Brunch is a beloved meal, combining the best of breakfast and lunch, but not all menu items are created equal. Chefs from around the world share insights into what dishes are best avoided during brunch.
Whether it’s due to preparation challenges, ingredient freshness, or just plain overrated choices, these 23 foods might be the ones to skip on your next brunch outing.
1. Eggs Benedict
Eggs Benedict might sound tempting, but chefs caution against ordering it. The hollandaise sauce, often prepared hours in advance, can become unsafe if not kept at the right temperature.
Achieving the perfect poach on eggs is tricky in a busy kitchen, leading to inconsistent results. Opt for something simpler to ensure a fresher plate.
2. Avocado Toast
Avocado toast is popular, but it can be overpriced at brunch spots. You’re often paying a premium for a dish you could easily recreate at home.
Some restaurants skimp on the avocado, leaving you with a sparse spread. Consider ordering something more unique to the restaurant’s menu for better value.
3. Omelette
Ordering an omelette during brunch might not always be a good idea. Chefs note that the eggs could be pre-mixed and not as fresh as you’d hope.
Plus, the fillers may not be as plentiful or high-quality as expected. Try a specialty dish instead, showcasing the chef’s creativity and skill.
4. Croissants
While croissants are delicious, they’re often too flaky and empty inside, lacking the satisfying substance you need from a brunch dish.
Mass-produced versions may be dry or doughy, and filled with sweet jams or creams, they can become overly sugary. A savory pastry or sandwich offers better balance and flavor.
5. Breakfast Burrito
While breakfast burritos are filling, they can be too heavy for a mid-morning meal. Often overloaded with ingredients, they become a mismatched flavor bomb.
The tortillas might not be fresh, impacting the overall experience. Opt for a lighter, more balanced dish to enjoy your brunch without feeling weighed down.
6. Pancakes
Pancakes may sound like the perfect brunch dish, but chefs often recommend skipping them due to their dense, overly sweet nature when made in bulk.
Many restaurants use pancake mix that’s full of artificial ingredients, making them lack the homemade flavor you’d get from a fresh batch. They’re also often served in overly large stacks, which can be overwhelming and leave you feeling sluggish.
7. Quiche
Quiche may sound like a refined choice for brunch, but chefs recommend skipping it due to its overly rich, heavy filling. Often prepared in bulk and reheated, the texture can be rubbery, and flavors may dull.
Ordering something prepared to order, like scrambled eggs, can ensure a fresher experience. Seek out chef specials for a better taste adventure.
8. French Toast
French toast is a brunch classic, yet it’s often not worth ordering. Many restaurants serve it with excessive amounts of syrup and powdered sugar, making it overly sweet and not satisfying in the long run.
Chefs suggest exploring other sweet options that might be more thoughtfully crafted, offering a more satisfying and memorable taste experience.
9. Granola Parfait
Granola parfaits can be a healthy-sounding brunch choice, but they may underdeliver. Pre-packaged granola is often loaded with hidden sugars and oils, and the yogurt can sometimes be bland or too processed.
The fruit might not be fresh, impacting overall enjoyment. Opting for a house-made granola or a different fruit dish could be more rewarding.
10. Frittata
Frittatas might sound like a light and fluffy choice, but many chefs advise against ordering them at brunch. Often made in large batches, they can become overcooked and dry, lacking the moist, tender texture that a well-made frittata should have.
Chefs recommend trying something flavorful with a balance of ingredients, ensuring a more enjoyable and satisfying meal.
11. Bagels With Lox
Bagels with lox might sound appealing, but they often end up dry and unexciting. The bagel itself can be dense, and the cream cheese can be bland or too thick.
The lox, while flavorful, can sometimes be too salty, leaving the dish feeling overly heavy. A lighter, more balanced option would offer a more satisfying experience.
12. Breakfast Pizza
Breakfast pizza can be underwhelming when the crust is too thick and toppings are unevenly spread. The flavors often clash, making it less satisfying than a more traditional pizza.
