There’s a reason why serving breakfast in bed is a classic Mother’s Day tradition. Well, there are several, actually. First, you’re letting Mom relax for once, rather than hurrying around making sure everyone else is fed. Second, you’re showing you care by putting in extra effort. And third, you’re nourishing both her body and her heart. What can be better than that?
And while you want it to be special, Mother’s Day breakfast in bed ideas don’t have to be complicated. As Ree Drummond once said about her own kids surprising her, “This kind of occasion isn’t about elaborate food… it’s about the sweet, sweet gesture.” Particularly if you’re getting the little ones involved, you want kid-friendly Mother’s Day recipes that let them easily participate. And even if they don’t, they still might be under your feet. In which case, you’ll still want ideas that husbands can easily make while keeping an eye on the kiddos.
You’ll find both sweet and savory breakfast ideas here, depending on her preference. Whip up some egg recipes with a side of bacon, sweeten her morning with pancakes, or try a make-ahead breakfast casserole you can assemble the night before for an easier morning. Whatever you do, don’t forget a cup of coffee to wash it all down. Remember, you’re not only creating breakfast, but you’re also creating a special moment. That’s the best gift you can give her!
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Edna Mae's Sour Cream Pancakes
Danielle Daly
Pancakes are a classic choice! But if you’re not used to making them, try a recipe you can depend on. Ree says, “They turn out perfect every time, and you can even sub Greek yogurt to make ’em healthier.”
No matter what you serve, bacon always makes it better. Give it the glow-up it deserves for Mother’s Day. This version is crispy, caramelized, and a maybe just a bit addictive.
Meet Mom’s new favorite egg dish! Line a casserole with white bread, cooked sausage, and shredded cheese, then pour an egg mixture over the whole thing. Bake it off in the morning for a light, puffy, and sliceable savory meal.
“Scones are always a good choice for mom on Mother’s Day because they’re not too heavy and they go great with a cup of coffee or tea,” says Ree. These little bites are the perfect amount of sweet.
Ree says that frittatas are “exceedingly mom-friendly and so darn easy. And here’s a fun gift idea: If she doesn’t have one, buy her a good nonstick skillet for a Mother’s Day gift… and make the frittata in it to break it in! She’ll love it.”
“If my mom were close by on Sunday, I would definitely make her eggs Benedict,” says Ree. If you’re concerned about timing it all right in the morning, try this make-ahead casserole version instead.
Give her a sweet start to the day with seasonal strawberry muffins. They’re delicious on their own, but you can also make homemade strawberry butter to go with them. Plus, they’re easy to serve if you’re worried about making a mess.
Another Drummond family favorite is baked French toast. It’s a great make-ahead idea, so you’re not stuck flipping slices over the stove in the morning. And don’t forget the butter and maple syrup. One bite and “all is right with the world,” says Ree.
Want another savory casserole idea? Here you go! It uses frozen hash browns, so the prep time the night before is just 15 minutes. In the morning, simply bake and wake her up to sausage, potatoes, eggs, and cheese.
If you want to go over the top and have some time, making sweet rolls from scratch will surely impress her. “They take a little time,” Ree admits. Here’s her trick: “You can make them Saturday and warm them up.”
If sweet rolls from scratch seem a little too intimidating, you can still get creative. Turn canned cinnamon rolls into monkey bread instead. This is definitely something the kids can do, too!
If she always orders avocado toast when she goes out to brunch, bring the brunch experience to her! Plus, the kids will have fun mashing it up for you. There are so many topping options you can offer her, too, like pico de gallo or eggs and bacon.