15 Slow Cooker Brunch Recipes Worth Waking Up For

Why Make Brunch in a Slow Cooker?

Stress-Free Mornings With Make-Ahead Meals

There’s nothing quite like waking up to a brunch that’s already cooking. Most of these recipes are assembled the night before—so you can spend your morning sipping coffee instead of juggling pans. Just layer, set, and rest easy.

Perfect for Feeding a Crowd Without the Fuss

Slow cookers are ideal for batch cooking. Whether it’s a birthday brunch, weekend gathering, or post-holiday breakfast, one Crockpot can serve 6–10 people easily—no stove juggling or oven rotation required.

Keep Food Warm While You Enjoy the Company

One of my favorite things about using a slow cooker is that it keeps your dish warm without drying it out. Hosting? You won’t need to hover over the food or worry about reheating—it’s brunch, served on your time.

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15 Best Slow Cooker Brunch Recipes You’ll Love

Let’s dive into the first few recipes—each tested, tweaked, and totally brunch-worthy.

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1. Overnight Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole

A cozy twist on classic French toast—without the flipping. Cubed bread, whisked eggs, a splash of milk, and a touch of cinnamon go into the slow cooker overnight. By morning, it’s golden and fluffy, with a custardy center. I top mine with powdered sugar and fresh berries.

Ingredients Snapshot:

Ingredient	Amount
Bread (day-old brioche or challah)	6 cups, cubed
Eggs	6 large
Milk	2 cups
Brown sugar	½ cup
Cinnamon	1 tsp
Vanilla	1 tsp

Set it on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, and it’s ready when you are.

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2. Cheesy Hash Brown and Egg Bake

This one’s a hit at every family brunch. Shredded hash browns layered with eggs, cream, and plenty of cheddar. Want to add cooked bacon or diced peppers? Go for it. It’s forgiving, hearty, and always gone fast.

Quick Tip: Squeeze out excess moisture from frozen hash browns so the casserole holds together better.

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3. Slow Cooker Breakfast Burrito Filling

Skip the skillet scramble. Toss eggs, sausage, salsa, cheese, and bell peppers into the slow cooker. After a few hours on LOW, you’ll have a savory burrito filling that’s great for serving with warm tortillas and toppings on the side.

Meal Prep Tip: This filling stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Great for weekday breakfasts.

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4. Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Yes, you can make gooey, pull-apart cinnamon roll bread in the slow cooker—and it’s as indulgent as it sounds. I use refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (no shame), toss it with a brown sugar-butter mix, and let it slow-bake until bubbly.

Optional Glaze: Drizzle with cream cheese icing or maple syrup before serving.

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5. Slow Cooker Quiche With Spinach and Feta

Quiche in a slow cooker? Absolutely. Beat eggs with cream, fold in sautéed spinach and crumbled feta, then pour it into a greased Crockpot. Cover with a towel under the lid to avoid moisture dripping back in.

Cook Time: 2–3 hours on HIGH.
Pro Tip: Line your cooker with parchment for easy cleanup and lifting.

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6. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal for a Cozy Start

Steel-cut oats slow-cooked overnight with diced apples, cinnamon, and maple syrup—your kitchen will smell like a bakery when you wake up. It’s warm, hearty, and perfect for busy weekdays too.

Infographic Idea (Coming Next Part):
“Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal – Overnight Cooking Guide”
– Prep time
– Cook time
– Ingredient swaps (e.g. pears, raisins, almond milk)
– Serving ideas

7. Bacon and Egg Breakfast Casserole

This is the brunch everyone asks for seconds of. It’s layered with bread cubes, crispy bacon, whisked eggs, shredded cheddar, and a little green onion for bite. I assemble it the night before and let it cook on LOW while I sleep. Waking up to that smell? Instant joy.

Cook Time: 6–8 hours on LOW
Pro Tip: Use stale bread so it doesn’t go soggy.

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8. Savory Breakfast Grits With Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and surprisingly simple. Grits in the slow cooker cook low and slow to a velvety finish. I stir in sharp cheddar and a splash of cream at the end—pure Southern comfort.

Ingredient	Amount
Stone-ground grits	1 cup
Water or broth	4 cups
Butter	2 tbsp
Sharp cheddar	1 ½ cups, shredded

Stir every couple of hours if you’re around. Otherwise, just let it go and enjoy!

