14 Easy Christmas Breakfast Ideas to Make Together

Joy to the world! For the families celebrating the Christmas holiday, there is lots of fun to look forward to on Christmas morning. Opening presents, church services, spending time with family and friends, and most importantly, a delicious meal that brings everyone together. 

Related: The Best Holiday Cookie Recipes

If you find yourself scrambling for Christmas morning breakfast ideas, look no further! We have compiled the best Christmas breakfast and holiday brunch recipes. And best of all? You likely already have all of the ingredients!

Here are some of our favorite Christmas breakfast ideas the whole family will love. 

1. Breakfast Casserole 

Otherwise known as a crustless quiche, the breakfast casserole is the perfect way to start your holiday morning! The main ingredients are:

•  a dozen eggs
• half a cup of milk
• your preferred seasonings 

After that, your breakfast casserole recipe can be completely customized with what you have in your fridge.

Add in hash browns, cheese, peppers, sautéed mushrooms and onions, jalapeños, spinach, and whatever other veggies that you see fit. Just remember that if the vegetable is crunchy when raw, you need to cook it before adding it to your dish. 

Breakfast meats like bacon and sausage are also a wonderful addition that will need to be cooked prior to adding. Once you have gathered all of your ingredients, the preparation is easy. 

1. First, grease your pan and layer in your potatoes, meats, vegetables, and cheese. This is a great project for the kids! 
2. Next, whisk together your eggs, milk, and spices. 
3. 3. Finally, pour the mixture overtop and bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 35 minutes. 

Confirm that the eggs have set and allow the finished product to cool for at least five minutes. You can also cook this egg casserole in a slow cooker! Just throw everything in on Christmas Eve and cook on low for seven to nine hours.

PRO TIP: If you have picky eaters on your hands, consider using a muffin tin to make individualized orders. This ensures that everyone is satisfied while keeping the number of dishes low!

2. Holiday Banana Bread 

There is something truly magical about the smell of freshly baked bread. Banana bread is a fan favorite in most households and you likely have all of the ingredients sitting in your pantry. To make banana bread you need: 

Three very ripe bananas

•  one and a half cups of flour
• one cup of sugar
• one egg
•  quarter of a cup of melted butter
• a teaspoon of vanilla extract
• a teaspoon of salt
• A teaspoon of baking soda 

To prepare, simply peel and mash your bananas, combine all of your ingredients, and pour the mixture into a greased 9 inch by 5 inch loaf pan. 

Bake for one hour at 325 degrees. To determine if the bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, it is ready to eat! Just make sure to give it some time to cool.

Finally, since this is for Christmas morning, consider adding a little extra sweetness to your recipe. You can either mix in chocolate chips or you can add dollops of Nutella into the mixture as you pour it into the pan prior to cooking. This can serve as a spectacular side dish or the headliner on your brunch menu!

3. Christmas Waffles 

This is another completely customizable meal that requires very few dishes, making it an easy breakfast choice. All that you will need is your favorite waffle or pancake mix, vegetable oil, water, and any other ingredients that you want to include, like blueberries or chocolate chips. We recommend Kodiak Power Cakes Flapjack & Waffle Mix because it is packed with protein, meaning that everyone will stay full for the opening of presents.

1. To make, just mix together your ingredients and pour them into your waffle iron. 
2. Remove once they turn golden brown and then let the family decide what sweet toppings they want to go with this classic breakfast staple. 
3. Since it is Christmas, get creative! In addition to the classic maple syrup, also offer peanut butter, fresh fruit, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream.

4. Breakfast Popovers 

Crispy, yet light and buttery. Popovers are the perfect pastry for any occasion and you likely already have the ingredients on hand. To make popovers you will need:

• two large eggs
• one cup of flour
• one cup of milk
• half a teaspoon of salt
• one tablespoon of melted butter 

How to Make Breakfast Popovers 

1. For best results, allow your eggs to reach room temperature by placing them in tepid tap water for ten minutes.
2. Combine all of the ingredients. 
3. Next, place your empty muffin tin in the preheating oven for two minutes. 
4. Then, pull it out of the oven (using oven mitts), apply the cooking spray, and fill each cup up less than halfway. 
5. Finally, cook your popovers for 20 minutes at 425 degrees. 
6. After this time has passed, lower the temperature to 350 degrees and continue cooking for 15 more minutes, or until they are golden brown.

