73 Breakfast Tailgate Foods to Get You Ready for the Big Game

Mini Sausage Quiches

These bite-sized quiches are loaded with sausage and cheese, plus their crescent roll base makes preparation a breeze. Serve the cute “muffinettes” at any brunch or potluck gathering. —Jan Mead, Milford, Connecticut

Overnight Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

Recipes that don't tie me to the kitchen—that’s what I’m all about. I make this luscious dish the night before breakfast or brunch with guests. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania

Amish Breakfast Casserole

We enjoyed hearty breakfast casseroles during a visit to an Amish inn. When I asked for a recipe, one of the women told me the ingredients right off the top of her head. I modified it a bit to create this version that my family loves. —Beth Notaro, Kokomo, Indiana

Sausage Bacon Bites

These tasty morsels are perfect with almost any egg dish or as finger food that party guests can just pop into their mouths. Try them as an accompaniment to fondue. —Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio

Breakfast Sausage Bread

Any time we take this savory, satisfying bread to a potluck, it goes over very well. We never bring any home. My husband generally makes this bread and prides himself on the beautiful golden loaves. —Shirley Caldwell, Northwood, Ohio

Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins

Back when my children were youngsters, they loved these doughnut muffins as after-school treats or with Sunday brunch. —Sharon Pullen, Alvinston, Ontario

Zippy Praline Bacon

We live on a lake and have many overnight guests, so I serve brunch often. I'm always looking for recipes to enhance the usual bacon and eggs. My husband came home from a men's breakfast raving about this praline bacon. Just be sure to make more than you think you might need...everybody wants seconds. —Myrt Pflannkuche, Pell City, Alabama

BLT Waffle Sliders

Craving a BLT for breakfast? Try a deliciously different version that features crisp bacon and fresh tomatoes between two golden cornmeal waffles. Prepare the waffles ahead of time and reheat in the toaster for quick assembly. —Stacy Joura, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania.

Apple Butter Biscuit Breakfast Bake

My grandmother created this recipe to use up the leftovers from Christmas Eve dinner. By combining leftover ham and biscuits with milk, eggs and her homemade apple butter, she served us all a warm, delicious breakfast and still was able to spend with her grandchildren. —Marty Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina

Slow-Cooker Breakfast Burritos

Prep these tasty, hearty burritos the night before for a quick breakfast in the morning or let them cook while you are away on a weekend afternoon for an easy supper. —Anna Miller, Churdan, Iowa

Overnight Fruit Salad

I first tasted this rich, old-fashioned fruit salad at my wedding reception many years ago. The ladies who did the cooking wouldn't share the recipe at the time, but eventually I got it. I've made it for many meals, and our daughters copied the recipe when they married. —Eileen Duffeck, Lena, Wisconsin

Sausage and Egg Casserole

For the perfect combination of eggs, sausage, bread and cheese, this is the dish to try. My mom and I like this sausage breakfast casserole because it bakes up tender and golden, slices beautifully and goes over well whenever we serve it. —Gayle Grigg, Phoenix, Arizona

Country Potato Pancakes

These potato pancakes are really versatile. They can be a side dish for just about any meal or the main course for a light meal. Potato pancakes go particularly well with pork. We have them often at our house. —Lydia Robotewskyj, Franklin, Wisconsin

Broccoli-Mushroom Bubble Bake

I got bored with the same old breakfast casseroles I'd see at our monthly moms' meetings, so I decided to create something new. Judging by the reactions of the other moms, I think I have a winner. —Shannon Koene, Blacksburg, Virginia

Chicken & Waffles

My first experience with this dish sent my taste buds into orbit. I first made this chicken and waffles recipe into appetizers, but we all love them as a main course, too. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri

Raisin Bread & Sausage Morning Casserole

When we used to have Sunday breakfasts with my grandparents, my mom often made this for grandpa because he enjoyed it so much. Pork sausage and cinnamon bread taste surprisingly good together. —Carolyn Levan, Dixon, Illinois

Homemade Breakfast Sausage Patties

Buttermilk is the secret ingredient that keeps these pork patties moist, while a blend of seasonings creates a wonderful taste. —Harvey Keeney, Mandan, North Dakota

