Top 40 Christmas Breakfast Ideas
As the festive season approaches, the aroma of cinnamon, the warmth of freshly baked bread, and the joy of a hearty meal bring families together. I love Christmas morning, it’s a time for joy and togetherness and is often marked by a special breakfast. This sets the mood for the season’s celebrations.
This blog post will explore forty (40) popular Christmas breakfast ideas that are not only delectable but also imbued with the spirit of the season.
Each dish is carefully chosen to ignite your sensory experiences, cater to a variety of dietary needs, and add a touch of cultural charm.
Top 40 Christmas Breakfast Ideas
Cinnamon Roll Wreath
Unwrap the magic of the holiday season with our Cinnamon Roll Wreath, a festive twist on a classic favorite. Imagine the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and butter wafting through your kitchen, as this delightfully twisted wreath bakes to golden perfection. Its soft, fluffy texture, intertwined with rich, gooey cinnamon swirls, creates a sensory feast perfect for cozy gatherings. This wreath is not just a treat; it’s a celebration of togetherness, ideal for Christmas morning or a special brunch. For those seeking a healthier twist, substitute with whole grain flour and natural sweeteners. Share your family traditions or how you’ve made this wreath your own!
Quick Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Wreath
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole grain for a healthier option)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add milk to form a soft dough. Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the rolled-out dough. Drizzle with melted butter.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long edge, then shape it into a wreath on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Allow cooling slightly before serving.
- Optional: Drizzle with a simple icing (mix of powdered sugar and milk) for added sweetness and festivity.
- Share your experience! Did you make any unique additions? How did this wreath complement your holiday celebration?
Christmas Morning Casserole
Awaken your senses on a frosty Christmas morning with this heartwarming casserole. Imagine the melting blend of cheddar and mozzarella, the soft crunch of bell peppers, and the tender, fluffy layers of bread, all infused with the savory aroma of cooked sausage. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also caters to diverse diets with its vegetarian or gluten-free adaptations. Its nutritional richness and easy-to-find ingredients make it a practical choice for a festive breakfast. The Christmas Morning Casserole, with its origins in cozy family gatherings, invites you to create new traditions and memories.
Quick Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 6 slices of bread (gluten-free optional)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup milk (plant-based for vegan)
- 1/2 lb cooked sausage (vegetarian option available)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Layer the bottom of a greased baking dish with bread slices.
- Sprinkle half of the cheeses and all the bell peppers over the bread.
- Whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika together. Pour this mixture over the bread.
- Add cooked sausage evenly on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the sausage layer.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Stolen Breakfast Muffins
The Stolen Breakfast Muffins are a delightful twist on your morning routine, offering a playful narrative alongside a nutritious start. Each muffin bursts with flavors of fresh fruits, nuts, and a hint of cinnamon, creating a symphony of textures and aromas. These muffins are perfect for those seeking a gluten-free or vegan option, ensuring inclusivity in every bite. Rich in fiber and easy to prepare, they’re a practical choice for busy mornings. These muffins, with their ‘stolen’ concept, bring a chuckle and a tale to share at the breakfast table.
Quick Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup apple sauce (as egg replacement for vegan)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup mixed nuts and dried fruits
- Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- In another bowl, combine sugar, apple sauce, and oil.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Fold in the nuts and dried fruits.
- Spoon the batter into muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden. Allow to cool before serving.
Chocolate and Hazelnut Spread Crepes
These crepes are a decadent treat, perfect for leisurely weekend mornings or as a special dessert. The thin, delicate crepes are enveloped in a rich chocolate and hazelnut spread, offering a silky texture and a lush, nutty flavor. For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free flour and vegan chocolate spread options are available. Not only do they provide an energy boost with their high-carb content, but they’re also surprisingly simple to make. Drawing inspiration from French patisseries, these crepes bring a touch of elegance and indulgence to your table.
Quick Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (gluten-free optional)
- 2 eggs (flax eggs for vegan)
- 1 1/2 cups milk (almond or soy for vegan)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (vegan butter if needed)
- A pinch of salt
- Chocolate and hazelnut spread
- Fresh fruits for topping
- Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, eggs, milk, melted butter, and salt until smooth.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Pour 1/4 cup batter into the skillet, swirling to spread evenly.
