In my house, there are few things as special as Christmas and holiday mornings with family. For those sacred and memorable times together, I take extra care to plan something delicious and cozy.
That’s why I wanted to put together this list of Christmas morning breakfast ideas, to make it easy to glance through all of the delicious options. The best part is that nearly every one of these recipes is a make-ahead breakfast that can be fully or partially prepped the night before for convenience.
Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
When I want cinnamon rolls but I don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen making them this is the recipe I make. It’s kind of like a cross between traditional cinnamon rolls and monkey bread, where I get the delicious flavor of gooey cinnamon rolls baked into a tender coffee cake. When I turn it out on a plate, it looks like one big cinnamon roll that gets cut into wedges.
Gluten Free Option | Vegetarian
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Here’s the breakfast casserole version of a favorite hearty casserole that makes my kids cheer when I bring it to the table. Not only is it a nourishing and satisfying breakfast featuring breakfast sausage, veggies, bacon, scrambled eggs, cheese, and tater tots, but it’s also fun to eat. I’ve included a make-ahead option so all that’s required is to pop the prepared casserole into the oven in the morning.
Gluten Free Option | Nut Free
Cranberry Orange Olive Oil Cake
A beautiful addition to a Christmas brunch, this cranberry and orange bundt cake is stunning, especially when dusted with powdered sugar and served with whipped cream and sugared cranberries. It’s a special addition to a holiday morning line up, with a simple orange glaze and moist, tender crumb, thanks to the extra virgin olive oil.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free Option | Vegetarian
Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole
This satisfying egg casserole recipe is a beautiful and satisfying option to round out a Christmas breakfast. Featuring baked eggs, veggies (including nutritious sweet potatoes), and ground pork, it adds some protein, vitamins, and minerals to otherwise carb-rich menus. I often make it as part of a special occasion brunch.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo
Cinnamon Streusel-Topped Baked Oatmeal
This delicious make-ahead breakfast tastes like a decadent bakery-style muffin or coffee cake. Baked oats are simple to make from wholesome ingredients and it’s easy to “fancy” them up with toppings, such as a dollop of yogurt, whipped cream, cinnamon sugar, or this brown sugar streusel.
Gluten Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Eggs Benedict Casserole
As far as Christmas breakfast casserole options go, this one will be enjoyed and remembered by all. It combines the iconic flavors of a classic brunch, but with a fraction of the work when you turn egg benedict ingredients into an easy and nourishing breakfast casserole with prepared hollandaise drizzled on top. This one can be prepped the evening before and baked in the morning while everyone is opening presents..
Gluten Free Option | Nut Free
Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits
A holiday favorite, these cinnamon raisin biscuits are inspired by the seasonal fresh biscuits sold at Hardee’s. Jess recreated them using real food ingredients and her time-tested method for no-fuss biscuits. For special mornings, she sets them on a platter with fresh fruit, crisp bacon, and sausages.
Egg Free | Gluten Free Option | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Ham And Cheese Breakfast Casserole
This make-ahead friendly breakfast casserole is unique because it features ham and cheese built into a pancake-like base layer. It’s like a marriage between a baked pancake and an omelette, and it’s so dreamy and good for a special breakfast like Christmas morning.
Gluten Free Option | Nut Free
Crockpot French Toast Casserole
This delicious warm and tender French toast bakes right in a crockpot! It’s just perfect for Christmas morning and holiday breakfasts. Top it with the optional berry sauce, blackberries, whipped cream cheese, powdered sugar, or syrup. For an overnight french toast casserole, assemble the casserole and store it in a mixing bowl or right in the slow cooker crock and refrigerate overnight. Then, when ready to start cooking, simply place the crock in the slow cooker and start it.
Gluten Free Option | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Chai Spice Protein Breakfast Cookies
I love a warm cup of chai tea, which was the flavor inspiration for these large breakfast cookies. With a drizzle of icing, these cookies make a nice addition to a Christmas breakfast board and also provide a boost of protein, with 15 grams in each cookie. I make them ahead and store them in an airtight container so they’re ready to serve on holiday mornings.
Gluten Free Option | Vegetarian
Protein Waffles
It only takes a few minutes and a few ingredients to make a delicious batter for these high-protein waffles. I use my snowman-shaped mini waffle maker to give them a festive flair and let my kids decorate them with whipped topping, chocolate chips, and fresh fruit.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free Option | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Sausage Egg Bake
Here’s a breakfast casserole that’s customizable and incredibly delicious. In fact, it’s so good that it could be assembled quickly on Christmas Eve to sit overnight in the fridge and bake quickly in the morning. Use purchased breakfast sausage or use the included recipe to season ground pork.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo
Biscuits And Gravy Casserole
I served this casserole last year and it’s my new favorite Christmas breakfast recipe. The cheesy flakey biscuits cook right on top of a delicious homemade gravy and make a beautiful presentation on the table. I also included overnight casserole instructions in the recipe card.
