40 Best Christmas Brunch Recipes and Ideas

What better way to kick off the festive season than with these easy and delicious Christmas brunch recipes?

From sweet to savory and everything in between, they’re sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.

40 Festive Breakfast and Brunch Recipes for Christmas

Ho, ho, ho, it’s that time of year again! When friends and family come together to celebrate the holidays.

And I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with a big holiday breakfast.

I’m talking spiced eggnog pancakes, dreamy pumpkin babka, cheesy breakfast casseroles, and more.

These stunning Christmas brunch recipes are perfect for any holiday celebration, but especially on the big day itself.

So go ahead and treat yourself! Santa said you deserve it!

1. Christmas Breakfast Casserole

This Christmas, forget about cooking a big breakfast from scratch. Instead, try this delicious and easy-to-make holiday casserole.

Packed with your favorite holiday flavors, it can be made ahead of time and reheated on Christmas morning.

That should save you plenty of time for opening presents!

2. Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Chocolate chip pancakes are the best pancakes. They’re fluffy, sweet, and oh-so-rich.

Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion.

So while they may not look like Christmas pancakes, all it takes is a few festive sprinkles!

3. Overnight Baked Gingerbread French Toast Casserole

Gingerbread is the epitome of holiday flavors. It brings to mind cozy fires, warm sweaters, and dark nights in with family.

And this French toast recipe is a terrific way to serve all that in one dish. It’s everything you love about gingerbread but in casserole form.

Or try this French toast bagel recipe if you don’t need a whole casserole.

4. Blueberry French Toast Casserole

As much as I love pumpkin spice and everything nice, I know not everyone is obsessed with “holiday” flavors.

So, this blueberry casserole should be just the thing for those who avoid Michael’s during the fall.

Jam-packed with sweet blueberries, rich cream cheese, and crispy French bread, it’s bright, colorful, and super filling.

Plus, it’s the perfect make-ahead dish for Christmas morning. Prep it the night before then just pop it in the oven first thing. Easy peasy.

5. Sticky Monkey Bread Muffins

Soft, sticky, and deliciously spiced, these Christmas muffins are a thing of beauty.

You get all the same great taste and texture from regular muffin bread but in single-servings.

Add a quick glaze, and they’re ready to be served.

6. Cranberry Mimosas

It wouldn’t be holiday brunch without cocktails! And these fun mimosas are my favorite way to start the day.

Instead of orange juice, you’ll add cranberry juice, making it a delightful red color.

Add a sprig of rosemary for a super simple garnish, and they’re good to go.

7. Cinnamon Bread

Dollywood cinnamon bread has kind of a cult following. And for good reason!

It’s tender, flavorful, and crazy easy to recreate at home. It even calls for frozen bread dough!

Serve this slightly warm with a bit of cream cheese frosting, and it’ll be gone in seconds.

8. Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole

This casserole is overflowing with flavor and is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

The sausage adds a touch of spice, while the potatoes and onions add sweetness and depth of flavor.

Serve it with a side of hash browns for a complete meal. Yum!

9. Gingerbread Muffins with Vanilla Bean Glaze

The blend of spices in these breakfast muffins is enough to make you swoon.

One bite and you’ll see they’re rich and flavorful with the most incredible gingerbread taste.

Whether you enjoy them on their own or serve them as part of a festive brunch spread, these muffins are sure to be a hit. 

10. Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole

Need a straightforward but effective breakfast casserole? You can’t beat everything bagels!

Like French toast casserole or savory strata, this casserole features fluffy carbs (bagels) along with cheesy custard and veggies.

And just like French toast or bread pudding, it’s best left overnight. That way, the bagels with soak up all that incredible flavor.

11. Santa Hat Pancakes

How adorable are these Santa’s hat pancakes? And they’re beyond easy to make, too!

You can use any pancake recipe you like – even a boxed mix. The key is to make them small and uniform, so they stack well.

Then, just add some whipped cream and fresh strawberries on top! Pretty neat, huh?

12. Cranberry Orange Bread

What’s more appropriate for Christmas morning than sweet and tart orange bread with cranberries?

The citrus smell as it baked is enough to get anyone out of bed. And you’ll love the pops of color dotted in every slice.

