62 Summer Breakfast Recipes Made For Easy Entertaining

Roasted Tomato Quiche — Photo: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist Christine Keely

Summer is full of fun trips, drop-in guests, and weekend getaways. Southerners know to always be prepared for a crowd, and these summer breakfast ideas are made for them. If you're planning a beach trip, offer to make one of these recipes as a delicious contribution. Go savory with a Tater Tot Casserole or vegetable quiche or get sweet with French Toast Bakes or sticky buns. Since your fridge is bursting with fresh-from-the-market produce during the summer months, these breakfast recipes make the most of it. Whether blueberry pancakes, peach coffee cake, or a squash frittata, there are plenty of ways to bring summer's beautiful bounty to the breakfast table. We know that Southern summers get too hot to even think about turning the oven on, so we included some of our favorite slow-cooker breakfast ideas to keep you cool and hands-free. Let the kids invite company over this weekend—breakfast is already done.

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Blueberry Pancake Breakfast Casserole

Instead of standing by the stovetop flipping flapjacks for everyone on your summer getaway, prep this casserole with blueberries fresh from the market. The casserole can be assembled the night before, allowing the custard to soak in. In the morning, pop it into the oven while the coffee's brewing.

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Farmers' Market Frittata

Southern Living Farmersâ Market Frittata in the pan with a couple of slices cut out on blue plates — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Our Farmers' Market Frittata is like an everything in the kitchen sink cookie. The egg base is packed with summer flavors from a variety of vegetables and herbs. And while the recipe calls for onion, peppers, kale, chives, and dill, you can use whatever you have fresh on hand.

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Nectarine-Plum Turnovers

Whether it's breakfast on the go, with a scoop of ice cream for dessert, or just an afternoon pick-me-up, these fruit-filled puff pastries are a winner. In season nectarines and plums come together for a tender, not too sweet filling.

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Roasted Tomato Quiche

If you've had tomatoes make a crust soggy, we have the perfect fix. We took the extra step of roasting tomato slices to concentrate their flavor and sweetness before assembling this quiche. Salty bacon and chopped scallions heighten the sweet acidity of the tomatoes for an unforgettable summer breakfast.

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Fresh Peach Coffee Cake with Pecan Streusel

Show off farm-fresh peaches with this pretty coffee cake with a crunchy pecan streusel. The peach slices bake on top, releasing sweet juices into the batter. The guests will love the flavors of cinnamon and cardamom alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea.

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Zucchini Bread Pancakes

Transform the traditional quick bread into a fluffy stack of buttermilk pancakes, and use up two leftover squash in the process. We spiced these flapjacks with cinnamon and nutmeg to bring out that zucchini bread flavor. But it might be the maple syrup mixed with mascarpone cheese that really takes them over the top.

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Creamed-Corn Grits

Taking advantage of one of our favorite summer crops, fan-favorite grits get an upgrade with old-fashioned creamed sweet corn. Weather you serve them for brunch or topped with shrimp for dinner, this flavor-packed dish will be a hit.

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Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole With Blueberry-Maple Syrup

When school's out, that means there's a little more time to make the first meal of the day extra special. And that calls for this decedent French toast casserole studded with bursting, in season blueberries.

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Cornmeal Crêpes With Blackberries And Buttermilk Cream

cornmeal crepes with blackberry sauce — Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

If Saturday morning pancakes are typically in your breakfast line-up, switch it up with this delicious recipe. Make a big stack of crêpes, then let your guests have fun adding their own toppings.

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Shrimp and Grits Casserole

This Southern classic just got a big-batch, one-dish makeover that's perfect for hosting a weekend brunch at the beach. The cheese grits come together quickly and bake in the oven while you're preparing the sumptuous shrimp and bacon gravy. We made sure you'll have plenty of gravy left over to serve on the side.

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Easy Huevos Rancheros Bake

You can prepare a restaurant-worthy brunch for your whole bunch with this huevos rancheros recipe. Layer the ingredients in the skillet and bake, then top with sunny-side-up eggs. You can garnish the dish with any fresh ingredients, like peppers and avocados.

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Biscuits-and-Gravy Skillet

The Southern classic gets a quick, one-dish makeover with a skillet and frozen biscuits. Make the simple sausage gravy in your cast-iron skillet and top it with the biscuits. Bake in the oven and 30 minutes later, breakfast is served.

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Deviled Grits

A few surprising ingredients like brown sugar and orange juice might make you second guess this recipe, but we promise there won't be a bite left when you serve our deviled grits.