In order to get the perfect puff on the top of your pastry, remember to be patient. Leave the oven door closed! Once they have popped, allow them to cool briefly and then serve with butter, jam, cream cheese, or whatever you see fit.

5. Christmas Cinnamon Rolls

Sweet, tangy, and doughy. What kid wouldn’t love waking up to this meal on Christmas Day? This recipe does take a bit more prep, but you can assemble your cinnamon roll log the day before to save yourself some time.

Cinnamon Roll Dough & Filling

• For your dough, you will need to mix together:
•  two cups of flour, two tablespoons of sugar
• three tablespoons of unsalted butter (softened)
• two teaspoons of baking soda
• one egg
• three-quarters of a cup of milk
• a dash of salt 

This is best done by combining the wet and dry ingredients separately and then blending them together using your hands. 

To make cinnamon roll filling: 

1. Combine half a cup of brown sugar, half a cup of white sugar, and one tablespoon of cinnamon.
2. Next, find a clean surface, sprinkle flour over the area, and knead the dough. 
3. Then, using a rolling pin, flatten it into a quarter-inch thick square. 
4. Then, take three tablespoons of softened, unsalted butter and apply an even coat across the dough. 
5. Sprinkle your filling evenly across the surface, leaving approximately a third of the mixture for later use. 
6. Roll your dough into a log and slice it into even pieces.
7. Grease your baking dish with butter and align your cinnamon rolls in the space. 
8. Sprinkle the remainder of your filling on top and bake at 400 degrees for approximately 25 minutes (this time will vary based on the thickness of your rolls).

PRO TIP: For extra gooey rolls, pour warm heavy cream over the dish before baking!

Cinnamon Roll Cream Cheese Frosting 

This is the part that the kids will like preparing the most. 

Simply mix together four ounces of softened cream cheese, two-thirds of a cup of confectioners sugar, two tablespoons of butter, and a dash of vanilla extract. Then, spread it over your warm cinnamon rolls!

6. Christmas French Toast

This is another classic option for your Christmas breakfast! To prepare french toast you will need:

• 12 slices of your favorite white bread (sourdough is always a solid choice)
• four eggs
• two teaspoons of vanilla extract
• half a teaspoon of cinnamon
• one and a third cups of milk

To Prepare:

1. In a shallow bowl, combine your eggs, milk, and spices. Add a dash of salt for taste.
2. Next, grease your skillet with butter and allow it to heat up. 
3. Dunk your bread in the mixture, making sure that both sides are generously covered. Transfer the bread to the skillet and cook until each side is golden brown. 
4. Top with maple syrup, pecans, and a whisper of cinnamon.

7. Gingerbread Pancakes

Is it truly Christmas time if Gingerbread hasn’t made it into your home? This quintessential holiday baked good is the perfect way to spice up your pancakes! To create these sweet, spicy, and fluffy flapjacks, 

1. Combine two cups of flour, four tablespoons of dark brown sugar, two teaspoons of baking powder, half a teaspoon of baking soda, two teaspoons of ground ginger, two teaspoons of cinnamon, half a teaspoon of nutmeg, and half a teaspoon of kosher salt.
2. Next, blend two eggs with a third of a cup of molasses, one and a half cups of milk, and three tablespoons of melted butter. 
3. Then, combine your wet and dry mixtures and pour your batter onto a greased griddle or skillet. 
4. Cook your cakes until golden brown — cook times will vary based on the size of your pancakes. 
5. Drizzle on maple syrup, sprinkle on some powdered sugar, and top with some fresh strawberries and blueberries!

ALTERNATIVE RECIPE: For those families looking for a lighter fare, consider nixing the baking soda and baking powder. This will transform your gingerbread pancakes into gingerbread crepes!

