Build-A-Brunch: 7 Interactive Brunch Bars
If you’re not adding an interactive element to brunch, you (& your guests) are missing out.
For one, brunch is a much less formal affair than a standard dinner party with a drawn out timeline meant for mingling and many mimosas. This rubric provides an opportune time to incorporate a hands-on activity that gives your guests something to do and something to remember.
For two, brunch typically involves a jam-packed menu of sweets, savories, carbs, freshness, fruits, bacon, coffee, cocktails (we could go on and on). With that being said, conspicuously shifting responsibility of one or two menu items to your guests, allows you a little more freedom to focus on other priorities.
In short, brunch bars are a win-win for all parties.
Here are Hauste’s favorite interactive brunch bars to liven up your mid-morning “meetings” *wink wink.
Bagel Bar
There’s nothing easier yet more visually stunning than a bagel bar. Grab a few dozen assorted bagels and flavored schmears from your favorite local bagel shop then pop into the grocery store for an array of toppings that check the box on the myriad of must-have brunch flavors.
Hauste Favs:
Smoked Salmon, Capers, Thinly Sliced Red Onions, Microgreens
Fresh Berries, Basil, Lemon Zest
Fried Eggs, Pepper Jelly, Bacon, Arugula
Peanut or Almond Butter, Bananas, Pistachios, Honey, Cinnamon
Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Mozzarella, Arugula, Balsamic Glaze
2. Mimosa Bar
Mimosa bars are to brunch, as peanut butter is to jelly – one simply doesn’t go without the other. Depending on your menu, a mimosa bar can be as involved as you want it to be. From a humble setup of chilled bubbly and a carafe of fresh squeezed OJ to a multitude of fresh juices, garnishes and bubbly varieties.
Hauste Favs:
The Bubbly - Dry to mid-dry to balance out the sweetness of the juice
The Juices - Orange is always a must & then we like to go seasonal (think grapefruit, peach, watermelon, pineapple)
The Garnishes - Fresh Berries, Pomegranate Seeds, Sugar Cubes, Orange Slices, Fresh Herbs
3. Bloody Mary Bar
Team mimosa or team bloody mary? Wherever your loyalties lie, a bloody bar is always a hit at brunch. Similar to the mimosa bar, the spectrum begins at classic pickled vegetables with a slice of bacon and ends at quartered BLTs finished with a glazed donut. Typically, you’ll find us leaning more toward the classic side of things, but to each their own.
Hauste Favs:
The Mix - Everyone swears by their own favorite brand, but we’ve been loving experimenting with a homemade concoction
The Vodka - The nicer the smoother the better is always the rule of thumb, but no need to break the bank on liquor that will mostly be muted by tomato juice & hot sauce
The Toppings - Pickled Pearl Onions, Pickled Green Beans, Pickled Asparagus, Pickled Garlic, Pepperoncinis, Olives, Fresh Celery, Crispy Bacon, Hot Sauce, Celery Salt, Lime & Lemon Wedges, Worcestershire Sauce
Pro Tip - Provide long skewers for guests to kabob their ultimate bloody mary fixings
Pro Tip x2 - Offer the option of a Bloody Maria by including a bottle of tequila alongside the vodka
4. Toast Bar
Similar to a bagel bar, a toast bar can serve as the main course of your brunch making an ultra easy setup that ensures every guest gets exactly what they want. Be sure to include a few types of breads and an array of toppings that satisfy cravings for something sweet, something savory and something fresh.
Hauste Favs:
The Bread - Sourdough, Whole Grain, Olive Bread, Raisin Bread
The Spread - Cottage Cheese, Ricotta, Cream Cheese, Mustard, Mayo, Butter, Jams, Nut Butters, Nutella
The Fresh - Arugula, Berries, Avocado, Apple Slices, Radishes, Citrus, Cucumber, Tomatoes, Scallions, Capers, Sprouts
The Protein - Bacon, Smoked Salmon, Prosciutto, Soft & Hard Cheeses, Eggs
The Extras - Nuts & Seeds, Granola, Coconut, Fresh Herbs
5. Acai Bar
The acai bar can be a tricky concept to execute, but if done right, it can’t be beat. Prep all of your acai base ingredients prior to guest arrival. When it’s time to eat, simply blend and serve as guests approach the bar. If you’re feeling ambitious, try a few different base flavors for guests to select from.
Hauste Faves:
The Smoothie Base - Acai, Matcha, Blue Spirulina
The Fruit - Berries, Papaya, Pineapple, Banana, Mango
The Crunch - Granola, Coconut Flakes, Seeds, Nuts
The Superfoods - Cacao Nibs, Honey, Chia Seeds, Bee Pollen, Nut Butters
6. Cereal Bar
We speak from experience when we say a cereal bar is the most welcome treat for your guests. In most cases, it’s been awhile since everyone has been able to unapologetically romanticize a bowl of cereal and this concept gives them the excuse to do just that – while making it ultra cute & photo-worthy.
Hauste Favs:
The Milks - Whole Milk, Almond Milk, Oat Milk, Coconut Milk
The Cereals - We like to opt for a few sugary sweet options that typically satisfy the nostalgic box as well (i.e. Captain Crunch and Lucky Charms), a few foolproof options (i.e. Cheerios & Chex) and a few healthier options (i.e. muesli and granola)
The Extras - Berries, Bananas, Nut Butters, Yogurt, Honey, Cinnamon
7. Parfait Bar
A yogurt parfait bar could satisfy the need for decor all on its own – with overflowing platters of vibrant toppings, bowls of thick Greek yogurt swirled with honey and garnished with edible flowers, mounds of granola with aromatic toasted nuts and seeds. Up the ante by subbing bowls with vintage coupe glasses for an extra special touch.
Hauste Favs:
The Yogurt - Plain Greek Yogurt, Coconut Yogurt, Skyyr
The Sweetener - Honey, Maple Syrup, Brown Sugar, Coconut Sugar
The Flavorings - Cinnamon, Cacao Powder, Cardamom
The Freshness - Berries, Bananas, Apples, Pears, Pomegranate Seeds, Citrus
The Toppers - Granola, Muesli, Nuts, Seeds, Coconut Flakes, Nut Butters
