Start smart with these make-ahead breakfast ideas for guests. They take next to no effort in the morning, and each is a crowd-pleaser, or a favorite to satisfy a family with big appetites. We’re sharing our best overnight oat recipes, make-ahead egg casseroles, and more.
Blueberry and Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Muffins
Jason Donnelly
These tender blueberry muffins hide a creamy surprise—a pocket of cream cheese that perfectly contrasts their crunchy streusel topping and juicy pops of blueberries. They’re a delicious grab-and-go breakfast item that can be made and frozen up to three months in advance. No more running out the door empty handed!
Sausage and Potato Mini Egg Bakes
Pop one or two of these hash-brown, turkey sausage, and egg bakes into separate parchment paper packages so you can reheat them throughout the week. If you’re craving more carbs, stuff one inside a toasted English muffin for a breakfast sandwich. You might also try these as a breakfast burrito, tucking half an egg bake into a warm tortilla.
Blueberry and Mascarpone-Stuffed French Toast Casserole
Put baguettes to brilliant use in this mash-up of French toast and a breakfast casserole. Each slice is layered with sweetened berry-studded mascarpone cheese, then coated in a cinnamon-spiced custard. Chill the casserole overnight to allow the flavors to meld, then let in bake for about an hour, while you get ready for the guests.
Mini Quiches
How cute are these bite-size quiches?! This 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, simply fill the cups and bake for 15 minutes.
Potato Cinnamon Rolls
The day before you’re hosting a gathering, prep these gourmet cinnamon rolls. The next morning, they’re as easy as baking the store-bought kind, but they’re remarkably light and tender, and taste much better. Everyone will beg for the secret. Psst…it’s mashed potatoes.
Egg and Bacon Breakfast Casserole
Blaine Moats
This hearty, make-ahead breakfast casserole is packed with all your favorites—crispy bacon, melty cheese, eggs, green onions, and French bread to bring it all together. Assemble and chill it the night before, and you’ll have more time in the morning for beauty sleep and mixing mimosas.
Ham and Egg Sandwiches
Kelsey Hansen
The freezer aisle is packed with products like this—but with only seven ingredients, you can have make-ahead breakfast sandwiches waiting in your freezer, with no weird additives or foreign-sounding ingredients, just a scrambled egg mixture on a sandwich with cheese and sliced ham. For a quick-fix meal, prep a batch ahead, wrap well, and freeze in individual zip-top bags for up to a month.
Oven Baked Pancakes
Kelsey Hansen
There’s no need to stand over the stove flipping pancakes on busy mornings—this easy oven-baked pancake recipe is perfect for making multiple servings of pancakes at once. Make ahead, portion, and store in the freezer for up to two months for quick and easy reheating.
Chilaquiles Breakfast Casserole
Blaine Moats
Rather than wasting those extra tortilla chips in the restaurant basket, tote them home as the foundation for this make-ahead breakfast—or try our oil-brushed corn tortilla variation. All of the chilaquiles-style ingredients can be layered on the tortillas before chilling, with the exception of the eggs, which should be added just before it goes into the oven.
Granola Cups with Yogurt and Fruit
These crunchy homemade granola cups combine oats, wheat germ, sunflower kernels, coconut, flax seeds, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar and maple syrup (or honey) for a crisp and wholesome base. Baked until golden, they can be filled with creamy low-fat yogurt and fresh fruit or berries. Make the cups ahead and store in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to three months, then fill and serve when needed.
Spinach and Sweet Potato Sheet-Pan Quiche
Rather than fussing over a skillet playing short-order cook, turn to this make-ahead breakfast that serves 12. Build and bake the sheet pan recipe the night before, allow the quiche to cool for 30 minutes, then chill it overnight. In the morning, all that’s left to do is reheat the pan (or as many servings as you need) for 15 minutes.
Orange Creamsicle Overnight Oats
Kelsey Hansen
Overnight oats are a nutritious and simple choice on busy mornings. Prepare and chill the island-inspired make-ahead bowls or jars the night before. In the morning, add your favorite toppers. (We recommend orange slices and honey.) Ready, set, go about your day.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Banana Bread
Transform the classic flavors of a PB & J into this moist banana bread—made with swirls of peanut butter and strawberry preserves throughout. For a convenient grab-and-go breakfast option, bake and cool the loaf, then wrap slices individually. They’ll last in the freezer for up to three months—but we’re sure it’ll disappear much faster.
