Christmas morning really does deserve a breakfast that feels as magical as the day itself. Here are nine festive breakfast ideas that’ll help you create a memorable holiday meal and bring everyone together at the table. You’ll find everything from rich, indulgent baked dishes to lighter, fresher options—so, honestly, there’s something here for every taste and tradition.
Planning Christmas breakfast doesn’t have to add more stress to your holiday. You’ll see recipes here that work as make-ahead options or can be thrown together quickly in the morning.
There are tips for beverages and planning, too—just to make sure your celebration starts off right. Whether you’re craving sweet gingerbread waffles or something heartier like breakfast casseroles, you’ll find a few ideas that can make your morning extra special.
Eggnog Bread Pudding
You can turn your holiday morning into something magical with this breakfast that tastes like Christmas in every bite. Eggnog takes classic bread pudding and makes it feel festive and new.
This dish feels comforting and works for either brunch or even as a dessert later in the day. The eggnog custard soaks into bread cubes, making each bite creamy and spiced.
You can actually prep this casserole the night before. Just assemble, refrigerate, and bake it fresh in the morning.
Complete Ingredients
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (brioche or challah are my favorites)
- 2 cups eggnog
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Step by Step Cooking Instructions
Set your oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish. Cut your bread into 1-inch cubes.
Scatter the bread cubes in your prepared dish so they fill it up without crowding.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggnog, eggs, sugar, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. You want the custard to be smooth.
Pour the eggnog mixture slowly over the bread cubes. Use a spoon to press the bread down gently and help it soak up the liquid.
Let everything sit for about 10 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard. Drizzle melted butter over the top.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, until you see a golden top and the center is set. A knife poked in the middle should come out mostly clean.
Let the pudding cool for five minutes, then dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.
| Original Ingredient | Substitution Options |
|---|---|
| Eggnog | Heavy cream + 1/2 tsp nutmeg + 1/4 tsp vanilla |
| Day-old bread | Fresh bread dried in 200°F oven for 10 minutes |
| Brioche/Challah | French bread, croissants, or white sandwich bread |
| Whole eggs | 3/4 cup egg substitute |
| Granulated sugar | Brown sugar or maple syrup (reduce liquid slightly) |
| Ground nutmeg | Pumpkin pie spice or allspice |
Biscuits and Gravy
Biscuits and gravy just brings Southern comfort right to your Christmas breakfast. You get fluffy, buttery biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy—what’s not to love?
Serve it up family-style, or turn it into a breakfast casserole if you’re feeding a crowd. The casserole version is a real lifesaver on busy holiday mornings.
Ingredients
For the biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 6 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
For the sausage gravy:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Step by Step Cooking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. Stir in buttermilk just until a dough forms.
Drop the dough onto a greased baking sheet in 8-10 mounds. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the biscuits turn golden.
Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Don’t drain the grease—it adds flavor.
Sprinkle flour over the sausage and stir for a minute. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly.
Keep stirring until the gravy thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Split the warm biscuits and spoon plenty of sausage gravy over each one. Serve right away while everything’s hot.
Substitutions
| Original Ingredient | Substitution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Buttermilk | Regular milk + 1 tbsp vinegar | Let sit 5 minutes before using |
| Breakfast sausage | Ground turkey sausage | Add 1 tbsp oil if needed |
| Whole milk | 2% milk | Gravy will be slightly thinner |
| All-purpose flour | Self-rising flour | Omit baking powder and salt |
| Fresh biscuits | Refrigerated biscuit dough | Follow package baking instructions |
| Homemade gravy | Store-bought gravy mix | Follow package directions |
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
This breakfast casserole is all about comfort—crispy tater tots, eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast meats. You can prep it the night before so Christmas morning is a breeze.
You’ll get golden tater tots on the bottom, a creamy egg mixture on top, and plenty of bacon or sausage mixed in for extra flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 12 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and drained
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Cooking spray
Step by Step Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Spread the frozen tater tots in an even layer on the bottom. No need to thaw them.
Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat and drain off any grease.
Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble it up.
Whisk the eggs in a large bowl, then add milk, salt, and pepper.
Sprinkle the sausage and bacon over the tater tots. Top with cheddar and mozzarella.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over everything. The eggs will settle in between the tots.
Bake for 45-50 minutes. The eggs should be set and the top golden brown. Give the pan a gentle shake—if the center’s firm, you’re good.
Let it cool for five minutes, then top with green onions before serving.
| Ingredient | Substitution Options |
|---|---|
| Breakfast sausage | Ground turkey sausage, chorizo, or ham |
| Bacon | Turkey bacon, Canadian bacon, or omit |
| Cheddar cheese | Swiss, pepper jack, or Colby cheese |
| Milk | Heavy cream, half-and-half, or almond milk |
| Tater tots | Hash browns or diced potatoes |
| Green onions | Chives, regular onions, or bell peppers |
Cinnamon Roll Bake
This cinnamon roll bake is simple, indulgent, and will fill your kitchen with that classic holiday aroma. You don’t need to fuss—just toss everything together and let the oven do the work.
Grab some store-bought cinnamon rolls for the base. You can prep the whole thing the night before and bake it while everyone opens presents.
Complete Ingredients:
- 2 tubes refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Frosting from cinnamon roll packages
Step by Step Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and scatter the pieces in the dish. Don’t worry about making it perfect.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Pour this over the cinnamon rolls.
Let it sit for 10 minutes so the bread can soak up the liquid. Press down gently on any floating pieces.
Bake for 25-30 minutes. The top should be golden and the center set. If you press it lightly, it should spring back.
Let it cool for five minutes. Warm the frosting in the microwave for 15 seconds, then drizzle it all over.
| Original Ingredient | Substitution Options |
|---|---|
| Heavy cream | Half-and-half, whole milk |
| Maple syrup | Honey, brown sugar |
| Refrigerated cinnamon rolls | Homemade cinnamon roll dough |
| Ground cinnamon | Pumpkin pie spice, apple pie spice |
| Vanilla extract | Almond extract (use half amount) |
French Toast with Maple Syrup
French toast with maple syrup just brings that cozy, sweet vibe to Christmas morning. You get crispy golden bread soaked in rich custard, then topped with real maple syrup.
This classic breakfast is perfect for family gatherings. Make individual slices or go for a casserole version if you need to feed a bunch of people.
Complete Ingredients
- 8 slices thick bread (brioche or challah are especially good)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter for cooking
- Pure maple syrup for serving
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Step by Step Cooking Instructions
In a shallow dish, whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. This makes your custard for soaking the bread.
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium. Wait until the pan is hot but not smoking.
Dip each bread slice in the custard for about 30 seconds per side. Let any extra drip off before putting it in the pan.
Cook the bread for 2-3 minutes per side. You want each slice golden and a little crispy outside, but soft inside.
Serve hot with maple syrup poured over the top. A dusting of powdered sugar makes it extra festive.
Substitutions
| Original Ingredient | Substitution Options |
|---|---|
| Whole milk | Heavy cream, half-and-half, or almond milk |
| Sugar | Maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar |
| Vanilla extract | Almond extract or rum extract |
| Ground cinnamon | Nutmeg, allspice, or pumpkin pie spice |
| Thick bread | Texas toast, French bread, or sourdough |
| Butter | Coconut oil or vegetable oil |
Cowboy Coffee
Cowboy coffee brings a rustic vibe to your Christmas morning table. This old-school brewing method gives you a bold, rich cup that just works with all those holiday breakfast favorites.
You’ll want coarsely ground coffee, water, and a big pot or kettle. The best part about cowboy coffee? It’s simple and delivers a punchy flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 8 cups cold water
- 1/4 cup cold water (for settling grounds)
Step by Step Cooking Instructions:
Pour cold water into your pot and crank up the heat to bring it to a rolling boil.
