Recently, we asked our Facebook audience, “What appetizers do you serve before Thanksgiving dinner?” Though many readers responded enthusiastically about their prized deviled eggs, even more responded with some version of this answer, which was the most “liked” comment on the post: “I serve a huge plate of ‘get out and wait for all that’s holy, I’ve been cooking for DAYS and you’re not eating until this meal is ready.’”
Since many of our followers are clearly on team “we starve until the food is ready” (a real comment), what I’m about to suggest might actually be controversial: I think you should always make a breakfast casserole the night before Thanksgiving.
Why Make A Breakfast Casserole The Night Before Thanksgiving
I understand that the turkey, sides, and pies are the day’s main event. I know that the cooks in your family did not work all day on the Thanksgiving feast to have a table of people who are already full. But I am always a big proponent of breakfast, and I think that even on a day that revolves around another mealtime, it should be eaten.
All jokes aside, “starving” until the big meal is not fun for anyone—not the hungry family members and not the ones trying to cook. Plus, if you are the one trying to prepare turkey and casseroles, do you really want to hear, “I’m hungry. What’s for breakfast? I’m hungry” over and over again? I’m guessing not.
Prep and Serve With Ease
If you prep a breakfast casserole the night before Thanksgiving (or even better, weeks or months in advance and have it in your freezer), you can pop it in the oven first thing in the morning and get to work on the real stars of the Thanksgiving show. Everyone will come to the kitchen, feed themselves, and be on his or her merry way. I can assure you that eating breakfast will not ruin their appetite for a meal that’s occurring hours later. If anything, it will help them feel more hungry instead of straight-up queasy from not eating all day. And you know everyone will be in a better mood, y’all!
Favorite Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole Recipes For Thanksgiving
Here are some easy make-ahead breakfast casserole recipes that won’t add much time or money to your Thanksgiving week but will save you the hassle of hangry houseguests.
Cheesy Sausage-And-Croissant Casserole
ALISON MIKSCH
I’ve rambled before about how much I love this make-ahead breakfast casserole. It has never failed me, y’all!
Baked Oatmeal with Apple, Cranberries, and Pecans
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Maggie Ruggiero
This sweet option is a little lighter than the usual egg-heavy breakfast casseroles, if you’re really concerned about ruined appetites on Thanksgiving. Plus, add a little ice cream to leftovers, and it makes a nice fall dessert.
Stuffed Ham-and-Cheese Croissant Casserole
Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Missie Neville Crawford
“The classic ham and cheese croissant sandwich got a casserole upgrade,” says Senior Producer Ivy Odom. This pretty dish is so easy to assemble and serve.
Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Antonis Achilleos
Who doesn’t love waking up to the smell of cinnamon rolls? This make-ahead casserole is so much more satisfying and easier to serve to a holiday crowd than the original recipe.
Everything Bagel Casserole
Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist Prissy Lee
When Senior Producer Ivy Odom made this savory casserole for the first time, she absolutely raved about it. “One of the best breakfast casseroles I have ever made because it’s just got so much flavor, and there’s a lot going on,” she said. “It’s crunchy. It’s crispy. It’s creamy. Packed full of sausage. Packed full of cheese and flavor. It is so delicious. You should definitely try this one.”