- Cook for about 1 minute until the edges lift easily, then flip.
- Cook the other side for another minute and then transfer to a plate.
- Spread a generous amount of chocolate and hazelnut spread over each crepe.
- Fold and top with fresh fruits. Serve warm.
Sweet Potato Hash with Eggs
Embrace a hearty and nutritious start to your day with the Sweet Potato Hash with Eggs. This dish is a vibrant medley of sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and onions, all coming together under a perfectly cooked egg. The textures range from the soft sweetness of the potatoes to the crispiness of the sautéed vegetables, complemented by the creamy richness of the egg. Suitable for paleo and gluten-free diets, it’s packed with vitamins and easy to adapt. The dish’s roots in rustic cooking bring a comforting and wholesome feel to your breakfast spread.
Quick Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 eggs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish
- Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sweet potatoes, bell pepper, and onion. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
- Create four wells in the hash and crack an egg into each.
- Cover the skillet and cook until the eggs are set to your liking.
- Garnish with fresh herbs.
- Serve hot, directly from the skillet.
Italian Panettone French Toast
Transform your morning with the luxurious Italian Panettone French Toast. This dish features thick slices of panettone, a sweet Italian bread, soaked in a rich custard mixture and cooked to golden perfection. The toast offers a delightful contrast of crispy edges and a soft, custardy center, with bursts of candied fruits and raisins. It’s a versatile dish that can be made with gluten-free panettone and alternative milks for dietary needs. Rich in carbs and delightful flavors, it’s a festive treat that recalls the joyous spirit of Italian holidays.
Quick Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 4 thick slices of panettone (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 eggs (flax eggs for vegan)
- 1 cup milk (almond or soy for vegan)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Butter for frying (vegan butter if needed)
- Powdered sugar and syrup for serving
- Instructions:
- Whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla in a shallow dish.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add butter.
- Dip each slice of panettone in the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated.
- Fry each slice for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve hot, sprinkled with powdered sugar and drizzled with syrup.
- Add fresh fruits or whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
- Enjoy the rich, festive flavors of this luxurious breakfast treat.
Raspberry Swirl Rolls
Baking Raspberry Swirl Rolls for the first time on a Christmas morning was an experience filled with sweet aromas and vibrant colors. The swirls of tangy raspberry jam contrasted beautifully with the soft, fluffy dough, creating a visually stunning and mouth-watering treat.
Elevated Quick Recipe: Ingredients:
- Dough: 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup sugar, 1 packet yeast, ½ cup milk (warm), ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted), 1 large egg
- Filling: 1 cup raspberry jam, 1 tsp lemon zest, ½ tsp cinnamon
- Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tbsp milk, ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- For the dough, combine flour, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg, mixing to form a soft dough. Knead until smooth, then let it rise for 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread raspberry jam evenly, sprinkle with lemon zest and cinnamon.
- Roll up the dough tightly and cut into 12 rolls. Place in a greased baking dish and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until golden.
- For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls.
Raspberry Swirl Rolls are a festive and fruity addition to any holiday breakfast. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Spanish Potato Omelet
The first time I cooked a Spanish Potato Omelet for a festive breakfast, it was a delightful departure from the usual. This dish, also known as Tortilla Española, combines thinly sliced potatoes and onions in a thick, hearty omelet, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that are both rustic and elegant.
Elevated Quick Recipe: Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 6 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
- Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the potato and onion slices, season with salt, and cook until the potatoes are tender but not browned, about 15 minutes.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs with salt and pepper.
- Drain the potatoes and onions from the oil and add them to the beaten eggs, stirring gently to combine.
- In a non-stick skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Pour the egg and potato mixture into the skillet, spreading it evenly.
- Cook until the bottom is golden brown and the top is set, about 10 minutes. Carefully flip the omelet and cook the other side.
- Once cooked, slide the omelet onto a plate. It can be served hot or at room temperature.
Festive Shakshuka
Preparing Festive Shakshuka for a holiday breakfast was an experience filled with rich aromas and vibrant colors. This Middle Eastern dish, featuring poached eggs in a hearty tomato and pepper sauce, spiced with cumin and paprika, is both comforting and exotic. It’s a festive dish that warms you from the inside out.