Fruity Orange Dream

I learned this recipe from a fellow teacher when I was living in West Virginia. It's a standout for a morning party, since it's even better when made the night before, so the flavors have time to mix. Plus, kids love it—it tastes like a Creamsicle in a bowl! —Georgeanna Wellings, Dacula, Georgia

Cranberry Cream Cheese French Toast

My friend makes this French toast bake with blueberries, but I make mine with cranberry sauce. Either way, it’s divine. It makes a great brunch dish for Christmas morning. —Sandie Heindel, Liberty, Missouri

Sweet Potato Pancakes with Cinnamon Cream

Topped with a rich cinnamon cream, these pancakes are an ideal dish for celebrating the tastes and aromas of fall. —Tammy Rex, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania

Spicy Breakfast Lasagna

It’s fun to cook up something new for family and friends—especially when it gets rave reviews. When I took this dish to our breakfast club at work, people said it really woke up their taste buds! —Guthrie Torp Jr., Highland Ranch, Colorado

Puff Pastry Danishes

Even though they're simple to make, these jam-filled pastries are right at home in a holiday brunch spread. They were my dad's favorite, so the recipe will always be close to my heart. —Chellie Helmke, Jackson Center, Ohio

Ham 'n' Cheese Omelet Roll

This brunch dish has easy ingredients and an impressive look all rolled into one! I love hosting brunch, and this special omelet roll is one of my very favorite items to prepare and share. A platter of these pretty swirled slices disappears fast. —Nancy Daugherty, Portland, Ohio

Caramelized Bacon Twists

A friend gave me this recipe to use at a bridal shower brunch, and the sweet chewy bacon strips were a big hit. Lining the pan with foil before baking helps cut down on cleanup. —Jane Paschke, University Park, Florida

Egg Baskets Benedict

A little puff pastry turns Canadian bacon and eggs into a tasty update on eggs Benedict. We use a packaged hollandaise or cheese sauce for the finish. —Sally Jackson, Fort Worth, Texas

Cranberry-Apple French Toast

My husband's breakfast club at work raves about this make-ahead French toast. Pop it in the oven in the morning to get your day off to a sweet, bubbly start. —Mara Faulkner, Martinsburg, West Virginia

Bacon Swiss Squares

Not only does this savory breakfast pizza come together easily, but it's also a cinch to double the ingredients when I'm hosting a large event. Biscuit mix makes it convenient, and the combination of eggs, bacon and Swiss cheese keeps guests coming back for more. —Agarita Vaughan, Fairbury, Illinois

Chiles Rellenos Breakfast Bake

My family loves anything with a Southwestern flavor, so I turned classic chiles rellenos into a breakfast casserole. They became fans in an instant. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Coastal Carolina Muffin-Tin Frittatas

Incorporating the flavors of a low country South Carolina crab boil, these tasty frittatas are easy to make and fun to eat. If you have leftover cooked potatoes (roasted or boiled), try dicing them and substituting them for the refrigerated shredded potatoes in this recipe. —Shannon Kohn, Summerville, South Carolina

Maple Bacon French Toast Bake

Our family loves Sunday brunch. Each season I try to bring a little different flavor to the table. This French toast bake reminds us of fall. Whole or 2% milk works best, but I use regular almond milk because I can't have dairy and it works, too! —Peggie Brott, Milford, Kansas

Ham 'n' Cheese Quiche

When I was expecting our daughter, I made and froze this cheesy ham quiche as well as several other dishes. After her birth, it was nice to have dinner in the freezer when my husband and I were too tired to cook. —Christena Palmer, Green River, Wyoming

Sunrise Sausage Enchiladas

These delicious enchiladas are equally good made with cubed ham. Prepare ahead, refrigerate and bake when ready for a convenient breakfast twist. —Deb LeBlanc, Phillipsburg, Kansas

Jelly Doughnuts

There's no need to run to the bakery for delicious jelly doughnuts! These sweet treats are lighter than air. I've been fixing them for 25 years for my husband, our two daughters and their families. They disappear almost as fast as I make them. —Kathy Westendorf, Westgate, Iowa

Cheesy Sausage Potatoes

For a satisfying brunch, try some sausage and potatoes! I never have to worry about leftovers with these tasty potatoes—everyone loves them and the pan always empties. You can also serve these as a side dish at Sunday supper or for potlucks. —Linda Hill, Marseilles, Illinois

