18 Make-Ahead Breakfasts for a Delicious Start to Busy Mornings

From savory egg-based dishes to sweet, crumbly muffins, our make-ahead breakfast ideas will help you get the first meal of the day sorted.

baked oatmeal for a crowd with seeds and berries
Photo:

Chris Simpson

Breakfast might be the most important meal of the day, but we don't always have the time or energy to make a proper meal in the morning. Whether you're just cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, it's important to have a handful of recipes for make-ahead breakfasts. There are the obvious contenders, like grab-and-go muffins and oatmeal, but even savory dishes like quiche and breakfast burritos can be made in advance and rewarmed when you need a quick meal to start your day. Casseroles and baked French toast can be prepped ahead and baked in the morning, or baked ahead and reheated portion by portion. Set aside some time this weekend and use our recipes to get your breakfasts sorted for the week to come.

01 of 18

Morning Glory Muffins

morning glory muffins
Yuki Sugiura

Made with whole-wheat flour and packed full of grated apples, carrots, coconut, and raisins, these muffins are a great on-the-go morning treat. They are healthy and hearty—and a little sweet. Each bite has a few delightfully crunchy bits of toasted pepitas. 

02 of 18

Jewish-Deli Strata

jewish-deli-strata-102797817.jpg
Yunhee Kim

All of the flavors of bagels and lox can be found in this breakfast casserole. Rye bread, smoked salmon, and Havarti cheese combine in a dill custard before being baked and served with the usual suspects—briny capers, thin slices of red onion, and a squeeze of lemon.

03 of 18

No-Cook Overnight Oats

overnight oats
Bryan Gardner

They're the ultimate make-ahead breakfast. Overnight oats are quick and easy to make, you can top them with anything you want—and they're delicious. Keep it simple with toasted nuts, dried fruit, and a drizzle of maple syrup, or top them with tropical fruits and toasted coconut flakes.

04 of 18

Apple-Caramel French Toast

apple-caramel french toast
Nico Schinco

This baked French toast plays on the flavors of caramel apples, and it’s delicious even when it's not apple season. You can assemble the dish the night before and bake it off in the morning—it also makes good leftovers. Serve topped with some yogurt, nuts, and your favorite berries.

05 of 18

Frozen Yogurt and Fruit Pops

Yogurt Pops
Lennart Weibull

These refreshing treats are a healthy breakfast that can be made ahead and stored in the freezer. Blend Greek yogurt with your fruit of choice (we like strawberries, blueberries, and mango), and add a touch of honey to sweeten it up.

06 of 18

Martha's Sugar Buns

Cinnamon-Sugar Ragamuffins
Kate Sears

Take your ordinary biscuit to the next level with these sweet rolled pastries. A swirl of cinnamon sugar is hidden within the layers of fluffy yeasted dough, and they are conveniently baked in muffin tins.

07 of 18

Spanish Frittata

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A Spanish frittata (aka Spanish tortilla) is a hearty dish made with onion, potato, and egg. It can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for several days. Serve at room temperature, or warm it in the microwave briefly before enjoying.

08 of 18

Breakfast Taquitos

Breakfast Taquitos
Lennart Weibull

We pack everything we love about breakfast burritos into these crispy baked taquitos. Make a match ahead of time and freeze them. All they need is a few minutes in the oven to crisp back up and become melty and delicious.

09 of 18

Smoothie Parfait

smoothie parfait
Ngoc Minh Ngo

These colorful parfaits are packed with just about every superfood you can think of. Layer coconut chia pudding with spinach-mango smoothie mixture and creamy Greek yogurt, and they’ll be ready to go the next morning.

10 of 18

Breakfast-Sausage-and-Gruyère Drop Biscuits

breakfast-sausage-and-gruyere drop biscuits
Johnny Miller

These buttery drop biscuits are loaded with bits of savory breakfast sausage and sharp, nutty Gruyere cheese. As biscuits bake, the butter pockets melt and form flaky layers around the meat and cheese. Fresh thyme adds a woodsy flavor and aroma.

11 of 18

Lemon Scones

Lemon scones on blue platter

Jason Donnelly

Scones—they’re not just for afternoon tea! These sweet treats are light, tender, and a bit cakey. Flavored with lemon zest and juice and cut into wedges, you'll crave these scones for more than just breakfast. They're also perfect for a mid-morning snack with coffee or tea. Spread with jam or nut butter for a heartier serving. You can freeze for make-ahead individual servings.

12 of 18

Baked Oatmeal for a Crowd with Berries and Seeds

Baked Oatmeal for a Crowd with Berries
Chris Simpson

This hearty baked oatmeal is sweetened with dates and a touch of maple syrup. As they bake, the frozen berries turn extra sweet and jammy. It can be made up to five days ahead and enjoyed all week long.

13 of 18

Cinnamon-Raisin French Toast Casserole

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Romulo Yanes

If you're a fan of cinnamon raisin toast, you’ll love this prep-ahead French toast casserole inspired by the same flavors. Rich slices of brioche soak up the egg custard, so the center stays luscious and creamy while the top puffs up to golden perfection.

14 of 18

Bacon and Scallion Quiche

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Romulo Yanes

If you have some extra time over the weekend, make this simple quiche and enjoy slices for breakfast through the week. Our flaky pie crust is filled with a savory bacon and scallion-flavored custard, and it can be served at room temperature or warmed up at the office before the first meetings of the day. 

15 of 18

Ham and Cheese Strata

ham and cheese strata

This strata has all the makings of a classic eggs-ham-and-toast breakfast, in a single pan! Layered with Dijon mustard and scallions, it bakes up into a fluffy, delicious, and hearty meal that can be made in advance.

16 of 18

Meyer Lemon Coffee Cake

meyer lemon coffee cake on pink stand
Mike Krautter

Our moist sour cream coffee cake is flavored with the floral aromas of Meyer lemons, but you can use whatever citrus you like—tangerines and grapefruits would both be equally as delicious. Make it on the weekend (or a quiet night) and enjoy a slice with your morning cup of coffee.

17 of 18

Test Kitchen's Favorite Banana-Chocolate Chip Bread

banana chocolate chip bread

Marcus Nilsson

Nothing beats a thick slice of moist, tender banana bread, especially when it’s studded with melty chocolate chips. Using overripe fruit is what gives this bread its pure banana flavor—and makes it a special way to start the day. It keeps for 3 days.

18 of 18

Breakfast Cookies

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Andrew McCaul

These make-ahead breakfast cookies are packed with all kinds of nutritious ingredients, like rolled oats, nuts, seeds, coconut, and dried fruit. Reviewers describe it as a "no-fail" recipe. So you may be eating cookies for breakfast, but you can feel good about it at the same time.

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