Cranberry-Orange Tea Ring
Simple scissor-work is all it takes to give this professional-looking tea ring its unique look. This breakfast for large groups is even more irresistible after a drizzle of orange-flecked icing—especially for you, once you realize it uses frozen sweet-roll dough. Get it oven-ready on a pan and allow the dough to rise as the guests stream in. Once it’s fully puffed, bake for 20 minutes, drizzle, and it’s ready to devour.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Bites
Not only are these peanut-butter bites simple to make, but they’re a cinch to grab on the go. They’ll keep you full for a while, too, thanks to the rolled oats and peanut butter. Painlessly adapt this easy make-ahead breakfast for gluten-free diners by opting for gluten-free vanilla and oats.
Egg Baguette Bakes
These fuss-free breakfast baguettes are filled with a combination of browned Italian sausage, sweet peppers, green onions, basil, shredded cheese, and a custardy filling, then topped with additional cheese and baked until melty. For a make-ahead option, prepare the baguettes and filling separately, then assemble and bake right before serving.
Quick and Easy Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastries
Impress your guests with these flaky pastries, filled with a creamy filling and bursting with blueberries for an indulgent make-ahead treat. Perfect for large groups, they can be assembled and baked ahead, then quickly reheated in the oven to restore their crispy texture before serving.
Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Jake Sternquist
Transform refrigerated cinnamon rolls into this indulgent breakfast casserole, complete with layers of tender cinnamon rolls, sweet icing, and crunchy pecans. This easy-to-make dish serves 12, and you can bake it in advance, then reheat and top with icing fresh before serving.
Ice Cube Pancakes
This ingenious breakfast hack makes whipping up a batch of pancakes a total breeze—whether you’re serving one guest or 10. Prepare your favorite pancake batter as directed, then transfer to ice cube trays. Don’t forget to sprinkle with your favorite toppings before freezing until firm. Pop onto a heated griddle, and perfectly-portioned pancakes await.
Almond Butter, Fruit, and Oat Cookies
Kelsey Hansen
Cookies for breakfast? Yes, please! These make-ahead breakfast cookies are loaded with applesauce, almond butter, rolled oats, and dried fruit. Make a batch and freeze for up to one month before serving.
Bacon-Spinach Egg Bites
Bring your favorite coffeeshop breakfast home! This make-ahead breakfast idea starts with a creamy egg mixture that’s cooked in individual jars. Make a batch on Sunday and eat them throughout the week.
Whole Grain Waffles
Kelsey Hansen
With 17 grams of protein per serving—thanks to a generous amount of cottage cheese in the mix—these freezer-friendly waffles are a nutritious breakfast option for the whole family. Whole wheat flour, toasted wheat germ, egg whites, and nut butter provide an added boost.
Breakfast Stuffing Casserole
Kelsey Hansen
Leftover stuffing never looked so good. For the ultimate next-day breakfast after a holiday gathering, simply assemble this mix of eggs, stuffing, veggies, and sausage, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh the next morning.
Mini Bacon and Egg Bakes
These mini egg quiches are a satisfying, high-protein breakfast option. One batch makes 12—perfect for prepping ahead and enjoying throughout the week. Simply pack the baked bites into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the oven or microwave and enjoy!
Chia Pudding
This make-ahead breakfast dish feels more like dessert rather than breakfast. Combine, chia seeds, yogurt, honey, vanilla, milk, and salt the night before, and let the pudding set up overnight. Top the pudding with fruit, honey, nuts, and granola.
Farmers Casserole
BHG / Crystal Hughes
This hearty casserole is made of classic breakfast items: eggs, sausage, ham, and potatoes. Prepare the casserole the day before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Bake for 40 minutes, and eat up!
Four-Cheese Zucchini Strata
This layered beauty features garlic focaccia, sautéed zucchini, and a rich blend of four cheeses for a truly satisfying breakfast bake. Perfect for brunch or meal prep, you can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, then bake until set for a hot breakfast or brunch dish fit to feed a crowd.