Take the pot off the heat and toss in your coarsely ground coffee. Give it a quick stir.
Let the coffee steep for 4-5 minutes. Don’t stir—just let the grounds settle.
Splash the cold water over the grounds to help them sink. Wait another 2-3 minutes.
Pour the coffee slowly, leaving the grounds behind. Grab your favorite mug and enjoy it right away.
| Ingredient | Substitution |
|---|---|
| Coarsely ground coffee | Medium grind coffee (reduce steeping time to 3-4 minutes) |
| Regular coffee beans | French roast or dark roast for stronger flavor |
| Cold settling water | Ice cubes (2-3 cubes work similarly) |
Gingerbread Waffles
Gingerbread waffles can totally change your Christmas morning. The mix of molasses and holiday spices makes breakfast feel extra cozy and kind of nostalgic.
These waffles come out with crisp edges and soft, fluffy centers. Molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg join forces for that classic gingerbread flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step by Step Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your waffle iron following the manufacturer’s directions.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, all the spices, and salt.
Make a well in the center of the dry mix. In another bowl, beat the eggs until they’re light and frothy.
Pour in milk, molasses, melted butter, and vanilla. Whisk until it all comes together and looks smooth.
Add the wet stuff to the dry ingredients. Stir gently—don’t overmix. It’s fine if you see a few lumps.
Lightly grease your waffle iron with cooking spray or butter.
Pour in the batter (check your waffle iron’s capacity) and cook until golden brown and crisp, usually 3-5 minutes.
Serve them hot and crispy. Butter, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar on top? Yes, please.
| Ingredient | Substitution |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | Whole wheat flour (use 1/4 cup less liquid) |
| Brown sugar | White sugar or coconut sugar |
| Molasses | Honey or maple syrup |
| Milk | Buttermilk or non-dairy milk |
| Butter | Coconut oil or vegetable oil |
| Ground ginger | Fresh grated ginger (use 2 teaspoons) |
Blueberry Crunch Breakfast Bake
This breakfast bake combines the comfort of French toast with the sweet crunch of a crisp. Every bite bursts with juicy blueberries—seriously, it’s hard not to love.
It’s a great pick for Christmas morning when you want something special but can’t deal with complicated recipes. Fresh or frozen blueberries both work.
Ingredients:
- 8 cups cubed day-old bread
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the crunch topping:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Step by Step Cooking Instructions:
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Scatter the bread cubes evenly in the bottom.
Sprinkle blueberries over the bread.
Whisk eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt in a big bowl. Pour the custard over the bread and berries.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and stick it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight. The bread soaks everything up.
When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Mix all topping ingredients in a bowl until you get coarse crumbs.
Take off the plastic wrap and sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
Bake for 45-50 minutes. The center should be set and the top golden brown.
Let it cool for 5 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm, maybe with extra maple syrup if you’re feeling it.
| Original Ingredient | Substitution Options |
|---|---|
| Fresh blueberries | Frozen blueberries, strawberries, or mixed berries |
| Whole milk | 2% milk, half-and-half, or non-dairy milk |
| Day-old bread | Brioche, challah, or French bread |
| Maple syrup | Honey or brown sugar |
| Rolled oats | Quick oats or chopped nuts |
| Brown sugar | White sugar or coconut sugar |
Strawberry Crepes
These French-style crepes filled with strawberries and creamy filling look fancy but stay surprisingly easy. They make Christmas morning feel extra special.
Delicate, paper-thin pancakes wrap around sweet strawberries and a rich cream cheese filling. The combo of textures and flavors really hits the spot for a holiday breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1¼ cups milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- Additional butter for cooking
Step by Step Cooking Instructions:
Whisk flour, eggs, milk, melted butter, sugar, and salt in a big bowl until smooth. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until fluffy and smooth. Set this aside while you make the crepes.
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a little butter.
Pour in ¼ cup batter, swirling the pan to coat the bottom evenly.
