Lifestyle

71 Festive & Hearty Christmas Breakfast Ideas for 2024

by: Abigail Ford

Last Updated on Sep 12th 2024

Check out the top Christmas breakfast ideas that will make your holiday stress-free and delicious. Wondering what to eat for breakfast on Christmas morning? Or what is served at Christmas brunch? Don’t fret. These ideas range from the simple to the make-ahead to the traditional and indulgent.

You deserve an easy breezy holiday morning that starts off right. Use these Christmas breakfast ideas to ace Xmas brunch.

Make-Ahead Christmas Breakfast Ideas

1. Banana Bread

Wondering what to eat on Christmas Day morning? Start with banana bread! This moist, flavorful loaf is made from ripe bananas, flour, sugar and eggs, often enhanced with nuts or a touch of cinnamon. Slice these Christmas breakfast ideas thick and serve with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for a cozy, satisfying breakfast.

2. Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

Prepare the dough and roll it with cinnamon sugar the night before, then let it rise in the fridge. In the morning, just pop them in the oven for fresh, gooey cinnamon rolls topped with cream cheese icing.

3. Quiche Lorraine

These savory French Christmas breakfast ideas combine eggs, cream, crispy bacon and cheese in a flaky pastry crust. Bake it the day before and serve it warm or at room temperature on Christmas morning for an elegant, easy option.

4. Pumpkin Spice Muffins

These spiced muffins are packed with the flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg. These Christmas breakfast ideas can be baked ahead of time and served with butter or cream cheese for a festive breakfast treat.

5. Baked Oatmeal with Berries

Combine oats, milk, eggs and fresh or frozen berries in a baking dish and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply bake them for warm, hearty Christmas breakfast ideas that can be sliced and served. Oatmeal is also a nice ingredient for the healthiest Christmas cookie ideas.

6. Breakfast Hash with Sausage and Potatoes

Fry up cooked sausage, diced potatoes and cheese in a large frying pan. Scooch the mix over to the side and pour in beaten eggs. Allow the eggs to cook and then cover and refrigerate overnight. We recommend refrying on the stovetop in the morning for hearty and filling Christmas breakfast ideas.

7. Maple Pecan French Toast Bake

This sweet casserole layers bread slices with a rich custard made from eggs, milk and maple syrup, topped with a crunchy pecan streusel. Prepare these Christmas breakfast ideas the night before and bake them in the morning for a decadent start to the day. Your guests will need a nap after this one.

8. Monkey Bread

Monkey bread is a pull-apart sweet treat made from soft, buttery dough balls coated in cinnamon sugar and baked together in a bundt pan. Once baked, the dough pieces stick together to form a caramelized, gooey center with a crisp, sugary exterior. We recommend making these Christmas breakfast ideas the night before and reheating in the morning.

9. Egg Muffin Cups

These mini frittatas are made in a muffin tin with eggs, cheese and your choice of vegetables or meats. Bake them ahead of time and reheat them in the morning for a quick, protein-packed breakfast.

10. Chia Pudding

Mix chia seeds with almond milk, honey and vanilla, then refrigerate overnight. In the morning, you’ll have a creamy, pudding-like breakfast that can be topped with fresh fruit, nuts or granola.

11. Fruit and Nut Granola

Bake a batch of homemade granola with oats, nuts, dried fruit and honey. These Christmas breakfast ideas can be stored in an airtight container and served with yogurt or your chia pudding for a quick, crunchy breakfast that’s ready whenever you are.

12. Coffee Cake

Coffee cake is a tender, crumbly cake typically topped with a cinnamon streusel and sometimes layered with a ribbon of sweet filling like cinnamon sugar or fruit. Despite its name, it doesn’t contain coffee but pairs perfectly with a cup of your favorite brew. These Christmas breakfast ideas can be baked the day before and served the next morning, making it an easy Christmas party food.

Traditional Christmas Breakfast

13. Biscuits and Gravy

This classic comfort dish features soft, flaky buttermilk biscuits smothered in a rich, creamy sausage gravy. The gravy, made with crumbled sausage, milk and a hint of black pepper, is thick and flavorful. They're hearty and satisfying Christmas breakfast ideas that add a touch of Southern charm to your Christmas breakfast.

