According to a recent Food Institute podcast highlighted by the Specialty Foods Association, limited-time offers and brunch are two trends shaping the foodservice sector in 2024. Lizzy Freier, director of menu research and insights at Technomic, notes, “Brunch seems to be the new dinner,” offering an affordable yet social dining experience. Capitalizing on this trend, introducing a limited-time plant-based brunch menu can set your restaurant apart, appealing to a growing segment of health-conscious and environmentally-aware diners.

Here are six fully plant-based dishes that could seamlessly integrate into various restaurant formats. Keep in mind the ingredients for each of these dishes are highly customizable depending on your menu style and clientele.

Plant-Based Brunch Menu Recommendations:

• Vegan Avocado Toast with Heirloom Tomatoes: A classic brunch favorite, this dish features creamy smashed avocado on artisanal bread, topped with colorful heirloom tomatoes, microgreens, and a sprinkle of hemp seeds for added nutrition.
• Plant-Based Eggs Benedict: Reimagining a traditional favorite, this dish uses a plant-based egg alternative and dairy-free hollandaise sauce over a toasted English muffin, accompanied by seasoned tempeh or mushroom bacon.
• Tofu Scramble Rancheros: A twist on the Mexican breakfast classic, this hearty dish combines crumbled tofu scramble with black beans, avocado, and a vibrant salsa fresca, served on warm corn tortillas.
• Mushroom and Spinach Vegan Quiche: This savory option features a flaky crust filled with a silky tofu-based mixture, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Chickpea Flour Crepes with Seasonal Fruit Compote: Light and delicate crepes made from chickpea flour, filled with a sweet and tangy seasonal fruit compote, offering a gluten-free and protein-rich option.
• Vegan Blueberry Pancakes with Maple Syrup: Fluffy and sweet, these blueberry pancakes made with almond milk and topped with fresh blueberries and pure maple syrup cater to those with a sweet tooth.

These dishes can easily be “beefed” up in protein content by adding a plant-based meat alternative. Do not forget to stock your fridge with plant-based milk options for coffee drinkers – oat milk tends to be a barista favorite. And perhaps stock a plant-based worcestershire sauce for the bloody mary lovers!

By incorporating these plant-based dishes into your brunch menu, your restaurant can tap into the growing demand for sustainable and ethical dining options. Not only do these dishes offer nutritional benefits, but they also provide a delightful culinary experience that can attract a diverse clientele. A limited-time plant-based brunch menu combines the allure of exclusivity with the growing popularity of plant-based cuisine, making it a strategic move for any forward-thinking restaurant.