toast with powdered sugar
- Gluten-free pancakes
- Lemon ricotta pancakes
- Chocolate chip waffles
- Red velvet pancakes
- Savory pancakes (potato, zucchini)
Side Dishes & Salads
Sides are always good for people who might not want to stick to breakfast foods. Having some cold pasta salad and other dishes will give people the variety they might be looking for.
Click the links for more info about the foods on the list.
- Hash browns
- Potato salad
- Pasta salad
- Coleslaw
- Grilled asparagus
- Tomato and cucumber salad
- Deviled potato salad
- Couscous salad
- Quinoa salad
- Baked beans
- Cheese and charcuterie board
- Yogurt and granola station
- Oatmeal with toppings
- Chia pudding
Sandwiches & Wraps
Breakfast sandwiches are a good item to offer for guests who want a substantial mid-day meal. Or they can stick to breakfast sandwiches like egg and sausage if they want to stick to the brunch food.
Click on the links to see more information about the foods listed.
- Breakfast sandwiches (egg, cheese, sausage/bacon)
- Smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel sandwiches
- Chicken salad wraps
- Turkey and avocado sandwiches
- BLT sandwiches
- Egg salad sandwiches
- Croissant sandwiches (ham and cheese)
- Caprese sandwiches
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Breakfast wraps with scrambled eggs and veggies
Desserts & Sweets
Brunch isn’t really a dessert-type event other than doughnuts, but having desserts available will give your guests something to snack on after the party. Stick to some lighter citrus flavors if you want to stay more “brunch-y,” or go with chocolate for a more decadent dessert.
Click onthe links for more info about servings for your group.
- Donuts and donut holes
- Mini cheesecakes
- Tiramisu cups
- Fruit tarts
- Assorted cookies
- Brownies
- Lemon bars
- Chocolate mousse
- Eclairs
- Bread pudding
- Apple turnovers
Beverages
Make sure to have drinks available! Coffee and orange juice are staples of brunch, but you could also do non-alcoholic mimosas since it’s a work event and you shouldn’t serve real ones!
Click the links for more information about the foods on the list.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice
- Coffee
- Mimosas (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
- Herbal tea
- Smoothies (berry, green, tropical)
- Hot chocolate
- Cold brew coffee
- Sparkling water with fruit
- Lemonade
- Milk (regular, almond, oat)