14. Maple Bacon

Struggling to get Christmas breakfast ideas for your kid? Maple bacon takes the cake. The bacon strips are coated with a glaze of pure maple syrup before being baked or fried until crisp. The result is a delicious balance of smoky, salty and sweet flavors, making it a festive and indulgent treat for adults and kiddos.

15. Grits with Butter and Cheese

A Southern classic, grits are made from ground corn and cooked to a creamy consistency. Served hot with butter and a generous sprinkle of cheese, they’re a comforting and hearty addition to a holiday breakfast.

16. Cranberry Orange Muffins

These moist, tangy muffins combine the flavors of tart cranberries and sweet orange zest. They’re perfect for adding a festive touch to your Christmas breakfast ideas and pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. They even make wonderful DIY Christmas gifts!

17. English Muffins with Jam

Light and toasted, English muffins have a soft interior with a slightly crisp crust. Serve them with butter and a selection of jams or marmalade for simple yet traditional Christmas breakfast ideas.

18. Roast Ham and Eggs

These Christmas breakfast ideas feature tender slices of roast ham paired with perfectly cooked eggs. The ham, often glazed with a mixture of honey, brown sugar and spices, offers a sweet and savory flavor that complements the rich, creamy eggs.

19. Smoked Salmon with Bagels

Thinly sliced smoked salmon, often referred to as lox, is a luxurious addition to a holiday breakfast. Serve it with toasted bagels, cream cheese, capers and thinly sliced onions for a sophisticated meal.

20. Belgian Waffles

These thick, fluffy waffles are wonderfully indulgent Christmas breakfast ideas. The crisp exterior and deep pockets are perfect for holding syrup, whipped cream and fresh berries. Belgian waffles can be made fresh or reheated from a make-ahead batch.

21. Scrambled Eggs with Chives

Soft and creamy, scrambled eggs are versatile Christmas breakfast ideas. Adding fresh chives gives them a subtle onion flavor and a pop of color, making them a simple yet refined option for a traditional breakfast.

22. Christmas Fruit Salad

A vibrant and refreshing addition to the breakfast table, this fruit salad typically features seasonal fruits like oranges, pomegranates and kiwi, often mixed with a light honey-lime dressing. It’s a bright and healthy contrast to richer dishes.

23. Eggs Benedict

A luxurious breakfast option, Eggs Benedict consists of poached eggs served on toasted English muffins with Canadian bacon or ham. The dish is topped with a velvety hollandaise sauce, made from butter, egg yolks and lemon juice. The combination of the rich sauce, perfectly poached eggs and savory ham creates a decadent and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a special occasion like Christmas morning.

24. Buttermilk Biscuits

These soft, flaky biscuits are Southern favorite Christmas breakfast ideas, often served warm with butter, honey or jam. Buttermilk gives them a slight tang and a tender crumb, making them a perfect accompaniment to any Christmas breakfast.

Christmas Breakfast Buffet Ideas

25. Pastry Assortment

A pastry assortment brings a delightful variety of baked goods to the breakfast table, typically including croissants, danishes, muffins and puff pastries. This assortment doubles as simple DIY Christmas decorations.

26. Mini Pancakes

These fluffy, golden mini pancakes made from buttermilk are a breakfast staple. They have a slightly tangy flavor and making them is a fun Christmas craft.

27. Omelette Station

Classic Christmas breakfast ideas include an omelet station, allowing guests to customize their omelets with a variety of fillings like cheese, ham, mushrooms, bell peppers and onions. Cook to order and start the holiday morning off right.

28. French Toast

There are lots of different ways to make French toast. For your buffet, let's go with the classic Christmas breakfast ideas. Soak thick sliced bread in a mixture of eggs, milk and cinnamon, then fry until golden brown. French toast is a comforting and sweet breakfast dish, often served with powdered sugar, maple syrup and fresh fruit.

29. Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam

These crumbly, tender pastries are a British classic, often enjoyed on Christmas morning. Serve these stellar Christmas breakfast ideas with rich clotted cream and sweet jam.

