Events

31 Breakfast Potluck Ideas: Sweet & Savory Foods for Large Groups

When deciding what to eat for the first meal of the day, should you go the sweet or savory route? When you bring cooking for a crowd into the conversation, the decision gets even trickier. Potlucks are great for mingling and munching, but all eyes are on the food you bring into the mix. Should you bring sausage crescent roll-ups or banana bread?

The next time an early morning food party creeps up — at work or in your personal life — you can count on these breakfast potluck ideas to flex your culinary skills. We also included a breakfast potluck sign-up sheet to distribute some of the duties.

Table of contents:

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1. Scrambled egg muffins

scrambled egg muffins

Category: Easy breakfast ideas for a crowd

One of the easiest breakfast potluck ideas involves eggs, toppings and muffin tins. These egg muffins are the perfect grab-and-go breakfast for all occasions. Increase the number of ingredients to make enough for your entire crowd. Don’t forget to create multiple varieties like bacon and cheddar or spinach, tomato and mozzarella.

2. Breakfast casserole

Category: Easy breakfast ideas for a crowd

Busy co-workers often don’t make time for a hearty breakfast. The solution? A breakfast casserole is sure to keep their bellies full and hearts warm all workday long. All you have to do is bake eggs, and add your choice of cheese and your favorite toppings. During the prep phase, you can make your egg bake even fluffier with a splash of milk. Rumor has it, your boss might just give you that promotion based on this delicious recipe!

3. Sheet pan pancakes

Category: Easy breakfast ideas for a crowd

Pancakes are a fan favorite at home, but what about at a potluck? While they may seem tricky, you can quickly make several batches of sheet pan pancakes to serve a crowd.

Prep your batter and bring it to your potluck to make fresh pancakes at work or a gathering. You can also make your sheet pan pancakes ahead of time and then warm them up later. Don’t forget to assemble your pancakes with a variety of toppings (we recommend fresh strawberries and chocolate chips).

4. French toast casserole

Category: Easy breakfast ideas for a crowd

Nothing tastes sweeter than French toast casserole at a potluck. This is an excellent meal that freezes well, and you can customize it with fresh fruit or chopped almonds and powdered sugar. Impress your acquaintances with a delicious breakfast dish that requires minimal effort.

5. Granola balls

Granola balls

Category: Easy breakfast ideas for a crowd

Give your peers a burst of energy with these granola balls. The core of this breakfast potluck idea is oats with a hint of chocolate chips, peanut butter and honey. Don’t worry about spending extra time in the kitchen — these energy bites don’t require any baking.

6. Breakfast burritos

Category: Easy breakfast ideas for a crowd

Looking for a grab-and-go option? These breakfast burritos are a showstopper at any event. Fill tortillas with your favorite toppings to serve at the upcoming breakfast party. A few combinations include bacon, egg and cheese or spinach, tomato and avocado. You can also set up a burrito station with a variety of toppings and have folks build their own.

7. Chia seed pudding

Category: Easy breakfast ideas for a crowd

Chia seed pudding is an easy-to-make dish, but it’s also a fan-favorite low-calorie meal. Buy a few dozen mini jars or bowls and fill them with chia seed pudding topped with toasted coconut and berries. This is a great option for mingling and eating on the go.

8. Tostadas

Category: Tex-Mex breakfast ideas

Fried tortillas are the ideal vessel to hold a delicious breakfast. A tostada is an easy and flexible dish that lends itself perfectly to creativity. You can add fresh avocado, jalapenos, hot sauce and any flavors you would like — just don’t forget the egg!

9. Breakfast crunchwrap

Category: Tex-Mex breakfast ideas

A knockoff of everyone’s favorite fast-food Tex-Mex restaurant, this breakfast crunchwrap is a portable way to store a delicious breakfast. Add scrambled eggs, hash browns, and breakfast meat of your choosing inside a tortilla. This item is sure to be a hit with both children and adults.

10. Migas

Category: Tex-Mex breakfast ideas

A traditional Mexican breakfast, migas are sure to catch the eye of everyone at the potluck. A simple base of scrambled eggs and tortilla strips gets a heaping topping of avocado, cotija cheese, cilantro and any other ingredients you would like. Bring salsa or hot sauce on the side for a dash of heat.

11. Chilaquiles

Category: Tex-Mex breakfast ideas

Just like Migas, chilaquiles are another Mexican breakfast staple. Rather than using strips, this recipe calls for tortilla chips or entire tortillas that you cook down in a flavorful sauce. Finish this recipe off with avocado, cotija cheese and a few fried eggs to bring a truly unique dish to the potluck.

