80 Make-Ahead Brunch Recipes

These make-ahead brunch recipes let you get a delicious meal on the table in record time.

Make-ahead brunch recipes are the pinnacle of decadence—prep the meal the day before, and when you wake up, all you have to do is make coffee and heat up your feast! While plenty of egg casseroles can be made ahead, as well as baked favorites like muffins and coffee cake, some other recipes may surprise you. Make-ahead oatmeal? Slow cooker French toast? Yes and yes. Bonus points for assembling a fruit salad.

1 / 80

Easy Breakfast Strata

This easy make-ahead brunch recipe is a classic for a reason. A savory mix of eggs and sausage gets tossed with cubed bread in a trusty 13×9 pan. Left in the fridge overnight, the bread absorbs some of the liquid, becoming almost melty and custardy. It only needs to bake 30 minutes in the morning, and breakfast is served.
2 / 80

Hash Brown Egg Bake

This recipe is just about as easy as tearing open a package of frozen hash browns! The savory, cheesy casserole is quick to put together. If you look for gluten-free hash browns, this recipe is an easy gluten-free breakfast, too!
3 / 80

Brunch Ham Enchiladas

These saucy, eggy enchiladas are a zippy twist on the usual plate of ham and eggs. Assemble the enchiladas the night before, and they’re quick to bake in the morning.
4 / 80

Pumpkin French Toast with Bacon Maple Syrup

Custard-y French toast tastes even better when made ahead, since the bread has more time to absorb liquid and soak up all the delicious flavors. This fall-themed French toast bake is rich with maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice, but you can modify it to suit more seasons: just replace the pumpkin with chopped fruit and the spices of your choice.
5 / 80

Breakfast Egg Muffins

While it’s easy to make scrambled eggs for one or two, it gets tricky when cooking for a crowd. These egg muffins are a perfect solution, serving up individual portions of egg and sausage from a muffin tin.
6 / 80

Spicy Breakfast Lasagna

Even a die-hard pasta aficionado may not have tried working noodles into breakfast—but this lasagna finally makes it possible! Slightly spicy, seriously cheesy and top-rated, this recipe is admittedly a labor of love. But, once it’s assembled, brunch is a cinch! Serve with cooling fruit, like sliced watermelon.
7 / 80

Apple Butter Biscuit Breakfast Bake

What’s even easier than a make-ahead meal? One that uses up leftover ingredients! This brunch bake calls for leftover biscuits, cooked ham and apple butter, making it ideal for baking after a holiday dinner. It’s one of our favorite Christmas casseroles.
8 / 80

Fruity Croissant Puff

Do you have a sweet tooth in the morning? Try this baked casserole, which transforms torn-up croissants, berries and cream cheese into a tender, delicious treat that tastes just like a fancy Danish.
9 / 80

The Best Ever Pancakes

Ready for a brilliant trick? You can make any pancake batter ahead of time: simple stir it together and leave in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just pre-heat the skillet, give the batter a quick stir and fry up the ‘cakes.
10 / 80

Pecan Chocolate Waffles

The same make-ahead trick works for waffle batter! Set it up the night before, and you’re only a quick visit to the waffle iron away from hot, lofty waffles. This waffle recipe is a chocolate lover’s dream.
11 / 80

Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats

This yummy oatmeal recipe tastes like peanut butter banana bread! The trick to making oatmeal ahead is to prep it at night: the oats soften in the liquid, turning almost creamy. It’s a filling and healthy brunch recipe.
12 / 80

Breakfast Biscuit Cups

These savory biscuit cups are easy-peasy to set up ahead of time. Make sure you have enough room in the fridge to store the muffin tray, or just refrigerate the prepped biscuit mix in the bowl and scoop in the morning. Leftovers freeze nicely.
13 / 80

Raisin Nut Oatmeal

Few breakfasts are cozier (or healthier) than a warm bowl of oatmeal. This recipe tastes especially creamy, even though it’s made with nonfat milk. Use a good non-dairy milk to make this recipe vegan. A long simmer in the slow cooker turns the oats super-silky, while apple and raisins add natural sweetness.
14 / 80

