Hi there, I’m Dr. Manasa Mantravadi, founder of Ahimsa and a busy mom who knows that the holiday season is a magical time—but also a whirlwind! Between family gatherings, holiday preparations, and the usual hustle of motherhood, mornings can be chaotic, especially when you have a house full of guests. That’s why I rely on make-ahead breakfasts that let me serve a healthy, delicious meal without sacrificing my sleep.

These are my go-to recipes for holiday breakfasts that can be prepped ahead, giving me more time to relax with my family, knowing everyone is starting the day with something nutritious and satisfying. These dishes are packed with flavor and nutrients, and they look as gorgeous as they taste, especially when served on sustainable, non-toxic stainless steel plates and bowls . Let’s make this holiday season one where you’re the “hostess with the mostest”—without the morning stress!

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If you’re looking for a hearty, veggie-packed dish that’s easy to assemble the night before, a spinach strata is perfect. It’s essentially a savory bread pudding with layers of fluffy bread, greens, and cheese. It’s so simple to put together, and it always impresses a crowd!

Ingredients:

• 8 cups cubed day-old bread (I like whole grain or sourdough for extra flavor)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Gruyere or sharp cheddar work beautifully)
• 4 cups fresh spinach (or use frozen, thawed, and drained)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for a cozy holiday touch)

Instructions:

1. Grease a large baking dish, then layer the bread, cheese, and spinach.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
3. Pour the egg mixture over the bread, pressing down gently to make sure everything is soaked.
4. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake at 350°F for 45-55 minutes until it’s set and golden on top.

Why I Love It: This dish is packed with protein, calcium, and greens. It’s balanced, filling, and a perfect way to sneak some veggies in first thing in the morning. Plus, it’s easy to reheat if you want to serve it over a few days!

Serving Tip: Layer the strata in a large casserole dish or bake it in individual Ahimsa stainless steel bowls for a personal touch. These bowls keep the strata warm while looking sleek and festive on the table. Guests will love digging into their own perfectly portioned serving, and cleanup will be a breeze.

This Apple and Oat Bake has become a holiday favorite in my house. It’s warm, lightly sweet, and feels like a cozy bowl of oatmeal in bake form. I love it because it’s full of fiber and can be made entirely the night before—just pop it in the oven in the morning.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups rolled oats
• 2 large apples, diced (I use a mix of red and green for a festive look)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (for crunch, optional)
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a greased baking dish, mix together the oats, apples, nuts, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla.
3. Pour the wet ingredients over the oat mixture and stir to combine.
4. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until it’s golden and set.

Why I Love It: Oats and apples are fiber-rich, which keeps everyone full and provides a healthy energy boost. This dish is also naturally sweetened, making it a wholesome choice that feels like a treat.

Make It Extra Special: Sprinkle a handful of chopped pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup over each slice just before serving. For an added touch of holiday cheer, serve this bake in an Ahimsa Purposeful Plate , where the vibrant apples and golden oats pop beautifully against the polished stainless steel. The plate retains warmth, so guests can enjoy their second helping just as much as their first.

A toast bar is one of my favorite make-ahead breakfast ideas because it’s interactive, easy to set up, and everyone can personalize their plate. I set out different toppings, spreads, and types of bread, and let everyone create their own toast masterpieces. It’s fun, quick, and packed with options to make it healthy and delicious.

Ingredients:

• Bread Options: Whole-grain, sourdough, gluten-free, or rye
• Spreads: Avocado, hummus, nut butter, cream cheese
• Toppings:
• Savory: Cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, smoked salmon, fresh herbs, red pepper flakes
• Sweet: Fresh berries, banana slices, chia seeds, honey or maple syrup
• Garnishes: Salt, pepper, and olive oil

Instructions:

1. Toast the bread to desired crispiness.
2. Lay out spreads and toppings for everyone to create their own toast combinations.

Why I Love It: This is a balanced, nutritious breakfast that’s as customizable as you need it to be. Whole-grain bread, avocado, and hummus are packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats. And the variety of toppings means there’s something for everyone, from adults to picky eaters.

Interactive Fun: A toast bar becomes even more exciting when you offer it on a selection of Ahimsa trays and  plates . Use the trays to organize savory and sweet toppings, from bright cherry tomatoes to juicy berries, and let each guest grab a plate to build their perfect toast. This setup not only looks stunning but also keeps everything organized, even with little hands getting creative.

Pro Tip: For a festive twist, use cookie cutters to shape the bread into stars or holiday trees. It’s a small touch that kids will adore!

These Veggie-Packed Egg Muffins are a lifesaver when you want something quick, nutritious, and easy to grab. They’re essentially mini frittatas that can be prepped ahead, stored in the fridge, and reheated in seconds. Plus, they’re loaded with colorful veggies, which makes them as nutritious as they are delicious.

Ingredients:

• 12 large eggs
• 1 cup chopped spinach or kale
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped onions
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a muffin tin.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and season with salt and pepper.
3. Divide the veggies and cheese evenly among the muffin cups.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the veggies, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the muffins are set.

Why I Love It: These muffins are protein-packed, easy to customize, and make an excellent finger food for kids and adults alike. They’re filled with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants from the veggies, making them a healthy and satisfying breakfast option.

Presentation Idea: Serve these colorful, veggie-filled muffins on an Ahimsa Balanced Bites Plate to highlight their vibrant ingredients. The plate’s compartments are perfect for adding a side of fresh fruit or whole-grain toast, creating a balanced and visually appealing breakfast.

Kid-Friendly Hack: Let kids customize their egg muffins by choosing their favorite veggies or cheese before baking. Set up a topping station with diced bell peppers, spinach, and shredded cheese, and let their creativity shine.

A yogurt parfait bar is another make-ahead option that keeps things light and fresh. I set up Greek yogurt, fruit, and toppings the night before, and everyone assembles their own parfait in the morning. It’s a simple, healthy way to kick off the day.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups Greek yogurt
• 1 cup granola
• 1/2 cup fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
• 1/2 cup diced fruit (mango, pineapple, kiwi)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Set out bowls of Greek yogurt, granola, fresh berries, diced fruit, and honey.
2. Each person can layer their yogurt with toppings to create their own parfait.

Why I Love It: Greek yogurt is high in protein and probiotics, which support digestion and immunity. The fruits add natural sweetness and antioxidants, making this parfait bar a light yet nutritious breakfast that’s perfect for a holiday crowd.

Add Some Holiday Flair: Offer festive toppings like pomegranate seeds, crushed peppermint candies, or granola spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Use Ahimsa bowls to display the yogurt and toppings, keeping everything tidy and chic while elevating your breakfast presentation.

Eco-Friendly Elegance: By serving the parfaits in reusable, non-toxic bowls, you’re not just simplifying your morning—you’re also making a sustainable choice that guests will appreciate.

I know how much goes into hosting over the holidays, and having these make-ahead breakfasts makes my mornings so much easier. Whether you’re looking for something savory like the Spinach and Cheese Strata, or something fun and customizable like the Holiday Toast Bar, these dishes are sure to please both kids and adults alike. And when paired with Ahimsa’s stainless steel dinnerware , your holiday breakfasts become even more memorable.

With these recipes, you can enjoy a relaxed holiday morning with family and friends, knowing everyone is starting the day with a healthy, delicious meal. Here’s to a holiday season filled with good food, less stress, and more time with loved ones!

Shop Ahimsa's Stainless Steel Dishware Collection for eco-friendly, kid-safe dinnerware that makes every meal a celebration. Here’s to a holiday season filled with health, happiness, and a touch of Ahimsa!