Festive Cranberry Fruit Salad

This fruit salad is a tradition on my Christmas table. It goes together quickly, which is a plus on such a busy day. —Rousheen Arel Wolf, Delta Junction, Alaska

Green Chile Quiche Squares

Chiles add spark to this cheesy quiche. You can vary the flavor based on the kind of croutons you buy. I like to serve fresh fruit on the side. —Connie Willson, Huntington Beach, California

Sweet Potato-Cranberry Doughnuts

I grew up near Idaho, which is famous for spudnuts, a doughnut made from mashed potatoes. I reworked a recipe using sweet potatoes and cranberries to come up with this variation. I like to serve them for dessert. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California

Stuffing & Sausage Strata

We are major stuffing fans, so we use it in this sausage strata. If you have leftover turkey, try it as a substitute for the sausage. —Elizabeth Ray, Corona, California

Warm 'n' Fruity Breakfast Cereal

Sleepyheads will love the heartiness of this nutritious cooked cereal with cinnamon. It's loaded with chopped fruit and nuts. Eat it with plain yogurt and sliced bananas or blueberries. —John Vale, Long Beach, Washington

Pigs in a Pool

My kids love sausages and pancakes but making them during the week was out of the question. I bought the frozen variety on a stick but wasn't keen on the calories, additives or price. This version of pigs-in-a-blanket is a tasty, thrifty alternative. —Lisa Dodd, Greenville, South Carolina

Spicy Sausage & Apple Overnight Casserole

For many years I’ve hosted Mother’s Day brunch. One year I didn’t make this delightfully spicy casserole and thought the family would toss me from my own house! —Dawn Vance, Geneva, Illinois

Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole

Here's a breakfast casserole that is very easy on the cook. I can make it the night before and it's ready in the morning. It's the perfect recipe when I have weekend guests. —Ella Stutheit, Las Vegas, Nevada

Baked Banana French Toast

This easy overnight recipe makes a delightful breakfast or brunch entrée. The flavor is reminiscent of banana pudding, so I’ve also served it for dessert.—Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey

Beef, Potato & Egg Bake

To keep my family going strong throughout the day, I start with lean ground beef and spices, then sneak some spinach into this protein-packed dish. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas

Grits & Sausage Casserole

You could call this the "so good casserole" because that's what people say when they try it. It's a Southern specialty.—Marie Poppenhager, Old Town, Florida

Cheesy Egg Puffs

My father loves to entertain, and these buttery egg delights are one of his favorite items to serve at brunch. The leftovers are perfect to reheat in the microwave on busy mornings, so Dad always stashes a few aside for me to take home once the party is over. —Amy Soto, Winfield, Kansas

Italian Sausage Egg Bake

This hearty entree warms up any breakfast or brunch menu with its herb-seasoned flavor. —Darlene Markham, Rochester, New York

Hash Brown Egg Breakfast

I love this hearty slow cooker breakfast dish. It's great for potlucks because it's easy to carry and always popular.—Nancy Marion, Frostproof, Florida

Orange Dream Pull-Apart Bread

My baking therapy is to make treats for friends and co-workers. This pull-apart bread makes everyone smile as they face a busy day. —Vickie Friday Martin, Scroggins, Texas

Breakfast Enchilada Casserole

In our women's group, we take turns making brunch. I was tired of the same casseroles, so I created this breakfast enchilada casserole. The recipe requests keep coming. —Julia Huntington, Cheyenne, Wyoming

Sweet Potato Dumplings with Caramel Sauce

When family stays over after a holiday dinner, we make sweet potato dumplings, bacon and eggs for breakfast. Later, we even serve dumplings for dessert. —Mary Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina

Cheddar-Ham Oven Omelet

We had a family reunion for 50 relatives from the U.S. and Canada, and it took four pans of this hearty five-ingredient omelet to feed the crowd. Fresh fruit and an assortment of muffins helped round out our brunch menu. —Betty Abrey, Imperial, Saskatchewan

Scrambled Egg Hash Brown Cups

They may look like muffins, but these cuties pack all your favorite rise-and-shine ingredients—eggs, hash browns and bacon—into a single-serving cup. Grab one and get munching. —Talon DiMare, Bullhead City, Arizona

