8 Reasons Why a Muffin Tin is Your Brunch Best Friend

French toast is a crowd favorite, and it's also practical for hosts, since it transforms stale bread, milk, eggs and other kitchen staples into something delicious. Bonus: This version is bite-sized and finished with cinnamon crumb topping. Yum! 

Make This: Crumble-Topped French Toast Bites

Using pre-made hash browns from the freezer section of the supermarket makes this recipe easy to whip up with just a few minutes of prep time. (Bonus: You'll look like a total brunch pro.) 

Make This: Hash Brown Cups With Smoked Salmon

Baking instead of frying this classic Tex-Mex dish makes it easy to kick back with a cocktail instead of hovering over the stove. Brunch win! 

Make This: Muffin-Tin Huevos Rancheros 

Using a muffin tin to make these shrimp and grits bites means they're pre-portioned and ready for guests. Make ahead and serve at room temperature, or heat in a low oven just before the party. 

Make This: Cheddar Polenta Cups With Shrimp

You'll need more than a short stack of these delicious sausage-filled pancakes.

Make This: Sausage-Stuffed Pancakes 

Serve up some individuality with this easy frittata idea. Provide plenty of add-ins so guests can customize their own mini frittata. This is a great clean-out-the-fridge party idea, too: Have leftover olives and feta from your last cheese plate or roasted cauliflower from last night's dinner? Add them to the toppings bar. 

Make This: DIY Frittata Bar 

Forget everything you think you know about basic oatmeal. Here's how to upgrade this super-affordable, weekday breakfast staple for weekend brunch. 

Make This: Banana-Hazelnut Baked Oatmeal

Everyone loves pizza for breakfast, but you probably shouldn't serve party guests a cold slice from last night's delivery. Instead, use a muffin tin to make bite-sized breakfast pizzas that can be customized to guests' tastes and dietary needs. 

Make This: Deep-Dish Breakfast Pizza