51 Mother’s Day Food Ideas To Treat the Moms in Your Life

Moms work hard every day of the year to take care of everyone else’s needs. When her special day rolls around, it’s time to spoil her! Make sure the mom in your life enjoys a delicious meal and doesn’t have to cook or clean up afterward. 

Not sure what to make? Check out these Mother’s Day food ideas that are sure to make an impression and show how much you care. 

Mother’s Day brunch ideas

After letting Mom sleep in, it’s a great idea to make her a delicious brunch she won’t forget. Get inspired by these tasty Mother’s Day brunch ideas.

1. Crab quiche with Gruyere cheese

Elevate a cheesy quiche with heavy cream and crab for a classy Mother’s Day brunch dish that’s sure to hit the spot. Nutmeg and ready-to-bake pie crust give this quiche a hint of sweetness, while a sprinkle of green onion adds a savory flavor boost. 

2. Belgian waffles with berries and cream

Start Mother’s Day off on a sweet note with delightfully decadent and fluffy Belgian waffles. With a crisp exterior and tender inside, these waffles are perfect for soaking up a generous drizzle of maple syrup. Fresh berries, like strawberries, blueberries and raspberries, add a burst of vibrant color and a touch of tartness, while a dollop of whipped cream will make each plate picture-perfect.

3. Eggs Benedict

Impress Mom with this classic brunch food favorite, featuring perfectly poached eggs on top of toasted English muffins and Canadian bacon. The rich, homemade hollandaise sauce creates a tangy complement, while a sprinkle of paprika adds a subtle smoky note and a dash of vibrant color.

4. Oven-roasted asparagus

Want to add a touch of vibrant green and springtime freshness to your Mother's Day menu? Asparagus is an underrated side dish for a Mother’s Day brunch, and it’s even better when tasty Parmesan comes into play. 

5. Watermelon salad

Want to level up the traditional brunch staple of a side of melon? Try this watermelon salad for a refreshing treat. The optional addition of feta cheese provides a delightful salty and creamy contrast, while fresh mint leaves add a cool, aromatic lift. A light drizzle of lime juice or a simple vinaigrette enhances the natural flavors, creating a perfect balance.

6. Lobster rolls

A classic lobster roll is a brunch dish Mom is sure to love! Chunks of sweet, succulent lobster meat are lightly tossed in a creamy seasoned mayonnaise dressing, creating the flavorful filling for the split-top bun. Top with a squeeze of lemon juice and show Mom just how much she's appreciated with this classic New England delicacy.

7. Blueberry lemon mini muffins

These charming mini muffins are perfect for a sweet treat in your Mother's Day brunch spread. When juicy blueberries pair with bright, zesty lemon flavor, the combination of sweet and tart creates a refreshing and satisfying bite-sized delight.

8. Cheesy stuffed peppers

Make a surprisingly hearty meal or appetizer with these colorful bell peppers filled with a medley of seasoned vegetables, rice and melted cheese. From the tender peppers to the savory filling, the combination of textures and flavors in this satisfying dish is a great option for Mother's Day.

9. Muffin tin veggie frittatas with spinach

As delicious as they are convenient, these miniature frittatas are packed with fresh spinach, colorful vegetables and fluffy eggs. Bake them in muffin tins to create individual portions.

10. French crepes

Impress Mom with these delicate and versatile French crepes. These thin, tender pancakes can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients, from fresh berries and whipped cream to ham and cheese. The light and airy texture creates a customizable dish that's perfect for a special Mother's Day breakfast or brunch.

11. Blueberry scones

Treat Mom to scones with a delightful combination of buttery, flaky layers and bursts of blueberries. The light sweetness and tender texture make them a perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee, adding a touch of cozy indulgence to this May holiday.

12. Fruit parfait with honey and granola

Layers of fresh, colorful fruits, creamy Greek yogurt, crunchy granola and a sweet drizzle of honey come together in this delightful dish. Customize with Mom’s favorite fruits and toppings, and this protein-packed treat makes a great midday snack or brunch dessert.

13. Apple danish

Indulge Mom with these pastries featuring a buttery, layered crust and a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. To level up your presentation and plating, top with sliced almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar.

14. Cottage cheese pancakes with berry compote

Looking for a light and fluffy gourmet twist on a classic breakfast? The addition of cottage cheese creates a tender, moist texture for these pancakes, while a vibrant berry compote adds a burst of fruity sweetness.

15. Breakfast pizza

For a fun and flavorful meal, surprise Mom with pizza for breakfast! This crowd-pleasing dish has a crispy crust topped with savory bacon, fluffy eggs, melted cheese and fresh spinach, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.

16. Dill potato salad with red onion

For a refreshing and satisfying side dish with your Mother's Day meal, try this tangy potato salad. Tender potatoes are tossed with fresh dill, crisp red onion and a creamy dressing to create a vibrant and flavorful salad. To make it a vegan recipe, simply use a vegan mayonnaise substitute.