Elevated Quick Recipe: Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 6 large eggs
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- Fresh cilantro and feta cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened.
- Add garlic, cumin, and paprika, cooking for another minute.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Create small wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each well.
- Cover the skillet and cook until the eggs are poached to your liking.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and crumbled feta cheese.
- Serve hot, directly from the skillet, ideally with crusty bread for dipping.
Festive Shakshuka brings a touch of global flavor to your Christmas breakfast.
Bacon and Chive Waffles
The first time I made Bacon and Chive Waffles for a holiday breakfast, it was a delightful fusion of savory and sweet. The crispy bacon pieces embedded in the fluffy waffles, combined with the subtle onion-like flavor of chives, created a dish that was both comforting and sophisticated.
Elevated Quick Recipe: Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh chives, finely chopped
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs and milk. Gradually mix in melted butter.
- Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed.
- Fold in crumbled bacon and chives.
- Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it.
- Pour the batter onto the waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve the waffles hot with your choice of toppings, like maple syrup or a dollop of sour cream.
Bacon French Toast Bake
Creating a Bacon French Toast Bake for the first time was a game-changer for my holiday breakfasts. This dish combines the sweet, custardy goodness of French toast with the savory crunch of bacon, all baked together in one delicious casserole. It’s a perfect dish for feeding a crowd and filling the house with an inviting aroma.
Elevated Quick Recipe: Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 10 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- ½ cup maple syrup, plus more for serving
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread, making sure all pieces are coated. Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak up the egg mixture.
- The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the French toast bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve with additional maple syrup on the side.
Make-Ahead Quiche
The first time I prepared a Make-Ahead Quiche for Christmas morning, it was a revelation. The creamy, custard-like filling, enriched with cheese and vegetables, encased in a flaky crust, was both elegant and satisfying. It’s a versatile dish that you can prepare in advance, making your holiday morning relaxed and enjoyable.
Elevated Quick Recipe: Ingredients:
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or a lighter alternative)
- 1 cup grated cheese (Swiss, cheddar, or a vegan alternative)
- 1 cup cooked vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie crust in a pie dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle the grated cheese and cooked vegetables evenly over the pie crust.
- Pour the egg mixture over the cheese and vegetables.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. It can also be refrigerated and served cold.
Make-Ahead Quiche is a fantastic option for a stress-free holiday breakfast. It’s a dish that appeals to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences.
Blueberry Oatmeal
Cooking Blueberry Oatmeal on a chilly Christmas morning brought warmth and nutrition to my holiday table. The sweet, juicy blueberries burst with flavor, complementing the creamy, hearty oats. It’s a simple, healthy option that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Elevated Quick Recipe: Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats (gluten-free if necessary)
- 4 cups water or milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, bring water or milk to a boil.
- Add oats and a pinch of salt, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are soft and the mixture has thickened.
- Stir in honey or maple syrup and cinnamon.
- Just before serving, fold in the blueberries, allowing them to warm through.
- Serve hot, with additional honey or maple syrup if desired.
Blueberry Oatmeal is a wholesome, heartwarming dish that’s perfect for a family breakfast.
Cinnamon Apple Scones
As a passionate home cook, I can vouch for the joy that baking Cinnamon Apple Scones brings to the holiday season. These scones are a delightful symphony of flavors – the warm, spicy note of cinnamon harmoniously blends with the sweet, tartness of apples, creating a heartwarming treat. The scones are tender and flaky, with a golden crust that’s just heavenly.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. For my vegan friends, swapping in plant-based butter and a flaxseed egg makes these scones just as delightful. And for those avoiding gluten, a gluten-free flour blend works wonders without compromising the texture or taste.
Quick Recipe: Cinnamon Apple Scones
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour (regular or gluten-free)
- 1/3 cup sugar (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup cold butter (or vegan alternative), cubed
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
- 1 egg (or flaxseed egg for vegan version)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the diced apple.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg. Pour this into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a round disc. Cut into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with extra sugar and cinnamon.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy warm!