59 Top-Rated Holiday Brunch Ideas For A Magical Morning

What are you planning for those magical holiday mornings? Here are some holiday brunch ideas that will go the distance.

By

Patricia S York

Updated on April 26, 2024

Pancake Bake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe — Photo:
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Karin Olsen; Food Styling: William Smith

Christmas morning is one of the most magical moments of the entire year. With the excitement of going to sleep on Christmas Eve, and waking up to a Christmas tree filled with sparkling lights and surrounded by highly anticipated presents, why not keep the celebration going? Christmas Day brunch can either be a sleepy breakfast, with a few tasty treats and hot coffee, or a spread of a few of your favorite casseroles and frittatas for a sit-down affair. We've got Christmas brunch ideas for every type of Christmas morning.

If there's one thing we love most about Christmas, it's the opportunity to serve delicious meals on a whim, with minimal preparation time, so you can get back to enjoying this special day with your loved ones. With these Christmas brunch recipes, you will have a quick morning feast everyone will love. From sweet rolls to strata, we have all the best Christmas brunch ideas that will transform your lack-luster breakfast into a magical experience.

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Everything Bagel Casserole

Everything Bagel Casserole — Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist Prissy Lee

We doubt you'll find a more savory, indulgent recipe. This casserole packs all the everything-bagel flavors you love, plus adds a hefty dose of cheesy, creamy goodness. There is no reason to expect you will have leftovers.

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Peanut Butter–Stuffed French Toast

Southern Living Peanut Butter Stuffed French Toast on a plate to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This 12-minute French toast recipe will fill everyone at the holiday brunch table with joy. Though we love how the sweetened condensed milk tastes atop the French toast, you can easily swap it out for maple syrup. Use a serrated knife for easy cutting.

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Sheet Pan Berry Pancakes With Honey-Butter Syrup

Sheet Pan Berry Pancakes with Honey-Butter Syrup — Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry

Who has time to sit and flip pancakes all morning when friends and family are gathered? Spend more time catching up and less time in the kitchen with this sheet pan pancake recipe fit for a crowd. Feeding everyone at once will keep your holiday on track.

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Deviled Grits

Deviled Grits — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck; Food Styling: Erin Merhar

You can make this comforting breakfast recipe in a baking dish, or serve it up individually by cooking in ramekins or oven-safe mugs. Be sure to adjust the cook time accordingly. Everyone at the table will cherish their personal serving.

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Oven-Baked Buttermilk French Toast

Oven-Baked Buttermilk French Toast — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Just because it's the holidays doesn't mean you need to make every dish over the top. Our Oven-Baked Buttermilk French Toast brings a light and lemony dash of flavor to the table. This irresistible recipe will find its way back to your table in no time.

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Baked Oatmeal

Baked Oatmeal — Jennifer Causey

Reminiscent of bread pudding, your whole family will thank you for this hearty and healthy addition to your brunch spread. This might be just the right meal to set the tone for that annual game of touch football. Being warm on the inside will make play outside far more enjoyable.

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Caramel Rolls

Southern Living Caramel Rolls on plates to serve — Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Enjoy all the flavors of a sticky-sweet breakfast bun, sans nuts, in much less time than classic cinnamon rolls. There's very little time needed for the dough to rise, which means you can make this after presents are opened and it won't be noon before you serve the meal.

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French Toast

three french toast stacked on a white plate — Jessica Furniss/Southern Living

Stacks of French toast are as exciting as stacks of gifts on Christmas morning. You can serve this classic French toast recipe with butter and syrup, but for the holidays consider a a sprinkle of warm and toasty pecans or a dollop of cranberry jam.

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Crustless Ham and Collard Greens Quiche

Crustless Ham and Collard Green Quiche — Antonis Achilleos

If you have leftover ham from pre-holiday festivities, put it to good use in this warm and savory quiche that skips the crust. This dish has broad appeal, and finds its way easily onto the brunch potluck spread. Be willing to explain your special secret for making it so well: Love.