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Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles

This bite-size brunch recipe prepared with a mini waffle iron makes it easy for a big crowd to serve themselves. The recipe uses fried chicken tenders—a great use of leftovers from dinner the night before. Drizzle with maple syrup and garnish with green onions.

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Peach Scones

What's more summery than buttery scones spotted with peaches? You can use canned for this recipe, but ripe farmstand peaches would be so sweet. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

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Squash Frittata

Slice up your zucchini and whip together a gorgeous Squash Frittata. We've included fingerling potatoes with the squash, eggs, and cheese, making this a delicious one-dish meal. But feel free to add a fruit salad for a breakfast bursting with fresh summer produce.

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Strawberry Jam

This three-ingredient strawberry jam is so easy to make, but it will show a personal, dedicated touch to your guests. Plus, you can give them mini jars of it as a parting gift. For an even more summery take, try our strawberry lemonade version.

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Blueberry Clafoutis

Much like a Dutch baby, this custardy French pancake is baked in a skillet in the oven. Two whole cups of fresh fruit add a burst of flavor to the clafoutis, which is sprinkled with powdered sugar once it comes out of the oven. You can use any stone fruit or berry in this dish.

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Cheesy Ham, Corn, and Grits Bake

Breakfast casseroles are the easiest way to serve a crowd, and they'll be clamoring once they taste this breakfast bake featuring seasonal summer corn alongside ham and cheese. Yellow stone-ground grits highlight the corn flavor, while fresh thyme gives this soufflé-like dish more character. Two types of Cheddar make the golden grits so cheesy and satisfying.

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Baked Oatmeal

If your guests like to stay on the healthy side, they'll love this big-batch baked oatmeal that has the indulgence of a bread pudding. You can substitute any summery fruit for the apples—how about peach or plum?

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Quick And Easy Cream Cheese Danish

Use frozen puff pastry to make these delicious and beautiful breakfast treats. The best part about these cream cheese danishes is you can top them with the fruit of your choice like summertime peaches and blackberries.

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Tater Tot Breakfast Bake

If you're unsure of guests' preferences, a cheesy breakfast casserole that starts with a bag of tater tots will never steer you wrong. The tots bake in a custard along with crumbled bacon and a healthy helping of cheese. Try adding sliced green onions or diced peppers, or spice it up with pepper Jack.

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Bakeshop Blueberry Muffins

With just 10 minutes of hands-on time, this sweet and simple recipe is easier than running to the bakery to pick up a dozen. The muffins can be prepared with frozen berries, but we recommend taking advantage of blueberry season and using fresh-picked, which smell heavenly as they start to burst in the oven. Maybe we should call these Better-Than-Bakeshop Blueberry Muffins.

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Fried Chicken Biscuits with Rosemary Hot Honey

This finger-licking recipe will make your crew happy at breakfast or brunch. Fried chicken biscuits don't need any help being a crowd favorite, but homemade rosemary hot honey takes them to the next level of delish. The biscuits and chicken are homemade, too, ensuring they'll be crispy and piping hot on your plate.

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Piña Colada Quick Bread

Pina Colada Quick Bread — Antonis Achilleos

This quick bread is something like a pineapple upside-down cake in bread form. In this case, the pineapple chunks are embedded throughout the moist, rum-flavored loaf. Spread a coconut glaze and toasted coconut chips over top.

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Blueberry-Cornmeal Cake

We'll have one of these fresh blueberry-studded cakes on hand all summer for pop-in brunch or afternoon guests. Try it warm out of the oven, or let it cool and top it with whipped cream. Use a medium-grind cornmeal for the best texture and flavor.

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Slow-Cooker Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole — Caitlin Bensel

Take the stress out of cooking for company and let the slow cooker do it for you. The rolls turn out so rich, sugary, and gooey from cooking for four hours on LOW. This recipe is simplified by a can of biscuits and a cream-cheese frosting that cooks right in there with them.

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Ricotta Pancakes with Brown Butter-Maple Syrup and Blueberry Compote

A beautiful blueberry compote is just right for summer, especially poured over these ricotta pancakes. The fluffy cheese makes them incredibly light and airy. We put a touch of lemon zest in the batter to complement the sweet berries.

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Overnight French Toast Casserole with Bourbon-Maple Syrup

Orange-Vanilla French Toast Casserole with Bourbon-Maple Syrup — Antonis Achilleo; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

This overnight breakfast casserole was made for serving a crowd, so be sure yours is hungry. You'll be glad you did the prep work last night when all you have to do is bake the casserole and whip up a bourbon-maple syrup for the finishing touch. Add pecans and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

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Homemade Pop Tarts

Treat the kids (and nostalgic adults) to homemade tarts. The soft pastry is buttery and crumbly, making it hard to justify grabbing store-bought pop tarts ever again. This tart recipe has a brown sugar and cinnamon filling—try our Homemade Berry Pop Tarts if you'd like to showcase your homemade jam.