Mushroom Asparagus Quiche

Quiche is the perfect brunch food: savory, rich and just as good served early in the morning as later in the day. Preparing the quiche ahead of time ensures a rich, savory flavor and a perfectly set filling. Serve cold or gently warmed up.
15 / 80

Italian Apricot-Pancetta Strata

This top-rated brunch recipe is the perfect balance of savory and sweet. A classic strata (an Italian bread-and-egg casserole) is jazzed up with an array of delicious fillings (totally customizable, of course). Think pancetta, mushrooms, apricot preserves, three kinds of cheese and a sprinkle of nuts.
16 / 80

Make-Ahead Biscuits & Gravy Bake

Ah, biscuits and gravy, the ultimate Southern comfort food! Making delicious homemade gravy is simple, but does take careful timing, which can be tricky before the coffee kicks in. Prep the recipe the day before and that’s no longer an issue!
17 / 80

Can’t-Eat-Just-One Cinnamon Rolls

One of our favorite big breakfast bakes, these cinnamon rolls set up in a 13×9 pan ahead of time and bake quickly in the morning. Bake them alongside an egg casserole for a sweet and savory brunch.
18 / 80

Farmer’s Casserole

Feeding a crowd for brunch? Serve this delicious, hearty breakfast casserole—it’s one of our most popular breakfast recipes ever!
19 / 80

Whole Wheat Pancakes

Make baked goods a bit healthier (and more filling) by using whole wheat flour. These pancakes are a great way to get kids used to the stronger flavor of whole wheat (syrup is a great persuader, too).
20 / 80

Cheesy Bacon and Grits Casserole

The warm, savory flavor of grits is the backbone of this hearty brunch casserole. While bacon, cheese and corn add ample flavor to the dish, you can also add chopped peppers, chives or spinach. This is another naturally gluten-free brunch recipe.
21 / 80

Bananas Foster Baked French Toast

Is it a dessert or breakfast? It’s both, and it’s delicious! Setting up the French toast ahead of time gives the bread plenty of time to soak up the yummy spiced milk.
22 / 80

Spicy Sausage Hash Browns

Here’s another delicious brunch to make in the slow cooker. A little bit spicy, a little bit savory and extremely cozy, these hash browns are perfect for a winter brunch.
23 / 80

Reuben and Rye Strata

Reuben lovers, this one is for you! Make this rye bread-based casserole on St. Patrick’s Day (or any day of the year).
24 / 80

Air-Fryer Sausage Bacon Bites

These tempting savory bites are irresistible—especially if you’ve done the work of prepping them the night before! One of our favorite air-fryer breakfasts, they’ll only take about 15 minutes to cook, filling the house with the delicious smell of bacon.
25 / 80

Sticky Cinnamon-Sugar Monkey Bread

Prep this incredible pull-apart bread in advance—the dough will rise slowly in the fridge overnight, developing plenty of flavor. The cooked sauce is melty, sticky and fabulous. Add chopped nuts, if you like.
26 / 80

Ham & Cheddar Breakfast Casserole

Ham and cheese is one of those perfect flavor combinations. This brunch recipe calls for a full dozen eggs, making it perfect for feeding a crowd.
27 / 80

Strawberry Overnight Oats

Looking for a healthy brunch recipe? Try this mild, sweet batch of overnight oats. Whole grain oats, jammy strawberries and protein-filled chia seeds add plenty of flavor and nutrition.
28 / 80

Cheddar and Chorizo Strata

Like all strata recipes, this one is extremely flexible. Don’t have cheddar? Try pepper jack for extra heat, or mozzarella for a meltier vibe. Frozen kale or broccoli can replace the spinach. You get the idea!
29 / 80

