21 Delicious Christmas Brunch Recipes

Christmas morning deserves a breakfast spread that’s just as special as the presents under the tree. Whether you’re hosting family, entertaining friends, or just want to make the holiday extra memorable, these brunch recipes bring festive flavors and cozy comfort to your table.

From make-ahead casseroles that let you enjoy the morning to show-stopping centerpieces that impress guests, these dishes transform Christmas breakfast into a celebration everyone will remember.

Cinnamon Roll Casserole

This genius recipe takes everything you love about cinnamon rolls and turns it into an easy-to-serve casserole. You get all that gooey cinnamon-sugar goodness without having to roll individual pastries. The best part is you can assemble it the night before and just pop it in the oven Christmas morning.

It comes out soft and pillowy with crispy edges, topped with cream cheese icing that melts into all the crevices. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd without spending your morning in the kitchen.

Christmas Morning Breakfast Strata

This savory bread pudding combines eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast meats into one hearty dish. The bread soaks up all the custard overnight, creating a texture that’s crispy on top and creamy inside. It’s incredibly forgiving and easy to customize based on what you have in the fridge.

You can add vegetables, switch up the cheese, or make it vegetarian without any issues. The fact that it’s completely make-ahead means you can actually relax on Christmas morning while it bakes.

Gingerbread Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze

Fluffy pancakes get infused with warm gingerbread spices like cinnamon, ginger, and molasses. They taste like Christmas morning in pancake form – cozy, sweet, and perfectly spiced. The cream cheese glaze adds tangy richness that balances the sweet spices beautifully.

These are surprisingly easy to make, just adding spices to your regular pancake batter. Kids absolutely love them, and the house smells amazing while they’re cooking. They’re fancy enough for a special occasion but simple enough to make without stress.

Cranberry Orange Scones

Tart cranberries and bright orange zest create scones that taste fresh and festive. The texture is perfectly crumbly on the outside with a tender, buttery interior. These are great because you can make the dough ahead and bake them fresh in the morning, so your house fills with that incredible bakery smell.

They’re not overly sweet, making them perfect alongside coffee or tea. The cranberry-orange combination feels elegant and seasonal without being too heavy for breakfast.

Eggnog French Toast Bake

Classic French toast gets a holiday makeover with rich eggnog soaking into thick bread slices. This casserole-style version means you can make enough for everyone at once instead of standing at the stove flipping individual slices. The eggnog adds incredible creaminess and that signature holiday spice flavor.

You assemble it the night before, so Christmas morning prep is minimal. It bakes up golden and custardy with a slightly crispy top that’s perfect for soaking up maple syrup.

Healthy Hot Chocolate Protein Waffles

Healthy Hot Chocolate Protein Waffles turn breakfast into a guilt-free indulgence combining rich cocoa flavor with muscle-building nutrition. These fluffy waffles blend protein powder, whole grain flour, and unsweetened cocoa for a satisfying meal that tastes like dessert.

Perfect for post-workout recovery or busy mornings when you need sustained energy. The added protein keeps you fuller longer while satisfying chocolate cravings in a wholesome way. Top with fresh berries, Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of pure maple syrup for added nutrients. Kid-approved and adult-loved, these waffles prove healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or comfort.

Festive Breakfast Quiche Lorraine

This classic French quiche combines bacon, cheese, and eggs in a buttery, flaky crust. The filling is rich and creamy with that perfect custardy texture that makes quiche so satisfying. It looks impressive but is actually quite forgiving to make, especially if you use store-bought pie crust.

You can serve it warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for brunch spreads. The bacon adds smokiness and the cheese provides richness, creating a dish that feels elegant and comforting.

Christmas Wreath Cinnamon Rolls

Regular cinnamon rolls get arranged in a wreath shape and decorated with green icing and red candies for festive presentation. They taste exactly like your favorite cinnamon rolls but look absolutely stunning on the table. The wreath shape makes them perfect for sharing – everyone just pulls off their own roll.

These do require some time and effort with the rising and shaping, but the wow factor is incredible. The presentation makes Christmas morning feel extra special without changing the beloved cinnamon roll recipe.

Maple Glazed Baked Ham

A beautiful glazed ham makes any brunch feel like a special occasion. The maple glaze creates a sweet, caramelized crust while keeping the meat juicy and tender inside. This is one of those dishes that looks really impressive but is actually quite simple – the oven does most of the work.

You can prep the glaze ahead and just brush it on while baking. It feeds a crowd easily and the leftovers make amazing sandwiches for the rest of the holiday week.

Overnight Gingerbread Oatmeal

Slow cooker oatmeal infused with gingerbread spices cooks while you sleep, so breakfast is ready when you wake up. It’s creamy, warm, and fills the house with the most amazing aroma of cinnamon and ginger. This is perfect for people who want something hearty and healthy without any Christmas morning effort.