Make a quick glaze with orange juice and powdered sugar, and it’ll really amp up the citrus flavor.

13. Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Copycat

Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy a warm slice of Starbucks pumpkin bread – and now you can enjoy it without even leaving your kitchen! 

The bread itself is moist and dense, and if you want a hint of crunch, add some chopped pecans or walnuts.

Serve it for Christmas brunch with a tasty cup of coffee or tea. It’s a nice light option to keep you going while the kids open gifts.

14. Candied Bacon

Can we all agree that bacon makes everything better?

But candied bacon? Oh, em, gee, this stuff is addictive.

It’s the perfect combination of savory and sweet, and it’s surprisingly easy to make.

Serve it as is with eggs and pancakes. Or use it on top of ice cream, cookies, or even pies.

15. Cheesy Butternut Squash and Onion Quiche

Colorful, earthy, and chock-full of festive flavors, this quiche is a fabulous addition to any Christmas brunch.

Featuring caramelized onions, golden butternut squash, thyme, kale, and plenty of smoky Gruyere cheese, it’s a winner any day of the week.

16. Huevos Rancheros Cast Iron Breakfast Skillet

Feel like something a little different this Christmas brunch? Try this breakfast skillet!

Loaded with chorizo, hominy, black beans, and eggs, it’s guaranteed to fill you up.

I like to serve this in single-serve skillets. But it’s also great served family style with lots of crusty bread for dipping.

17. Cranberry Christmas Cake

If you can’t have cake for breakfast during the holiday, when can you?

This is actually more like a cross between a cake and a blondie. It’s fudgy, moist, and chock full of cranberries.

And if you want to make it even more impressive, try tossing in some white chocolate chips.

18. Homemade Orange Rolls

Orange rolls are just as sweet and fluffy as cinnamon rolls. But instead of spiced and warm, they’re bright and zesty.

And I don’t know about you, but come Christmas, I’ve had my fill of spiced cakes and cookies.

The key to getting the rolls right is to use fresh oranges – both the zest and the juice – and to be generous with the butter.

19. Cinnamon Roll Waffles

Breakfast just got a whole lot better, thanks to these cinnamon roll waffles!

Made with all the rich, delicious flavors of a cinnamon roll, they’re quicker and way easier to whip up.

Start with the waffles, which can be any recipe or box mix you prefer. Then, top them with cream cheese and cinnamon glaze. Delish!

20. Gingerbread Waffles

Pumpkin spice lattes, cozy fires, and gingerbread waffles, oh my!

This delicious breakfast treat is such a scrummy way to celebrate the holidays. And it’s a fantastic Christmas brunch recipe.

Top them with sprinkles and mini gingerbread cookies for the full festive effect.

21. Eggs Benedict Bread Pudding

Making brunch for a crowd? Then you have to try this eggs benedict bread pudding recipe.

It’s got all the same great flavors, plus the yummy sauce poured over the top.

Of course, it’s missing the signature poached egg. To be honest, I like this without it. But if you’re a poaching pro, go for it!

22. Gingerbread Latte

Speaking of going the extra mile: forget your usual boring coffee and make this gingerbread latte instead.

It’s beautifully spiced and delectably creamy.

You’ll make syrup using brown and white sugar, water, molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom. And I suggest making it in advance.

That way, it’s much faster to whip up a latte on Christmas day.

23. Overnight Eggnog French Toast

In my opinion, all French toast casseroles should be left in the fridge overnight. It’s the only way to ensure the bread soaks up all the custard!

And this recipe is no exception.

After a night to chill, the bread is loaded with ‘nog-infused custard, making it insanely moist and tasty.

24. Braided Cinnamon Sourdough Wreath

Sourdough bread infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom? I’ll take a whole loaf, please!

It’s super warm and cozy and best served warm with plenty of glaze.

25. Basic Scones

I know these don’t look super Christmassy, but this basic recipe is the best around.

So, use it as a base, then add anything you like to make it festive!

I’m talking orange zest and cranberries, cherries and chocolate, or raspberries and marzipan.

You can’t go wrong, so try a bunch of flavors to find your fave.

26. Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

Cranberries are chewy and bright, whereas pistachios are nutty and crunchy. Together, they make a terrific pair – especially in these scrummy biscotti.