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Pancake Bake with Cinnamon Streusel

Pancake Bake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe — Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Karin Olsen; Food Styling: William Smith

Flip-less pancakes with a cinnamon streusel will make the whole family flip during your special holiday celebration. This is one of those dishes that could easily be a breakfast meal for a special birthday or any other time where your family feels like a celebration is in order.

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Cranberry Eggnog Bread

Cranberry Eggnog Bread — Photo: Jen Causey

The bread course just got a holiday makeover with a few of the seasonal ingredients we just can't get enough of this time of year. Between the cranberry and the eggnog flavors, this is definitely your holiday season in a loaf. Maybe you shouldn't feel too obligated to share.

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Homemade Orange Rolls

Tender, buttery spirals with a hint of cinnamon and a perfectly gooey sweet orange marmalade center make this recipe tantalizing. You will find that whoever tastes this special treat will not only want more, but will demand the details behind the recipe.

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Cinnamon Roll Waffles

Cinnamon Roll Waffles — Photographer: Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist: Kay E. Clarke Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

If your holiday brunch party is a small one, opt for these individually cooked Cinnamon Roll Waffles. Instead of waffle mix, we press cinnamon roll dough between those irons. The result is absolutely decadent.

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Classic Baked Eggs

Classic Baked Eggs — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

You can dress this basic recipe up with our American, Mediterranean, and Italian riffs—each one is listed at the bottom of the recipe. You will find that pleasing your holiday company with these options will make yours the most memorable of brunches.

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Cinnamon Upside-Down Coffee Cake

Cinnamon Upside Down Coffee Cake — Photography: Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Brunch deserves dessert too. This sweet and spiced confection will earn a starring role on the sideboard. Just watch your friends and family tackle this treat and you'll be thanking yourself for choosing correctly.

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Blueberry Pancake Breakfast Casserole

Blueberry Pancake Breakfast Casserole — Jennifer Causey

Who says pancakes have to be stacked vertically? This restaurant-worthy pancake casserole is full of blueberry flavor and is less than an hour bake away from your breakfast table. Not having to make pancakes in batches will make all the difference for your holiday crowd.

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Hash Brown Frittata

Hash Brown Frittata — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Bring two dishes in one to the table and you'll soon hear shouts of glee. Top our Hash Brown Frittata with chopped fresh dill and chives for an herby finish. This fresh recipe will bring a healthful start to your day.

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Bacon Cheddar Scones

Bacon Cheddar Scones — Joy Howard

If you haven't jumped aboard the savory-scone trend yet, allow this recipe to make the introduction. It comes together with just 15 minutes of hands-on time. Your introduction will be so tasty, a do-over will be in order.

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Our Best Ambrosia Recipe Ever

Our Best Ambrosia Ever — Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Our ambrosia is pretty as a picture, and it tastes mighty fine too. Sprinkle with toasted, sweetened coconut chips before serving.

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Mini Hash Brown Frittatas

Mini Hash Brown Frittatas — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Few things can top poppable frittatas for the holiday brunch menu. Pile these on a pretty platter and we guarantee they'll disappear faster than that plate of cookies you left for Santa. This on-the-go meal is perfect for a day of celebrating the season.

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Pecan Rosemary Candied Bacon

Pecan Rosemary Candied Bacon — Southern Living

Looking for an appetizer to get your brunch party started? Look no further than this crave-able finger food fit for the a.m. hours. Once your family understands the addictive nature of this brunch snack, you'll be filling requests for more.

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Cream Cheese Pastries

Brunch for a Crowd Cream Cheese Pastries — Alison Miksch

Pam found this recipe in an old issue of Southern Living and was making this family favorite long before joining the staff in 2003. You'll find, just as she did, that this is the perfect pastry to offer over and over.

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Baked Oatmeal with Apple, Cranberries, and Pecans

Baked Oatmeal with Apple, Cranberries, and Pecans — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Maggie Ruggiero

This recipe tastes like an oatmeal cookie in casserole form. Add in whatever fruits and flourishes you prefer to make it your own. This is like a warm hug in the morning, and serving it as part of holiday brunch will make your guests feel the love.