You can set it up the night before and forget about it until morning. It’s also easily customizable with different toppings like pecans, dried fruit, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Cranberry Bliss Muffins

Inspired by the famous coffee shop treat, these muffins combine tart cranberries, white chocolate, and orange zest. They’re moist and tender with bursts of cranberry and melty white chocolate in every bite. The orange zest brightens everything up and makes them taste fresh and special.

These are fairly simple to make using the standard muffin method. They can be baked a day ahead and still taste great, making them perfect for stress-free holiday mornings. The cream cheese frosting on top is optional but highly recommended.

Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise Sauce

This classic brunch dish features poached eggs on English muffins with Canadian bacon, all topped with rich hollandaise sauce. It’s elegant and impressive, making your Christmas brunch feel restaurant-quality. The hollandaise does require some attention to get right, but the results are incredibly rewarding.

The combination of runny egg yolk mixing with buttery hollandaise is pure luxury. While it’s more involved than some brunch options, it’s worth the effort for a truly special occasion like Christmas morning.

Christmas Morning Sticky Buns

These gooey, caramel-covered rolls are pure indulgence with their sweet, sticky coating and soft, pillowy interior. The brown sugar and butter create a caramel sauce that’s absolutely addictive. You can make the dough the night before and let them rise overnight in the fridge, then bake them fresh in the morning.

They come out warm and fragrant with that irresistible combination of cinnamon and caramel. These are perfect for people who want something really special and don’t mind a little extra effort.

Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel Board

This stunning spread lets everyone build their perfect bagel with smoked salmon, various cream cheeses, and classic toppings. It looks impressive but requires minimal actual cooking – mostly just arranging beautiful ingredients on a board.

The salmon adds elegance and sophistication, while options like capers, red onion, and fresh dill let guests customize to their taste. This is ideal for relaxed brunches where people eat at different times. It’s also perfect for mixed groups since everyone can make exactly what they want.

Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread

Pull-apart bread pieces coated in pumpkin spice and sugar create an interactive, fun breakfast everyone loves. The outside gets crispy and caramelized while the inside stays soft and tender. It’s incredibly fun to eat – just pull off pieces with your hands and enjoy the gooey goodness.

You can make it in a bundt pan for beautiful presentation. This is perfect for casual family gatherings where you want something shareable and delicious without being too formal or fussy.

Holiday Frittata with Spinach and Feta

This Italian-style egg dish is loaded with spinach and tangy feta cheese for a lighter brunch option. The eggs are fluffy and packed with flavor, while spinach adds color and nutrition. Feta provides salty tanginess that balances the rich eggs perfectly. Frittatas are wonderfully versatile and can be served hot, warm, or room temperature.

They’re also easy to customize with whatever vegetables you have on hand. This is ideal for guests who want something satisfying but not heavy after a big Christmas Eve dinner.

Candy Cane Biscotti

These crunchy Italian cookies get flavored with peppermint and dipped in white chocolate for a festive treat. They’re perfect for dunking in coffee or hot chocolate, and the peppermint flavor isn’t overwhelming. The twice-baked method creates that signature crispy texture that’s so satisfying.

These are great because they can be made days ahead and actually improve with time. They also make wonderful gifts when wrapped up nicely. The red and white colors make them look perfectly festive on any Christmas brunch table.

Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage

This hearty casserole combines eggs, sausage, cheese, and bread into one satisfying dish. The sausage adds savory richness and lots of flavor, while cheese makes everything creamy and delicious. You assemble it the night before so it’s completely hands-off on Christmas morning.

It’s the kind of filling, comforting breakfast that keeps everyone satisfied through present opening and beyond. The crispy top and custardy middle make every bite interesting. It’s also easily doubled for larger crowds.

Gingerbread Waffles with Cinnamon Butter

Crispy gingerbread waffles topped with homemade cinnamon butter create an unforgettable Christmas breakfast. The waffles are packed with warm spices that fill your kitchen with holiday aromas. The cinnamon butter melts into all the waffle pockets, adding richness and extra spice.

These are straightforward to make if you have a waffle iron and taste way more special than the effort required. The combination of crispy edges and tender centers makes them superior to regular waffles. They’re perfect with a drizzle of maple syrup.

Cranberry Pecan Coffee Cake

This classic coffee cake features tart cranberries and crunchy pecans with a buttery crumb topping. It’s moist and tender with just the right amount of sweetness. The cranberries add lovely color and tangy flavor that balances the sweet cake. You can make it the day before and it actually tastes better after sitting overnight as the flavors meld.

It’s perfect for a relaxed brunch where people are grazing throughout the morning. The streusel topping adds a delightful texture contrast that everyone loves.

Festive Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing

Fresh seasonal fruits get tossed in a bright honey-lime dressing that enhances all the natural sweetness. This provides a light, refreshing option alongside heavier brunch dishes. The lime adds zing while honey brings everything together with natural sweetness. You can use whatever fruits look best at the market – think pomegranate, citrus, kiwi, and berries for beautiful colors.

It’s super simple to throw together and can be prepped a few hours ahead. This is perfect for guests who want something healthy and fresh on Christmas morning.