This Valentine’s-Inspired Breakfast Brunch sounds like the perfect way to start the day with a little romance and a lot of flavor! A combination of savory and sweet, this spread is sure to impress. Here’s a more detailed look at how to bring all of those delicious ingredients together into a breakfast that everyone will love!
Valentine’s-Inspired Breakfast Brunch
A heartwarming breakfast that has everything you could want—from savory sausages to sweet cinnamon rolls, and homemade Red Velvet Waffles to make it extra special. It’s an ideal brunch spread for a romantic Valentine’s Day morning (or any day you want to treat your loved ones).
Ingredients:
- Jimmy Dean Sausage – Use either the regular or spicy variety depending on your preference.
- Eggs – Scrambled, fried, or poached, however you like them!
- Fresh Fruit – A mix of your favorite seasonal fruits (think strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and even a few sliced heart-shaped strawberries for extra Valentine’s flair).
- Chicken Wings – Oven-baked or air-fried for a crispy treat.
- Bacon – Crispy and perfectly cooked, everyone’s favorite!
- Grits – For that Southern comfort food touch.
- Smoked Sausage – A great addition for an extra savory bite.
- Cinnamon Rolls – Whether homemade or store-bought, they add that sweet touch to balance the savory items.
- Red Velvet Waffles (from scratch!) – The star of the show! These will bring the extra romance with their rich red color and delicious flavor.
Preparation:
1. Prepare the Red Velvet Waffles:
- These are the real showstoppers! Make your red velvet waffles from scratch for that extra homemade touch. The rich flavor of red velvet with a hint of cocoa and the vibrancy of the red color makes these waffles extra special. You can top them with whipped cream, a drizzle of syrup, and maybe even a few chocolate chips or sprinkles for some extra indulgence!
Red Velvet Waffle Batter:
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar (helps the waffles rise)
- Instructions:
- Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt).
- In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients (egg, buttermilk, oil, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar).
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (don’t overmix).
- Grease your waffle iron lightly and pour the batter onto it. Close the iron and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
- Keep the waffles warm in the oven on low heat while you cook the rest of the brunch.
2. Cook the Sausage and Smoked Sausage:
- For the Jimmy Dean Sausage, crumble and cook it in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crispy. Set aside to drain on paper towels.
- For the smoked sausage, slice it into rounds and sauté them in the same skillet until golden and slightly crispy on the edges.
3. Eggs:
- Scramble your eggs in a non-stick skillet, cooking them on medium-low heat for a creamy, soft texture. You can also opt for fried eggs or poached eggs if you prefer.
4. Bacon:
- Cook your bacon to a crispy perfection in the oven or on the stovetop. If you’re cooking in the oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C), line a baking sheet with foil, and bake the bacon for 15-20 minutes until crisp. Alternatively, fry it up in a skillet.
5. Chicken Wings:
- Prepare your chicken wings however you like! For crispy wings, toss them in your favorite seasonings, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you’re using an air fryer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for crispy wings.
6. Grits:
- For a creamy, comforting side, cook your grits according to the package instructions. Stir in a little butter and salt for extra richness. If you want to make them extra creamy, add a splash of milk or heavy cream.
7. Fresh Fruit:
- Create a colorful fruit platter with fresh strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and any other fruit that’s in season. To make it extra Valentine’s Day-inspired, cut some of the strawberries into heart shapes.
8. Cinnamon Rolls:
- If you’re using store-bought cinnamon rolls, pop them in the oven according to the package instructions. Once they’re fresh out of the oven, drizzle them with the included icing. If you’re making them from scratch, prep the dough and icing beforehand so they’re ready to go when you serve everything.
Serving:
- Plating:
- Serve everything family-style on a large table with lots of plates and utensils. Place the waffles at the center, surrounded by the savory sides like sausage, bacon, grits, and eggs. Add a few bowls of fruit, cinnamon rolls, and chicken wings to the mix. For an extra special touch, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for color.
- Optional Drink Pairings:
- Serve with a refreshing mimosa (champagne and orange juice) or a classic bloody mary for a brunch vibe. If you’re keeping it non-alcoholic, consider a chilled fruit smoothie or some freshly brewed coffee.
Tips for Success:
- Mix and match: You can swap out any of the ingredients based on your preferences. For example, try hashbrowns instead of grits or add some sautéed spinach for extra flavor.
- Time-saving: Prepare the waffles, sausage, and bacon ahead of time and reheat when you’re ready to serve. This makes it easier to focus on other dishes like eggs and chicken wings.
- Add romance: To really embrace the Valentine’s theme, consider heart-shaped waffles or adding edible flowers to the plate for a romantic touch.
This Valentine’s-Inspired Breakfast Brunch is the perfect way to bring a touch of love to the table. It’s got all the flavors you could ask for, from savory to sweet, and is sure to leave everyone feeling warm and loved. Enjoy!