Raspberry Coconut French Toast Slow-Cooker Style

Want to make brunch without dirtying a sink-full of dishes? Prepare this French toast right in your slow-cooker crock, refrigerate overnight and pop straight into the cooker in the morning.
30 / 80

Green Chile Brunch Bake

Smoky green chiles are a delicious Southwestern food that’s perfect for those who love chile flavor but not necessarily a wallop of heat. Leftovers are great any time of day.
31 / 80

Make-Ahead Eggs Benedict Toast Cups

Traditional eggs Benedict is a treat—and a labor of love to make. This easy make-ahead brunch recipe has all the flavor of eggs Benedict, but it comes together in just 30 minutes.
32 / 80

Buttermilk Buckwheat Pancakes

Whole grain buckwheat has an earthy, mild sweetness that tastes delicious with maple syrup. It’s also naturally gluten-free. Whisk together the batter the night before for easy pancakes in the morning.
33 / 80

Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

Overnight oats usually feel like an on-the-go breakfast before work, not a special brunch. This recipe changes the game. It yields a rich, chocolaty bowl of oats to enjoy alongside orange juice and an egg bake.
34 / 80

Roasted Vegetable Strata

Want to eat up a surplus of zucchini? Try this veggie-packed strata. It’s a great way to get more vegetables onto the breakfast table.
35 / 80

Caramelized Bacon Twists

Set up a pan of bacon at night, and bake it in the morning alongside your breakfast casserole! This sweet-and-savory bacon recipe is a real treat.
36 / 80

Baked French Toast

This perfect French toast recipe is easy to tweak to the season and to what’s in your pantry. Try with French bread, brioche, challah or even cinnamon raisin bread. Any fruit works, from summer stone fruits to winter citrus.
37 / 80

Sausage & Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole

A tube of crescent rolls has a lot more uses than you might expect! Here, it transforms into a buttery, flaky casserole.
38 / 80

Slow-Cooker Doughnut Breakfast Bake

Have a box of cake doughnuts going stale? Make this yummy, rich breakfast bake. It’s definitely extravagant—make it for a birthday or special occasion!
39 / 80

Quiche Pastry Cups

If you keep pre-made puff pastry in the freezer, you’re never far from a delicious meal. This fancy-ish brunch recipe looks impressive, but it’s easy to put together in advance.
40 / 80

Vegetable Strata

Use up whatever veggies are in your garden or crisper drawer with this tasty strata. As a bonus, it’s a vegetarian brunch recipe!
41 / 80

Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

Want a delicious vegan brunch that will appeal to everyone at the table? Make these easy, hearty banana pancakes, made with wholesome whole grain wheat and oats.
42 / 80

Mediterranean Veggie Brunch Puff

Buttery, flaky croissants become delightfully squishy in this cheesy brunch recipe. Red peppers, feta and Greek salad dressing take the flavor in a Mediterranean direction, but you can switch up the fillings to suit your tastes.
43 / 80

Baked Blueberry-Mascarpone French Toast

This rich treat is a great fruit breakfast any time of year. Frozen blueberries make it simple to prep even if you haven’t been to the grocery store in a while, but you can also swap in whatever fresh berries you have on hand.
44 / 80

Slow-Cooker Frittata Provencal

Channel the sun-baked fields of France with this slow-cooker brunch recipe. With notes of thyme, goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, it’s like summer on a plate.
45 / 80

Hawaiian Bacon & Pineapple Breakfast Bake

Ham and pineapple hit all the right sweet and savory notes on a pizza, so why not apply the flavor to brunch? This eggy breakfast bake calls for both bacon and ham; you could also try Canadian bacon.
46 / 80

Maple-Walnut Sticky Buns

The very definition of finger-lickin’ good, these sticky buns are a true treat. The yeasted dough chills overnight, slowly proving and building flavor. In the morning, the caramel scent of baking rolls will make the advance prep totally worth it.
47 / 80

