12 Mouthwatering Christmas Brunch Recipes

Hey there, fellow food lover! Picture this: It’s Christmas morning, the tree’s twinkling, and everyone’s starving after unwrapping gifts. You need brunch ideas that wow without turning you into a kitchen elf on overdrive. That’s where these 12 mouthwatering Christmas brunch recipes come in—they’re festive, flavorful, and foolproof. Grab your apron, and let’s make your holiday spread unforgettable.

1. Festive Eggnog French Toast Bake

Kick off your Christmas brunch with this indulgent bake that screams holiday cheer. It’s like French toast met eggnog at a party and decided to team up—who wouldn’t want that on their plate?

Ingredients

• 6 cups cubed day-old bread (brioche works wonders)
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup maple syrup for drizzling
• Powdered sugar and fresh berries for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Grease a 9×13 baking dish and layer the bread cubes evenly.
2. Whisk eggs, eggnog, milk, vanilla, and nutmeg in a bowl until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture over the bread, pressing down so it soaks up the goodness. Cover and chill overnight.
4. Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes until golden and puffed.
5. Drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, and scatter berries on top.

Why You’ll Love It

This dish nails that creamy, spiced flavor without much fuss—pop it in the oven while you sip coffee. I once forgot to chill it overnight and baked it fresh; it still turned out amazing, but the overnight soak makes it extra custardy. Perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal morning effort.

2. Cranberry Orange Scones with Glaze

Nothing says Christmas brunch like fresh-baked scones bursting with tart cranberries and zesty orange. They’re flaky, buttery, and way better than store-bought—trust me, your guests will beg for the recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, halved
• Zest of 1 orange
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• For glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp orange juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
2. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in cranberries and orange zest, then add cream to form a dough.
4. Pat into an 8-inch circle on a floured surface, cut into 8 wedges, and place on a baking sheet.
5. Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until golden. Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm scones.

Why You’ll Love It

These scones hit that sweet-tart balance that wakes up your taste buds on a chilly morning. Last Christmas, I swapped half the cranberries for dried ones—big mistake, they lost that juicy pop. Stick to fresh for the win; they’re quick to whip up and feel fancy without the hassle.

3. Gingerbread Pancakes with Maple Cream

Turn ordinary pancakes into Christmas magic with gingerbread spices. Fluffy, warm, and aromatic—who can resist stacking these bad boys high?

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp cloves
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• For topping: 1 cup whipped cream mixed with 2 tbsp maple syrup

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Whisk molasses, egg, and milk in another bowl, then stir into dry mix until just combined.
3. Heat a griddle over medium heat and grease lightly.
4. Pour 1/4 cup batter per pancake and cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden.
5. Stack and top with maple cream.

Why You’ll Love It

The gingerbread kick makes these pancakes feel like a hug from the holidays. I tried adding chocolate chips once—overkill, IMO, as the spices shine solo. They’re super versatile for picky eaters and come together in under 20 minutes.

4. Smoked Salmon and Avocado Toast

Elevate your Christmas brunch with this posh yet simple toast. Creamy avocado meets smoky salmon—it’s like a fancy hotel brunch at home.

Ingredients

• 4 slices sourdough bread, toasted
• 2 ripe avocados, mashed
• 8 oz smoked salmon
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh dill and capers for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mash avocados with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread the mash generously on each toast slice.
3. Layer smoked salmon on top.
4. Scatter red onion, dill, and capers.
5. Serve immediately for the freshest bite.

Why You’ll Love It

This recipe delivers that luxurious vibe without cooking—ideal for lazy holiday mornings. I once skipped the lemon and regretted it; the acidity cuts through the richness perfectly. It’s light, healthy, and pairs great with mimosas. 🙂

5. Ham and Cheese Breakfast Strata

Assemble this strata the night before and bake it fresh for Christmas brunch. Layers of bread, ham, and cheese soak up eggs for a savory masterpiece.

Ingredients

• 8 cups cubed bread
• 2 cups diced ham
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 eggs
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Layer half the bread in a greased 9×13 dish, top with ham and cheese, then remaining bread.
2. Whisk eggs, milk, mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour over the layers and press down. Chill overnight.
4. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until set and bubbly.
5. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s hearty and feeds a horde effortlessly—think zero morning stress. Swapping ham for turkey works, but ham’s saltiness elevates it. My family devours this every year; it’s comfort food with a festive twist.

6. Peppermint Mocha Overnight Oats

Prep these oats ahead for a cool, caffeinated Christmas brunch treat. Chocolate, peppermint, and oats—who knew healthy could taste this decadent?