17. Southern-style deviled eggs

A perfect addition to any brunch or lunch spread, deviled eggs are one appetizer that seems to disappear almost as soon as it hits the table. These Southern-style deviled eggs feature creamy, seasoned egg yolks and sweet pickle relish piped back into tender egg whites and topped with paprika, creating a savory and satisfying experience in every bite. 

18. Apple cinnamon French toast casserole

This Mother’s Day, treat Mom to a warm and comforting apple cinnamon French toast casserole. This unforgettable and indulgent dish features slices of bread soaked in a cinnamon-spiced custard and baked to golden perfection, topped with sweet, caramelized apples.

19. Baked brie in puff pastry with apricot

Elevate your Mother's Day appetizer spread with creamy, melted brie cheese encased in a flaky puff pastry crust and topped with sweet apricot preserves. The warm, gooey cheese and the tangy preserves create a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

20. Cinnamon banana bread

For a warm and comforting treat for Mother's Day, try this banana bread. Infused with the sweet flavor of ripe bananas and the warm spice of cinnamon, it’s a delightful and satisfying snack or dessert at any celebration. 

21. Carrot cake pancakes with cream cheese frosting

For an all-in-one breakfast and dessert, you can’t go wrong with these decadent carrot cake pancakes. This unique dish has the warm spices of carrot cake and the rich burst of cream cheese frosting. For extra complexity, you can add a splash of lemon or orange zest to your pancake batter and top with toasted walnuts or coconut flakes.

Mother’s Day brunch drink ideas

Want to make Mother’s Day brunch even more exciting? Make Mom one of these beautiful and delicious drinks to go with her meal.

22. Mimosa

Celebrate Mom with a classy, crowd-pleasing mimosa. This simple cocktail combines sparkling wine with fresh orange juice for a refreshing and bubbly drink that pairs great with a variety of brunch foods.

23. Fruity red wine sangria

If Mom wants a drink with a bit of a kick, you can’t go wrong with a classic sangria, made with fresh fruit and red wine. Add a hint of citrus with lemon and orange slices, then sit back and enjoy this refreshing drink.

24. Peach Bellini

Raise a glass to Mom this Mother’s Day with a refreshing peach Bellini. This elegant cocktail combines peach puree with prosecco for a delicate and sweet burst of flavor.

25. Aperol spritz

Brighten up Mother's Day with a citrusy Aperol spritz. This refreshing cocktail combines Aperol, prosecco and soda water, creating a vibrant and bubbly drink. The bittersweet flavor of Aperol and the citrus notes make this a perfect aperitif for any brunch celebration.

26. Blueberry lemonade

If you’re looking for mocktail options, look no further than this delicious blueberry lemonade. Quench Mom's thirst with a refreshing drink that combines the tartness of lemonade with the sweet, juicy flavor of blueberries.

Mother’s Day dinner ideas

If you’re planning a Mother’s Day dinner, you’ll want to choose something Mom doesn’t always get. Make sure to think about her favorite foods and consider whether she has any dietary restrictions. Planning a whole dinner around her preferences will show her that you really care.

27. Grilled lamb chops

Lamb is something you usually don’t get unless it’s a special occasion, and there’s nothing more special than a dinner celebrating Mom, making this the perfect main dish. Treat her taste buds with a symphony of herbs and spices. The char from the grill adds a smoky depth while the succulent interior of the tender lamb melts in your mouth.

28. Chicken and dumplings

This soul-soothing dish is basically a warm hug in a bowl. This elevated comfort food features tender chicken pieces in a creamy broth with soft, pillowy dumplings.

29. Shrimp Alfredo

There’s no need to make a reservation to enjoy this Italian favorite. Juicy shrimp is bathed in a velvety Alfredo sauce atop a bed of pasta. The rich, creamy sauce, infused with garlic and Parmesan, creates a combo that's both elegant and satisfying.

30. Apple-glazed pork chops

Give Mom a sweet and savory surprise with these smoky apple-glazed pork chops. The caramelized apple glaze is infused with a hint of smoky undertones to create a tantalizing contrast to the tender, juicy pork.

31. Garlic butter broiled lobster tail

If Mom is a seafood lover, you can’t go wrong with a broiled lobster tail. Succulent lobster meat is bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, then broiled to perfection. Serve it as a main dish or alongside a nice piece of steak. 

32. Creamy chicken risotto with fresh herbs

Thanks to a medley of fresh herbs, this creamy chicken risotto is a symphony of textures and flavors. For a delicious and delicate dish that radiates warmth and love, this is a great pick for Mother’s Day dinner.

33. Manicotti shells with spinach and cheese

If your mom loves Italian food, this recipe will be a hit. Stuffed pasta shells cradle a creamy blend of spinach and ricotta cheese, baked to golden perfection in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is a testament to the power of simple ingredients, making a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for a family celebration in honor of Mom.

H3: 34. Citrus-glazed salmon

This salmon dish features a tangy citrus glaze with lemon and orange zest. It’s a burst of sunshine, resulting in a flavorful meal that's both elegant and satisfying for Mother’s Day dinners.

