Brunching on a busy morning can be a real challenge, but it doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor and quality. With these 20 delicious make-ahead brunch recipes, you’ll be able to enjoy a satisfying and stress-free meal with friends and family. Whether you’re catering to a crowd or just need a quick and easy breakfast option for the week ahead, we’ve got you covered.
From sweet treats like Overnight French Toast Casserole and Blueberry Baked Oatmeal to savory options like Spinach and Cheese Strata and Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole, our recipes are designed to be prepared in advance, saving you time and effort. Plus, with a range of flavors and textures to choose from, there’s something for everyone.
In this article, we’ll dive into each of these mouthwatering make-ahead brunch recipes, providing step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations to help you create the perfect meal for your next gathering. So go ahead, get cooking, and enjoy a stress-free morning with loved ones!
Overnight French Toast Casserole
Start your day off right with this sweet and satisfying breakfast casserole that’s perfect for busy mornings or special occasions. With its rich flavors and tender bread, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 12 slices of Challah bread
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup of milk
– 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
– Optional: chopped fruit or nuts for topping
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
2. Cut the Challah bread into 1-inch cubes and add to the egg mixture. Let it sit overnight at room temperature (about 8 hours).
3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
4. Pour the bread mixture into the prepared dish and smooth out the top.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown on top.
6. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Optional: sprinkle with chopped fruit or nuts.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spinach and Cheese Strata
This Spinach and Cheese Strata is a savory breakfast or brunch recipe that combines the flavors of wilted spinach, melted cheese, and crispy bread. Perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for a quick morning meal.
Ingredients:
• 1 (14 oz) bag frozen chopped spinach, thawed
• 2 cups whole wheat bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine spinach, bread, melted butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
4. Create layers of the bread mixture, followed by cheese, repeating two times.
5. Top with remaining bread mixture and dot with butter.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Make Ahead Breakfast Burritos
Start your day off right with these convenient, filling breakfast burritos that can be prepared ahead of time.
Ingredients:
– 8-10 flour tortillas
– 1 cup scrambled eggs
– 1 cup cooked sausage (such as chorizo or breakfast links), diced
– 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the sausage in a pan over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. In a separate bowl, scramble the eggs and set aside.
3. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
4. Assemble the burritos by spreading a spoonful of scrambled eggs on each tortilla, followed by a sprinkle of cheese, sausage, black beans, and cilantro.
5. Roll up the burritos tightly and wrap individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including cooking time for sausage)
Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Start your day with a warm, comforting bowl of blueberry baked oatmeal, packed with the sweetness of fresh blueberries and the crunch of toasted pecans.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, milk, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until well combined.
3. Fold in blueberries and pecans.
4. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal is set.
6. Serve warm, topped with additional blueberries and a drizzle of maple syrup (optional).
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Ham and Swiss Croissant Bake
Start your day with a flaky, buttery croissant filled with the savory flavors of ham and Swiss cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 6 slices cooked ham, diced
– 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a small bowl, mix together diced ham and shredded Swiss cheese.
4. Spoon the ham and cheese mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Brush the egg wash along the edges of the pastry.
6. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
7. Use a fork to crimp the edges and create a decorative border.
8. Place the croissant on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chocolate Chip Pancake Casserole
Start your day off right with this decadent Chocolate Chip Pancake Casserole, a twist on traditional pancakes that’s sure to please both kids and adults. This easy-to-make breakfast treat is perfect for special occasions or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pancake mix
– 2 cups milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pancake mix, milk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
3. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Pour batter into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar (if desired) and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Veggie Egg Muffins
Start your day with a nutritious and delicious breakfast that’s easy to prepare! These veggie egg muffins are packed with flavor and texture, making them perfect for a quick morning meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 6 eggs
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
– 1/2 cup diced zucchini
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 6-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, cheese, bell peppers, zucchini, and parsley.
3. Pour the egg mixture into each muffin cup, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the tops.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Banana Bread with Walnuts
Moist banana bread infused with the richness of walnuts, perfect for a snack or dessert. This classic recipe is easy to make and always a crowd pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients; stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped walnuts.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Breakfast Enchiladas
Start your day off right with a twist on traditional enchiladas – add some morning magic! These breakfast enchiladas are perfect for a weekend brunch or quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1 cup scrambled eggs
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cooked sausage (such as chorizo or breakfast links)
– 1/4 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the cooked sausage and cook until browned, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Wrap each tortilla in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds to warm.
4. Assemble the enchiladas by laying a warmed tortilla flat, then topping with scrambled eggs, cheese, sausage mixture, and black beans.
5. Roll up the tortillas tightly and place seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour enchilada sauce over the top.
6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Start your day with a delicious and comforting bowl of Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats. This easy recipe combines the sweetness of apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and the creaminess of oats to create a satisfying breakfast that’s perfect for any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1/4 cup diced apple (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch
Instructions:
1. In a jar or container, combine oats, almond milk, diced apple, honey, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Stir until the oats are well coated with the liquid ingredients.
