Make-Ahead Breakfasts for a Crowd

The holidays are just a few days away and chances are we’ll be feeding more mouths than usual. But when you’re playing host, it always seems like you’re spending more time cooking big family meals to make sure everyone is fed and happy than actually getting to spend QT with your loved ones. It’s the catch-22 of entertaining a house full of people — especially during the already chaotic holiday time.

Keeping your people fed is obviously of utmost importance, and we won’t tell you you’re gonna be able to stop cooking (although stocking up on the best frozen Trader Joe’s and Costco foods isn’t a bad idea). But if you plan ahead, you can take a huge amount of stress out of your meal prep, so you can feed the family in mere minutes with almost no effort — we’re talking delicious make-ahead breakfasts.

These big batches will keep everyone satisfied, and you won’t even have to wake up at the crack of dawn to make them. Just put on a pot of coffee and get ready to eat with the fam.

A version of this article was originally published in December 2016.

Chocolate Tahini Banana Bread

Image Credit: Resplendent Kitchen.

We love having a loaf or two of quick bread made for breakfast when we have company. This chocolate tahini banana bread has a rich flavor and striking appearance, and your guests can easily help themselves to a slice in the morning along with their coffee. Quick breads freeze well, too, so we usually try to make two loaves at a time and freeze one to thaw the next time we have company.

Get the recipe from Resplendent Kitchen.
Creamy Chia Pudding

Image Credit: Brocc Your Body.

You can double this recipe to make eight servings of chia pudding to leave in the fridge where your guests can help themselves. Layer the creamy chia pudding with chopped fruit, and your guests will get a creamy, sweet, and nutritious breakfast to start their day.

Get the recipe from Brocc Your Body.
Easy Everything Bagel Bites

Image Credit: Dose of Shivs.

You don’t need to a be a pro baker to turn out a batch of these easy everything bagel bites. The secret to making them? Store-bought pizza dough! You can make one, two, or even three batches ahead of time depending on how many guests you have, and they store well in the freezer or fridge — just heat up in the toaster or oven before serving.

Get the recipe from Dose of Shivs.
Everything Bagel Cheesy Hashbrown Egg Casserole

Image Credit: Brocc Your Body.

Every part of this make-head breakfast sounds delicious to us, and there’s no doubt it will be a crowd-pleaser. It’s loaded with protein and carbs to give your crew the energy they need for a full day, and we bet some broccoli or spinach would be a tasty addition for more fiber and freshness, too.

Get the recipe from Brocc Your Body.
Cranberry Banana Nut Bread

Image Credit: Simply DeLIZious Baking.

Here’s a cozy quick bread recipe that you can make before company arrives: cranberry banana nut bread. It’s loaded with flavor and has a pleasing combination of textures thanks to the nuts and dried fruit included in the recipe.

Get the recipe from Simply DeLIZious Baking.
High Protein Egg Bites

Image Credit: AbracaShaba.

Make-ahead high protein egg bites can be stored for up to five days in the fridge, and can be heated up easily in the microwave or air fryer. They’re also totally customizable, so you can add your favorite cooked veggies and meats to the recipe.

Get the recipe from AbracaShaba.
Pepper and Onion Strata

Image Credit: Edible Ink.

Like a frittata, strata is a great make-ahead breakfast option. Your guests can microwave their portions individually in the morning, or you can heat the whole dish up in the oven. It’s even delicious served cold or room temperature as a snack or lunch with garlic mayo, like a Spanish potato and egg tortilla.

Get the recipe from Edible Ink.
Vegan Make-Ahead Breakfast Enchiladas

Image Credit: Sweet Potato Soul.

Vegans, vegetarians, and those who prefer savory breakfasts to sweet will love these make-ahead vegan breakfast enchiladas. Heat individual portions in the microwave or toaster oven, or feed everyone by reheating the dish in the oven.

Get the recipe from Sweet Potato Soul.
Personal Frittatas

Image Credit: Dawn Viola/SheKnows.

Individual frittatas are a breeze to freeze ahead of time.

Get the recipe from Dawn Viola/SheKnows.
Cold Brew Coffee

Image Credit: Leite's Culinaria.

If your family prefers cold coffee to hot, you can make a big pitcher of cold brew coffee ahead of time rather than being forced to make a Starbucks run in the morning. All you need is coffee and water and a little planning ahead.