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Cheesy Tomato-and-Sausage Strata

This rustic strata has all the components for a great brunch in one dish: eggs, sausage, bread, cheese, and tomatoes. The smoky flavor of the sausage works in tandem with the bright, acidic flavors of onions and tomatoes to permeate the bread and egg mixture. Most of the prep happens in advance, leaving you free to soak up a summer breeze on the porch while it bakes.

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Strawberry-Rhubarb Skillet Coffee Cake

We all know sugary strawberries and sour rhubarb are a match made in dessert heaven. So why not bring this magical combination to breakfast? In our Strawberry-Rhubarb Skillet Coffee Cake, a ribbon of tangy strawberry-rhubarb filling runs throughout the buttery, crumb-topped breakfast treat.

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Breakfast Biscuit Sandwich with Sausage, Egg, and Cheese

A big batch of breakfast sandwiches is easier than it sounds with the help of a sheet pan. Simply bake your sausage, bell pepper, egg, and cheese mixture and cut the eggs into squares. Then put out an assortment of delicious toppings and let your guests do the rest.

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Breakfast Enchiladas

Even the pickiest kids will be asking for a second helping of breakfast enchiladas stuffed with sausage and eggs. If you have a house full of early risers, you can roll up the tortillas the night before and bake them in the morning. This recipe uses our delicious Tex-Mex Cheese Sauce spiced up with chopped green chilis.

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Strawberry Crêpes

strawberry crÃªpes — Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

While you can top paper thin crêpes with just about any filling, we love the simplicity of fresh, naturally sweet strawberries. But if you're looking for something a little extra, try our honeyed strawberries.

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Sweet-and-Spicy Sheet Pan Bacon

Cooking bacon little by little in the skillet isn't practical for a big crowd. This sheet pan method is easy, delicious, and ensures everyone gets plenty of bacon. Plus, no greasy splatters to clean up.

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Brioche French Toast Casserole

Southern Living Brioche Cinnamon French Toast Casserole in the pan ready to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Start your morning on a sweet note with this buttery, extra fluffy French toast casserole that doesn't require overnight soaking. Once you make the dish with brioche bread, you won't be able to go back to a regular loaf.

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Blueberry-Citrus Rolls With Orange Glaze

This bright and sunny take on cinnamon rolls replaces the usual brown sugar and cinnamon with jammy berries and orange zest. Whole berries are rolled up inside the yeasty dough with the citrus filling. After baking, brush your rolls with a simple citrus glaze to give them more zing.

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Crab Pie

This beachy spin on quiche is made with lump crabmeat, sautéed spinach and leeks, and cream cheese. We use refrigerated pie crusts to keep the prep time to 20 minutes. Serve with a simple salad and fresh juice or mimosas for a decadent brunch.

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Breakfast Chilaquiles Casserole

Our version of the traditional Mexican breakfast dish uses corn tostadas layered with enchilada sauce, sausage, and cheese, baked to deliciousness in the oven. We top that with fried eggs, but leave the toppings off so the guests can choose their favorites. We like fresh cilantro, sliced radishes, queso fresco, sour cream, salsa, and of course, hot sauce.

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Snickerdoodle Doughnut Hole Muffins

These bite-size muffins will satisfy every sweet tooth at the brunch table. The muffins taste like snickerdoodle cookies, but with the richness of doughnut holes. Roll them in a mixture of melted butter, sugar, and spices for a sweet and crispy crust.

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Egg In A Hole

Whether you call this dish toad-in-a-hole or egg-in-a-basket, all you need is one pan, three ingredients, and eight minutes to make this delicious and fun breakfast.

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Tomato-Herb Mini Frittatas

This recipe can be made in individual ramekins for an elegant breakfast or in a 13x9 baking dish for a more casual event. Grape tomatoes and loads of fresh herbs bake for a few minutes in the egg mixture, just long enough to release their flavors. If you are using ramekins, we recommend swapping the baking sheets halfway through baking so each frittata can lightly brown.

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Blueberry-Ginger Crumb Cake

A fruit-filled crumb cake gets a bit of spice from crystallized ginger. Your family will rave over the contrasting textures of tender cake and the buttery, crispy topping. Tossing the blueberries in flour will keep them from sinking to the bottom of the skillet.

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Tomato, Cheddar, And Bacon Pie

So much more than a classic tomato pie, this recipe has a sour cream crust studded with bacon, layers of colorful tomatoes, and plenty of cheese and herbs to tie it all together. Use a variety of heirloom tomatoes to really make this pie pop. For best results, seed the tomatoes and drain the slices before baking.