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9. Crockpot Banana Bread Pudding

Overripe bananas? This one’s for you. It’s like banana bread meets dessert-for-breakfast. I cube up leftover bread, mix it with mashed bananas, eggs, milk, and vanilla, and slow cook until it’s soft inside with golden edges.

Serve With: Whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup.

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10. Ham and Potato Brunch Bake

This is the one I make for Easter morning. Layers of diced ham, hash browns, eggs, and shredded cheese all meld together into a savory, hearty casserole. It’s super filling and perfect for using up leftover ham.

Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW
Storage Tip: Freezes well in portions for up to 2 months.

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11. Slow Cooker Blueberry French Toast Cups

I make these in ramekins inside the slow cooker—great for portion control and presentation. Cubed brioche, fresh (or frozen) blueberries, and a simple custard mix. Set the ramekins in your cooker with a bit of water in the bottom, and cook until puffed.

Cook Time: 2–3 hours on HIGH
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

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12. Vegetarian Brunch Strata

No meat? No problem. This layered veggie casserole uses sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, and Swiss cheese. Bread soaks up all the eggy goodness, and it slices like a dream once set.

Make-Ahead Bonus: Assemble it the night before and just hit “Start” in the morning.

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13. Maple Sausage and Sweet Potato Hash

The sweet-savory combo here is magic. I brown maple breakfast sausage, then layer it with cubed sweet potatoes, onion, and a sprinkle of sage. By the time it’s done, it’s tender, flavorful, and smells like fall.

Optional: Crack a few eggs on top for the last 30 minutes.

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14. Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal for Fall Mornings

This one’s on repeat in my house once the leaves start to turn. It uses steel-cut oats, canned pumpkin, maple syrup, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Slow-cooked overnight, it’s thick and comforting.

Topping Ideas
Toasted pecans
Dried cranberries
A swirl of almond butter

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15. Slow Cooker Chilaquiles With Eggs

This one’s bold, spicy, and satisfying. I layer tortilla chips with red enchilada sauce, cheese, and beans. Crack in a few eggs near the end of cooking, and let them poach gently in the sauce.

Cook Time: 3–4 hours on LOW
Pro Tip: Top with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for the full experience.

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Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Brunch Every Time

When to Start Cooking – Timing for Each Recipe

Here’s a quick guide to get it right every time:

Recipe Type	Cook on LOW	Cook on HIGH
French toast, casseroles	6–8 hrs	3–4 hrs
Oatmeal, grits	7–8 hrs	3–4 hrs
Egg-based dishes	2–4 hrs	Avoid HIGH
Bakes with fruit/dough	2–3 hrs	1–2 hrs

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How to Avoid Overcooked Eggs and Mushy Veggies

• Use liners or parchment to help lift egg bakes cleanly.
• Don’t overbeat the eggs—that leads to spongy texture.
• Add soft veggies later (spinach, tomatoes) or sauté first to reduce moisture.
• Crack eggs in at the end for poaching instead of scrambling.

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Best Slow Cooker Size for Brunch Recipes

Most brunch dishes work best in a 6-quart oval slow cooker. It gives enough space for even cooking and lets you double recipes if needed.
For smaller households or ramekin recipes, a 3-quart slow cooker works great too.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Tips

Can You Prep Brunch in the Crockpot Overnight?

Yes — and honestly, it’s one of my favorite hacks for lazy mornings. Most casseroles and oatmeals can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge right in the slow cooker insert. In the morning, just place it in the base and start cooking.
Pro tip: If your slow cooker has a timer or delayed start function, that’s a bonus — just avoid using raw eggs or dairy overnight. Add those in the morning.

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How to Store and Reheat Leftovers Without Drying Them Out

Here’s how I do it:

• Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers.
• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat slowly, either in the microwave with a lid or a damp paper towel, or in the oven covered with foil.
• Egg-based dishes reheat best on low power to avoid rubbery texture.

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Freezer-Friendly Brunch Ideas

Not every recipe freezes well, but a few of my go-to’s hold up beautifully.
Here’s what I recommend:

• Breakfast casseroles with bread or meat: slice into portions, wrap in foil, label, and freeze.
• Oatmeal: freeze individual servings in muffin tins, then pop out and store in a zip bag.
• French toast bakes or puddings: cube leftovers and freeze — great for reheating in the oven later.

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15+ FAQs About Slow Cooker Brunch Recipes