8. Classic Continental Breakfast 

For those folks looking for Christmas breakfast recipes that are guaranteed to please, go with the basics — scrambled eggs, bacon, and hash browns. Want to dress it up? Make your eggs cheesy or go all out and cook up some hearty omelets or some healthy frittatas. 

You can also add in baked goods and pastries like croissants, donuts, and of course, bagels and cream cheese. These are great options when your Christmas brunch includes a large group of people and you are hoping to limit your time in the kitchen.

9. Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake 

This German dish makes for a delectably light holiday breakfast option that goes flawlessly with your morning cup of Joe! 

To make the coffee cake batter, combine the following ingredients: 

• two cups of flour
• two large eggs
• one stick of softened butter
•  three-quarters of a cup of brown sugar
• two teaspoons of baking powder
• half a teaspoon of baking soda
• one teaspoon of vanilla extract
• one teaspoon of cinnamon
• one cup of sour cream 

To make coffee cake filling and topping combine: 

• one cup of brown sugar (packed)
• two tablespoons of cinnamon
• one stick of softened, but not melted, butter
• one and a quarter cups of flour 

To add in the butter, simply pinch off small sections and mix them with the dry ingredients. This will make your “crumbs”.

Once these two main components are made, it is time to layer your cake. 

1. Grease your cake pan and pour in half of your cake batter. 
2. Then, sprinkle half of your filling/topping mix overtop. 
3. Repeat both steps. 
4. Lastly, bake your cake in the oven at 350 degrees for approximately 55 minutes. 
5. Follow the same toothpick trick detailed in our second recipe on this list to confirm that your cake is ready to eat!

PRO TIP: When in a pinch for time, Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Crumb Cake is a fantastic substitute! All you need is the mix, one egg, vegetable oil, and water.

10. Christmas Monkey Bread

This is the traditional bread recipe with a little twist — switch out the raisins for dried cranberries! Not only will this be sweeter, but it will add some color to this classic comfort food. 

All you will need to make Christmas monkey bread is:

• two packages of your favorite refrigerated biscuit dough
• one cup of brown sugar
• one cup of white sugar
•  two teaspoons of cinnamon
• half a cup of butter
• half a cup of dried cranberries

1. First, remove your dough from the packaging and cut it into bite size cubes. 
2. Second, combine the white sugar and cinnamon in a gallon-sized ziplock bag. 
3. Place your dough bites into the bag and shake! This will coat them in sweetness. It is also another fun activity for young kids! Finally, grease your bundt pan and arrange your now sugary bites, making sure to sprinkle in your cranberries as you go.
4. Once this step is complete, grab a saucepan and cook your brown sugar and butter over medium heat. 
5. Allow the mixture to boil for just a minute and then pour it over the top of your biscuit pieces. 
6. Finally, bake at 350 degrees for at least 35 minutes, but up to 55 minutes (this will depend on the amount of dough you use). 

The monkey bread should turn a beautiful golden brown when it is ready to come out of the oven. Allow it to cool for five minutes and then using oven mitts, transfer the finished result to a plate and start pulling!

11. Eggs Benedict 

Another excellent brunch idea for smaller crowds is eggs benedict! This consists of a poached egg and a slice of Canadian bacon sitting on top of an English muffin. This half sandwich is then adorned with a heavenly hollandaise sauce.

Hollandaise Sauce Recipe 

To make this fanciful fare, first, you must prepare your dressing. Gather the following ingredients:

•  four egg yolks
•  two tablespoons of lemon juice
• one cup of salted butter (melted)
• a pinch of white pepper
• a dash of Worcestershire sauce

1. Mix all of your ingredients together minus the melted butter. This should be stirred in a teaspoon at a time to ensure that the sauce does not curdle. 
2. To cook, fill a saucepan with a few inches of water. Then, place a glass bowl over the saucepan — this should hover over the water, but not touch it. 
3. After the water begins to boil, add in your sauce mixture and whisk continuously until the temperature reaches 160 degrees.

