Trader Joe’s shortcuts that make a holiday brunch feel planned

Holiday brunch is where real life shows up—kids in pj’s, guests arriving early, coffee that needs a refill before you’ve cracked an egg. I love TJ’s because a few smart shortcuts let you cook less and host better. Here’s how I build a spread that looks planned, tastes homemade, and still lets me sit down.

Crisp hash brown patties as an “eggs Benny” base

Bake or air-fry TJ’s Hash Brown Patties until deeply golden. They give you the crunch and structure you wish toast had, and they stay crisp under toppings.

Layer with a slice of ham or smoked salmon, a poached or fried egg, and a quick blender hollandaise (warm butter + egg yolk + lemon + pinch of cayenne). Serve on a sheet pan lined with parchment so you can refill fast without wrecking your counters.

Overnight chocolate croissants that earn compliments

Set the frozen Chocolate Croissants on a parchment-lined sheet the night before and let them proof on the counter. In the morning, you’re 20 minutes from a bakery-level pastry with zero mess.

Dust with powdered sugar right before serving and add a few orange segments on the platter. The citrus cuts the richness and makes it feel like a thought-out course, not just “something sweet.”

Dutch griddle cakes as a DIY short-stack bar

Warm Dutch Griddle Cakes in the oven and stack them on a wooden board. Surround with bowls of berries, chopped pecans, lemon curd, and maple syrup so guests can build their own.

To keep lines moving, set out two small spatulas and pre-slice butter. If you have little hands in the mix, offer yogurt and granola so they can make a “pancake parfait” without waiting for the toaster.

Spinach–artichoke “quiche” in a frozen crust

Whisk six eggs with a tub of TJ’s Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip and a splash of milk. Pour into a thawed frozen pie shell and bake until just set. It eats like a café quiche with half the steps.

Finish with a shower of grated Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon. The acid brightens a rich filling and makes it taste fresher than it has any right to.

Smoked salmon + EBTB toast station

Set out bagels or sourdough, TJ’s smoked salmon, lemony Greek yogurt (whisk in lemon zest + pinch of salt), capers, and Everything-style seasoning. People love the “assemble your own” freedom.

Offer thinly sliced cucumber and red onion for crunch without overpowering the fish. Keep a small trash bowl nearby for lemon rinds and plastic wrap so the counter stays photogenic.

Teeny Tiny Avocados for mini toasts

Those mini avocados ripen fast and portion perfectly. Halve, mash with lime and a pinch of salt, and spoon onto crostini or toasted naan dippers.

Add a dusting of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili crisp for the spice lovers. It’s colorful, plant-forward, and satisfies the folks who “aren’t doing sweets.”

Savory shortcut: butter chicken breakfast naan

Warm TJ’s Butter Chicken and spoon over toasted naan. Top with a jammy egg and a handful of baby arugula. It’s unexpected, comforting, and disappears first.

Serve with little bowls of chopped herbs and lime wedges so guests can tweak heat and acidity. It feels restaurant-y without turning your morning into a shift.

Spiced cider spritz and coffee bar that runs itself

Cut TJ’s Spiced Cider with bubbly water or prosecco, add a cinnamon stick, and you’ve got a low-lift signature drink. Keep a second pitcher kid-friendly so everyone’s included.

On the other end of the counter, set up a self-serve coffee zone: carafe, mugs, sugar, cream, and a spoon jar. When people can help themselves, you’re free to actually enjoy your brunch.