For a better brunch, try a dish with a more harmonious balance of textures and flavors. A classic pizza or other cohesive options will deliver a more enjoyable experience.
13. Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls can be a decadent treat, but they’re often far too sweet and heavy for a brunch. The dough tends to be dense, and the frosting can be sickeningly sugary.
After indulging in one, you may find yourself in a food coma rather than feeling energized. Instead of the overload of sugar, opt for a dish with more balanced flavors that will leave you feeling satisfied but not sluggish.
14. Chicken And Waffles
The combination of fried chicken and waffles can be more overwhelming than enjoyable. The waffle often becomes soggy under syrup, while the chicken, although crispy, can sometimes be greasy and overcooked.
The sweet and savory mix doesn’t always hit the mark, leaving you feeling sluggish rather than energized. Instead, try something that maintains a better balance of flavors and textures.
15. Biscuits And Gravy
Biscuits and gravy can be a hit or miss, often falling short when the gravy is too salty or bland. The biscuits themselves might lack freshness, leading to a less-than-ideal texture.
Opting for a dish with freshly baked bread could provide a better balance of flavors. A lighter sauce or alternative topping might also elevate the overall brunch experience.
16. Croissant Sandwich
Croissant sandwiches can be tempting, but freshness often makes all the difference. Many times, the croissants are not baked fresh, leaving them less flaky and satisfying.
A sandwich with freshly baked bread could provide a more enjoyable texture and flavor. Choosing a pastry that’s made daily ensures a better, more delicious brunch experience.
17. Chia Seed Pudding
Though chia seed pudding is marketed as healthy, it often lacks the necessary flavor. Without the right seasoning or fresh fruit, it can taste quite dull.
A fruit salad or something with more vibrant ingredients could provide a more exciting alternative. Choosing a dish with bolder flavors will make your brunch more satisfying.
18. Breakfast Tacos
Breakfast tacos might sound delightful, but quality can vary. This can leave the dish feeling underwhelming and lacking in texture.
Opting for a meal with freshly made ingredients guarantees a more flavorful and satisfying experience. For a better brunch, consider dishes that emphasize quality and freshness throughout.
19. Acai Bowl
Acai bowls may seem like a healthy choice, but they’re often packed with added sugars. Many versions are topped with sugary granola and low-quality fruit, which detracts from their nutritional value.
Opting for a dish with whole, nutrient-rich ingredients will provide a more satisfying and balanced brunch. A savory option might offer a better contrast and more depth of flavor.
20. Fried Green Tomatoes
While fried green tomatoes may seem appealing, they often miss the mark when it comes to flavor. The batter can be overly thick, and the tomatoes themselves can come off as too sour.
Frying them tends to strip away the natural sweetness that fresh tomatoes bring to a dish. For a more balanced option, consider a fresh tomato salad or a vegetable dish that highlights the ingredients’ true flavors.
21. Smoothie Bowl
Though smoothie bowls are trendy, they often fail to deliver on balance, with excessive sweetness masking the natural flavors of the fruit. Granola, honey, and sweetened yogurt are common culprits, overpowering the intended freshness.
If not prepared on the spot, the smoothie base can turn watery, making the toppings feel disconnected. A fresher option like a fruit salad or yogurt with fresh toppings offers a more well-rounded, satisfying experience.
22. Bagel With Cream Cheese
Bagels with cream cheese are often touted as a go-to brunch item, but they’re more filler than substance, according to chefs. The bagel can be dense and dry, while the cream cheese is often too bland to provide any real flavor.
While it may seem like an easy and comforting choice, it tends to be heavy and lacks the variety of flavors you could find in more interesting options.
23. Chilaquiles
Chilaquiles may be a fan favorite, but the fried tortilla chips often lose their crunch in the sauce, leading to a soggy texture. The bold, spicy sauce can sometimes dominate, overpowering the freshness of the dish.
Topping it with cheese and sour cream can make the dish feel too rich and greasy. For a more balanced and flavorful choice, opt for a dish that retains its texture and complements its spice.