Basil Vegetable Strata

The best part about a strata? The chance to use up whatever veggies you’ve got left in the fridge at the end of the week. This strata suggests leeks, onions, bell peppers and mushrooms, but feel free to swap in garlic, green onions, chopped greens, leftover potatoes or just about anything else you want to use up.
48 / 80

Orange Breakfast Souffle with Dried Cherries

Souffles have a reputation for fussiness: breathe too hard while they’re baking, and they’ll collapse! Not so with this recipe, which is a cross between a souffle and bread pudding. It even survives an overnight stay in the fridge.
49 / 80

Overnight Pancakes

These yeasted pancakes are truly special. With an acidic bubbliness from buttermilk, plus the lofty rise of yeast, they’re light, airy and absolutely delicious. Serve with syrup or a more creative pancake topping.
50 / 80

Colorful Broccoli Cheddar Casserole

Broccoli and cheddar is a classic combo you might associate more with dinner than brunch, but rest assured: this cheesy, eggy casserole is a must-try. As a bonus, it happens to be a great vegetarian brunch option.
51 / 80

Ham & Gruyere Mini Quiches

While some brunches are served family style, prepping individual dishes feels extra special. These mini quiches bake in muffin cups, making them simple to prepare. They’re just right for a picnic.
52 / 80

Pumpkin-Pecan Baked Oatmeal

In the fall, we want to eat as much pumpkin as possible. This cozy baked oatmeal puts pumpkin on the breakfast menu!
53 / 80

Slow-Cooked Blueberry French Toast

Here’s a great recipe for a later-morning brunch. Prep the French toast the night before, and turn on the slow cooker first thing in the morning. In a couple of hours, the whole house will smell like a bistro.
54 / 80

Prosciutto-Pesto Breakfast Strata

Looking for a fancy brunch recipe? This egg strata is packed with sophisticated flavors: salty Prosciutto, smoky Gouda, dry white wine and garlicky pesto. Serve with a mimosa.
55 / 80

Brunch Burritos

To make these meaty breakfast burritos, a melange of sausage, hash browns and eggs cooks low in the slow cooker overnight. In the morning, scoop the filling into tortillas and serve with chopped jalapeños and salsa.
56 / 80

Elegant Smoked Salmon Strata

Traditional brunch delicacies, smoked salmon or lox taste fabulous in this upscale strata. Serve with a dollop of creme fraiche, sour cream or Greek yogurt; the sour tang of dairy is the perfect balance for the rich dish.
57 / 80

Chiles Rellenos Souffle

To make this eggy bake lofty and delicate, like a souffle, the recipe calls for small-curd cottage cheese, which lightens the egg mix without requiring the fussy step of separating egg whites. Smoky green chiles, cheddar cheese and biscuit mix add plenty of savory flavor.
58 / 80

Brown Sugar Oatmeal Pancakes

A mix of quick-cooking oats, whole wheat and all-purpose flour give these pancakes plenty of hearty flavor, but they’re still tender enough to taste like a treat. These are great with maple syrup or molasses.
59 / 80

Cranberry Cream Cheese French Toast

With its stripes of toasted bread and red cranberries, this French toast bake is undeniably festive, making it perfect for a holiday brunch. While it looks fancy, it’s simple to prep using store-bought canned cranberry sauce and packaged cream cheese.
60 / 80

Veggie Sausage Strata

Need to use up a bumper crop of zucchini? This strata recipe tastes lighter than usual thanks to the addition chopped zucchini alongside the bread and egg filling.
61 / 80

Chicken Taco Quiche

Quiche, but make it Southwestern! This brunch dish combines the ease of a baked quiche with the zip of spicy tacos.
62 / 80

Overnight Maple Oatmeal

Every brunch spread should offer something healthy, whether it’s a simple fruit platter or hearty oatmeal. It’s anything but boring thanks to the toasted walnuts and maple syrup.
63 / 80

Eggs Benedict Casserole

One of our most popular brunch recipes, this Benedict-inspired casserole calls for making homemade hollandaise sauce. One of the so-called mother sauces, hollandaise is a rich blend of egg yolks, cream and melted butter. It’s definitely worth mastering.
64 / 80

Upside-Down Orange French Toast

This bright, citrusy French toast hits the spot on a chilly winter morning. If you swap in non-dairy butter and cream cheese, it’s also vegan.
65 / 80

Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches

Brunch doesn’t always have to be leisurely. A hearty handheld sandwich makes for a quick, filling brunch to fuel a busy day. Scale this recipe up if you like: the sandwiches freeze well and are handy to have on-the-go.
66 / 80

Overnight Yeast Waffles

Whip up this waffle batter and let sit overnight. In the morning, just preheat your waffle iron and get cookin’. You can also freeze cooked waffles for an even easier morning.
67 / 80

Sparkling Oranges

These bright, refreshing oranges are the perfect side dish for a rich brunch casserole. It’s especially tasty in the winter, when citrus is at its peak.
68 / 80

Slow-Cooker Breakfast Burritos

Hearty eggy burritos will entice even the sleepiest teen to the brunch table. In a smart twist, they’re made in the slow cooker! Serve with sliced avocado and salsa.
69 / 80

Raisin Bread & Sausage Morning Casserole

Pork sausage and cinnamon bread aren’t a pairing you’d eat every day, but they work surprisingly well together. The sweet and spice of the bread balances the rich, savory sausage—and both are delicious with eggs.
70 / 80

Baked Two-Cheese & Bacon Grits

How do you make the creamiest, cheesiest grits? Use Velveeta, the meltiest cheese out there. Extra white cheddar adds a hint of sharpness.
71 / 80

Colorful Ham Strata

Using two colors of fresh peppers makes this strata so eye-catching. Chopped spinach or kale would be a welcome sprinkle of green, as well.
72 / 80

Spiced Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

This French toast casserole is like eating pumpkin pie for breakfast! Unabashedly rich and sweet, it’s perfect for a special occasion.
73 / 80

Green Chile Quiche Squares

Want quiche without all the work? This recipe uses salad croutons in place of a pie crust. Serve with fresh fruit and other brunch staples.
74 / 80

Orange Marmalade Breakfast Bake

It’s hard to beat marmalade on toast, but this breakfast bake definitely elevates the classic combination. Buttery and rich, this bread-and-egg bake is a welcome treat for the family or guests.
75 / 80
76 / 80

Slow-Cooker Chorizo Breakfast Casserole

Packed with chorizo, hash browns and eggs, this hearty brunch recipe really will fill you up well into the afternoon. Leftovers would be delicious served in tortillas for dinner later in the week.
77 / 80

Peach French Toast

Ripe, juicy peaches are pretty hard to resist eating plain, but save a few for this brunch recipe! The fruit, sprinkled with brown sugar, creates a thick golden syrup that makes simple French toast truly excellent.
78 / 80

Apple, Cheddar & Bacon Bread Pudding

Sweet and savory flavors balance beautifully in this comforting bread pudding. The gently heated walnut maple syrup topping makes this a truly perfect fall breakfast recipe.
79 / 80

Savory Asparagus Strata

Bookmark this strata for peak asparagus season! Herbed goat cheese, mushrooms and Parmesan are the perfect compliment to the vegetable.
80 / 80

Banana Blueberry Pancakes

Mashed bananas add both sweetness and heft to these I-can’t-believe-they’re healthy pancakes. Serve with fresh or frozen blueberries. Leftovers freeze well, too.

Kelsey Dimberg
A former senior digital editor at Taste of Home, Kelsey now writes articles and novels from her home in Chicago. Since 2010, she’s followed a gluten-free diet, and especially enjoys the challenge of baking sourdough bread and pizza dough. As a contributing writer for Taste of Home, she covers a broad range of topics but with a special emphasis on gluten-free cooking and baking. Outside of her gluten-free experiments in the kitchen, Kelsey is also the author of the thriller novel “Girl in the Rearview Mirror.”