Christmas Brunch: 40 Must-Try Recipes for a Magical Holiday Morning

Whether you’re hosting a pajama-casual morning or a sparkly midday feast, a thoughtful mix of sweet and savory dishes keeps everyone smiling. The menu ideas below are flexible enough for small family gatherings or a full house of holiday guests. Choose a handful of favorites or tackle the whole lineup if you’re feeling ambitious. Either way, your brunch table will look as festive as the tree.

1. Gingerbread Pancakes

These spiced pancakes smell like a bakery the moment they hit the griddle. Molasses, cinnamon, and cloves add holiday flair without overpowering the batter. Serve with warm maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for instant nostalgia.

2. Eggnog French Toast Bake

Brioche cubes soak overnight in a blend of eggnog, vanilla, and nutmeg, making Christmas morning prep effortless. The bake puffs up like bread pudding and tastes just as decadent. A splash of bourbon in the custard is entirely optional but highly encouraged.

3. Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict

Swap Canadian bacon for silky smoked salmon to give a classic Benedict a seasonal twist. The salty fish pairs beautifully with tangy hollandaise and runny yolk. Add fresh dill or chives for a bright finish.

4. Cranberry-Orange Scones

Tart cranberries and fragrant orange zest keep these buttery scones from feeling heavy. Freeze-dried fruit works if fresh berries are scarce. Serve warm with clotted cream or a swipe of soft butter.

5. Maple-Glazed Bacon Twists

A quick twirl before baking turns ordinary bacon into party-ready spirals. Brushing with pure maple syrup halfway through creates a sweet-savory shell. They disappear faster than you can say “second batch.”

6. Spinach & Feta Strata

This make-ahead strata uses day-old baguette to soak up a garlicky egg mixture. Crumbled feta and sautéed spinach keep each bite flavorful yet light. Bake until the center sets and the top turns bronze.

7. Apple Cider Doughnut Holes

Reducing apple cider intensifies its flavor in the batter. A quick fry yields tender centers and crisp exteriors. Roll the warm doughnut holes in cinnamon sugar for the full orchard effect.

8. Sausage & Sage Breakfast Casserole

Browned breakfast sausage meets earthy sage and sharp cheddar in this hearty casserole. Everything bakes together, so flavors meld without extra steps. Slice into squares and serve with hot sauce on the side.

9. Holiday Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing

A zippy honey-lime dressing turns simple fruit into a bright palate cleanser. Pomegranate seeds add jewel-like pops of color and crunch. Assemble just before serving to keep everything crisp.

10. Pecan Pie Sticky Buns

Think cinnamon roll meets pecan pie: tender dough spirals baked over rich caramel and nuts. Invert the pan so the sauce cloaks every bun. A pinch of flaked sea salt balances the sweetness.

11. Roasted Vegetable Frittata

Roasting veggies first concentrates their flavors and drives off excess moisture. Whisked eggs and a sprinkle of Parmesan bring everything together. Serve warm or at room temperature for easy timing.

12. Chocolate Peppermint Muffins

Cocoa powder and chocolate chips make these muffins deeply fudgy. Crushed peppermint candies on top melt slightly, creating a crisp, minty shell. They double as a portable dessert later in the day.

13. Brussels Sprouts & Potato Hash

Shredded sprouts brown quickly, offering a sweet nuttiness alongside crispy potatoes. A splash of apple cider vinegar wakes up the flavors. Crown each portion with a fried egg if you’d like.

14. Spiced Chai Oatmeal

Steep oats in strong chai tea instead of plain water for built-in flavor. Cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger make every spoonful comforting. Finish with toasted almonds for crunch.

15. Mini Quiche Lorraine

Using a muffin tin creates perfectly portioned quiches. Classic Lorraine flavors—bacon, Swiss, and shallots—never go out of style. They reheat well, so bake them the night before if oven space is tight.

16. Cinnamon Roll Wreath

Arrange individual rolls in a ring, let them rise together, and watch them bake into a centerpiece. A simple powdered-sugar glaze adds shine. Guests can tear off sections without knives, keeping the buffet moving.

17. Baked Brie with Fig Jam

Brie softens into molten bliss under puff pastry, while fig jam brings gentle fruitiness. Scatter chopped rosemary on top for aroma. Offer thin apple slices alongside for scooping.

18. Red Velvet Waffles

Cocoa powder and a touch of beet puree or food coloring give these waffles their signature hue. Cream cheese glaze is traditional, but whipped cream keeps things lighter. Sprinkle with shaved chocolate for drama.

19. Sweet Potato Home Fries

Sweet potatoes roast faster than russets and offer natural caramel notes. A sprinkle of smoked paprika adds depth without heat. Toss in chopped scallions just before serving for color.

