12 Make-Ahead Breakfast Ideas for Busy Holiday Mornings

With all the excitement of the holiday season, it is easy to let breakfast fall to the wayside. However, having a ready-to-eat meal can make your morning run smoothly. The best part is that you can prepare these options in advance, giving you more time to focus on other things. Whether you are hosting a holiday breakfast or just looking for a quick meal, these make-ahead ideas have you covered. 

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Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are an excellent make-ahead breakfast option for busy holiday mornings. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a nutritious and customizable meal that’s ready to eat as soon as you wake up. The best part is that you can mix and match toppings such as fruits, nuts, or seeds to suit your taste. Whether you prefer it sweet or savory, overnight oats are an easy, stress-free breakfast that offers great flexibility.

To prepare overnight oats, you will need rolled oats, milk, chia seeds, and honey or maple syrup. Add fruits like berries or sliced bananas, and feel free to include any nuts or seeds for extra crunch. The combination of oats and chia seeds provides a good source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, making this breakfast both filling and healthy.

Start by combining the oats, milk, chia seeds, and sweetener in a jar or airtight container. Stir everything together and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, give it a quick stir, top with fresh fruit, and enjoy your quick, nourishing breakfast.

Breakfast Burritos

Breakfast burritos are perfect for a busy holiday morning when you need something hearty and easy to eat on the go. They can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer, making them a great option for meal prep. The best part about breakfast burritos is that they are versatile and can be filled with a variety of ingredients like eggs, cheese, and meat. You can customize each burrito to fit everyone’s preferences, whether they like bacon, sausage, or a vegetarian option.

For this recipe, you will need eggs, flour tortillas, cheese, cooked potatoes or hash browns, and your choice of meat, like bacon, sausage, or even beans for a vegetarian option. Salsa, guacamole, and sour cream are optional toppings, depending on your taste. Breakfast burritos are not only budget-friendly, but they are also packed with protein, making them a great way to start the day.

Scramble the eggs and cook them until fully set, then assemble the burritos by adding eggs, cheese, and your chosen fillings to a tortilla. Roll up the tortilla tightly, wrap it in foil or plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge or freezer. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or oven for a quick and satisfying breakfast.

Egg Muffins

Egg muffins are a simple yet delicious make-ahead breakfast option that’s both portable and customizable. These bite-sized treats are packed with protein and can be made in advance, so you have a fresh, filling meal ready to go. Egg muffins are also a great way to use up leftover vegetables, meat, or cheese, allowing you to reduce waste while making something delicious. Perfect for busy mornings, they can be enjoyed on their own or paired with toast or fruit.

To make these egg muffins, you will need eggs, vegetables like bell peppers and onions, cooked bacon or sausage, and shredded cheese. You can easily adjust the recipe to fit your dietary preferences by adding spinach, mushrooms, or any other vegetable you enjoy. These muffins are not only nutritious but also provide a well-rounded breakfast with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C and grease a muffin tin. Whisk the eggs and mix them with your vegetables, meat, and cheese. Pour the mixture evenly into the muffin tin and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set. Allow the muffins to cool before storing them in an airtight container for easy access during the week.

Chia Pudding

Chia pudding is a nutritious and easy make-ahead breakfast that requires no cooking, making it perfect for busy mornings. This simple dish combines chia seeds with milk to create a thick, creamy texture that’s both satisfying and healthy. Chia pudding can be prepared the night before and left in the fridge overnight, ready to enjoy the next morning. It’s a great source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein, making it a balanced meal to start your day.

To make chia pudding, you will need chia seeds, almond milk, and a sweetener such as maple syrup or honey. You can add fresh fruit for extra flavor, or even sprinkle in some nuts or granola for crunch. Chia pudding is not only healthy but can also be adapted to fit different dietary preferences, such as dairy-free or low-sugar options.

Mix the chia seeds, almond milk, and sweetener in a jar or bowl. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, give the pudding a quick stir and top with your favorite fruits or nuts for a refreshing, nutritious breakfast.

French Toast Casserole

French toast casserole is a wonderful make-ahead dish that combines all the flavors of French toast into one simple bake. It is ideal for the holiday mornings when you have guests or want to feed a large family without spending too much time in the kitchen. This casserole can be prepared the night before, then baked the next morning for a delicious and warm breakfast. The cinnamon and vanilla create a comforting flavor, perfect for the holiday season.

For this recipe, you will need bread, eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. You can add toppings like nuts or fresh berries for extra texture and flavor. French toast casserole is a hearty dish that combines carbs, protein, and sweetness, making it a filling breakfast everyone will love.

Grease a baking dish and layer the cubed bread inside. In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla, then pour the mixture over the bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake at 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Breakfast Quesadillas

Breakfast quesadillas are a fun and easy meal to prepare ahead of time. With a combination of scrambled eggs, cheese, and your favorite fillings, these quesadillas are sure to please everyone at the table. You can wrap them up and store them in the fridge or freezer for an easy breakfast option that just needs reheating. Customize them with different veggies, meats, or salsas for a variety of flavors.