30. Cheese and Charcuterie Board

A sophisticated addition to the breakfast buffet, Christmas charcuterie board ideas feature a selection of cheeses, cured meats, crackers and fresh fruit. These Christmas breakfast ideas offer a savory and indulgent option that pair well with the other breakfast items.

31. Breakfast Sausages

Juicy and flavorful, breakfast sausages are a traditional accompaniment to any holiday breakfast. Whether grilled, fried or baked, they add a savory note that pairs well with eggs, pancakes or biscuits. For some fun Elf on the Shelf ideas, have the little troublemaker make a face out of the sausages.

32. Hash Browns

Crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, hash browns are a classic potato dish made by shredding and frying potatoes. These Christmas breakfast ideas are perfect side dishes, adding a satisfying crunch to a traditional breakfast spread.

33. Mini Cinnamon Rolls

Soft, sweet and swirled with cinnamon sugar, cinnamon rolls are a beloved breakfast treat and the mini version is even more buffet-friendly. Topped with cream cheese icing, these Christmas appetizer ideas are indulgent and festive, making them a perfect choice for a Christmas morning treat.

34. Sausage Balls

Sausage balls are a savory bite-sized treat made from a mixture of ground sausage, shredded cheese and biscuit mix. These golden-brown morsels are baked until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, offering a perfect blend of flavors with a hint of spice from the sausage.

35. Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing

This refreshing and colorful fruit salad combines a variety of fresh, seasonal fruits like oranges, kiwi, pomegranate seeds and grapes. Tossed in a light and zesty honey lime dressing, these Christmas breakfast ideas add a vibrant, healthy option to your buffet, offering a sweet and tangy contrast to richer breakfast items.

36. Breakfast Burritos

These portable and customizable breakfast burritos are filled with scrambled eggs, cheese and your choice of fillings. Served warm or at room temperature, they’re easy to grab and go, making them a convenient and satisfying option for a holiday breakfast buffet.

Christmas Breakfast Casserole Ideas

37. Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

These Christmas breakfast ideas combine layers of bread soaked in a cinnamon-egg mixture with tender apples, baked until golden and topped with cinnamon sugar. It’s a warm, comforting dish perfect for holiday mornings, served with maple syrup and powdered sugar. One of the yummiest selections for Christmas potluck ideas if you're invited for an early potluck breakfast or for one of the Christmas Brunch Ideas.

38. Spinach, Artichoke and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Inspired by the popular dip, these Christmas breakfast ideas mix spinach, artichoke hearts, cheeses, eggs and bread cubes. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a savory, cheesy dish that adds a gourmet twist to your holiday breakfast table.

39. Spinach and Feta Egg Casserole

These Christmas breakfast ideas feature fluffy eggs, sautéed spinach and tangy feta cheese. Baked to perfection, the dish is light yet flavorful, with feta adding a creamy, salty contrast to the spinach.

40. Breakfast Burrito Egg Casserole

Christmas breakfast ideas that layer eggs with seasoned sausage or bacon, cheddar cheese and salsa, all baked with tortillas. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that brings a Southwest flair to your holiday breakfast.

41. Sweet Potato Egg Bake

These Christmas breakfast ideas feature roasted sweet potatoes topped with eggs, sautéed onions and bell peppers. The sweet potatoes add natural sweetness, while the eggs provide a fluffy, protein-packed layer, creating a vibrant and satisfying dish.

42. Mushroom Breakfast Strata

Here are Christmas breakfast ideas that highlight the rich flavor of mushrooms. Sautéed mushrooms are layered with bread cubes, eggs and cheese, then baked until golden and bubbly for a deeply savory dish.

43. Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

These Christmas breakfast ideas combine bread cubes with sweetened cream cheese and fresh blueberries. Baked in an egg custard, it’s rich and creamy with juicy berries throughout, topped with blueberry syrup or powdered sugar for a festive touch.

44. Potato Breakfast Gratin with Red Peppers

Christmas breakfast ideas that feature thinly sliced potatoes layered with roasted red peppers and a creamy cheese sauce. Baked until golden and crispy, this gratin has a rich, comforting texture and a sweet-savory balance.