Tomato, Sausage & Cheddar Bread Pudding

This savory dish is the perfect excuse to have bread pudding as the main meal, not merely afterward as dessert. — Holly Jones, Kennesaw, Georgia

Mustard Ham Strata

I had this at a bed-and-breakfast years ago. The owners were kind enough to give me the recipe, and I've made it many times since. —Dolores Zornow, Poynette, Wisconsin

Eggs Florentine Casserole

For our Christmas brunch, I make this variation on a classic eggs Florentine recipe, adding sausage and spinach to make a snappy casserole. Sometimes I mix in fresh peppers or green chiles, so play with it. —Karen Weekley, Washington, West Virginia

Hawaiian Bacon & Pineapple Breakfast Bake

Sweet meets savory in this fun twist on the typical breakfast casserole. It's great for parties and potlucks because you can make it the night before. —Katie Osborn, Toledo, Ohio

Chunky Breakfast Cookies

Who says cookies aren’t for breakfast? We devour these hearty oatmeal cookies, especially on the run. Add any dried fruits and nuts you have on hand. —Lea Langhoff, Round Lake, IL

Brunch Ham Enchiladas

When I'm expecting company for brunch, the menu often features this tried-and-true casserole. With ham, eggs and plenty of cheese, the enchiladas are flavorful, hearty and fun. And they're easy to assemble the day before. —Gail Sykora, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

Chicken Taco Quiche

I wanted to make a quiche but didn't want the usual flavors, so I used ingredients I had in my pantry and refrigerator to come up with this recipe. I was surprised at the great taste and how well the flavors came together. My neighbor asked for the recipe and had the same success! —Tamie Bradford, Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota

Blueberry Crunch Breakfast Bake

Blueberries in season make this a very special breakfast, but I find that frozen berries can work just as well. My grandmother used to make this with strawberries and I always loved to eat it at her house.—Marsha Ketaner, Henderson, Nevada

Slow-Cooked Big Breakfast

We make this during holidays or on mornings when we know we're going to have a busy day. You can substitute whatever vegetables your family prefers. It’s also good with steak. —Delisha Paris, Elizabeth Cty, North Carolina

Mini Ham Quiches

These quiches are delightful for brunch when you don’t want to fuss. Replace the ham with bacon, sausage, chicken or shrimp, or use chopped onion, red pepper or zucchini instead of olives. —Marilou Robinson, Portland, Oregon

Southwest Sausage Bake

This layered tortilla dish is not only delicious, but it’s a real time-saver because it’s put together the night before. The tomato slices provide a nice touch of color. I like to serve this crowd-pleasing casserole with muffins and fresh fruit. — Barbara Waddel, Lincoln, Nebraska

Make-Ahead Biscuits & Gravy Bake

Biscuits and gravy are usually prepared separately but served together. I created a way to bake them all at once in this scrumptious casserole. —Nancy Mcinnis, Olympia, Washington

Sausage & Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole

I made this tasty sausage and crescent roll breakfast casserole for a baby shower. It saved the day: Preparing it ahead gave me more time to finish decorating for the party. —Melody Craft, Conroe, Texas

Brunch Burritos

I like to use a second slow cooker to keep the tortillas warm and pliable when I serve these hearty burritos. Just place a clean wet cloth in the bottom, then cover it with foil and add your tortillas.—Beth Osburn, Levelland, Texas

Slow-Cooker Sausage & Waffle Bake

Here's an easy dish guaranteed to create excitement at the breakfast table! Nothing is missing from this sweet and savory combination. It's so wrong, it's right! —Courtney Lentz, Boston, Massachusetts

Apple-Sage Sausage Patties

Apple and sausage naturally go together. Add sage, and you’ve got some standout patties. They’re freezer friendly, so I make them ahead and grab when needed. —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia

Overnight Sausage and Grits

This recipe is so appealing because you can make it the night before and then pop it into the oven an hour before you want to eat. It works well as a side with pancakes or waffles, but you can also make it the main course for brunch events. —Susan Ham, Cleveland, Tennessee

Monte Cristo Casserole with Raspberry Sauce

My husband likes the ham and cheese sandwich known as the Monte Cristo. I based this casserole on the sandwich, and it makes a terrific brunch dish. —Mary Steiner, Parkville, Maryland