18 Make-Ahead Brunch Recipes for Holiday Guests

By Jenn Segal

There’s no need to wake up at the crack of dawn to feed your guests this holiday season—these make-ahead brunch recipes let you enjoy a leisurely morning while still serving a fantastic meal.

Quiche Lorraine

Richly flavored with Gruyère cheese and smoky bacon, quiche Lorraine is one of the most satisfying dishes imaginable.
Crumb Cake

A super-generous crumb topping and genius pastry chef trick make this the best crumb cake ever.
Banana Bread

Say hello to your new favorite banana bread recipe! With its tender crumb, rich flavor, and irresistibly crisp crust, it’s simply the best!
Spinach & Cheese Strata

Layered with spinach, cheese, and bread, and soaked in a savory custard, this make-ahead strata is ideal for entertaining.
Apple Muffins

These wholesome apple muffins are packed with spice and everything nice—just what you need for a cozy start to the day.
Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Cinnamon-Walnut Swirl

From Zingerman’s Bakehouse, a rich and buttery sour cream coffee cake with a sublime cinnamon-nut swirl.
Breakfast Casserole

In need of a brunch dish that’s both delicious and easy? My breakfast casserole, brimming with sausage and Cheddar cheese, is your answer. Simply assemble it the night before and bake it to golden perfection in the morning!
Baked Apple French Toast

Part French toast, part apple pie, this baked apple French toast is the ultimate holiday brunch dish.
Double Chocolate Biscotti

These crisp double chocolate biscotti are tailor-made for dunking into coffee, warm milk, or hot chocolate.
Pumpkin Bread

Kids love it, grown-ups love it…this pumpkin bread is hard to beat!
Granola

Say goodbye to store-bought granola—this homemade version full of crunchy clusters will spoil you for anything else!
Cranberry Orange Bread

Sweet, orange-scented, and packed with cranberries and walnuts, this cranberry orange bread is the perfect festive treat for the holidays.
Crustless Broccoli Quiche

Who needs crust? Going crustless with this broccoli quiche cuts down prep and cook time, plus carbs, letting the rich, cheesy custard and veggies take center stage.
Morning Glory Muffins

Morning glory muffins are good to eat and good for you. True to their name, they’re a glorious way to start your day.
Butterscotch Pecan Scones

These butterscotch pecan scones are tender, sweet and rich – almost like giant cookies.
Pumpkin Muffins

Sink your teeth into the ultimate fall treat: pumpkin muffins topped with a can’t-resist pecan streusel!
Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Bring a little sunshine into your kitchen with these lemon poppy seed muffins! Simple to whip up, each bite combines the bright flavor of lemon with the nutty crunch of poppy seeds.
Overnight Oats

Say goodbye to the morning rush with overnight oats—prep ahead, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy a nutritious breakfast on the go!