Planning a daytime get-together? Ditch the usual dinner party and embrace the vibrant flavors of a Mexican Brunch. Even if you’re in a location where evenings get chilly, like San Francisco, you can still enjoy outdoor entertaining by hosting a sun-soaked brunch. This menu, inspired by the heart of Mexico, offers a delightful spread with flexibility for both the seasoned cook and those who prefer a simpler approach. Get ready to gather your friends for a relaxed and flavorful midday fiesta!
Drinks to Kick Off Your Mexican Brunch Fiesta
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/optaboutcomcoeusresourcescontent_migration__serious_eatsseriouseats.comimages20140720140611-coffee-horchata-thumb-625xauto-396851-daccbb01dec841329f7c87d709618d80.jpg)
Welcome your guests with a refreshing drink as they arrive. It instantly sets a relaxed tone and gives everyone something to enjoy while you finalize the brunch preparations. For a Mexican brunch, offering a variety of beverages is a thoughtful touch. Start with classic iced coffee for those who need their caffeine fix, or elevate the coffee experience with a creamy and spiced coffee-cinnamon horchata. Preparing the horchata the night before will save you valuable time on the day of your brunch. Simply grind dark-roast coffee beans and cinnamon sticks along with the rice and almonds for an incredibly flavorful base.
Get the Coffee-Cinnamon Horchata recipe »
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/optaboutcomcoeusresourcescontent_migration__serious_eatsdrinks.seriouseats.comimages20130820130822lonedovecocktailu-edit-9d175a3356f547d6855925028e695f79.jpg)
For a non-alcoholic hydrating option, fresh watermelon juice is perfect, especially if the weather is warm. If you’re expecting a larger group, be sure to double the recipe to keep everyone refreshed.
To truly embrace the brunch spirit, why not offer a touch of daytime sparkle? A pitcher of Hibiscus-Tequila cooler provides a tart and invigorating choice. Alternatively, the Long Faced Dove cocktail, with its vibrant blend of tequila, Campari, and grapefruit, brings a citrusy parade to your Mexican brunch drinks menu. These tequila-based cocktails perfectly complement the Mexican flavors of your brunch spread and encourage your guests to relax and enjoy the afternoon.
Get the Hibiscus-Tequila cooler recipe »Get the Long Faced Dove recipe »
Homemade Tortillas: The Heart of Your Mexican Brunch
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/optaboutcomcoeusresourcescontent_migration__serious_eatsseriouseats.comimages20140520140605-294475-cook-the-book-buttermilk-bacon-fat-flour-tortillas-0387a929a7ae4b71b7d5571aa6e710ee.jpg)
While picking up tortillas from a local tortilleria is a convenient option, especially if you have a great one nearby, consider elevating your Mexican brunch by making homemade tortillas. Buttermilk bacon-fat flour tortillas are surprisingly easy to make and add an exceptional touch. The dough is simple to prepare, and the bacon fat ensures a wonderfully workable and flavorful result. You can even roll out and cook the tortillas simultaneously – rolling one while the previous one puffs up beautifully in a hot cast iron skillet. The aroma of freshly made tortillas will undoubtedly enhance your Mexican brunch experience.
Get the Buttermilk Bacon-Fat Flour Tortillas »
For those interested in exploring traditional corn tortillas, Kenji’s comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions for making your own corn tortillas from scratch.
Want to make your own corn tortillas? Kenji’s guide is right this way »
A Fiesta of Fillings for Your Mexican Brunch Tacos
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/optaboutcomcoeusresourcescontent_migration__serious_eatsseriouseats.comimages20140420140428-sloppy-joe-chorizo-taco-recipe-food-lab-lite-9-7cb93888a57f488983d24d629a76ca28.jpg)
A build-your-own breakfast taco bar is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, tapping into everyone’s playful side. For your Mexican brunch taco fillings, offer a variety of options to cater to different tastes. Meaty chorizo provides a rich and savory base, while charred zucchini and red bell peppers offer a delicious vegetarian alternative. Scrambled eggs are a brunch staple and are easy to prepare for a larger group. Complement these fillings with platters of sliced avocados, radishes, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges, allowing your guests to customize their perfect brunch tacos. Warm black beans or creamy refried beans add another layer of flavor and texture to your taco bar.
Get the Easy Mexican Chorizo Tacos recipe »Get the Charred Zucchini Tacos recipe »Get the Refried Beans recipe »
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/optaboutcomcoeusresourcescontent_migration__serious_eatsseriouseats.comimages20140120140122-super-bowl-salsa-07-0d0424d142064e6eb7b701d0e75f27a8.jpg)
No Mexican brunch is complete without salsa! While a selection from your favorite Mexican market is perfectly acceptable, homemade salsa truly elevates your taco experience. Offer an assortment of salsas to cater to different preferences, or choose one or two standout options. Pico de gallo, with its fresh summer tomatoes, is a classic and easy choice. For a fruity twist, peach salsa with pickled red onions adds a unique flavor profile. Alternatively, a smoky tomatillo salsa with orange and chipotle provides a tangy and complex option. These fresh salsas will bring your Mexican brunch tacos to the next level.
Refreshing Salads to Complement Your Mexican Brunch
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/optaboutcomcoeusresourcescontent_migration__serious_eatsseriouseats.comimages20130820130816-corn-salad-chicken-taco-recipe-primary-f5a08480d476465d917c1a9a61d95d5d.jpg)
Looking for a side dish to balance out your taco feast? While more tacos are always welcome, a refreshing salad is a delightful addition to your Mexican brunch menu. A charred corn and cherry tomato salad, with zucchini and radishes, offers a burst of summer flavors and textures. The salad is dressed with lime and a touch of crema for tanginess and pairs beautifully with the tacos. It’s even delicious added directly into a taco for extra freshness!
If you prefer a sweeter side, take advantage of seasonal fruits like nectarines, peaches, and plums. While they are delicious on their own, a ginger syrup and fresh mint elevate a simple stone fruit salad into something truly special and provides a light and refreshing counterpoint to the savory brunch dishes.
Get the Charred Corn recipe »Get the Stone Fruit Salad recipe »
Sweet Finale: Dessert for Your Mexican Brunch
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/optaboutcomcoeusresourcescontent_migration__serious_eatsseriouseats.comimages20140720140722-Dulces-Flan-PRIMARY-thumb-625xauto-178944-d502217e606242d5a601c66ee77a29bb.jpg)
While some might consider dessert optional at brunch, a Mexican-inspired brunch calls for a sweet ending. Fresh churros might seem tempting, but for a more manageable dessert, especially when you’re already preparing a full brunch spread, consider a caramel flan. This classic Mexican dessert is surprisingly easy to make ahead of time. Silky, rich, and topped with burnt sugar caramel, flan is the perfect make-ahead dessert for your brunch party. Prepare it the day before, and simply invert it onto a serving plate after the main brunch dishes are enjoyed. Even if your guests claim to be full, they won’t be able to resist a slice of this decadent treat.
Get the Flan de Caramelo recipe »