For this recipe, you will need large flour tortillas, eggs, cheese, cooked bacon or sausage, and salsa. Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or onions for extra flavor. Breakfast quesadillas are not only a great way to use leftovers, but they are also easy to make and perfect for meal prep.

Scramble the eggs and cook them until fully set. Lay a tortilla flat, add the scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon or sausage, then fold the tortilla in half. Heat in a pan until golden brown on both sides, wrap tightly, and store for later use. Reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to serve.

Baked Oatmeal

Baked oatmeal is a filling and healthy breakfast that can be made ahead of time and stored for a few days. The combination of oats, eggs, milk, and sweeteners makes it a hearty meal that can keep you satisfied through busy mornings. You can mix in fruits like apples or berries, or even add nuts for extra texture. Serve it with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of maple syrup for added richness.

For this recipe, you will need rolled oats, milk, eggs, cinnamon, and your choice of fruit. You can add nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition. Baked oatmeal is not only healthy but also customizable to fit your taste, and it stores well in the fridge for a few days.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C and grease a baking dish. Combine the oats, milk, eggs, cinnamon, and fruit, and pour into the prepared dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool before slicing.

Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are a classic breakfast treat that you can prepare ahead of time for a delicious holiday morning. They are soft, warm, and full of cinnamon-sugar goodness. You can make them the night before and simply pop them in the oven in the morning, filling your home with an irresistible aroma. These rolls are perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

For this recipe, you will need refrigerated cinnamon roll dough, cinnamon, sugar, butter, and icing. The warm, gooey cinnamon filling paired with the soft dough is the perfect holiday indulgence. These rolls are simple to prepare and offer a homemade touch without much effort.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C. Roll out the dough and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Roll it up and cut into individual rolls, then bake for 20-25 minutes. Drizzle with icing before serving.

Banana Bread

Banana bread is a comforting and easy-to-make breakfast that everyone enjoys. It is a great way to use up overripe bananas, and it can be made ahead of time and stored for several days. The sweetness from the bananas pairs perfectly with the warm, soft texture of the bread. Serve it with a cup of coffee or tea for a relaxing start to your day.

For this recipe, you will need ripe bananas, flour, sugar, eggs, and baking soda. You can add walnuts, chocolate chips, or even cinnamon for extra flavor. Banana bread is not only delicious but also a great way to reduce food waste by using overripe bananas.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C and grease a loaf pan. Mix the mashed bananas with the flour, sugar, and eggs, then add the baking soda. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Yogurt Parfaits

Yogurt parfaits are a simple, healthy breakfast option that can be customized with different fruits and toppings. Layering Greek yogurt with granola and fresh berries creates a delicious balance of flavors and textures. You can prepare individual jars or bowls the night before and refrigerate them for a quick and easy breakfast in the morning. These parfaits are also great for portion control and can be adjusted to suit dietary preferences.

For this recipe, you will need Greek yogurt, granola, fresh berries, and honey. You can add seeds, nuts, or even a drizzle of maple syrup for extra flavor. Yogurt parfaits are high in protein and make for a nutritious, satisfying breakfast.

Layer the yogurt, granola, and berries in a jar or bowl. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Cover and refrigerate overnight for a ready-to-eat breakfast the next morning.

Breakfast Casserole

A breakfast casserole is a hearty and filling option that can be made the night before and baked in the morning. It is perfect for family gatherings or a large group, as it can serve many people with minimal effort. Combining eggs, cheese, meat, and vegetables creates a well-balanced dish. Prepare it the night before, and just pop it in the oven to bake the next day.

For this recipe, you will need eggs, cooked sausage or bacon, shredded cheese, diced potatoes, and bell peppers. You can easily customize the casserole by adding vegetables or using different types of cheese. Breakfast casseroles are not only filling but also easy to make in large quantities.

Whisk the eggs and combine them with the sausage, cheese, potatoes, and vegetables. Pour into a greased baking dish and refrigerate overnight. Bake at 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C for 25-30 minutes, or until set.

Fruit Salad

Fruit salad is an easy and refreshing breakfast that can be prepared ahead of time. It is packed with vitamins and nutrients, making it a healthy option for busy mornings. Combine seasonal fruits such as berries, apples, and citrus, and add a bit of honey or lime juice for extra flavor. This salad can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days, ready to serve whenever you need it.

For this recipe, you will need strawberries, apples, oranges, and honey. Lime juice adds a refreshing kick, while honey brings out the sweetness of the fruit. Fruit salad is an excellent choice for a light and healthy breakfast.

Combine the fruit in a large bowl and drizzle with honey and lime juice. Toss gently to combine, then refrigerate until ready to serve. This salad can be made the night before, making it a convenient breakfast option.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.