Egg Free | Gluten Free Option | Nut Free
Morning Glory Muffins
These delicious loaded muffins are a fun recipe to serve when everyone is gathered around the Christmas tree. Then save any leftovers for delicious snacks later in the day. Make them even fancier with a quick smear of cream cheese frosting on top of each muffin and serve them warm.
Dairy Free Option | Gluten Free Option | Vegetarian
Protein Pancakes
If pancakes are what’s requested for Christmas morning, use this recipe to start the day in a special way. I often serve these pancakes as part of a seasonal breakfast board with oranges, berries, hard-cooked eggs, and breakfast sausages.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free Option | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Zucchini Bread
A tablespoon of molasses is the secret ingredient to this quick bread, giving the loaf its moist texture and warm, sweet flavor. Serve slices of this bread warm with other breakfast favorites to make the morning special.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free Option | Vegetarian
Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
Stacie says this cottage cheese egg bake recipe is one of her favorites. The cottage cheese creates a dish that is creamy, tender, and higher in protein than eggs alone. It can be made ahead for an easy reheat option on Christmas morning served with bagels, muffins, and fruit.
Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Mixed Berry Breakfast Cake
This breakfast cake (which is a lot like a coffee cake) is a delicious option for make-ahead holiday breakfasts and brunches. I infused it with yogurt for a tender and moist cake that boasts the delicious flavors of berries and almonds. The streusel topping makes it elevated for special mornings.
Gluten Free Option | Vegetarian
Breakfast Burritos
One year my family started our Christmas morning with a short hike. I reheated and packed up these breakfast burritos assembled with each person’s favorite fillings. My kids still talk about our holiday “burrito walk” and it’s one of their all-time favorite holiday memories. These burritos are also freezer friendly and nice for a make-ahead breakfast option.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free Option | Nut Free
Sheet Pan Eggs
Making a perfect egg scramble on a sheet pan is a genius move. I tap into this recipe often whenever I want to serve a big breakfast spread that includes high-quality eggs. It helps free up my stovetop for other things, and the cottage cheese in the eggs makes this easy breakfast option so delicious and the perfect creamy texture.
Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Gluten-Free Banana Muffins
No one ever complains about these tender and delicious banana muffins, especially when chocolate chips are included. I’ve taken these muffins to a holiday brunch potluck with friends and they were the first thing to disappear. Sometimes I use the same batter to make banana bread by baking it in a loaf pan instead of a muffin tin.
Dairy Free Option | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Mushroom Frittata
This easy frittata recipe is impressive yet so easy to make. It’s a nice savory holiday breakfast and it can be made with almost any veggies. For a nice full spread, I like to bring the skillet to the table and serve pieces of this flavorful frittata directly from it.
Dairy Free Option | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Banana Oatmeal Pancakes
My kiddos love these easy pancakes that are made from simple ingredients. After opening presents, it would be fun to gather around the table and make pancakes to order for the family, mixing in different requests, like blueberries, sliced strawberries, and chocolate chips as requested.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free Option | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal
Think of baked oats as a cross between a bowl of hearty steel cut oatmeal and bread pudding. It’s meant to be eaten with a fork and served with delicious toppings. This version is infused with gingerbread flavors, toasted pecans, and juicy pears as a cozy breakfast for holiday mornings.
Dairy Free Option | Gluten Free Option | Nut Free Option | Vegetarian
Apricot Basil Breakfast Meatballs
Molly loves to serve these savory-sweet breakfast meatballs as a quick and easy, high-protein, flavorful option for any breakfast, including holiday mornings. These meatballs come together quickly and can be prepped ahead and then reheated for a simple addition to a breakfast platter. The chopped dried apricots make them especially perfect for winter breakfasts.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo
Egg Bites
These cute and tasty egg muffins are just the thing to add to a breakfast smorgasbord, especially since they can be customized with mix-ins. For a holiday feel, I always add fresh herbs on top. When served warm and placed on a platter with fresh fruit, breakfast meats, and muffins, these egg bites are always the first thing to go.
Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Breakfast Pizza
The crust for this pizza is crispy hash browns instead of dough, which makes this version so different from other breakfast pizza recipes. For the holidays, Stacie tops it with diced ham, green onions, and melty cheddar cheese. Then she cuts it into wedges so her kiddos can easily grab a slice to add to their breakfast plates.
Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Loaded with ham and hash browns, these cheesy potatoes are so comforting, warm, and satisfying to serve for a holiday breakfast. To make it even more festive, I swap out the frozen broccoli for a mix of frozen diced bell peppers. A scoop of this warm cheesy potatoes and ham makes everyone feel loved on Christmas morning.
Dairy Free Option | Egg Free | Gluten Free Option | Nut Free
Butternut Squash and Apple Hash with Sausage
My husband loves breakfast hash, especially this hearty one that features seasonal diced butternut squash and sweet apples to complement the salty turkey sausage. I think the fresh sage and thyme are what really makes it all come together. I top each serving with a fried egg before everyone digs in.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo
Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal
This seasonal baked oatmeal is a cozy breakfast that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee as everyone sits around the Christmas tree. I suggest topping each serving with a dollop of whipped topping or vanilla yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of pumpkin pie spice, and a sprinkle of toasted pecans.
Dairy Free Option | Gluten Free | Vegetarian
Sausage Hash Brown Egg Muffins
These egg muffins include a base of hash browns, seasonally colored veggies like green and red bell peppers, cooked breakfast sausage, and a scrambled egg mixture. They’re an easy, flavorful, and beautiful addition to special mornings.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Scones
These sweet, spiced pumpkin scones are crisp on the outside, soft and crumbly in the center, and easy to make as a gluten-free breakfast option. They’re similar to the Starbucks scones, but I think they’re even better. It’s easy to change them up with add-ins and toppings, and I always pair one with coffee or tea.
Gluten Free | Nut Free Option | Vegetarian
Savory Ham and Cheese Muffins
Of all the breakfast muffin recipes on this site, these savory ham and cheese muffins are my favorite. The best addition is the sweet corn kernels, which taste great with the diced ham, melty cheddar cheese, fresh herbs, and zucchini. For a holiday brunch, serve them on a platter alongside fresh fruit like grapes and blueberries.
Gluten Free Option | Nut Free
Sweet Potato Pancakes
These festive pancakes feature mashed sweet potatoes (or canned pumpkin can be used instead) for a seasonal flavor upgrade to standard pancakes. They’re fluffy, flavorful, fast to make, and a unique use for sweet potatoes. Make a stack for holiday breakfasts that guests can top with whipped topping, syrup, and nuts.
Gluten Free Option | Vegetarian
Breakfast Sandwiches
For households where everyone likes something different for breakfast, I recommend these make-ahead breakfast sandwiches. They’re easy to customize with different breakfast meats, such as sausage patties, crisp bacon, or Canadian bacon. As well as different cheeses. Even the English muffin can be swapped out for a croissant or bagel. This is also a great breakfast recipe for starting meal prep.
Gluten Free Option | Nut Free
Easy Sheet Pan Pancakes
Instead of making pancakes one at a time on a griddle, this time-saving technique is a simple way to serve a lot of pancakes at once. By baking the batter on a sheet pan, it’s easy to customize quadrants with different toppings, such as blueberries, chocolate chips, strawberries, and sliced banana. This kid-friendly breakfast option is always appreciated during the holidays.
Dairy Free Option | Gluten Free Option | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Crustless Quiche
Made without a pie crust base, this crustless quiche makes a delicious low-carb addition to holiday breakfasts and brunches. The asparagus, leeks, garlic, fresh herbs, and feta are a flavorful combination that always satisfies. Served in a fluted pie pan, this quiche makes a beautiful addition to the table.
Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal
My kids love anything that has banana and chocolate flavors together, which makes this baked oatmeal a favorite in our household. For special winter weekend mornings, I’ll make a batch of this easy breakfast recipe to start the day in a positive way. I top servings with sliced bananas and a drizzle of warmed peanut butter.
Dairy Free Option | Egg Free Option | Gluten Free | Vegetarian
Homemade Bagels
For a special treat on holiday mornings, I make these homemade Greek yogurt bagels. The simple recipe and photo tutorial results in bagels that are chewy and tender, higher in protein, and have a perfect, bakery-style texture every time. I toast them and serve them with cream cheese and fruit preserves.
Egg Free | Gluten Free Option | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Cinnamon Coconut Latte
When I just want to curl up with a blanket on the couch and admire the Christmas tree, this is the homemade latte I make to top the moment. It’s a delicious latte that blends the flavors of cinnamon and coconut. By using a blender method, I get a creamy frothy latte, even when using dairy-free ingredients.
Dairy Free Option | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo | Vegetarian
For ultimate success, we highly recommend reading the tips in the full blog post above. All photos and content are copyright protected. Please do not use our photos without prior written permission. If you wish to republish a recipe, please rewrite the recipe in your own unique words. Link back to the source recipe here on The Real Food Dietitians. Thank you!
