Make-Ahead Breakfast Ideas
Start the morning on the right foot with any of these scrumptious make-ahead breakfast and brunch recipes. Each one is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for when you have guests.
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Fruit, Nut, and Brown Sugar Freezer Oatmeal Cups
Don't settle for cold cereal when you're craving a warm bowl of oatmeal. Instead, think ahead, and make these oatmeal cups (complete with toppings) in advance. Then just heat them up in the microwave!
- Start to Finish:
- 6 hrs 22 mins
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Overnight Breakfast Pie
Prep this loaded breakfast casserole the night before, then bake in the morning before your hungry crowd arrives at the table. With bacon, eggs, hash browns, and cheese, this savory pie combines all of our favorite breakfast ingredients into one scrumptious bite.
- Start to Finish:
- 3 hrs 10 mins
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Orange-Honey Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are always a delicious and easy go-to breakfast on busy mornings. Prep and chill the night before, then just add your favorite toppers (we recommend strawberries, coconut, and orange zest) and go.
- Start to Finish:
- 12 hrs 15 mins
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Nutty Chocolate Chip Pancakes
You can never go wrong with chocolate pancakes at breakfast, but making them one at a time on your griddle can be time-consuming. That's where these make-ahead pancakes come in. You can freeze them for up to 2 months, so you'll never be without a pancake when cravings kick in.
- Start to Finish:
- 35 mins
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Carrot Breakfast Cookies
Ideal for grabbing on your way out the door, this make-ahead recipe lets you have dessert for breakfast (but in a healthy way). We promise you won't notice the shredded carrots and zucchini—especially once you mix in cranberries, pecans, and brown sugar.
- Start to Finish:
- 32 mins
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Chicken Breakfast Burritos
Not only did we manage to turn the burrito into a make-ahead meal, but we also upgraded it to breakfast food with eggs and hash browns. If you're skeptical about chicken for breakfast, you can also swap in ham, pork sausage, or bacon.
- Start to Finish:
- 45 mins
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Bacon-Mushroom Quiche with Gruyere and Thyme
Decadent Gruyere cheese and bacon combine with fresh mushrooms and thyme to create a full-flavor filling surrounded by a flaky piecrust for the ultimate make-ahead breakfast.
- Start to Finish:
- 5 hrs 27 mins
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Make-Ahead Ginger-Pear Scones
These yummy scones can be made then frozen up to two months in advance. Don't you want to be known as the person who always has scones on hand?
- Start to Finish:
- 38 mins
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Blueberry Surprise French Toast Casserole
The secret to this blueberry-studded breakfast casserole is pockets of luscious, melty cream cheese. Top it off with your favorite breakfast syrup for a sweet finish.
- Start to Finish:
- 3 hrs 25 mins
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Cranberry-Orange Tea Ring
Simple scissor work is all it takes to give this gorgeous tea ring its unique look. A final drizzle of orange-flecked icing makes it irresistible.
- Start to Finish:
- 2 hrs 15 mins
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No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Bites
Not only are these peanut butter bites easy to make, they're also easy to grab on the go. Thanks to rolled oats and PB, they'll keep you full for a while, too.
- Start to Finish:
- 1 hr 20 mins
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Poblano-Chorizo Strata
Sausage, poblano peppers, and oregano flavor this colorful Mexican-style dish. A sprinkling of queso fresco adds a delicious finishing touch.
- Start to Finish:
- 3 hrs 50 mins
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Potato Cinnamon Rolls
The day before you're making a big breakfast, prep these gourmet cinnamon rolls. The next morning, it's just as easy as baking the store-bought kind—but they taste better.
- Start to Finish:
- 2 hrs 45 mins
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Spicy Apricot and Sausage Braid
This beautiful braided bread is worth a little extra effort for the tender, spicy-sweet results. It makes an exciting addition to your brunch buffet or a hearty snack for holiday guests.
- Start to Finish:
- 4 hrs 50 mins
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Peach-Prosciutto Cornmeal Muffins
Chopped peaches and prosciutto add a distinct sweet and salty twist to the classic cornmeal muffin. For added sweetness, serve them with honey or peach preserves; if you prefer a saltier flavor, serve with butter.
- Start to Finish:
- 54 mins
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Caramelized Onion Breakfast Casserole
Hosting a brunch? Make this pretty and delicious casserole the night before. With sourdough bread and crumbled bacon on top, your guests will eat it right up.
- Start to Finish:
- 3 hrs 20 mins
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Overnight Cranberry Coffee Cake
Tart, citrusy, and buttery, this slightly crumbly cake is perfect when paired with coffee for breakfast. Pecans or walnuts work in place of almonds, if you prefer.
- Start to Finish:
- 3 hrs 30 mins
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Baked Apple-Spice Donuts
Shredded apple, spices, and a dusting of cinnamon-sugar give these donuts fabulous fall flavor. And because they’re baked and not fried, you can indulge without guilt.
- Start to Finish:
- 2 hrs 50 mins
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Ham Souffle Roll
The souffle is spread in a shallow pan and baked, then topped with ham and cheese and rolled into a spiral. The result is an elegant brunch entree that’s sure to impress.
- Start to Finish:
- 3 hrs 55 mins
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Spicy Brunch Lasagna
Layer upon rich, decadent layer of sausage, cheese, pasta, potatoes, and creamy Alfredo sauce will satisfy even the largest appetite. If you have any chives or green onion left over, sprinkle them on top for a fresh garnish and a pop of color.
- Start to Finish:
- 10 hrs 15 mins
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Baked Oatmeal
Baking fruit-filled oatmeal is an excellent way to use up any leftover fruit in the house. Don’t worry about which fruits work together best—any combination is delicious in this recipe.
- Start to Finish:
- 1 hr
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Caramel-Pecan French Toast
Gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and tender bread are an unforgettable taste sensation for anyone with a sweet tooth at breakfast.
- Start to Finish:
- 3 hrs
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Baked Denver Strata
The classic Denver omelet is transformed into a one-dish meal complete with veggies, meat, English muffins, cheese, and, of course, eggs. Serve with a side of your favorite fresh fruit to hit all the food groups.
- Start to Finish:
- 1 hr 10 mins
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Easy Chocolate-Almond Croissants
Chocolate croissants are a staple at any pastry counter. You'll quickly discover you can create an equally delicious treat at home in a jiffy with this shortcut make-ahead version.
- Start to Finish:
- 40 mins
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Next Slideshow Instagram-Worthy Breakfast Bowls You Can Make at Home
Instagram-Worthy Breakfast Bowls You Can Make at Home
Sweet or savory, hot or cold, breakfast is better when served in a bowl. Fill it up with hearty, healthy, and delicious ingredients for a breakfast bowl recipe that's satisfying and nutritious. You'll start your day with your best foot forward--and maybe even get an Instagram out of the breakfast recipe.Begin Slideshow »