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Zucchini Bread

Zucchini isn't just good for dinner time. The summertime veggie gives this loaf extra moisture and a nutrition boost.

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Bacon-and-Tomato Breakfast Casserole

This slow-cooker breakfast casserole has a Mediterranean twist. Place pita chips in the bottom of the slow cooker, then layer on tomatoes, peppers, eggs, basil, and cheese. Garnish each serving with fresh herbs to amp up the flavor.

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Sheet Pan Pancakes

When you're entertaining and don't want to be standing over the griddle all morning flipping pancakes, turn to our new favorite, light and fluffy sheet pan version.

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Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

Blueberry Breakfast Bars — Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Loren Wood; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

If you've got a day full of outings ahead, you'll appreciate these grab-and-go breakfast bars (why not grab a few extras for snacking on at the beach?) The old-fashioned oats and chopped pecans make them a filling and healthy treat. The recipe calls for fresh blueberries, which you can pair with any kind of jam.

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Zucchini-Onion Frittata

If your farmers' market haul was full of zucchini, this frittata is the perfect excuse to use it all up. Give the vegetables a quick saute and let the oven do the rest. Top with chopped tomato and shredded basil for garden-fresh flavor.

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Loaded Chilaquiles

It doesn't get any easier than this nacho-style breakfast skillet dish that is ready in just 20 minutes. These enchilada sauce coated tortilla chips topped with chorizo, tomato, avocado, cheese, and more will become your new favorite sharable breakfast.

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Heirloom Tomato Tart

This easy and beautiful tart puts tomatoes to delicious use along with smoked mozzarella and chopped oregano and basil. Salt the tomatoes before using them to release excess moisture. Then you'll have a luscious layer of baked (but not soggy) fruit on an egg custard and flaky pie crust.

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Breakfast Egg Muffins

Southern Living Egg Muffins after baking — Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling: Torie Cox

Prep these egg muffins ahead of time and you'll have a hearty breakfast ready to go.

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French Toast Dippers

No matter if you're making these for a pretty brunch board or kid-friendly quick bite, they sure are fun to eat. The best part? All the dipping sauces.

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Lowcountry Shrimp And Grits

Briny shrimp, cheesy grits, and salty bacon and mushrooms—this dish is a Southern standout for good reason. In this take from Robert Stehling of Charleston's Hominy Grill, he uses stone ground grits and cooks them slowly over low heat to a creamy texture. Add shrimp sauteed in bacon, garlic, and lemon and a shake or two of Tabasco for a taste of the Lowcountry's best comfort food.

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Raspberry-Almond Muffins With Honey Butter

Start the day on a sweet note with these Raspberry-Almond Muffins with Honey Butter. The batter gets its sweetness from honey and almond flour, which contrast with the tart raspberries studded throughout. We top the muffins with more raspberries and sliced almonds to bake to a lovely texture in the oven.

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Fresh Fruit Salad

In a lineup of cheesy grits, crispy potatoes, and sweet rolls, it's nice to have something fresh on the table, too. The melon balls and berries get a bit of zing from orange juice and mint from the garden. Make this salad an hour in advance so the flavors can meld together.

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One-Dish Blackberry French Toast

This jammy breakfast casserole is unbelievably easy, but guests don't have to know that. Prep it a day in advance and pop it in the oven in the morning. Every bite of French bread, jam, and cream cheese is tasty on its own, but you can boost the sweetness with maple syrup or whipped cream.

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Southern Salmon Benedict

Our Southern twist on classic Eggs Benedict replaces the English muffin with biscuits. And while this meal might look fancy and is sure to impress, it's ready in just 30 minutes.

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Mini Bananas Foster Sticky Buns

These indulgent mini buns mimic a New Orleans-favorite dessert and will have everyone asking for the recipe. The trick is refrigerated crescent roll dough, which makes this recipe much easier to whip up than cinnamon rolls. Choose bananas that are starting to show signs of ripeness for just the right amount of sweetness and firmness.

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Tomato Gravy

While tomato gravy is traditionally made with a can of diced tomatoes, we're using summer's bounty of fresh beefsteak tomatoes for this recipe.

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Creamy Egg Strata

A cheesy French bread and egg casserole will complement any number of brunch mains or other sides. The savory dish is flavored with onion, garlic, white wine, and broth, in addition to Swiss cheese. Prepare this dish the day before so the bread can soak up the creamy eggs.

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62 Summer Breakfast Recipes Made For Easy Entertaining

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