Make-Ahead Brunch Recipes

By Southern Living
Photo: Melina Hammer

Mix and match these make-ahead brunch recipes for a fresh twist on our morning favorites.

Brunch is a wonderful time to gather with friends. Get the most out of your late morning, and enjoy letting the party drift into the afternoon, by being prepared with these make-ahead brunch recipes. Pizza is delicious at any time, and your guests will love the Breakfast Sausage-Egg Pizza—fry the eggs in a skillet and add them when the pizza is fresh out of the oven. One of our favorite make-ahead brunch recipes is the Sausage-and-Grits Quiche, which you can make ahead and freeze. Just be sure to thaw it slowly in the refrigerator to keep its texture and flavor just right. For sipping, share the Cocoa-Coconut Coffee Cooler: If guests want to imbibe you can add a cup of bourbon or rum to the recipe. So invite family and friends to relax over fantastic food. You’ve got it ready thanks to these incredible make-ahead brunch recipes. 

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Fall Vegetable Hash

Photo: Melina Hammer

Recipe: Fall Vegetable Hash

You can sub any of your favorite root vegetables for the potatoes and turnips. To plan ahead, cut up all the vegetables and store them in zip-top plastic bags in the fridge for up to three days.

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Breakfast Sausage-Egg Pizza

Photo: Melina Hammer

Recipe: Breakfast Sausage-Egg Pizza

This creative brunch twist is a definite crowd-pleaser. Feel free to fry the eggs in a skillet and add to the just-cooked pizza. Don't worry about shaping a perfectly round pie—embrace the free-form look. Cheesy Mornay Sauce elevates this rustic pizza into a company-worthy pie. 

Watch: Breakfast Sausage-Egg Pizza

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Spinach-and-Herb Pastatta

Photo: Melina Hammer

Recipe: Spinach-and-Herb Pastatta

Introducing the pastatta: a comforting, hearty casserole that's a cross between baked pasta and frittata.

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Fruit Salad with Citrus-Basil Syrup

Photo: Melina Hammer

Recipe: Fruit Salad with Citrus-Basil Syrup

This fruit salad incorporates a medly of juicy flavors like peaches, plums, and apricots. The zesty citrus-basil syrup makes a perfect finish.

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Cocoa-Coconut Coffee Cooler

Photo: Melina Hammer

Recipe: Cocoa-Coconut Coffee Cooler

This cooler is almost sweet enough to be a dessert. Stir in one cup rum or bourbon for an even more festive sipper.

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Poppy Seed-Ginger Muffins

Photo: Melina Hammer

Recipe: Poppy Seed-Ginger Muffins

To thin the glaze, add more orange juice.

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Country Ham and Gouda Grit Cakes with Tomato Gravy

Photo: Melina Hammer

Recipe: Country Ham and Gouda Grit Cakes with Tomato Gravy

Make grits and sauce a day ahead. Grit cakes (browned in a skillet) also make a tasty supper side.

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Sausage-and-Grits Quiche

Photo: Melina Hammer

Recipe: Sausage-and-Grits Quiche

Thaw food in the refrigerator. The science behind a slow, even thaw preserves flavor and texture. Impress your brunch company with this clever, simple spin on a traditional quiche.

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Mixed Greens with French Toast Croutons

Photo: Melina Hammer

Recipe: Mixed Greens with French Toast Croutons

A jar of presectioned oranges works in a pinch. The challah bread French Toast Croutons are so good you'll be tempted to eat them on their own.

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