Cook for 1-2 minutes until the edges set and turn slightly golden. Flip gently and cook another 30 seconds.
Transfer to a plate. Repeat with the rest of the batter.
Spread 2-3 tablespoons of cream cheese filling down the center of each crepe. Add sliced strawberries on top.
Fold the crepe in half or roll it up. Dust with powdered sugar and serve right away with extra strawberries if you like.
| Ingredient | Substitution |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | Gluten-free flour blend |
| Milk | Almond milk or oat milk |
| Cream cheese | Greek yogurt or mascarpone |
| Fresh strawberries | Frozen strawberries (thawed) or mixed berries |
| Butter | Coconut oil or vegetable oil |
Tips for Planning a Memorable Christmas Breakfast
A little planning and the right atmosphere turn Christmas morning into something you’ll actually enjoy. Go for make-ahead dishes and festive details so you can hang with family instead of getting stuck in the kitchen.
Creating a Festive Table Setting
Start with a red and green color scheme—grab tablecloths, napkins, or placemats in those classic Christmas colors. Gold or silver charger plates or utensils bring a bit of sparkle.
Scatter small ornaments on the table or fill clear bowls with pinecones and cranberries. Battery-operated string lights add a warm glow, and you don’t have to worry about candles near the kids.
If you have festive plates, use them. Plain white plates work too, especially with Christmas napkins or a holiday centerpiece.
Make individual place cards with each family member’s name in a fun, festive font. Toss a mini stocking or some wrapped candies at each setting for a personal touch.
Fresh greenery—like pine or holly—looks great tucked into napkin rings or running down the table’s center.
Make-Ahead Preparation Ideas
Prep casseroles the night before and stick them in the fridge. French toast bakes, breakfast stratas, and egg casseroles all taste better after a night in the fridge.
Mix up dry ingredients for pancakes, waffles, or muffins ahead of time. Store them in labeled containers so you just add the wet stuff on Christmas morning.
Coffee cake and sweet bread recipes usually taste even better the next day. Wrap them up tight and leave them at room temp.
Set up your coffee maker the night before and use the timer. Toss hot chocolate mix in a slow cooker so it’s ready to go in the morning.
Cut up fresh fruit and store it in airtight containers. Arrange breakfast meats on baking sheets so you can pop them in the oven fast.
Set your table completely on Christmas Eve—plates, glasses, serving utensils, all of it.
Pairing Beverages With Christmas Breakfast
The right drinks can make your Christmas breakfast feel extra special. Hot drinks like spiced cider or festive coffee blends go perfectly with rich casseroles, and you’ve got plenty of kid-friendly options, too.
Family-Friendly Drink Options
Hot chocolate with marshmallows? That’s instant Christmas magic for both kids and grown-ups. Try a candy cane stirrer or a big swirl of whipped cream for more fun.
Mix fresh orange juice with cranberry juice for a tangy, bright drink. The colors look amazing on the table, too.
Warm apple cider pairs perfectly with cinnamon rolls or French toast. Simmer it with whole cloves and orange slices for a cozy aroma.
Milk is still a must for cereal fans and goes great with homemade Christmas cookies. Serve it in festive mugs to keep the holiday spirit going.
Festive Coffee and Tea Ideas
Cinnamon-spiced coffee turns your usual morning brew into a cozy holiday treat. Just toss a stick of cinnamon right into the grounds before brewing, and you’ll get that natural flavor boost.
Peppermint hot chocolate coffee? Now that’s a combo worth trying. Mix up some strong coffee with your favorite hot chocolate, then add a drop of peppermint extract for a little extra cheer.
Earl Grey tea with honey goes so well with lighter breakfast foods—think muffins or scones. The bergamot oil brings in these subtle citrusy notes that really wake up your taste buds.
Chai tea lattes bring warming spices like cardamom and ginger, and honestly, they pair perfectly with egg casseroles. If you want to make it special, top with frothed milk and a dash of nutmeg.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.