45. Sausage Breakfast Casserole

These Christmas breakfast ideas combine crumbled sausage with eggs, cheese and bread cubes. The sausage adds a savory flavor that pairs well with creamy eggs and melted cheese, making it an easy, make-ahead dish for feeding a holiday crowd.

46. "Ham and Cheese" Breakfast Casserole

Christmas breakfast ideas that blend diced ham, eggs and cheese, such as Swiss or cheddar. The smoky ham and gooey cheese melt together with bread cubes or hash browns for a hearty, satisfying dish perfect for a festive morning.

47. Bacon, Potato & Egg Breakfast Casserole

These Christmas breakfast ideas combine crispy bacon, tender potatoes and fluffy eggs in a rich casserole. The smoky bacon complements the buttery potatoes and the eggs tie it all together for a comforting, indulgent holiday favorite.

48. Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Christmas breakfast ideas that feature shredded hash browns mixed with cheese and eggs. Baked until golden and crispy, this casserole is rich, creamy and utterly delicious, making it a crowd-pleaser for any holiday breakfast.

49. French Toast Casserole with Maple Syrup

These Christmas breakfast ideas layer thick slices of bread soaked in eggs, milk, cinnamon and vanilla. Baked until golden, it’s topped with maple syrup and powdered sugar, with fresh berries or whipped cream for a festive touch.

50. Spinach and Mushroom Quiche Casserole

Christmas breakfast ideas that combine sautéed spinach, mushrooms, onions, eggs and cheese. Baked in a flaky crust or crustless for a lighter version, this dish offers a hearty, veggie-packed start to your holiday morning.

Easy Holiday Breakfast Ideas

51. Pancakes

Fluffy and golden brown pancakes are classic Christmas breakfast ideas that can be made quickly on a griddle. Served hot, they can be topped with butter, maple syrup, fresh fruits or whipped cream. For a festive twist, consider adding chocolate chips, blueberries or a sprinkle of cinnamon into the batter. Pancakes are versatile and can be easily adapted to suit different dietary preferences, including gluten-free or vegan options.

52. Yogurt Parfait Bar

Set up a DIY yogurt parfait station with bowls of Greek yogurt, granola, fresh fruits, nuts and honey. It’s quick, customizable and healthy — perfect for guests with different tastes.

53. Bagel and Lox Platter

A classic yet effortless option, arrange an assortment of bagels with smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, thinly sliced red onions and fresh dill. Add some lemon wedges for a zesty touch.

54. Overnight Oats

Prepare the night before by mixing oats, milk (or a milk alternative) and your favorite mix-ins like chia seeds, nuts and dried fruits. Serve cold or warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

55. Breakfast Quesadillas

Filled with scrambled eggs, cheese and your choice of bacon, sausage or veggies, these quesadillas are quick to assemble and can be made in batches for a crowd. They are the ideal Christmas breakfast ideas for a busy family.

56. Scrambled Eggs

Simple yet satisfying, scrambled eggs are a go-to for quick and protein-packed Christmas breakfast ideas. Whisked eggs are cooked over low heat until they form soft, creamy curds. You can keep them plain or mix in ingredients like cheese, herbs or sautéed vegetables for added flavor. Serve them alongside toast, bacon or avocado for a well-rounded meal.

57. Croissant Sandwiches

Use store-bought croissants to make breakfast sandwiches filled with ham, cheese and scrambled eggs. Warm them up in the oven for a buttery, flaky treat. Use this Christmas breakfast idea for a fam on the go.

58. Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing

A refreshing and vibrant option, this salad combines seasonal fruits like pomegranates, oranges and kiwi, tossed in a light honey-lime dressing.

59. Mini Frittatas

Bake bite-sized frittatas in a muffin tin with ingredients like spinach, tomatoes and cheese. They’re easy to make ahead (totally adorable) and perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast.

60. Avocado Toast Bar

These Christmas breakfast ideas are uber popular with young adults. Set out slices of toasted bread, mashed avocado and various toppings like cherry tomatoes, poached eggs, radishes and crumbled feta. Guests can build their own gourmet toasts.

