An Easy, Decadent Mother's Day Brunch Featuring Buttermilk Waffles and Fried Chicken

Let's face it: Breakfast in bed on Mother's Day is not all it's cracked up to be. Who wants to deal with all those crumbs when you could be spending a leisurely Sunday morning in the kitchen with some little helpers? Our easy Mother's Day brunch menu serves up a delicious mix of restaurant-quality food that the whole family will adore, and little ones can even help you get the meal on the table.

So, what's on the menu? We'll start with fried chicken, except this "fried" classic is actually baked in the oven. That means there's no need for hands-on watching, and there's no pot of hot oil to worry about. The waffles are made from a glorious buttermilk batter that's transformed into something even better by using ground oats to replace some of the all-purpose flour; it's a win for taste and for health. And why serve butter and maple syrup when everyone can slather their waffles with spicy maple butter?

Perhaps most importantly, the meal starts with cold-brew iced coffee that steeps overnight. Enjoy a glass while you're prepping the rest of the meal and another alongside the main course. Of course, there must be dessert at this special Mother's Day Brunch, and our creamy panna cottas are just right or the occasion. Have your little helpers top them with sliced strawberries and granola for serving—just make sure they don't eat too much of the toppings before they hit the table!

Cornflake-Fried Chicken and Buttermilk Oat Waffles with Spicy Maple Butter

Fried chicken and waffles are a savory-sweet combination that can't be beat. For our Cornflake-Fried Chicken, the chicken is marinated in buttermilk so it's tender and juicy, then baked—not fried—for easier cooking and less mess. The cornflake coating means there's plenty of delicious crunch. Our Buttermilk Oat Waffles with Spicy Maple Butter bring a touch of spice to the table (but those who don't like spicy can use regular maple syrup). Another thing to love about this Mother's Day brunch entrée is that it's equally good served warm or at room temperature.

On the Side: Bruléed Grapefruit

A bronzed and crackly coating of turbinado sugar adds a glamorous finish to grapefruit halves. Bruléed Grapefruit provides a welcome counterpoint to the richness of the main dish.

To Drink: Cold-Brew Iced Coffee

It's just not brunch without coffee! Try our Cold-Brewed Iced Coffee Recipe for a rich and refreshing brew. Another bonus; you make the coffee the night before so it can steep. Just strain and serve in the morning.

Don't Forget Dessert: Yogurt Panna Cotta with Strawberries and Granola

An ideal sweet ending for a special Mother's Day brunch, Yogurt Panna Cotta with Strawberries and Granola is silky smooth and creamy but not too rich. Sliced strawberries and crunchy storebought granola are ideal toppings. You can make the panna cottas the night before or tackle it first thing in the morning to allow time for it to set.

The Help

Depending on their ages and experience levels, kids can pitch in when you're preparing these recipes. Let them help measure ingredients, crack eggs, make the cold-brewed coffee, mix the maple butter, whisk the ingredients for the waffle batter and the marinade, make the cornflake coating for the chicken, and sprinkle sugar on the grapefruit.