12. Huevos rancheros

A little bit tostada, a little bit migas, huevos rancheros is another Tex-Mex option that you can customize in any way possible. As long as you have eggs, salsa, beans and tortillas involved, you can mix and match flavors to make a breakfast that will suit everyone at your party. Garnish with a bit of cilantro and cheese to put the finishing touches on this breakfast item.

13. Breakfast enchiladas

Category: Tex-Mex breakfast ideas

Everyone has had chicken or beef enchiladas, but what about breakfast enchiladas? By substituting the meat for scrambled eggs, you can make a cheesy, flavorful meal that is just as easy to cook as it is to devour.

14. Prosciutto and cheese pinwheels

Category: Savory brunch ideas

Take your breakfast party to the next level with prosciutto and cheese pinwheels. This savory breakfast idea combines the fluffiness of puff pastry with thinly sliced prosciutto, Parmesan and a hint of herbs. Your peers will be coming back for seconds!

15. Salmon and cream cheese pastries

Salmon and cream cheese pastries

Category: Savory brunch ideas

Breakfast pastries are an easy yet delicious idea for potlucks. This savory pastry comes with loads of cream cheese and salmon for your daily dose of protein. You can keep things simple with your salmon and cream cheese pastry or enhance the recipe with chopped chives or everything bagel seasoning.

16. Sausage crescent roll-ups

Category: Savory brunch ideas

Work parties or potlucks are perfect for mingling and munching, which is why these sausage crescent roll-ups are a good choice. Prepare this dish the night before your celebration and warm them up before serving.

17. Breakfast pizza

Category: Savory brunch ideas

Serve your peers a slice of breakfast pizza at your next gathering for a savory treat. Load your pizza crust with eggs, cheese and all your favorite toppings. While we’re sure you can eat the whole thing (this recipe is mouth-watering), we suggest sharing this masterpiece with all your guests.

18. Ham and egg casserole

Category: Savory brunch ideas

Casseroles are an easy yet delicious option when you’re unsure what to bring to a potluck. This ham and egg casserole is an alternative to an omelet but a perfect way to feed multiple mouths. Top off your dish with your favorite vegetables and choice of cheese.

 19. Smoked salmon frittata

Category: Savory brunch ideas

Don’t be fooled by the fancy name – this smoked salmon frittata is easy to make and tastes great warm or cold. You can adapt this recipe to your taste buds with any toppings. We recommend incorporating diced tomatoes and chopped turkey bacon for a burst of flavor.

20. Bruschetta

Bruschetta

Category: Potluck ideas that don’t need heat or refrigeration

Quality bread, fresh tomatoes and a few herbs are the stars of the show in this simplistic yet flavorful dish. As long as the staples are in attendance, you can modify this bruschetta recipe with additional olive oil, red onion, cheese and anything else that fits the bill. While you’ll normally find them at dinner parties, the ingredients blend just as well — if not better — with eggs and other breakfast items.

21. Yogurt parfait

Category: Potluck ideas that don’t need heat or refrigeration

A good yogurt parfait is a perfect way to look like a chef without any of the added time or effort. Experiment with different yogurts, fruits and granola to bring an item that guests are sure to enjoy.

22. Ricotta toast

Category: Potluck ideas that don’t need heat or refrigeration

There’s something truly unique about a well-executed ricotta toast. By whipping the cheese and delicately layering it on some bread, attendees will feel like they are eating a cloud. You can mix it up and add olive oil, pancetta or any other appropriate alterations.

23. Avocado toast

Category: Potluck ideas that don’t need heat or refrigeration

A menu item that has become commonplace in trendy breakfast eateries, avocado toast is a simple way to bring an easy yet elegant addition to the potluck. You can add some Caprese as we did in this recipe, or call on any number of supporting cast members such as mozzarella, salmon or even honey.

24. Smoothies

Category: Potluck ideas that don’t need heat or refrigeration

When you need something that is truly as simple as possible, look no further than a high-quality smoothie. Blend together fresh fruits, vegetables or a mixture of superfruits to create an amazing refreshment for the potluck. After all, everyone forgets the drinks, right?

25. Greek Salad

Category: Potluck ideas that don’t need heat or refrigeration

Something more on the savory side of the spectrum, a greek salad can be a flavorful and complementary side dish to any potluck spread. This quick-and-easy recipe needs only a handful of fresh ingredients and merely 15 minutes to create — not to mention, bringing salad is a great way to lighten up a heavier brunch.

26. Overnight cinnamon rolls

Overnight cinnamon rolls

Category: Potluck breakfast side dishes

Cinnamon rolls are a fan favorite at any breakfast party due to their crispy exterior and gooey center. These overnight cinnamon rolls are a game changer since you can do all the prep the night before. Let your rolls rise overnight and bake them the next day for a simply delicious potluck dish.