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup almond milk
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp instant coffee
• 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• Crushed candy canes for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients except topping in a jar.
2. Stir well and refrigerate overnight.
3. Stir again in the morning and sprinkle with candy canes.
4. Enjoy cold or warmed slightly.

Why You’ll Love It

These oats pack a flavor punch that’s surprisingly breakfast-appropriate. I overdid the peppermint once—whew, toothpaste vibes:/—so stick to the extract measure. Great for grab-and-go on busy holidays.

7. Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Bread

This pull-apart bread mimics cinnamon rolls but skips the rolling hassle. Gooey, spicy, and shareable—perfect for Christmas brunch fun.

Ingredients

• 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• For icing: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk + 1/2 tsp vanilla

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cut biscuits into quarters and toss in cinnamon-sugar mix.
2. Pile into a greased bundt pan.
3. Pour melted butter over top.
4. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden.
5. Invert onto a plate and drizzle with icing.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s cheat-code easy yet looks homemade—impress without sweat. Adding nuts is optional, but they add the crunch I adore. Kids love pulling it apart; it’s an interactive brunch at its best.

8. Veggie-Packed Frittata with Feta

Load up this frittata with holiday veggies for a colorful Christmas brunch star. Eggs, spinach, tomatoes, and feta—simple yet sophisticated.

Ingredients

• 8 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta
• 1 onion, diced
• Salt, pepper, and olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté onion in olive oil until soft, add spinach and tomatoes, cook briefly.
2. Whisk eggs with milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour egg mix over veggies in an oven-safe skillet.
4. Sprinkle feta on top.
5. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until set.

Why You’ll Love It

This frittata sneaks in veggies without skimping on flavor—feta’s tang ties it all together. I subbed goat cheese once; too goaty for my taste. Versatile for leftovers, and it reheats like a dream.

9. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles

These bundles add a savory crunch to your Christmas brunch spread. Bacon hugs asparagus—talk about a match made in heaven.

Ingredients

• 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
• 12 slices bacon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bundle 4-5 asparagus spears and wrap with a bacon slice.
2. Drizzle with oil, sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place on a baking sheet.
4. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until bacon crisps.
5. Serve hot.

Why You’ll Love It

They’re addictive and balance richer dishes nicely. Overcooking the asparagus turns it mushy—aim for crisp-tender. My secret: A splash of balsamic glaze post-bake elevates them to gourmet status.

10. Fruit Salad with Mint Yogurt Dressing

Brighten your Christmas brunch with this fresh fruit medley. Seasonal fruits tossed in a zingy dressing—refreshing amid heavier eats.

Ingredients

• 2 cups strawberries, sliced
• 2 oranges, segmented
• 1 cup grapes, halved
• 1 banana, sliced
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp honey
• Fresh mint, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix fruits in a large bowl.
2. Whisk yogurt, honey, and mint.
3. Drizzle dressing over fruit and toss gently.
4. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Why You’ll Love It

It cuts through the indulgence with bright flavors—mint adds that festive pop. Bananas brown fast, so add them last. FYI, it’s kid-friendly and doubles as a healthy side.

11. Sausage and Potato Hash

This hearty hash brings comfort to Christmas brunch. Crispy potatoes meet savory sausage—pure morning fuel.

Ingredients

• 4 potatoes, diced
• 1 lb breakfast sausage
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt, pepper, and paprika

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil potatoes until just tender, then drain.
2. Brown sausage in a skillet, remove, and set aside.
3. Add oil, potatoes, pepper, onion, and spices; cook until crispy.
4. Stir sausage back in and heat through.
5. Top with fried eggs if desired.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s filling without overwhelming—potatoes crisp up beautifully. I prefer spicy sausage for kick, but mild works too. Great for using up leftovers and satisfying meat lovers.

12. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Parfaits

End your Christmas brunch sweetly with these layered parfaits. Yogurt, granola, and chocolate-dipped berries—elegant yet effortless.

Ingredients

• 2 cups vanilla yogurt
• 1 cup granola
• 1 pint strawberries
• 4 oz dark chocolate, melted
• Mint leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Dip half the strawberries in melted chocolate and let set.
2. Layer yogurt, granola, and plain strawberries in glasses.
3. Top with chocolate-dipped berries.
4. Garnish with mint.
5. Serve chilled.

Why You’ll Love It

These parfaits feel decadent but stay light—chocolate adds that holiday indulgence. Dipping all berries? Too much; half keeps it balanced. They’re pretty as a picture and wrap up brunch on a high note.

Whew, there you have it—12 mouthwatering Christmas brunch recipes that blend ease, flavor, and festivity. Whether you’re hosting a big crew or keeping it cozy, these dishes make mornings merry without the madness. Whip them up, share the joy, and watch your holiday table become legendary. Happy eating!