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  5. 30 Make-Ahead Breakfast Ideas That Will Have You Jumping Out of Bed

30 Make-Ahead Breakfast Ideas That Will Have You Jumping Out of Bed

By Karla Walsh
Updated March 15, 2019
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Start smart with these scrumptious make-ahead breakfast recipes that take next to no effort come morning. Each of these make-ahead breakfast burritos, prep-earlier casseroles, make-ahead breakfast sandwiches, and more are crowd-pleasers, perfect for when guests swing by.
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Blueberry and Mascarpone-Stuffed French Toast Casserole

Credit: Blaine Moats
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Put baguettes to brilliant use in this French toast-breakfast casserole mash-up. Each slice gets layered with sweetened berry-studded mascarpone cheese then coated in a cinnamon-y custard. Chill overnight to allow all the flavors to meld, then bake for about an hour as you get ready for the day ahead.

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Mini Quiches

Credit: Blaine Moats
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How cute are these bite-size quiches?! This is shortcut make-ahead breakfast can be adjusted for vegetarians (skip the meat), Mediterranean diet followers (add shrimp), or picky eaters (toss in bacon). The night before, make the pastry cups and egg filling. In the morning fill the cups and bake for 15 minutes.

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Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole

Credit: Blueberry Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast R271311
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This savory-sweet make-ahead breakfast casserole chills overnight in the fridge. So you have more time in the morning for beauty sleep and mixing mimosas. For the final flourish, dust on powdered sugar at the table.

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Sausage and Potato Mini Egg Bakes

Credit: Carson Downing
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Pop one or two of the hash brown, turkey sausage, and egg bakes into separate parchment paper packages so you can reheat and eat throughout the week. If you’re craving more carbs, stuff one between a toasted English muffin or sandwich thin for a make-ahead breakfast sandwich.

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Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

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Caramel apples are A-OK to eat at times other than fall and other than dessert! This make-ahead breakfast for a crowd combines our marvelous mashed potato cinnamon roll recipe with caramel rolls and brown butter-laced apples. There’s no way you can go wrong with that ingredient combo! Form and chill the rolls up to 24 hours, thaw at room temp for 30 minutes, then bake for half an hour.

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Chocolate-Banana French Toast Bake

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Calling all Nutella fans! Here’s a ridiculously rich make-ahead breakfast casserole that will cure your cravings while supplying a serving of fruit. All you need is 20 minutes of prep time, then cover and chill the casserole overnight. Pop it into the oven the morning for warm chocolate-hazelnut goodness.

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Peanut Butter-Banana Refrigerator Oatmeal

Credit: Karla Conrad
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Elvis would approve of this easy make-ahead breakfast. Peanut butter, banana, bacon—the gang’s all here—alongside nutrition superstars such as yogurt, oats, and flax. Layer them in a Mason jar, set a spoon on the lid, and chill overnight for one of the most satisfying grab-and go meals ever. See ya, snack bar.

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Freezer Egg Sandwiches

Credit: Andy Lyons
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The freezer aisle is packed with products like this. But with only seven ingredients (plus nonstick spray and black pepper), you can devour homemade make-ahead breakfast sandwiches from your freezer. No weird additives or foreign sounding ingredients, just a scrambled egg mixture on a sandwich thin with cheese and Canadian bacon. Make and freeze for up to a month.

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Chilaquiles Breakfast Casserole

Credit: Blaine Moats
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Rather than wasting the extra tortilla chips in the restaurant basket, take them home as the foundation of this make-ahead breakfast casserole. (Or try our oil-brushed corn tortilla variation.) All of the chilaquile-layers can get piled on top of the tortillas before chilling except for the eggs that should be cracked in immediately before it goes into the oven.

  • Casseroles are great make-aheads! See our breakfast casserole collection.

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Multicooker Yogurt

Credit: Jason Donnelly
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To jazz up any morning nosh (whether parfait or smoothie bowls), try this make-ahead breakfast. Employ the yogurt function on your Instant Pot or any multicooker, and you’ll have calcium-rich yogurt to scoop over the course of the next 2 weeks. If you prefer thicker Greek-style yogurt, strain in cheesecloth or a coffee filter for a few hours so the whey drips off.

  • Follow our Test Kitchen’s step-by-step secrets for Instant Pot yogurt.

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Fruit, Nut, and Brown Sugar Freezer Oatmeal Cups

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Don't settle for cold cereal when you're craving a warm bowl of oatmeal. With a little planning, these individually portioned oatmeal cups (complete with toppings) will be ready to microwave whenever the craving hits. 

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Overnight Breakfast Pie

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Prep this loaded make-ahead 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. For a color and nutrition boost, serve with a side of fruit salad.

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Orange-Honey Overnight Oats

Credit: Helen Norman
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Overnight oats are a nutritious and simple choice on busy mornings. Prepare and chill the island-inspired make-ahead breakfast the night before. In the morning, add your favorite toppers. (We recommend strawberries, coconut, and orange zest.) Ready, set, go about your day!