Get the recipe from Leite’s Culinaria.
Breakfast Burritos

Image Credit: Brandi Bidot/SheKnows.

Make these breakfast burritos before guests arrive, then freeze until ready to serve.

Get the recipe from Brandi Bidot/SheKnows.
Three Cheese Asparagus Quiche

Image Credit: The Gourmet Gourmand.

Quiche is one of our favorite make-ahead recipes because it’s just as good warmed up as it is cold. Eat it warm for breakfast, or at room temperature with a salad for brunch or lunch.

Get the recipe from The Gourmet Gourmand.
Vegan Overnight French Toast Bake

Image Credit: Brandi Bidot/SheKnows.

Please vegan guests with this easy overnight French toast bake.

Get the recipe from Brandi Bidot/SheKnows.
Easy Egg Sandwiches

Image Credit: Brandy O'Neill/SheKnows.

Egg sandwiches freeze beautifully and are totally customizable, too.

Get the recipe from Brandy O’Neill/SheKnows.
Spiced Apple Cranberry Bread

Image Credit: 12 Tomatoes.

Bake up a couple of loaves of spiced apple cranberry bread on the weekend, then serve for breakfast with butter, jam, and plenty of coffee.

Get the recipe from 12 Tomatoes.
Apple French Toast Casserole

Image Credit: Katerina Petrovska/SheKnows.

Spiced apples keep this make-ahead French toast from tasting dull.

Get the recipe from Katerina Petrovska/SheKnows.
Baked Oatmeal Cups

Image Credit: Macaroni and Cheesecake.

If your family usually opts for a nutritious breakfast, these baked oatmeal cups are an ideal make-ahead breakfast choice. Add your favorite oatmeal mix-ins, bake, then store in the fridge or feezer, reheating when the fam gets hungry.

Get the recipe from Macaroni and Cheesecake.
Greens & Cheddar Breakfast Strata

Image Credit: Brandy O'Neill/SheKnows.

Hearty greens and cheese are at the heart of this make-ahead breakfast strata.

Get the recipe from Brandy O’Neill/SheKnows.
Overnight Apple-Walnut Oatmeal

Image Credit: Brandi Bidot/SheKnows.

Make this apple-walnut oatmeal before bed, then wake up to a perfect breakfast.

Get the recipe from Brandi Bidot/SheKnows.
Veggie-Filled Egg Muffin Cups

Image Credit: Show Me the Yummy.

Healthy and convenient, these egg muffins are easy to pop out of the freezer when you need breakfast.

Get the recipe from Show Me the Yummy.
Apple Pie Oatmeal

Image Credit: Brandi Bidot/SheKnows.

The smell of this slow cooker apple pie oatmeal will make anyone a morning person.

Get the recipe from Brandi Bidot/SheKnows.
Overnight Pumpkin French Toast

Image Credit: I Should be Mopping the Floor.

Cozy spices make this overnight pumpkin French toast smell delicious while it bakes.

Get the recipe from I Should be Mopping the Floor.
Raspberry & Cream Breakfast Bake

Image Credit: Gina Matsoukas/SheKnows.

Decadent raspberries and cream make this make-ahead breakfast bake worth waking up for.

Get the recipe from Gina Matsoukas/SheKnows.
Easy Breakfast Burritos

Image Credit: Show Me the Yummy.

Chock-full of cheese, eggs and other goodies, these make-ahead breakfast burritos are easy to freeze.

Get the recipe from Show Me the Yummy.
Croissant Sandwiches

Image Credit: Jamie Cooks It Up.

Hearty croissant breakfast sandwiches freeze surprisingly well, so you can have breakfast in a jiff.

Get the recipe from Jamie Cooks It Up.
Overnight Blueberry French Toast

Image Credit: Recipe Girl.

Pops of sweet-tart blueberry keep this overnight French toast from feeling too heavy.

Get the recipe from Recipe Girl.
Breakfast Quesadillas

Image Credit: Well Plated.

Freeze these breakfast quesadillas ahead of time, then serve them up to impress guests on a busy morning.

Get the recipe from Well Plated.
Pull-Apart Sticky Buns

Image Credit: The Yummy Life.

Make these pull-apart sticky buns in advance, then pull them out of the freezer for a breakfast treat.

Get the recipe from The Yummy Life.
24 Make-Ahead Breakfasts Perfect for When You Need to Host a Crowd

Image Credit: Adobe Stock.

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