3. Cover the jar and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).
4. In the morning, give the oats a quick stir and add any desired toppings, such as chopped nuts or extra honey.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes of prep time and then it’s all about chilling out until morning.
Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole
Start your day with a hearty breakfast casserole that combines the flavors of sausage, eggs, and cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 6 eggs
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/2 cup frozen hash browns, thawed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up with spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
4. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange hash browns in an even layer.
5. Pour cooked sausage over hash browns, followed by the egg mixture.
6. Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
7. Drizzle with olive oil and cover with aluminum foil.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until eggs are set and cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Peach Streusel Coffee Cake
Moist and flavorful, this peach streusel coffee cake is perfect for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast treat. The combination of tender peaches, crunchy streusel topping, and sweet coffee cake is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup diced peaches (fresh or frozen)
– 1/2 cup streusel topping mixture (see below)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Streusel Topping:
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in diced peaches.
5. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared dish and top with streusel topping mixture.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
Quiche Lorraine with Bacon
A classic French quiche filled with the savory flavors of bacon, onions, and cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and place in a 9-inch tart pan.
3. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then set aside.
4. In the same skillet, cook the onion until softened.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, salt, and pepper.
6. Arrange the cooked bacon and onions in the pie crust.
7. Pour the egg mixture over the filling.
8. Sprinkle the Gruyère cheese evenly over the top.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the quiche is golden brown and set.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Waffles
Start your day with a delicious and seasonal twist on traditional waffles. These Pumpkin Spice Waffles are perfect for a cozy morning or brunch gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup milk
– 4 tablespoons melted butter, cooled
– Pumpkin spice mix (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your waffle iron and grease with non-stick spray or oil.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, egg, milk, and melted butter.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Cook waffles according to your iron’s instructions (usually 3-5 minutes).
6. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Greek Yogurt Parfait with Granola
A refreshing and nutritious treat that’s perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup granola
• 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, layer the Greek yogurt and granola.
2. Top with mixed berries.
3. If desired, drizzle with honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
Cooking Time: None! Just assemble and serve.
Breakfast Potatoes with Peppers
Start your day off right with this flavorful breakfast dish that combines crispy potatoes, juicy peppers, and a hint of savory spices.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 large bell pepper, any color, sliced into strips
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced potatoes, bell pepper strips, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spread the potato-pepper mixture onto a baking sheet in an even layer.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown and peppers are tender.
6. If desired, top with shredded cheese and return to oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chocolate Croissant Pudding
This decadent dessert combines the flaky layers of croissants with the richness of dark chocolate, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be enjoying this indulgent treat in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cups cubed chocolate croissants (about 6-8 croissants)
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cream, milk, sugar, and melted butter.
3. Add the cubed croissants and stir until they’re fully coated with the mixture.
4. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Sprinkle dark chocolate chips over the top of the pudding.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pudding is puffed and golden brown.
7. Remove from oven, let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Avocado and Egg Breakfast Sandwiches
Start your day with a deliciously creamy and savory breakfast sandwich featuring ripe avocados and perfectly cooked eggs.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (whole wheat or baguette work well)
– 2 ripe avocados, mashed
– 4 large eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: red pepper flakes for added heat
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk until smooth.
2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the eggs. Cook until the whites are set and the yolks are cooked to your desired doneness (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Toast the bread slices.
4. Spread a layer of mashed avocado on each toasted slice.
5. Top with an egg, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
6. Assemble the sandwiches by placing two slices together.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes (including toasting and cooking the eggs)
Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with these flaky, buttery danishes filled with a sweet and tangy strawberry cream cheese filling. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups sliced strawberries
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
3. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, sugar, and butter until smooth. Fold in sliced strawberries.
4. Spoon the filling onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2 inch border around edges.
5. Brush edges with beaten egg and fold other half of pastry over filling to form a triangle or square shape.
6. Place danishes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar (if desired) and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Maple Pecan Baked French Toast
Maple Pecan Baked French Toast Recipe
Start your day with a sweet twist on traditional French toast by adding the rich flavors of maple syrup and pecans.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (preferably challah or brioche)
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup
– 1/4 cup of chopped pecans
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, vanilla extract, and salt.
3. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place coated bread slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle melted butter over the bread, followed by a spoonful of maple syrup and a sprinkle of chopped pecans.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Summary
Start your day off right with these 20 delicious make-ahead brunch recipes. From sweet treats like Banana Bread with Walnuts and Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish, to savory dishes like Spinach and Cheese Strata and Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole, there’s something for everyone. These recipes are perfect for busy mornings when you don’t have time to cook or prepare breakfast from scratch. Simply prep the ingredients ahead of time and bake or assemble in the morning. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just need a quick and easy breakfast option, these make-ahead brunch recipes are sure to please.
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