6 Easy Mother’s Day Brunch Ideas You Can Make in 30 Minutes or Less

Build a crostini bar

A DIY crostini bar is the answer to your lazy Sunday prayers. Not only is it the perfect way to showcase Mom’s favorite flavors, you’re also dumping most of the work on your guests, in the most delicious way, of course. “I love crostini because you can do so many different toppings and can prep everything the night before,” says celebrity chef Donatella Arpaia, a regular judge on Food Network’s Iron Chef America. Slice up loaves of baguette on Saturday night and store in an airtight container (or right back in the bags, twisted tightly closed). The next morning, simply arrange them on a cookie sheet, brush with a layer of olive oil (and if you’re like Arpaia, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, salt, and cracked black pepper for an extra nutty note) and bake under the broiler until golden brown. Pile on a platter and arrange a spread of your mother’s favorite toppings so she and her guests can build their own tasty bites. If she’s a lox fan, get some nice smoked salmon to layer on top of crème fraiche with capers or caviar. To really spoil mom (after all, she deserves it!), splurge on high-end delicacies; French purveyor Petrossian will ship all your crostini needs straight to your doorstep. If she’s an Italian girl at heart, lightly mix chopped cherry tomatoes with basil, garlic, olive oil, and a little salt and pepper. Gorgonzola, sautéed mushrooms, and caramelized onion is another winning combo, but it’s really all about whatever Mom likes best!