I love the holiday colors, and the white chocolate layer ensures they’re perfectly sweet, too.

27. Matcha Mille Crepe Cake

I can’t get over how adorable this matcha crepe cake looks.

From the thin layers and green hue to the fun Santa hats on top, it’s a Christmas brunch dream come true.

Full disclosure: this is a little time-consuming. It’ll take a while to make enough crepes to create a whole cake, but it’s so worth it!

And it’s so beautiful, even the Grinch will want seconds!

28. Grinch Hot Chocolate Recipe

Speaking of that cranky green giant: while you’re sipping your gingerbread latte, why not make these super cute Grinch hot chocolates for the kids?

It’s a simple blend of milk, half and half, cocoa powder, and vanilla. Then, you’ll add green food coloring to get the full effect.

Serve them with whipped cream on top and little heart sprinkles. Ah-dorable!

29. Overnight Christmas Breakfast Strata

Strata is a pretty typical Christmas morning dish. And this one is my go-to for breakfast and brunch.

I love that the prep is done the day before. It means all you have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven.

30. Applesauce Muffins

Applesauce muffins are one of the best things to wake up to. They’re effortless, light, and easily tailored to your liking.

The recipe calls for just a few ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. And the end result is a fluffy, moist muffin with a hint of sweetness.

They’re simple but always a winner.

31. Red Velvet Banana Bread

Banana bread is always a good idea. But this red velvet banana bread is beyond festive!

You’ll use a box of red velvet cake mix, adding mashed bananas, chocolate chips, and walnuts.

It’s still fruity and sweet, but you can’t beat that color!

32. Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnabon cinnamon rolls are the stuff of legend.

Rich, sweet dough swirled with a cinnamon-sugar filling and baked to perfection is as indulgent as breakfast can be.

Best enjoyed warm, this recipe is the best of the best. And for an extra special treat, serve them with a dollop of cream cheese frosting.

33. Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole

Paula Deen’s breakfast casserole is a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

It’s packed with flavor and can be easily customized to fit any taste.

So feel free to add different cheeses or meats. Or throw in your favorite veggies if you prefer.

34. Pumpkin Coffee Cake

I make pumpkin recipes well into the new year. And this is one of my all-time faves.

The cake is spiced, soft, and a dream to eat. And that crumb on top is just what you want as a textural contrast.

35. Christmas Fluffy Gingerbread Pancakes (Thick/Souffle Pancakes)

These Christmas pancakes are sure to get you in the holiday spirit!

They’re impossibly fluffy and soft, with just the right amount of gingerbread flavor.

And they’re so easy to make, you’ll be able to enjoy them any time of year.

36. Bob Evans Sausage Gravy

In the mood for something savory and comforting? Bob Evans sausage gravy is comfort food at its best.

The ingredients in this dish may sound simple, but I promise that they create a wonderful harmony of flavors that will have you addicted from the first bite.

If you like your food on the spicier side, add a dash of cayenne pepper.

37. Pumpkin-Pecan Babka with Cinnamon-Maple Glaze

I adore babka. And while I usually like it chocolatey, this pumpkin and pecan recipe leaves me weak in the knees.

Just look at it!

The filling is a blend of pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and brown sugar with chopped pecans. I add mini chocolate chips, too, but that’s optional.

As long as you drizzle plenty of maple and cinnamon glaze on top, it’ll be a hit.

38. Snickerdoodle Coffee Cake

Don’t let the simplicity of this recipe fool you – this cake is packed with flavor.

The topping provides a crunchy contrast to the moist cake, and the hint of cinnamon in the frosting ties everything together.

Serve it warm with coffee. Delish!

39. Baked Oatmeal with Apples, Pecans, and Cranberries

Apples, pecans, and cranberries in a big bowl of warm and chewy oats are just as delicious as they sound.

This baked dish is hearty, sweet, and sure to keep you going until Christmas dinner is served.

40. Eggnog Pancakes

Eggnog is a holiday classic, and these pancakes are the perfect way to enjoy it without going overboard.

The eggnog adds a rich and creamy flavor, and a simple dash of nutmeg amps up the festive flavors like you won’t believe.

Serve them with maple syrup and fresh berries for a delightful breakfast or brunch that’ll make you feel like it’s Christmas every day.