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Nutty Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Credit: Jason Donnelly
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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 do-ahead pancakes come in. You can freeze them for up to 2 months, so you'll never be without a short stack when cravings strike.

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Carrot Breakfast Cookies

Credit: Blaine Moats
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Ideal for grabbing on your way out the door, this make-ahead breakfast recipe lets you have dessert first (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. Feeling decadent? Drizzle the breakfast cookies with honey-sweetened yogurt.

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Chicken Breakfast Burritos

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There’s no reason to hit the drive-through window when you’ve already rolled up a healthier make-ahead breakfast burrito and have it chilling in the fridge. Eggs, hash browns, chicken, and cheese are ready to be gobbled up after just 60 seconds in the microwave. Skeptical about chicken for breakfast? Swap in ham, pork sausage, or bacon.

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Cranberry-Orange Tea Ring

Credit: Blaine Moats
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Simple scissor work is all it takes to give this gorgeous tea ring its unique look. The make-ahead breakfast recipe is even more irresistible after a drizzle of orange-flecked icing and when you know that it uses frozen sweet roll dough for a no-sweat recipe. Get it oven-ready on a pan and allow it to rise as guests stream in. Once fully puffed, bake for 20 minutes, drizzle, and devour.

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No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Bites

Credit: Andy Lyons
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Not only are these peanut butter bites simple to make, but they're also a cinch to grab on the go. They'll keep you full for a while, too, because rolled oats and PB are in the mix. Painlessly adapt this easy make-ahead breakfast for gluten-free diners by opting for GF vanilla and oats.

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Make-Ahead Ginger-Pear Scones

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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? Ina Garten would be so proud.

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Bacon-Mushroom Quiche with Gruyere and Thyme

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This might be the ultimate make-ahead breakfast. Decadent Gruyère cheese and bacon combine with fresh mushrooms and thyme to create a full-flavor filling in a flaky piecrust. Assemble and parcook the quiche 2 to 24 hours before brunch, then cook for the final 10 minutes as guests start their first cup of coffee.

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Potato Cinnamon Rolls

Credit: Karla Conrad
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The day before you're hosting a gathering, prep these gourmet cinnamon rolls. The next morning, they are as easy as baking the store-bought kind. But they taste better. Everyone will beg for the secret that helps this make-ahead breakfast stay so light and tender. (Psst...it’s mashed potatoes.)

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Blueberry Surprise French Toast Casserole

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The secret to this blueberry make-ahead breakfast casserole is pockets of luscious, melty cream cheese. Top it off with your favorite breakfast syrup for a sweet finish. An overnight sit lets the bread cubes absorb the custard.

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Peach-Prosciutto Cornmeal Muffins

Credit: Andy Lyons
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Muffins are an ideal easy make-ahead breakfast option. Savor the flavor of summer with chopped peaches, plus prosciutto. The pair 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, spread with butter.

  • Use your pan for more than muffins!

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Caramelized Onion Breakfast Casserole

Credit: Blaine Moats
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Hosting a brunch? Build this colorful and craveable casserole the night before. Sourdough bread and crumbled bacon on top mean your guests will eat the make-ahead breakfast casserole the moment it’s finished its 40-minute appointment in the oven.

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Overnight Cranberry Coffee Cake

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Tart, citrusy, and buttery, this slightly crumbly cake is perfect when paired with coffee.  Construct the make-ahead breakfast casserole and topping up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate separately. About 15 minutes before the shift in the oven, sprinkle the topping evenly over the coffee cake.

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Baked Apple-Spice Donuts

Credit: Andy Lyons
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Shredded apple, spices, and a dusting of cinnamon-sugar give these donuts fabulous fall flavor. It’s like we’re giving you permission to eat apple pie before noon with this make-ahead breakfast! And because they’re baked and not fried, you can indulge without guilt. Don your apron after dinner to prepare a batch. In the morning, slip into your slippers to pop them into the oven.

  • Bake 15 more delightful donut recipes.

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Ham Soufflé Roll

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Now you’re on a roll. The soufflé is spread in a shallow pan and baked, then topped with ham and cheese and rolled into a spiral. The result is an elegant make-ahead breakfast for a crowd that’s sure to impress. It looks tricky—and admittedly, does take some time—but everything besides the final bake can occur well before anyone knocks at the door.

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Spicy Brunch Lasagna

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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 around, sprinkle them on top for a fresh garnish and a pop of color. You can prepare this entire make-ahead breakfast casserole in advance (yes, oven time too), then cover and refrigerate until it’s time to reheat it—all at once or slice by slice.

  • Try lasagna for dinner next.

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Baked Oatmeal

Credit: Andy Lyons
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Baking fruit-filled oatmeal is an excellent way to use up bananas, berries, mangoes, and more. Don’t worry about which fruits work together best. Any combination is delicious atop this easy make-ahead breakfast. Stir it together (sans fruit), pour into a casserole dish, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Come morning, bake the oatmeal recipe for 20 minutes, top with fruit, and bake for a final 20.

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Poblano-Chorizo Strata