35. Filet mignon

Whenever you’re planning a fancy dinner, filet mignon is always a great choice. Tender, buttery-soft filet mignon lets you present Mom with the epitome of steakhouse perfection. Try topping it with a pepper cream sauce to create a truly memorable dish.

36. Cranberry chicken salad

For a lighter Mother’s Day meal, try a refreshing twist on chicken salad with this cranberry and celery creation. This light and vibrant dish is also perfect for casual Mother's Day lunch ideas or picnics.

37. Chicken piccata

A classic Italian dish, chicken piccata is made with fried chicken cutlets, lemon butter and capers. Carmelized lemon slices and a silky sauce work together to elevate the experience. Enjoy it on its own or serve with veggies and a starch like pasta, rice or white beans to soak up the sauce.

38. Spinach ricotta stuffed shells

For a warm dish that's both comforting and exciting, unleash a burst of flavor with these stuffed shells. The large pasta shells are filled with a savory blend of ricotta, spinach and herbs, then baked in a rich tomato sauce. Substitute pasta for zucchini strips for a calorie-conscious tweak.

39. Roasted butternut squash

For a comforting and elegant side dish that's perfect for a special occasion like Mother's Day dinner, try this roasted butternut squash. The sweet, nutty squash is roasted to perfection, then drizzled with a rich maple glaze for a touch of autumnal warmth. 

40. Chicken pot pie

Serve up a slice of comfort with this hearty chicken pot pie. Tender chicken, savory vegetables and creamy gravy are encased in a flaky golden crust. The addition of potatoes makes this pot pie even more filling and satisfying — the perfect fit for a cozy Mother's Day dinner.

41. Chicken cordon bleu casserole

Chicken cordon bleu is a beloved classic, and it’s easy to see why. This casserole format blends layers of savory chicken and ham with melted Swiss cheese. Next, it’s baked to golden perfection in a creamy sauce. It all adds up to a comforting and impressive meal for Mom's special day.

Mother’s Day desserts

Whether you’re serving brunch or dinner, Mom will be delighted if you end the meal with a sweet treat. Here are a few creative Mother’s Day dessert ideas to consider.

42. Bakery-style maple bar donuts

Imagine the look on Mom's face when she bites into these indulgent bakery-style maple donut bars! Light and airy donut bar bases meet a glossy, rich maple glaze. Each bite is a sweet escape that transforms an ordinary moment into a true celebration.

43. Raspberry cheesecake

When it comes to Mother’s Day desserts, it’s hard to beat this creamy and dreamy raspberry cheesecake. The velvety, tangy filling sits atop a buttery graham cracker crust, uniting for a sweet serenade.

44. Lemon bars

Want to brighten Mom's day with a dessert that has a burst of sunshine in every bite? Try these zesty lemon bars. The buttery shortbread crust is the perfect partner for the tangy, sweet lemon filling.

45. Fruit trifle with sponge cake

In this recipe, delicate sponge cake, creamy custard and colorful layers of fresh fruit create a visually stunning dessert. Dig in and enjoy how each spoonful delivers a delightful medley of sweetness.

46. Key lime pie bars

Transport Mom to a tropical paradise with these key lime pie bars. A tangy key lime filling is nestled in a crisp graham cracker crust, creating a refreshing and unique dessert with bright citrus notes.

47. Fruit salad with honey lime dressing

Even if Mom is watching what she eats, you can still give her a sweet treat. Try making a fruit salad with a colorful medley of strawberries, grapes, kiwi, pineapple and blueberries. Top with lime juice, honey, poppy seeds, salt and pepper for a bright end to a perfect Mother’s Day. 

48. Tiramisu

For a rich and flavorful vegan treat, try out this tiramisu recipe. Layers of coffee goodness rest between delicate ladyfingers in this traditional Italian dessert to create a decadent masterpiece. It requires overnight prep, but it’s well worth the wait.

49. Cinnamon roll monkey bread

This monkey bread is a delicious dessert that is extremely easy to make. It’s made with canned cinnamon roll dough, sugar, butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Although it’s super simple, it tastes incredible. Each pull-apart piece brings a warm and gooey burst of cinnamon-spiced sweetness.

50. Dark chocolate cake with chocolate ganache

Indulge Mom's chocolate cravings with this decadent dark chocolate cake. The velvety chocolate ganache adds a luxurious layer that caps off a thoughtful meal she’ll never forget.

51. Dark chocolate tart

In this sophisticated French-inspired dessert recipe, a buttery, flaky crust cradles a rich, intense dark chocolate filling. For extra flair, garnish it with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce to complement the bittersweet notes of the dark chocolate.

Start planning your special Mother's Day meal

When Mother’s Day rolls around, you’ll want to spend some time pampering the special mom in your life. With Instacart, it’s easy to try out great Mother’s Day food ideas without wasting time at the grocery store. By getting your groceries delivered right to your doorstep, you might even have enough extra time to book Mom a massage and clean up the house!