Preparing Eggs Benedict: The Eggs

1. 1. To poach your eggs, fill a pot with approximately three inches of water and bring it to a boil. 
2. Once the bubbles are rolling, drop it to a simmer. Add in one teaspoon of distilled white vinegar. 
3. Then, crack your egg in a shallow dish and then gently slip it into the water. 
4. Cook time should only take three to five minutes. 
5. Remove with a slotted spoon.

Preparing Canadian Bacon 

While poaching your eggs and preparing your sauce, place your Canadian bacon in a skillet and cook to your liking. During this time, you can also toast your English muffin halves. 

This can easily be done in a toaster or under the broiler in your oven. Lightly butter the bread once golden brown. When all is done, assemble your Eggs Benedict and serve!

12. Christmas Fruitcake 

To make this classic Christmas dessert, you need a bit of forethought. This is because it is recommended that you soak your dried fruits and nuts overnight in brandy, sherry, or rum (or tea for a non-alcoholic version). 

1. Select a mixture of your favorite dried fruits and nuts (totaling three cups) — these can include cherries, pineapples, papayas, mangos, pecans, almonds, and walnuts, to name a few. 
2. Place them in a bowl and submerge them in your preferred liquid of choice.
3. On Christmas morning, take a large mixing bowl and combine, one and a half sticks of butter with three-quarters of a cup of brown sugar, half a teaspoon of nutmeg or cinnamon, one teaspoon of baking powder, lemon and orange zest, one and three quarter cups of flour, and four large eggs.
4. Then, drain your fruit and nut mixture and fold it into the cake batter. 
5. Spread the mixture into a greased cake pan and bake for approximately one to one and a half hours at 350 degrees. Follow the same toothpick tip to confirm that it is done. 
6. Lastly, let it set for 15 minutes, and then remove the cake from the pan. Allow it to cool completely before cutting.

13. Christmas Bread Pudding

Similar to Monkey Bread, this recipe seamlessly pulls apart in your hands. 

To prepare classic break pudding you need:

• one loaf of day-old bread cut into cubes (French bread is always a classic choice)
• two large eggs
•  two cups of milk
• two cups of sugar
• half a cup of raisins
• a quarter of a cup of melted butter
• one teaspoon of cinnamon
• one teaspoon of vanilla extract 

1. First, take your bread cubes and place them in a buttered baking dish. 
2. Next, drizzle your melted butter overtop and sprinkle in your raisins. 
3. Then, combine your milk, eggs, sugar, and spices. Finally, pour this mixture over top and bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes.

PRO TIP: For added flavor and a better texture, soak your raisins for one hour in warm water. Discard the water when done.

14. Cranberry Oat Scones 

The last of our Christmas breakfast ideas comes from Scotland. These sweet and tangy cranberry scones are always a welcomed choice, especially as you look ahead to a rich and filling Christmas dinner. 

This quick bread recipe combines:

•  two cups of flour 
• one cup of rolled oats
•  half a cup of sugar
•  one cup of dried cranberries
• three-quarters of a cup of buttermilk
• one tablespoon of baking powder
•  one stick of unsalted butter (cold)
• one large egg
• a dash of salt 

How to Make Cranberry Oat Scones

1. Combine all of your dry ingredients (minus the cranberries). 
2. Then, using a pastry blender, which can be found on Amazon for less than ten bucks, add in your butter.
3.  Once mixed, combine your buttermilk and egg. Add this to your dry mix. Remember that this should be an uneven and sticky mixture so it is best to combine by hand. 
4. Fold in your cranberries.
5. Once this is done, find a clean surface, flour it, and then mold your mixture into a large cylinder that is approximately two inches thick.
6.  Slice your dough into wedges and then place them on a greased baking sheet.
7. Bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes at 375 degrees. They will be done when they turn a light golden brown.

PRO TIP: If you want to make restaurant-quality scones, simply brush the tops of the pastries with heavy cream and sprinkle coarse sugar on top prior to baking. Additionally, a cranberry-orange relish is always a fantastic garnish to this breakfast item.

For even more easy breakfast ideas you can make all year round check out our favorite Quick and Easy Weekday Breakfast Ideas!