The holiday season is a time for celebration, family, and making memories with loved ones. However, when you have a house full of guests or a rotating door of visitors—especially overnight or weekend guests—hosting a brunch can feel overwhelming after hosting the night before.
Preparing a delicious spread might lead to frantic mornings, but with a little planning and the recipes below, you can create a menu of make-ahead breakfast dishes that will impress your guests and let you enjoy the holiday festivities, too. Just imagine waking up, popping a dish in the oven, and relaxing while you chat about last night’s celebrations—now that’s a holiday miracle!
Here are eight crowd-pleasing, make-ahead brunch ideas that will allow you to unwind while your delicious food warms up.
French Toast Casserole
French toast casserole is a classic breakfast dish that takes your favourite morning treat to a whole new level. Made with layers of bread, eggs, milk, and spices, this casserole can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge. Pop it in the oven the next morning, and within 45 minutes, you’ll have a golden, custardy masterpiece. This dish is a crowd-pleaser because you can customize the flavours with fruits, spices, or chocolate chips, making it a delightful surprise for your guests. This one that continues to break the internet.
Hash Brown Casserole
A hash brown casserole is the ultimate comfort food that everyone will devour. This dish combines crispy hash browns, cheese, cream of chicken soup, and Greek yogurt for a rich and satisfying dish. It sounds super rich, but here’s a lightened-up version you can feel good about. You can prepare it the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it in the morning. It’s a hit because it’s hearty and pairs perfectly with any brunch spread, plus everyone enjoys that gooey, cheesy goodness!
Egg Muffins
Egg muffins are the ultimate breakfast bite-sized treats that are simple to make and endlessly customizable. Whisk together eggs, cheese, and your favourite veggies or meats, pour the mixture into muffin tins and bake. These muffins can be stored in the fridge and easily reheated, making mornings a breeze. They’re a crowd-pleaser because they’re hearty and can be made to cater to various tastes, ensuring everyone leaves happy. Try this version with nearly 200 perfect 5-star reviews.
Spinach and Feta Breakfast Casserole
A spinach and feta breakfast casserole is not only nutritious but also bursting with flavour. This dish combines eggs, fresh spinach, feta cheese, and herbs for a deliciously savoury option. You can assemble it a day in advance and simply bake it when your guests arrive. The bright green spinach adds a festive touch, and it’s great for serving a crowd, as you can cut it into squares for easy sharing. Try this 10-minute recipe.
Breakfast Sandwiches
Breakfast sandwiches are a beloved classic that can be prepared ahead of time. Layer your choice of eggs, cheese, bacon, or sausage on your favourite bread or English muffins. Wrap them individually and keep them in the fridge or freezer. They’re easy to heat up in the oven or microwave, ensuring that everyone gets a warm, delicious meal without missing a beat during your brunch catch-up. Give these freezer sandwiches a whirl.
Breakfast Burritos
Breakfast burritos are a fantastic, portable option for brunch that can easily be prepared in advance. Fill tortillas with scrambled eggs, melted cheese, cooked sausage or bacon, and fresh veggies, then roll them up tightly. You can wrap them in foil and refrigerate or freeze them until you’re ready to serve. In the morning, just heat them up in the oven for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to please your guests, all while letting you join in on the fun! Here’s a tasty version to try.
Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole
This hearty dinner-for-breakfast casserole is perfect for brunch gatherings. Combine sausage, eggs, bread, and cheese, and let it chill overnight. Bake it in the morning for a filling, crowd-pleasing dish. The flavours meld beautifully, and the result is a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out. Plus, it serves a group well, making your hosting duties much easier. Check out this easy, overnight option.
Banana Bread or Zucchini Bread
A loaf of banana or zucchini bread is a fantastic make-ahead option that adds a sweet touch to your brunch. These breads can be baked days in advance and stored at room temperature. Slice them up, serve warm or at room temperature with a light spread of butter, and watch them disappear. They lend a homey, comforting vibe to your brunch table and can be enjoyed as a side or dessert. We scoured the web for the best, and here’s a banana bread and zucchini bread to try.
* Disclaimer: The photos featured in this article are for inspiration and example purposes only. The actual recipes may look different depending on how you prepare them.
About the Author
Alicia is a journalist and editor in digital and print media specializing in health, nutrition, fitness, and wellness. She was previously the Editorial Director of Clean Eating and Vegetarian Times. Her work has also appeared in Hone Health The Edge, Yoga Journal, Women’s Running, and Oxygen, among others. In addition to being a content creator, she's an ISSA-certified nutritionist, certified personal trainer, and fitness studio owner in Toronto. Alicia loves spreading the word about helpful, science-backed health information, and she can be contacted via her website at aliciamtyler.com.
