Easter Brunch Bars: The Ultimate Easy Guide

Easter brunch bars are the perfect centerpiece for your holiday gathering. These delightful treats combine the best of brunch flavors into a portable, shareable format. I remember my grandmother always making a sweet and savory breakfast casserole for Easter, and these Easter brunch bars are my modern, handheld twist on that tradition! They are simple, satisfying, and sure to be a hit with everyone at your table. Let’s get baking and create a memorable Easter brunch experience.

Easter brunch bars are not just a recipe; they are a labor of love and a celebration of spring! Think flaky, buttery crust, a creamy, cheesy filling studded with savory ham and sweet asparagus, and a hint of fresh herbs. Who could resist? These brunch bars are also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients. It’s all about creating a delicious and effortless brunch that everyone will enjoy.

Why You Will Love This Easter Brunch Bars Recipe

These Easter brunch bars are a winner because they are incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and a total crowd please. Forget spending hours in the kitchen worrying about delicate soufflés or perfectly poached eggs. These bars are straightforward, forgiving, and can even be made ahead of time. Talk about low stress!

Plus, they taste incredible! The combination of ham, cheese, and asparagus is classic for a reason, and that flaky crust ties everything together beautifully. This is comfort food at its finest, elevated just enough for a special occasion like Easter. Making memories in the kitchen, and around the table, is what it's all about.

These Easter brunch bars are also unbelievably portable. They are perfect for Easter egg hunts, potlucks, or a simple picnic in the park. Cut them into squares or triangles for easy snacking, and watch them disappear! They are significantly less messy than individual waffles or pancakes topped with syrup.

Ingredients Needed for This Easter Brunch Bars Recipe

For the Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup (approximately) ice water

For the Filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup diced cooked ham
• 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make This Easter Brunch Bars Recipe

1. Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Prepare the Filling: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
5. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ham, asparagus, and onion and cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Gruyere cheese, salt, and pepper.
7. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Transfer the dough to the baking dish and press it into the bottom and up the sides.
9. Pour the egg mixture over the crust.
10. Sprinkle the cooked ham, asparagus, and onion mixture evenly over the egg mixture.
11. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
12. Let cool slightly before cutting into bars. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Now that you've whipped up these amazing bars, you might be inspired to try some other brunch recipes! We also have a similar recipe for Easter Brunch Wraps that are easy to pack and perfect for picnics. Or maybe you'd like to compliment your bars with a refreshing Easter Brunch Salad?

How to Serve This Easter Brunch Bars Recipe

These Easter brunch bars are delicious served warm or at room temperature. Cut them into squares or triangles for easy serving.

Pair these bars with a side of fresh fruit salad, a green salad, or a simple cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. They are also great served as part of a larger Easter brunch spread alongside other brunch favorites.

For a more elegant presentation, you can arrange the bars on a platter and garnish with edible flowers. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top can also add a creamy touch. This Easter brunch bars recipe is a staple, but get creative with serving!

How to Store This Easter Brunch Bars Recipe

To store leftover Easter brunch bars, let them cool completely before covering and refrigerating. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

To reheat, thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight. You can then reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them in 30 second intervals until heated.

Tips to Make This Easter Brunch Bars Recipe

• Use cold butter: This is key to creating a flaky crust. Make sure the butter is very cold before you start working with it.
• Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing will result in a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together.
• Customize the filling: Feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables or cheeses. Spinach, mushrooms, and Swiss cheese would all be delicious additions.
• Make ahead of time: The crust can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The filling can also be prepared in advance and stored separately.
• Blind bake the crust: For an extra crisp curst, blind bake the crust before adding filling.

Helpful Notes for This Easter Brunch Bars Recipe

Gruyere cheese adds a nutty and complex flavor to the filling, but you can substitute with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or fontina. Fresh asparagus is best, but frozen asparagus can be used in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the filling.

For the ham, use your favorite type. Cooked ham steaks, diced deli ham, or even leftover Easter ham would all work well. You can also add other meats like bacon or sausage. If you have picky eaters, be mindful of your choices!

Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs. Thyme, rosemary, or oregano would all be delicious additions to the filling. Adjust cooking times depending on your oven. Check the bars for doneness after 30 minutes and bake for longer if needed.

Variation of This Easter Brunch Bars Recipe

For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can also add a layer of sautéed spinach to the crust before adding the filling.

For a sweeter version, add a tablespoon or two of sugar to the crust. You can also add a layer of jam or fruit preserves to the bottom of the crust before adding the filling.

To make these bars gluten free, use a gluten free flour blend for the crust. You may need to add a little more liquid to the dough to help it come together.

Now you're ready to share your Easter masterpiece! Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipe inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

These Easter brunch bars are more than just a recipe; they are a way to celebrate the holiday with loved ones. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get baking! These delightful Easter brunch bars are sure to be a hit at your Easter celebration!

Easter Brunch Bars: The Ultimate Easy Guide

Flaky, buttery Easter brunch bars filled with ham, asparagus, and cheese. Perfect for a holiday brunch or potluck.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Brunch
Cuisine: American

Nutrition:

Calories: 350
Protein: 15g
Carbs: 30g
Fat: 20g

Ingredients

• For the Crust:\n2 1/2 cups all purpose flour\n1 teaspoon salt\n1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes\n1/2 cup (approximately) ice water\n\nFor the Filling:\n1 tablespoon olive oil\n1 cup diced cooked ham\n1 cup asparagus, trimmed and chopped\n1/2 cup chopped onion\n4 large eggs\n1 cup heavy cream\n1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese\n1/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese\n1/4 teaspoon salt\n1/4 teaspoon black pepper\n1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. 1. Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.\n2. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.\n3. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.\n4. Prepare the Filling: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).\n5. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ham, asparagus, and onion and cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.\n6. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Gruyere cheese, salt, and pepper.\n7. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9×13 inch baking dish.\n8. Transfer the dough to the baking dish and press it into the bottom and up the sides.\n9. Pour the egg mixture over the crust.\n10. Sprinkle the cooked ham, asparagus, and onion mixture evenly over the egg mixture.\n11. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.\n12. Let cool slightly before cutting into bars. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• For best results, use cold butter and don’t overmix the dough. Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite vegetables and cheeses. These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer.