These make-ahead Easter brunch recipes will help you spend more time with your loved ones on Easter morning. Prep them the night before, or use your slow cooker for a mostly hands-off cooking experience.
35 Make-Ahead Easter Brunch Recipes
Updated on Jan. 31, 2025
1/35
Overnight Cinnamon Rolls
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to try different fun fillings in these soft rolls, and each one is packed with cinnamon flavor. They are definitely worth the overnight wait. —Chris O'Connell, San Antonio, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 278 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 262mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
Few brunch dishes are as impressive as homemade cinnamon rolls! This recipe requires active dry yeast to rise properly, but using yeast doesn’t have to be intimidating. The process is as easy as dissolving the yeast in a small bowl of warm water and letting it sit until it becomes foamy with a creamy texture. Then, mix the proofed yeast with the remaining dough ingredients and let it rest in the fridge overnight.
2/35
Blueberry Crunch Breakfast Bake
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 427 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 154mg cholesterol, 351mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
Day-old French bread lends a delicious texture to this sweet breakfast bake. To turn the recipe into a make-ahead brunch dish, bake the casserole, let it cool slightly and store the covered dish in the fridge overnight. When your brunch guests arrive, pop it in a 350°F oven until it’s warmed through, about 30 minutes.
3/35
Baked Ham with Pineapple
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I first learned the technique for baked ham with pineapple for a themed dinner my husband and I hosted. Since it is widely known as the symbol of hospitality, pineapple was the star ingredient on our menu and on this lovely baked ham. —JoAnn Fox, Johnson City, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked ham: 219 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 924mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 17g protein.
Stick with a fully cooked, bone-in ham for this make-ahead Easter ham recipe. Bone-in ham turns out juicier (and more flavorful) than boneless ham, especially if you plan to reheat it. You can store the ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
4/35
Sausage Strata
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sausage provides plenty of flavor in this hearty egg strata. It's a great addition to a brunch buffet, because it's assembled the night before to cut down on last-minute fuss. —Teresa Marchese, New Berlin, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 373 calories, 25g fat (11g saturated fat), 217mg cholesterol, 1097mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
The recipe calls for bulk pork sausage, but you could also use any type of sausage, like smoked sausage, Mexican chorizo or Italian sausage. Whisking a bit of ground mustard into the eggs adds an extra kick.
5/35
Biscuits and Gravy Casserole
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 373 calories, 26g fat (11g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 640mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
You can bake this recipe the night before Easter. When the dish has cooled, wrap it tightly and put it in the fridge overnight. The next morning, bake it in a 400° oven for about 20 minutes or until the gravy is heated through. For best results, I like to remove the cover for the last five minutes to crisp up the biscuits.
6/35
Cheese & Crab Brunch Bake
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Who doesn't love an easy, cheesy seafood casserole that can be pulled together in 30 minutes, refrigerated overnight and baked up the next morning? —Joyce Conway, Westerville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 428 calories, 28g fat (13g saturated fat), 286mg cholesterol, 844mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
If you’ve ever wanted to eat crab dip for breakfast, now is your chance. This tasty seafood casserole pairs lump crabmeat with cheddar and English muffins.
7/35
Doughnut Muffins
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Back when my children were youngsters, they loved these doughnut muffins as after-school treats or with Sunday brunch. —Sharon Pullen, Alvinston, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 288 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
On those mornings when you can’t decide between doughnuts and muffins, have both! Doughnut muffins are my favorite shortcut for making doughnut recipes because they can be baked in the oven—no deep fryer required.
8/35
Overnight Asparagus and Egg Bake
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy asparagus and egg bake is great for holiday mornings, especially when we have overnight guests. All you need is a fruit salad, and breakfast is served! —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 362 calories, 27g fat (14g saturated fat), 196mg cholesterol, 677mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein.
Elevate your Easter brunch with this gorgeous breakfast egg casserole packed with spring veggies like mushrooms and asparagus. Our version also includes bacon, but you can easily omit it to make it vegetarian.
9/35
Amish Breakfast Casserole
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 273 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 477mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
Hash browns, eggs, bacon, onions and cheese join forces for a 12-serving dish that can be made up to four days in advance. You can even freeze it!
10/35
Coffee Cake
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the excellent texture of this easy cinnamon coffee cake recipe. Always a crowd-pleaser, its pleasing vanilla flavor enriched by sour cream may remind you of breakfast at Grandma's! Make it the night before a holiday to save time in the morning. —Eleanor Harris, Cape Coral, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 340 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
Sour cream lends a tangy flavor and creamy texture to this make-ahead coffee cake. Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain the beautiful cinnamon ribbon inside the cake.
11/35
Ham & Brie Strata
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There's nothing quite like my comfy strata made with Brie, ham and mushrooms. Put it together and bake it now, or hold it overnight to pop into the oven tomorrow. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 243 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 162mg cholesterol, 680mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
Once assembled, you can store the unbaked strata in the refrigerator overnight. When you’re ready to bake it, remove the strata from the fridge while you preheat the oven. Then, bake it until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes.
12/35
Brioche French Toast Casserole
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
French toast is fabulous, but standing in front of a skillet for a half hour making 10 pieces of French toast is not a treat for anyone, especially a mom on Mother’s Day! That’s why I love this recipe: You (or your minions) can prep it in five minutes and pop it in the oven. If you can't find brioche, a soft challah bread works, too. —Karen Nochimowski, Deerfield, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 358 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 197mg cholesterol, 358mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
Brioche is a common choice for French toast casserole because the enriched bread gives the dish a rich texture and bite. However, I also like to make this casserole with challah bread, yeast-raised cinnamon rolls and even leftover panettone.
13/35
Overnight Fruit Salad
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 244 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 44mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
This creamy fruit salad calls for green grapes, bananas, pineapple and mandarin oranges. Of course, you could use almost any fruit you have on hand. Mini marshmallows add extra sweetness.
14/35
Overnight Oatmeal
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Start this breakfast the night before so you can get some extra sleep in the morning. My husband adds coconut to his, and I stir in dried fruit. —June Thomas, Chesterton, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 345 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 5g fiber), 10g protein.
For a lighter option, whip up this creamy, old-fashioned oatmeal recipe the night before. For a cute presentation, serve the oats in their storage jars with spoons.
15/35
Cinnamon Swirl Breakfast Bread
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 loaves (16 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Field editor Peggy Burdick of Burlington, Michigan sends the recipe for this lovely breakfast bread. She notes, “My aunt gave me the recipe for these pretty, rich-tasting loaves many years ago. I use my bread machine for the first step in the recipe.
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 121 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 104mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
This is a bread machine recipe, but it’s still possible to make cinnamon swirl breakfast bread without one. Simply follow our guide for making bread machine recipes by hand. Either way, make sure you don’t skimp on the vanilla-sugar glaze.
16/35
Blueberry Buckle
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This blueberry buckle recipe came from my grandmother. As children, my sister and I would go to Pennsylvania for blueberry picking. Mother taught us to pick only perfect berries, and those gems went into this wonderful recipe. —Carol Dolan, Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 390 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 282mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
A buckle is a one-layer cake with a streusel topping. You probably already have most of these ingredients at home, so you can whip it up on Easter or anytime you’re craving something sweet.
17/35
Carrot Cake Oatmeal
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
6 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This warm breakfast cereal made in the slow cooker is a great way to get your veggies in the morning and keep a healthy diet! For extra crunch, I garnish individual servings with ground walnuts or pecans. —Debbie Kain, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 197 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
The secret ingredients in carrot cake oatmeal are pumpkin pie spice and pineapple. Shredded carrots add a tasty texture and extra nutrition to boot.
18/35
Overnight Pancakes
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
20 min
Servings
30 pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
Our kids love waking up to these golden, fluffy pancakes. The buttermilk batter is refrigerated overnight, making them perfect for busy mornings and special occasion breakfasts alike. —Lisa Sammons, Cut Bank, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
3 pancakes: 319 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 862mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
We love pancake recipes, but most are too time-consuming to make for a crowd at a holiday brunch gathering. This make-ahead version streamlines the process. The batter sits in the fridge overnight, so you can simply heat up the griddle and get going in the morning.
19/35
Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
After I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2001, I embarked on a journey to improve my diet and live a healthier lifestyle. I began developing recipes that were not only satisfying, but also anti-inflammatory and highly nutritious. —Chantale Michaud, Guelph, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 475 calories, 13g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 83g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 10g fiber), 13g protein.
Quinoa is filling and packed with protein, so it’s a great brunch option when you have a busy day of egg hunting ahead of you. Top it with bananas, goji berries, maple syrup or any other toppings your heart desires.
20/35
Breakfast Loaf
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to make this mile-high breakfast sandwich when we have company for the weekend. If you'd like, add sliced mushrooms and olives. —Amy McCuan, Oakley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 439 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated fat), 230mg cholesterol, 1083mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein.
This hearty sandwich can be assembled the night before, then baked in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes once your guests arrive. To make it vegetarian, omit the ham and swap in sauteed veggies or your favorite plant-based meat substitute.
21/35
Elegant Smoked Salmon Strata
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This fancy overnight egg bake is ideal for guests. In the morning, you can simply let it come to room temperature and whip up side dishes as it bakes. Then get ready for compliments! —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 359 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 194mg cholesterol, 845mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
This is a lovely salmon recipe for seafood lovers on Easter morning. It combines two kinds of cheese, Dijon mustard and green onions with cubed ciabatta, smoked salmon and eggs. As a bonus, it’s one of those dishes that becomes even more flavorful as it sits in the fridge overnight.
22/35
Breakfast Sausage Bread
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 loaves (16 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 102 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 176mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
There are many ways to customize this recipe. We include mushrooms in the filling, but feel free to leave them out if your guests aren’t mushroom fans. You could also use mild sausage instead of spicy sausage to tone down the heat.
23/35
Blueberry Bread Pudding
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious southern blueberry bread pudding boasts out-of-this-world flavor and eye appeal. You just may want to skip the main course and go straight to dessert. It’s a favorite for our summer celebrations. —Marilyn Haynes, Sylacauga, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 869 calories, 54g fat (33g saturated fat), 195mg cholesterol, 344mg sodium, 89g carbohydrate (65g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
This classic dessert is so good you’ll want to make it for every special occasion. It gets its extra decadent character thanks to heavy whipping cream and white chocolate chips. (And yes—it’s OK to serve dessert for breakfast.)
24/35
Pecan Tassies
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These pecan tassies are very good for parties and special occasions. You'll probably want to double the recipe, because they'll disappear in a hurry! —Joy Corie, Ruston, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 242 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 131mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
This recipe uses cream cheese, so I’ll share my little trick for creating a lump-free batter: Before you get started, soften the cream cheese and butter so they’ll become smooth when beaten with the flour. Then, you’ll want to firm up the dough so it’s easier to roll by storing it in the fridge for about an hour.
25/35
Overnight Salad
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This layered salad is a family favorite from a church cookbook I've had for 40 years. The bacon adds a fabulous crunch. —Mary Brehm, Cape Coral, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 206 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
Yes, it is possible to make salad the night before you serve it! This one is loaded with toppings, including red peppers, green peppers, peas, onion, cheddar cheese and dried cranberries.
26/35
Crustless Spinach Quiche
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I served this crustless quiche at a church lunch, and I had to laugh when one guy told me how much he disliked vegetables. Many people were surprised by how much they loved this veggie-filled quiche recipe—and he was one of them! —Melinda Calverley, Janesville, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 251 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 480mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
This quiche is crustless, so you don’t need to use a rolling pin to make this quick and easy quiche recipe. However, it is important to grease the pan well with butter, cooking spray or canola oil to keep the quiche from sticking.
27/35
Sausage Muffins
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My muffins are a frequent request from everyone in the family. I usually make them on Sunday nights, so when we're running late on weekday mornings, the kids can grab these to eat on the bus. —Irene Wayman, Grantsville, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 238 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
You can customize these muffins to suit your taste. I love adding maple syrup and small apple chunks to complement the savory sausage.
28/35
Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
12 servings.
From the Recipe Creator:
Easy and cheesy, my go-to casserole for action-packed mornings has made many appearances at holiday breakfasts, potlucks and even my daughter's college apartment to feed her hungry roommates. —Patty Bernhard, Greenville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 324 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 239mg cholesterol, 822mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
I love breakfast casseroles, and this is one of my favorites. Frozen shredded hash browns add texture to the dish and make it extra filling.
29/35
Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
40 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These banana chocolate chip muffins are one of the first things my husband gets hungry for when he’s home from deployment. I make sure to have the overripe bananas ready. They’re a family tradition. —Kimberly Duda, Sanford, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 207 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
There’s never a bad time for muffins, especially when they’re ready in only 40 minutes. Store these banana chocolate chip muffins in an airtight container until your guests arrive.
30/35
Delicious Almond Braids
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 braids (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Similar to an almond crescent, this coffee cake is light and flaky with a rich almond center. It’s versatile, so you can serve it for dessert, breakfast or brunch. It tastes as if it came from a high-end bakery, but packaged puff pastry dough makes it easy. —Gina Idone, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 430 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein.
These showstopper almond braids look like they’re from a fancy bakery, even though they’re made at home! You don’t have to tell anyone that they’re actually made with store-bought puff pastry dough. (Although, if you’re really looking to go the extra mile, you could make puff pastry at home.)
31/35
Breakfast Sliders
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These breakfast sliders combine all your favorite morning foods—like eggs, bacon and bagels—into one tasty package. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 417 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 253mg cholesterol, 1072mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
This bacon-egg-and-cheese sandwich has a secret: The bagels are slathered with chive and onion cream cheese for an extra layer of flavor. If you can’t find everything bagels at the store, use plain bagels instead. Brush them with butter and everything bagel seasoning before baking.
32/35
Sausage & Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 283 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 160mg cholesterol, 662mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 15g protein.
Store-bought crescent roll dough teams up with pork sausage, eggs and lots of gooey mozzarella cheese. To make this dish ahead, assemble the ingredients and store the unbaked casserole in the fridge overnight. Bake it the next morning, adding a few minutes to the cooking time if needed.
33/35
Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
On a busy morning, these freezer breakfast sandwiches save the day. A hearty combo of eggs, Canadian bacon and cheese will keep you fueled until lunchtime. —Christine Rukavena, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 334 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 219mg cholesterol, 759mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
I always have a batch of these sandwiches on hand in my freezer. Once assembled, wrap the individual sandwiches and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to two months.
34/35
Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bring the taste of Cracker Barrel right to your kitchen. This cheesy breakfast casserole is made easy with frozen hash browns. I can feed a crowd with this simple overnight dish. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 342 calories, 21g fat (12g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 830mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
Your guests will devour this easy, cheesy hash brown casserole, which tastes similar to the one on Cracker Barrel’s menu. Although you can assemble it ahead of time, wait until your guests arrive to bake it so it’ll taste fresh out of the oven.
35/35
Overnight Bacon and Swiss Breakfast
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When we have overnight guests, I like to prepare things ahead of time so we can enjoy the company. It often gets wild when everyone first wakes up, and I like to have food available whenever people are ready to eat. I devised this slow-cooker breakfast recipe when I was feeding 22 people at a destination wedding. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 277 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 220mg cholesterol, 507mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
This Swiss cheese recipe cooks in the background while you ready the house for Easter brunch. Turn on the slow cooker about five hours before you’re ready to eat, then go about your day. It’s a great way to wake up to cheesy eggs, potatoes and bacon.
Make-Ahead Easter Brunch Recipes FAQ
What Easter brunch recipes can be made ahead?
When it comes to make-ahead brunch recipes, you can’t go wrong with anything made in a baking dish, like an egg-based casserole, strata or quiche. These dishes can be assembled in the baking pan and stored, covered, in the refrigerator overnight. Then, when your guests are on their way, remove the dish from the fridge and let it come to room temperature while you preheat the oven. Brunch will be on the table by the time they ring the doorbell!
If you aren’t into eggs, there are plenty of other options. Try making meat-based dishes, like baked ham, or pastries like overnight cinnamon rolls.
What do you eat at a traditional Easter brunch?
There are no hard and fast rules for what an Easter brunch should entail, but popular classics include baked egg casseroles, glazed ham, deviled eggs, quiche and homemade pastries. We also love serving dishes featuring seasonal spring vegetables like asparagus and peas.
What can you bring to Easter brunch as a guest?
The busy host will be thankful if you bring a dish that doesn’t require refrigerator or oven space. Baked goods (like bread recipes or cinnamon rolls) are a smart choice because they’re ready to serve and can sit on the counter. Desserts like Easter cakes or Easter egg cookies are a thoughtful option, too.
If you aren’t a cook, flowers are always a nice touch. Just make sure they’re already in a vase, so your host doesn’t have to find one while they’re cooking. When in doubt, bring coffee—or better yet, orange juice and champagne to make mimosas!
