If you are hard-charging this weekend into the New Year, we commend you. For the rest of us, this weekend is the perfect excuse to dial it back, stick around home and get some good Netflix-and-chill time in. It’s days like this that the brunch buffet shines, and everyone can help themselves on their own schedule.
We’ve all been there-you rang in the New Year like a legend, but now it’s the morning after, and the only thing standing between you and total despair is carbs, cheese, and a whole lot of flavor. Lucky for you, we’ve got three brunch recipes that are easy to whip up even when your head’s pounding and the couch is calling your name. These hangover-approved recipes will fuel your recovery and maybe even get you hyped for 2025. Because let’s be real, nothing says “new year, new me” like carbs, cheese, and unapologetic indulgence.
Hash Brown Casserole
When life feels bleak, potatoes are there for you. This hash brown casserole is creamy, cheesy, and ridiculously easy to throw together. Minimal effort, maximum flavor-basically a hug in casserole form.
Ingredients
1 bag (30 oz) frozen hash browns, thawed
1 cup Greek Yogurt
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup diced onions
½ cup diced bell peppers
2 eggs
½ cup melted butter
Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. In a large bowl, mix hash browns, cheese, Greek yogurt, milk, eggs, garlic powder, and melted butter. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Add onions and bell peppers to the mixture. Once combined well, spread the mixture evenly into the baking dish. Top it with shredded cheese. Bake the mixture for 35-40 minutes or until it is golden.
Egg Strata
Strata sounds fancy, but it’s basically a make-ahead hero for when you’re too hungover to function. If you made this the night before, you’re officially winning at life. If not, it’s still a solid move. Throw in eggs, bread, cheese, and whatever else you have on hand and let the oven do most of the work while you sip water and reflect on your choices.
Ingredients
6 cups cubed bread (French or sourdough works best)
6 large eggs
2 cups milk
1 cup shredded Gruyère or cheddar cheese
1 cup chopped veggies (tomatoes, spinach, zucchini or anything that you have in your fridge)
Italian seasoning to taste
Salt and pepper
Directions
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the bread cubes, tomatoes, spinach, and zucchini in the dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on the layer.
In a separate bowl, combine eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Whisk these together and pour evenly over the bread. Cover and refrigerate the mix for at least four hours. The last step would be to bake it for 45-50 minutes or until it is golden and set.
Caramelised Banana French Toast
When your sweet tooth is louder than your regrets, this French toast is the answer. The caramelized bananas are so extra, but you’re worth it. Plus, bananas are healthy, right?
Ingredients
1 loaf brioche or challah bread, sliced thick
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 bananas, sliced
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp butter
¼ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds, optional)
Maple syrup and powdered sugar for serving
Directions
Whisk eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla in a shallow dish. Dip bread slices into the mixture, coating both sides. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook bread slices until golden brown on each side.
In another pan, melt butter and stir in brown sugar. Add banana slices and cook until caramelized (about 3-5 minutes). Top the French toast with the caramelized bananas, drizzle with maple syrup, sprinkle with chopped nuts, and dust with powdered sugar.
There you have it- three hangover-proof recipes that’ll make your post-NYE morning a little brighter (and tastier). These recipes aren’t just food-they’re self-care on a plate. Whether you’re diving into cheesy potatoes, fluffy eggs, or banana-topped French toast, this is the energy we’re carrying into the new year. So, grab a fork, own the chaos, and start 2025 the tastiest way possible. Cheers to brunch, bad decisions, and a whole new year of deliciousness.
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FAQs
Q. Is there a non-vegetarian variant of the hash brown casserole?
A. Yes, there is. You can add chicken broth to it to make a non-vegetarian variant.
Q. Can I use day-old bread for the egg strata?
A. Yes, you can use day-old bread for the egg strata.
