Christmas Breakfast Ideas: 35 Recipes to Start Your Morning

Whether you’re cooking for a full house or planning something cozy for two, Christmas morning deserves food that feels special yet doesn’t leave you stuck in the kitchen all day. The recipes below are festive spins on tried-and-true favorites, many of which can be prepped ahead so you can focus on unwrapping gifts. You’ll find everything from sweet bakes and skillet hashes to make-ahead casseroles and quick breads, each designed to pair nicely with coffee, cocoa, or a celebratory mimosa. Mix and match a few dishes to create a holiday brunch spread everyone will remember.

1. Gingerbread Pancakes

These lightly spiced pancakes deliver the aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in every bite. Molasses gives them a deep color and a hint of bittersweet flavor that balances the syrup on top. The batter comes together in minutes, making this a low-stress option for hungry kids. Serve with a pat of butter and a dusting of powdered sugar for a picture-perfect plate.

2. Overnight Eggnog French Toast Bake

Cubed brioche soaks up a creamy eggnog custard overnight, so all you do Christmas morning is pop it in the oven. As it bakes, the top turns crisp while the center stays soft and custardy. A light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg ties everything together. Add warm maple syrup on the side for anyone who loves extra sweetness.

3. Cranberry-Orange Scones

Bright bursts of tart cranberries meet fragrant orange zest in these tender scones. Cold butter worked into the dough creates flaky layers that pull apart easily. A quick orange-glaze drizzle adds shine and a bit of citrus zing. They’re excellent warm but hold up well if you bake them the night before.

4. Sausage, Spinach & Cheese Strata

This savory casserole lets yesterday’s baguette transform into something worthy of a holiday. Browned breakfast sausage and sautéed spinach tuck between bread cubes, all bound by an eggy custard. Cheddar melts into every nook, creating gooey pockets of flavor. Assemble it the evening before so flavor develops overnight.

5. Peppermint Mocha Waffles

Cocoa powder and a splash of brewed coffee turn basic batter into mocha magic, while crushed peppermint candies bring holiday cheer. The waffle iron crisps the exterior, leaving the inside fluffy. A dollop of whipped cream and candy-cane crumble finishes each serving. Pair with hot chocolate for the ultimate treat.

6. Baked Salmon & Dill Mini Quiches

Hot-smoked salmon adds gentle smokiness and ensures the fish is fully cooked and ready to eat. Each mini quiche bakes in a muffin tin, making them portable and perfectly portioned. Fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon keep flavors bright instead of heavy. Serve warm or at room temperature for easy timing.

7. Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Shortcut alert: store-bought cinnamon roll dough gets chopped and baked in a single dish. As the pieces puff up, cinnamon-sugar filling bubbles into sweet pockets throughout. Once it cools slightly, pour the icing over and watch it seep into every crevice. It’s gooey, shareable, and ready in under 40 minutes.

8. Sweet Potato & Chorizo Breakfast Hash

Smoky chorizo spices up naturally sweet potatoes for a colorful skillet dish. Everything cooks in one pan, allowing the potatoes to crisp in the rendered chorizo fat. Crack in a few eggs during the final minutes so the yolks stay runny. A sprinkle of scallions or cilantro brightens flavors just before serving.

9. Pecan Pie Oatmeal

This stovetop oatmeal channels the flavors of pecan pie without the sugar overload. Toasted pecan halves simmer briefly with brown sugar and butter, forming a quick praline topping. Stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. It’s comfort food that still feels wholesome.

10. Ham & Gruyère Quiche

Leftover holiday ham finds new life tucked into a silky custard enriched with nutty Gruyère cheese. A pre-baked pie crust guarantees a crisp bottom that stands up to the filling. Fresh thyme or chives lend gentle aromatics. Serve the quiche warm or at room temperature alongside a simple green salad.

11. Apple-Cinnamon Dutch Baby

This giant, airy pancake rises dramatically in the oven, then deflates slightly as it cools. Thin apple slices caramelize in butter and brown sugar before sliding on top. The result feels like a cross between a pancake and apple pie. Slice wedges directly from the skillet for a crowd-pleasing presentation.

12. Holiday Breakfast Sliders

Parker House-style rolls make the perfect base for these bite-size sandwiches. A sheet pan lets you bake a dozen sliders at once, keeping the cheese gooey and the tops lightly toasted. Brush the buns with garlic-herb butter for extra flavor. They disappear almost as quickly as you can set them out.

13. Maple-Glazed Bacon Twists

Twisting bacon before baking maximizes crispy edges while creating a fun shape. Halfway through the cook time, brush with real maple syrup for a sweet-savory coating. A touch of cracked black pepper balances the sweetness. These twists work as a side dish or a salty counterpoint on any brunch board.

14. Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Squares

Frozen puff pastry turns flaky and buttery with almost no effort. A quick mix of sautéed spinach, crumbled feta, and garlic forms the savory topping. Cut the sheet into squares before baking so guests can grab-and-go. They reheat well in a low oven if you need to stagger serving times.

15. Chocolate Chip Gingerbread Muffins

Molasses and warm spices meet pockets of melty chocolate in these moist muffins. They come together in one bowl and bake in about 18 minutes. The aroma alone feels like unwrapping a present. Serve slightly warm so the chocolate chips stay soft.

16. Cranberry Almond Yogurt Parfaits

Tart cranberry sauce left over from dinner finds a new purpose layered between creamy yogurt. A handful of almond granola adds crunch and nuttiness. Assemble just before serving to keep the granola crisp. The vibrant layers look as festive as they taste.