61. Cereal Assortment

Offering a variety of cereals is an easy and low-maintenance option for a holiday breakfast, catering to both kids and adults. Set out bowls of different cereals — from classic cornflakes to granola — alongside pitchers of milk and dairy-free alternatives. Add a selection of fresh fruit, nuts and yogurt to let everyone customize their bowls. It’s a quick, no-cook solution that’s perfect for busy holiday mornings.

62. Cinnamon Rolls

We’ve offered a few cinnamon roll-themed Christmas breakfast ideas in this article, but these here are the classics. Whether homemade or store-bought, warm up some cinnamon rolls and serve them with a drizzle of icing for a sweet and indulgent holiday breakfast.

Christmas Breakfast Ideas With Eggs

63. Deviled Eggs

A classic Christmas breakfast idea that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch, deviled eggs feature hard-boiled eggs cut in half with their yolks mixed with mayonnaise, mustard and seasonings. The creamy filling is spooned or piped back into the egg whites, often garnished with a sprinkle of paprika or fresh herbs. They’re a tasty, bite-sized treat that adds a touch of spice to your holiday spread.

64. Breakfast Crêpes with Eggs and Cheddar

These delicate, thin crêpes are filled with scrambled eggs and melted cheddar cheese, creating light yet satisfying Christmas breakfast ideas. The crêpes can be folded or rolled around the filling and served with a side of fresh herbs or a light salad. They offer a sophisticated twist on traditional egg dishes and can be customized with additional fillings like ham, spinach or mushrooms.

65. Tea Eggs

Tea eggs are a flavorful and visually appealing Christmas breakfast idea, featuring hard-boiled eggs marbled with a dark, spiced tea-infused coating. The eggs are simmered in a mixture of soy sauce, black tea and various spices, which creates a unique marbled pattern on the egg whites. They’re a savory and aromatic choice that’s perfect for a festive breakfast.

66. Poached Eggs

Poached eggs are eggs cooked gently in simmering water without their shells, resulting in a tender white and a runny yolk. They’re versatile Christmas breakfast ideas that can be served over toast or with other breakfast items like hash browns or bacon. Poached eggs add a touch of elegance to any breakfast and are perfect for making dishes like Eggs Benedict or as a standalone treat. They do take some practice though, so it's best that you've tried to make them a few times before trying on the day.

67. Shakshuka

This Middle Eastern dish features eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce with onions, peppers and a blend of aromatic spices. The rich, savory sauce and tender eggs are perfect for dipping with crusty bread, making it a flavorful and hearty Christmas breakfast idea. Plus, this gorgeous-looking meal is perfect for a Christmas painting idea if you’re looking for a fun activity for the whole family.

68. Spanish Tortilla

Also known as a Spanish omelet, these Christmas breakfast ideas are made with eggs, potatoes and onions. The potatoes are thinly sliced and cooked until tender before being mixed with beaten eggs and cooked to form a thick, round omelet. It’s a flavorful and satisfying option that can be served warm or at room temperature.

69. Eggs Florentine

A variation of Eggs Benedict, Eggs Florentine replaces the traditional Canadian bacon with sautéed spinach. Poached eggs are served on a bed of spinach and toasted English muffins, all topped with a rich hollandaise sauce. They're deliciously elegant Christmas breakfast ideas for a festive breakfast.

70. Frittata with Vegetables

This versatile Italian dish is made by mixing eggs with a variety of vegetables, cheeses and sometimes meats, then baking until set. It can be customized with ingredients like spinach, bell peppers and mushrooms, making it a nutritious and easy-to-make option for a Christmas breakfast.

71. Eggs and Bacon Breakfast Cups

These individual breakfast cups are made by lining a muffin tin with crispy bacon and then cracking an egg into each cup. The eggs are baked until set, resulting in savory, protein-packed Christmas breakfast ideas that are perfect for serving guests. You can also add cheese, herbs or vegetables to customize each cup to your liking.

These Christmas breakfast ideas offer a delightful array of flavors and textures to suit any taste. Each option brings its own special touch to the holiday table. Whether you’re hosting a grand feast or enjoying a quiet morning with family, these Christmas breakfast ideas are sure to add warmth and joy to your celebration.

For even more fun Christmas gift ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!