20. Pineapple-Glazed Ham Steaks

Thick-cut ham steaks warm quickly under the broiler. A glaze of pineapple juice, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard forms a caramelized crust. Slice into strips so guests can add protein to their plates without fuss.

21. Pistachio-Cardamom Morning Loaf

Ground pistachios give the batter color and richness, while cardamom lends a floral spice. The loaf stays tender for several days, making it ideal for advance baking. Toast leftover slices and serve with mascarpone.

22. Mushroom & Gruyère Bread Pudding

Custard-soaked baguette cubes cradle earthy mushrooms and nutty Gruyère. Baking in ramekins creates golden edges all around. A pinch of thyme ties the flavors to the season.

23. Blueberry-Lemon Yogurt Parfaits

Layering familiar flavors in single-serve glasses keeps the buffet neat. Lemon curd brightens the rich yogurt, while granola adds crunch. Assemble right before guests arrive so the layers stay defined.

24. Chocolate Hazelnut Babka

Twisting dough around a cocoa-nut spread creates dramatic ribbons inside the loaf. Toasted hazelnuts add texture and aroma. Serve slightly warmed so the chocolate turns fudgy.

25. Herb & Cheese Popovers

Popovers rely on steam, so start with a hot pan and room-temperature batter. Fresh parsley and grated cheddar tuck savory notes into every bite. Their hollow centers invite a spoonful of jam or gravy.

26. Shrimp & Grits Cups

Stone-ground grits cook until velvety, then spoon into individual cups. Quick-cooked shrimp in a buttery pan sauce sit proudly on top. A pinch of cayenne keeps the flavors lively but not overwhelming.

27. Caramelized Pear Crepes

Pears simmer in brown sugar and butter until silky and fragrant. Thin crepes wrap around the filling like delicate packages. Finish with a whisper of cinnamon for warmth.

28. Breakfast Charcuterie Board

Combining sweet and savory nibbles lets guests craft their own bites. Include sliced apples, soft brie, hard salami, and a handful of almonds for variety. Small pastries fill in gaps and add whimsy.

29. Cinnamon Apple Granola

Baking oats with apple chips and cinnamon fills the kitchen with cozy aroma. Maple syrup lightly sweetens without clumping the mix. Serve over yogurt or package in jars as parting gifts.

30. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles

Prosciutto crisps in the oven, seasoning the asparagus as it cooks. A brush of olive oil and cracked pepper is all the prep required. The bundles add a sophisticated touch with minimal effort.

31. Pumpkin Spice Bagels

Pumpkin puree and warming spices give homemade bagels a seasonal twist. A quick boil before baking ensures chewy crusts. Offer maple-cinnamon cream cheese alongside.

32. Cheddar Chive Drop Biscuits

Drop biscuits skip the rolling and cutting step, saving precious time. Sharp cheddar melts into gooey pockets, while chives brighten the dough. They’re perfect vessels for ham or honey.

33. Blood Orange Mimosas

Swap standard OJ for deep-red blood orange juice to wow your guests. The flavor is slightly berry-like and pairs well with dry sparkling wine. Garnish with a thin orange wheel for color.

34. Cranberry Almond Overnight Oats

Stir oats with milk, yogurt, and cranberries before bedtime for effortless morning fuel. Almonds add crunch, while a spoonful of maple syrup sweetens gently. Serve straight from the jar or warmed in the microwave.

35. Ham & Swiss Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Store-bought puff pastry turns deli staples into elegant finger food. Roll, slice, bake, and watch the layers puff dramatically. A dab of Dijon inside each roll offers a subtle kick.

36. Vanilla Panna Cotta with Pomegranate

Gelatin-set panna cotta can be made days ahead, freeing oven space. Its creamy vanilla base contrasts beautifully with tart pomegranate seeds. Serve chilled for a refreshing finale to the spread.

37. Savory Smashed Avocado Toasts

Use sturdy sourdough so it stands up to juicy toppings. A squeeze of lime and pinch of flaky salt sharpen the avocado. Add soft-boiled egg halves if you’d like extra protein.

38. Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread

Buttery shortbread meets bittersweet chocolate for a balanced bite. Sprinkle crushed candy cane or flaky salt before the coating firms. The cookies travel well, making them ideal for gift tins.

39. Maple Pecan Granola Bars

Packed with oats, pecans, and dried fruit, these bars work for both breakfast and take-home favors. Maple syrup binds everything together without refined sugar. Bake, cool completely, then cut for clean edges.

40. Irish Coffee with Nutmeg Cream

Strong coffee, brown sugar, and a shot of Irish whiskey warm guests from the inside. Gently float whipped cream on top instead of stirring it in. A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg perfumes each sip.