17. Stuffed Croissant Monte Cristo

This dish blends flaky croissants with the sweet-savory combo of a classic Monte Cristo. Dip stuffed croissants in egg batter, then griddle until golden on each side. A whisper of powdered sugar and a side of raspberry jam bring balanced sweetness. It feels indulgent but comes together fast with deli staples.

18. Veggie Supreme Breakfast Pizza

Using store-bought pizza dough turns breakfast pizza into a 30-minute project. Spread a thin layer of herbed cream cheese before topping with scrambled eggs and colorful veggies. Bake until the crust crisps and the cheese bubbles. Slice into squares so everyone can grab a piece between gifts.

19. Chai-Spiced Overnight Oats

Ground cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves transform plain oats into something special. Mix everything in jars the night before and let the fridge do the work. In the morning, add a splash of milk and your favorite fruit. It’s a cool, refreshing option if the fireplace is already keeping things warm.

20. Turkey, Brie & Cranberry Breakfast Croissants

Date-night leftovers get a luxurious makeover with buttery croissants and creamy Brie. Warm everything briefly in the oven so the cheese softens without drying the turkey. Cranberry sauce cuts through the richness, adding brightness. These sandwiches prove that post-holiday fridge raids can feel gourmet.

21. Red Velvet Pancake Stack

Cocoa powder and a touch of food coloring give the batter its signature hue. Each pancake stays tender thanks to buttermilk and a bit of vinegar. Cream cheese glaze poured between layers mimics classic cake frosting. Garnish with berries for a pop of natural red.

22. Brussels Sprout & Bacon Skillet Hash

Shredded Brussels sprouts sear quickly, turning golden and slightly caramelized. Bacon adds salt and richness while diced potatoes make the dish hearty. A splash of apple cider vinegar brightens everything just before serving. Top with a fried egg if you like extra protein.

23. Pistachio Cardamom Sweet Rolls

These rolls start with a soft yeast dough scented lightly with cardamom. A pistachio-brown sugar filling adds color and crunch. After baking, a simple cardamom glaze ties flavors together. They reheat beautifully if baked a day early.

24. Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole

Crispy tater tots form both the crust and topping for this kid-friendly bake. Below the surface, sausage crumbles, cheddar, and eggs mingle into a hearty layer. Everything cooks in one dish, making cleanup simple. Let it rest for five minutes so slices hold together neatly.

25. Orange-Pecan French Toast Roll-Ups

Flattened sandwich bread wraps around a zesty orange-cream cheese filling. After a quick dip in egg mixture, each roll-up is coated in chopped pecans and griddled until crisp. The result combines crunch, citrus, and creamy sweetness in tidy portions. Serve warm with a drizzle of honey or syrup.

26. Hot-Smoked Salmon & Herb Frittata

Using hot-smoked salmon guarantees a fully cooked fish that flakes easily into the egg base. Fresh herbs and a bit of lemon zest lift the rich flavor. The stovetop-to-oven method sets the edges while keeping the center tender. Leftovers make excellent cold bites later in the day.

27. Cranberry-Pear Smoothie Bowls

Frozen cranberries and ripe pears blend into a jewel-toned bowl that feels refreshing after heavier holiday fare. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein without making the mixture overly rich. Finish with crunchy granola and fresh fruit for texture contrast. It’s a bright palate cleanser amid many baked goods.

28. Cheddar & Chive Popovers

High heat and a thin batter help these popovers climb sky-high. Sharp cheddar melts into savory pockets, while chopped chives provide a mild onion note. Serve immediately for maximum steam and crunch. They’re perfect for sopping up runny egg yolks.

29. Bourbon Pecan Banana Bread

Overripe bananas, toasted pecans, and a splash of bourbon create a loaf that tastes like dessert yet works for breakfast. The alcohol bakes off, leaving subtle caramel notes. A quick brown-sugar glaze reinforces the toasty flavors. Wrapped tightly, it stays moist for several days.

30. Chocolate Hazelnut Holiday Crepes

Cocoa-laced batter turns an ordinary crepe into a sophisticated holiday treat. Fill warm crepes with hazelnut spread so it melts slightly. A sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts gives pleasant crunch. Dust with powdered sugar for a snow-kissed finish.

31. Prosciutto & Arugula Egg Cups

Thin prosciutto slices become edible liners that crisp as the eggs set. Peppery arugula wilts just enough, adding color and bite. Each cup bakes in about 15 minutes, making them suitable even for early risers. They reheat nicely in a low oven if you need to stagger breakfast.

32. Gingerbread Latte Chia Pudding

Chia seeds soak overnight in almond milk flavored with molasses and holiday spices. A shot of cooled espresso stirred in the next morning mimics a seasonal latte. The pudding thickens to a spoonable texture that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Add a dollop of lightly sweetened cream for contrast.

33. Hash Brown Sausage Breakfast Skillet

Frozen hash browns save prep time without sacrificing crisp edges. Brown sausage first, then layer the potatoes so they absorb flavorful drippings. Finish with shredded cheese and diced peppers for color. Slide the skillet under the broiler briefly to melt and brown the top.

34. Coconut Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Bars

Rolled oats, shredded coconut, and dried cranberries bake into handheld bars ideal for grazing. A little applesauce keeps the texture moist without extra oil. Once cool, they slice cleanly and pack well for road trips. Warm individual bars in the microwave for a softer bite.

35. Caprese Christmas Breakfast Strata

This Italian-inspired bake swaps traditional Caprese ingredients into a savory custard. Cherry tomatoes roast gently inside, releasing sweet juices that soak the bread cubes. Fresh basil stirred in after baking keeps the herb flavor vibrant. The red, white, and green layers look perfectly on-theme for the holiday.