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:

• Easy breakfast ideas for a crowd
• Tex-Mex breakfast ideas
• Savory brunch ideas
• Potluck ideas that don’t need heat or refrigeration
• Potluck breakfast side dishes
• Breakfast potluck sign-up sheet

Easy breakfast ideas for a crowd

Looking for easy breakfast ideas for a crowd? Here are a few tasty potluck dishes that are perfect for making in bulk for your next work party or personal celebration.

1. Scrambled egg muffins

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Tex-Mex breakfast ideas

Bring a little bit of Latin flair to the potluck! These flavorful and colorful recipes are sure to be popular options for the morning get-together.

8. Tostadas

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

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

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

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

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.

Savory brunch ideas

Breakfast dishes tend to lean on the sweeter side, but that doesn’t mean you can’t whip up savory brunch ideas for a crowd.

14. Prosciutto and cheese pinwheels

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Potluck ideas that don’t need heat or refrigeration

Whether you don’t consider yourself much of a cook, or you foresee running late for the morning potluck, here are a few quick and easy ideas that will impress just the same.

20. Bruschetta

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Potluck breakfast side dishes

When it comes to breakfast potluck ideas, you don’t have to whip up a large dish. Check out these breakfast side dishes your party guests will devour.

26. Overnight cinnamon rolls

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Breakfast potluck FAQ

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

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.

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.