Just because your team has an early kickoff does not mean you should go without a tailgate. Although your menu is usually filled with burgers, wings, and dips galore, you’ve got to rethink the spread when game time is brunch time. These tailgate breakfast ideas were made to feed a big crew, so don’t forget to invite family and friends. Whether you’re hosting an at-home tailgate and watch party or you’re going to campus for the big game, these breakfast ideas have you covered. From comforting casseroles that are easy to bake-and-take, to grab-and-go bites like doughnut hole muffins, sausage balls, and ham-stuffed biscuits, your rise-and-shine tailgate will be a winner. These easy breakfast ideas are ideal for making the night before, so you know your game day morning will go smoothly. With these tailgate breakfast ideas, you’ll actually be excited when your team gets scheduled for an early game. Don’t forget the mimosas and a Bloody Mary bar.
Tater Tot Bake
Recipe: Tater Tot Breakfast Bake
This one-dish breakfast casserole is ideal for a crowd. Assemble it the night before and pop it in the oven before the game.
Snickerdoodle Doughnut Hole Muffins
Recipe: Snickerdoodle Doughnut Hole Muffins
This sweet recipe makes two dozen Snickerdoodle Doughnut Hole Muffins, and we assure you they’ll all be gone. With a treat that’s so easy to pick up and go, these will be a hit at any tailgate.
Sausage Balls
Recipe: Sausage Balls
This easy three-ingredient recipe yields dozens of bite-sized sausage balls that are way too addicting.
Spinach-and-Broccoli Breakfast Bread Pudding
Recipe: Spinach-and-Broccoli Breakfast Bread Pudding
This slow-cooker recipe is so easy to bake and take, and it’s made for a big crew.
Herbed Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Recipe: Herbed Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Another big-batch breakfast casserole that lets the slow cooker do all the work.
Apple Muffins
Recipe: Apple Muffins
Kick off the fall season—we mean football season—with some portable and seasonal muffins. Try our Sugar-and-Spice Apple Muffins, Caramelized Apple Toffee Muffins, or Apple Crumb Muffins for more variations.
Ham-Stuffed Biscuits With Mustard Butter
Recipe: Ham-Stuffed Biscuits with Mustard Butter
This recipe yields five dozen biscuits that are easy to serve, so they’re the ideal tailgate snack.
Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole
Recipe: Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole
Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole was made for an early kickoff the week of Thanksgiving.
Cheddar-Chive Beer Bread
Recipe: Cheddar-Chive Beer Bread
This recipe is as easy as combining five ingredients and putting a pan in the oven. Plus, it's probable you'll already have some beer around for the tailgate.
Barbecue Deviled Eggs
Recipe: Barbecue Deviled Eggs
If your tailgate is usually filled with barbecue, an early game time doesn’t have to ruin that.
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Recipe: Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Breakfast casseroles were made for big gatherings, and this one has hot pork sausage, cubed hash browns, eggs, and shredded cheese.
Muffin-Cup Soufflés
Recipe: Muffin-Cup Soufflés
These savory soufflés filled with breakfast flavors are so easy to bake and take (and take off the plate).
Scrambled Egg Muffin Sliders
Recipe: Scrambled Egg Muffin Sliders
A little different than the cheeseburger sliders you usually serve at a tailgate, these sliders have all the makings of a filling breakfast.
Cheesy Sausage-and-Croissant Casserole
Recipe: Cheesy Sausage and Croissant Casserole
Video: Cheesy Sausage-and-Croissant Casserole
Game days get long, so you need a hearty breakfast like this casserole to fill you up.
Bacon-and-Cheddar Grits Quiche
Recipe: Bacon-and-Cheddar Grits Quiche
Video: Bacon-and-Cheddar Grits Quiche
You’ve never had quiche quite like this one made with a grits “crust.”
Bacon-Herb Cupcakes
Recipe: Bacon-Herb Cupcakes
This recipe makes dozens of savory mini cupcakes that tailgaters won’t be able to resist every time they pass by.
Cornmeal-Chive Biscuits
Recipe: Cornmeal-Chive Biscuits
These homemade biscuits have a high yield and come together quickly. Set out a biscuit-filling table with ham, bacon, cheese, and various jellies and jams.
Pepper Jelly Danish
Photo: Pepper Jelly Danish
If your tailgate usually has a pepper jelly-topped dip, you’ll love these Danishes for a breakfast bite that’s sweet and savory.
Roll Tide Breakfast Rolls
Recipe: Roll Tide Breakfast Rolls
Even if you’re not an Alabama fan, these breakfast rolls are a quick, easy, and filling breakfast on the go. If “Roll Tide” isn’t in your vocabulary, make up your own team-centric name for this delicious dish.
Smoky Pimiento Cheese Deviled Eggs
Recipe: Smoky Pimiento Cheese Deviled Eggs
No Southern tailgate would be complete without pimiento cheese, even in the morning.