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Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes — Caitlin Bensel

Packed with cinnamon roll flavor with none of the cinnamon roll mess, these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes pair perfectly with Christmas morning coffee or milk. No one will be able to put this sweet meal behind them, and your recipe will make the rounds among family and friends.

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Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls

Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls — Photo: Hector Sanchez

A tip for assembly here is to make sure your butter is very soft when you spread it on the rolled dough so the dough doesn't tear. If you feel your technique is lacking, we're afraid you are simply going to have to make this multiple times to get it just right. The question is whether or not you'll want to share.

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Slow-Cooker Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole — Caitlin Bensel

With only 20 minutes of hands-on time, this family-favorite cinnamon roll casserole will keep your hands out of the kitchen so they can open presents instead. And once fed, your crowd will be so grateful for the effort you put into their special holiday brunch.

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Cheese And Sausage Quiche

Cheese And Sausage Quiche in a pie plate on a green linen — Will Dickey

The great thing about this easy quiche recipe is that you can follow it precisely, or you can riff with the ingredients you have on hand. You will have quiche in your regular recipe rotation in no time, once you see the response to this delicious approach.

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Biscuits And Gravy Skillet

Biscuits-and-Gravy Skillet — Jennifer Causey

Is it even breakfast without biscuits and gravy? Combine these classic brunch flavors in one skillet for easier prep work. Using this little shortcut just might bring this breakfast classic into your life more often.

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Country Ham Hash

Country Ham Hash — Hector Manuel Sanchez

You can get a head start on this breakfast side dish by chopping all of the vegetables a day in advance. Making ahead will give you more room to add other sides to the festivities. On the other hand, there is no way this brunch entreé will be overlooked. Hearty and savory, the serving dish will be left clean.

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Buttermilk Biscuits

Plenty of Biscuits and Cornbread — Jennifer Davick

This no-fail biscuit recipe will make you look like a pro come Christmas Day. Should you tell them this is a no-fail Southern Living approach, or keep it a mystery and declare it a secret? It's entirely up to you.

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Smoky Sausage And Grits Casserole

Smoky Sausage-and-Grits Casserole — Alison Miksch

The key to this delicious brunch dish is in the smoked sausage. Salt, thyme, garlic powder, and cheddar cheese give depth to the casserole's savory flavor, but the most rich and filling flavor comes from the sausage. Choose local links for unique flavor.

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Peach Bellini

Peach Bellini — Jessica Furniss/Southern Living

The classic version of this cocktail is Champagne or sparkling wine atop a splash of peach purée. Sourcing fresh peaches in the South is one of the joys of living here. The peak of summer lends to the best-tasting Bellinis, but frozen peaches from the grocer can work well, too.

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Orange Rolls

Orange Rolls — Southern Living

Rise, shine, and dine (after digging into your Christmas present pile, of course), with these warm orange rolls. The sweetness is enhanced by the tangy citrus flavor, and this combination may just become a family favorite. How many batches of our Orange Rolls do you think you'll make this year?

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Mini Chocolate Chess Tarts

Mini Chocolate Chess Tarts — Photo: Alison Miksch

If you make tarts often, Pam suggests investing in a tart tamper. It will make quick work of fitting dough rounds into the pan. Another quick-prep tip: Stack piecrusts to cut multiple rounds in one turn.

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One-Dish Blackberry French Toast

One-Dish Blackberry French Toast — Beth Hontzas

Our readers love this family friendly favorite, decadent French toast. Perfect for a holiday breakfast or a weekend brunch, this French toast recipe is loaded with tasty, sweet ingredients like cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar, but the reduced fat cream cheese helps lighten the meal. Although this recipe calls for French bread, you can sub sweet Italian bread, a dense, crumbed white Pullman, challah, or brioche for varied density and flavor.

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Eggs Benedict Casserole

Eggs Benedict Casserole — Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Your holiday crowd won't believe you whipped up a big batch version of their brunch favorite. Just be sure to allow a total of nine hours to ensure it properly chills prior to baking. The wait will be so worth it.