27. Banana bread

Category: Potluck breakfast side dishes

No breakfast potluck is complete without a banana bread loaf! Take this sweet side dish to work, and your entire office will smell heavenly. This group breakfast idea is a fan favorite due to the fluffy, moist cake base, crispy chocolate chip and toasted walnut crust.

28. Sheet pan potato hash

Category: Potluck breakfast side dishes

Upgrade your brunch party with a large batch of sheet pan potato hash. One-pan recipes are an easy way to cook without the hassle of cleaning extra cookware. Make this breakfast side dish with sweet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes and scatter fresh herbs and bacon on top.

29. Fruit salad

Category: Potluck breakfast side dishes

Fruit salad is a staple side dish to any brunch gathering. Grab the largest bowl you own and fill it with cut-up fresh fruit. If you’re hosting brunch in the spring or summer, try incorporating watermelon, strawberries and blueberries. For fall and winter celebrations, cut up apples, pears and grapes.

30. Coffee cake

Coffee cake

Category: Potluck breakfast side dishes

If you’re looking to impress your coworkers with a tasty treat during your upcoming potluck, this coffee cake recipe is the answer. Despite its name, this beloved breakfast side dish doesn’t have any coffee in it, but pairs with a cup of java perfectly. When cooking for a crowd, increase the number of ingredients to your desired serving size and cut the cake into small bites for all to enjoy.

31. Buttermilk biscuits

Category: Potluck breakfast side dishes

There is something so comforting about a warm buttermilk biscuit at the crack of dawn. This delicious side dish compliments any main breakfast item with its flaky crust and buttery center. Don’t forget to bring jam or breakfast gravy for everyone to indulge in.

31 Breakfast Potluck Ideas: Sweet & Savory Foods for Large Groups

Recipe by Siege MediaCourse: RecipesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Test out one of these delicious breakfast potluck ideas that are perfect for mingling and munching.

Directions

  • Choose one of the breakfast potluck ideas
  • Purchase all necessary ingredients
  • Make your brunch food for a crowd

Breakfast potluck FAQ

It can be stressful cooking for a large crowd. Here are a few answers to common breakfast potluck questions.

What to bring to a potluck without cooking?

Fruit salad and granola balls are easy foods to bring to a potluck without cooking — however, they do require some preparation.

What should you not bring to a potluck?

You shouldn’t bring something that only you would enjoy eating. It’s important to think about your peers when deciding what to bring to a potluck. Make sure you consider certain dietary restrictions and common allergies.

How many servings should you bring to a potluck?

You should expect to feed at least half of the guests attending a potluck. For example, if there are 50 attendees, you should bring at least enough to serve 25 people. Potlucks are for eating bites here and there vs. eating full servings.

What should you make for a staff breakfast?

Consider serving a variety of items to cater to different preferences at a staff breakfast. Options include fresh fruit, assorted muffins or pastries, yogurt with granola, bagels with cream cheese and a selection of hot beverages like coffee and tea. You can also include savory options like breakfast sandwiches or egg bites for a more filling meal.

What do you put on a breakfast platter for work?

A breakfast platter for work typically includes a mix of items, such as sliced fresh fruits, assorted cheeses, cold cuts, mini pastries, bagels and spreads like cream cheese or jam. Add some granola or yogurt cups for a healthy touch and provide a selection of beverages like coffee, tea and juice to complete the platter.

Breakfast potluck sign-up sheet

Breakfast potlucks are a great way to spend quality time with others, but they do require some planning and organization. Thankfully we created this breakfast potluck sign-up sheet to distribute some of the party responsibilities evenly.

Sign-up sheet for breakfast potluck

Final thoughts to munch on

Now that you’re more familiar with breakfast potluck ideas, it’s time to get cooking. Start by deciding whether to bring a main dish or a side item, and then choose one of the above recipes. You can also go the no-bake route with granola balls or serve a breakfast pizza.

If you find yourself in a pinch, you can always buy a ready-made brunch meal or the ingredients to prepare your own with Instacart. Place your online order today and receive your groceries in no time while you prepare for your party. Not sure how much money to spend on your meal? Check out our grocery budget calculator to estimate your costs.

Cady Cohen

Author

Cady Cohen is a culinary writer at Instacart who empowers home cooks to navigate the exciting world of food with confidence. She has worked in digital media for over seven years covering food, health, and wellness. From handy conversion charts and recipe calculators to in-depth cooking guides, Cady's work makes grocery shopping a breeze and empowers you to make informed choices about what you put on your plate.

Heather Matley

Editor

Heather Matley is an editor at Instacart whose passion for food and cooking has inspired her work on everything from grocery guides to recipe development. With over eight years of experience in editing, content creation, and search engine optimization, she strives to empower readers with the most effective tools, guides, and ideas to transform their home cooking.

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