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Biscuit Cinnamon Sweet Rolls

Biscuit Cinnamon Sweet Rolls — Alison Miksch

For a delicious variation, omit softened butter, sugars, and cinnamon, and spread with 1 cup of your favorite preserves. Roll up, and bake as directed. You've just made your crowd two options for rolls, and trust us you won't regret it.

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Fizzy Cider Punch Recipe

Fizzy Cider Punch — Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Karin Olsen; Food Styling: William Smith

With this effortless recipe and pretty drink, you'll look like a mixologist. This delicious punch gets its fizz from chilled Prosecco and the cider flavor we love from apple cider and both red and green apples. The golden color of this punch with apple slices will look beautiful on a fall table, while the hearty batch will cover your bases with a crowd of ten.

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Chicks In A Blanket

Chicks in a Blanket — Hector Sanchez

Dough-wrapped chicken-apple sausages are best fresh from the oven, so bake one batch at a time and serve warm. Your holiday brunch will be rounded out nicely with this menu item. Time to sit back and watch your guests enjoy.

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Cornmeal And Brown Sugar Crusted Bacon

Brunch Recipes: Cornmeal-and-Brown Sugar-Crusted Bacon — Jennifer Davick

Dress up your bacon with this oh-so-Southern crispy coating. Once you've prepared it for the pan, you can stick the bacon in the oven and free your hands up to prepare other parts of your meal. This is one of those approaches to bacon you will want to try again.

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Cinnamon Roll Strata

Cinnamon Roll Strata — Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Let's mix up your holiday cinnamon roll tradition with this strata that still packs up all the same flavor, but with an extra dose of rich and satisfying taste. Pairing this with a nice quiche that offers bacon as an ingredient will strike the perfect balance of flavor.

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King Ranch Breakfast Strata

King Ranch Breakfast Strata — Southern Living

This is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast casserole. For the best results, assemble it the night before. The next morning, pour the remaining milk over top, and knock off the chill by letting it stand 45 minutes before baking.

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Cheesy Grits Soufflé

Brunch for a Crowd Cheesy Grits Soufflé — Hector Sanchez

Turn a classic Southern dish into a light, fluffy soufflé for the ultimate holiday brunch. This will strike an elegant tone on the brunch table and your guest will be so impressed when you drop the word, "soufflé." Take a lap around the kitchen, you've just been declared the winner of brunch.

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Sweet Potato Biscuits

Sweet Potato Biscuits — Photo: Hector Sanchez

Serve these from-scratch biscuits warm with butter, honey, and jam, along with two platters-one with seared slices of country ham and pepper jelly and another with deli ham and pimiento cheese. So many choices, you'll want to make room for all of them.

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Praline Pull-Apart Bread

Brunch for a Crowd Praline Pull-Apart Bread — Beth Hontzas

This indulgent bread tastes as good as it looks. Don't skip the quick step of whipping the cream before stirring in the brown sugar-that's the secret to the smooth texture of the caramel-flavored sauce. This is irresistible as well as indulgent.

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Breakfast Enchiladas

Breakfast Enchiladas

Prepare the recipe, without baking, and refrigerate overnight. You will awake to a brunch meal that will absolutely satisfy. Tip: Make the Cheese Sauce before scrambling the eggs so the sauce will be ready to add at the proper time.

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Easy Orange Rolls

Easy Orange Rolls — John O'Hagan

Your family will definitely want to rise, shine, and dine when they smell these rolls baking in the oven. Get ready to feed a crowd with these, as they are so appealing, your family might have to fight over the last one.

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Make-Ahead Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Croissant Breakfast Casserole — Victor Protasio

Put your leftover bread to work with this family favorite breakfast casserole. Made with day-old mini croissants, caramelized onions, and a rich and cheesy egg custard, this breakfast casserole can be assembled a day in advance assemble and refrigerated overnight.

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Sausage Gravy Casserole with Cheddar-Cornmeal Biscuits

Sausage Gravy Casserole with Cheddar-Cornmeal Biscuits — Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Who needs a visit to your favorite breakfast place on a busy Saturday morning, when you can achieve flavor balance right at home? This recipe will make everyone around the table feel satisfied and ready to tackle a full day of holiday fun. Don't forget the usefulness of make-ahead. This dish is meant to be frozen, just for your convenience.

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Cucumber-Mint Mojitos

cucumber-mint mojito — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis

Arguably, this is a drink best made in the summer, but we like a light and drinkable brunch cocktail. This fits the bill no matter what time of year. The blend of cucumber, lime, and mint create a vibrant color, and you are save timing and energy by creating this as a batch cocktail.

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Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole in a casserole dish and a scoop on a blue plate — Photographer: Jen Causey, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely, Food Stylist: Ana Kelly

This Tater Tot breakfast casserole is the perfect one-dish meal, and is full of early morning favorites like eggs, cheese, potatoes, and bacon. A Cheddar cheese topping that's baked to rich-and-gooey perfection, elevates this hearty casserole to a crowd-pleasing favorite. Be ready to put this one on repeat.

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Zucchini Bread Pancakes

Zucchini Bread Pancakes — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

With a hint of warm spice from cinnamon and nutmeg, these pancakes channel the flavor of your favorite loaf of zucchini bread. The spices come through nicely and the pancakes themselves are not too sweet, with subtle earthiness from the zucchini and nice crunch from the pecans.

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Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Overnight Blueberry French Toast — Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This blueberry French toast casserole uses challah, and to up the creaminess, it's also studded with bits of cream cheese. When baked, they turn deliciously smooth, adding yet another texture to an already otherworldly breakfast casserole. You can warm up some maple syrup for the topping, or sprinkle on powdered sugar.

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Waffle Casserole

Waffle Casserole — Micah A. Leal

Our waffle casserole is a sweet breakfast lover's dream—frozen waffles are toasted in the oven before they're stacked inside a baking dish and drowned in a homemade custard flavored with maple syrup and a touch of bourbon (because why not?). Similar to a bread pudding, this custard is made out of eggs, milk, cream, and vanilla.

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Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Cinnamon Roll Casserole — Antonis Achilleos

Our Cinnamon Roll Casserole is a breakfast bake that combines the delight of the decadent morning sweet with the simplicity of a casserole. That makes it a surefire winner anytime you're hosting overnight guests—or just get a hankering for a cinnamon-y start to your Saturday.

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Cheesy Sausage And Croissant Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Sausage-and-Croissant Casserole — Alison Miksch

Combining the ingredients in a casserole dish with the creamy milk mixture and letting it chill for eight hours is the trick to letting the flavors meld together before baking—this is especially important when it comes to infusing the flaky croissants with the moisture needed for a perfect breakfast casserole. The chill time also helps you get this casserole together the night before, making it less stressful to get breakfast on the table the next day.

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Cheesy Sausage, Egg, And Hash Brown Casserole

Cheesy Sausage, Egg, and Hash Brown Casserole — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Melissa Gray; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

This hearty casserole feeds a full house, making it the ideal post-holiday breakfast or brunch. Complete with sausage, egg, and hash browns, this recipe has a little bit of everything. In true Southern fashion, it all comes together in a skillet, making the easiest one-dish breakfast we've seen as of late.

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Fried Chicken Biscuits With Rosemary Hot Honey

Fried Chicken Biscuits with Rosemary Hot Honey

Forget about the allure of hot honey, just for a second, and remember that a fried chicken biscuit might be the most approachable dish on the brunch table. You will not have to be concerned about leftovers when it comes to these delightful morsels. And as far as that hot honey is concerned, the addition of rosemary makes all the difference.

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Shrimp And Grits Casserole

Shrimp and Grits Casserole — Antonis Achilleo; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

Fancy enough for company, but easy enough to pull off on any old Saturday, this Shrimp and Grits Casserole earned rave reviews in our Test Kitchen. The best part of this comforting casserole is the savory pan sauce, or "shrimp gravy." The recipe makes more than enough for everyone, so serve it on the side in a gravy boat and let guests help themselves.

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