20 Easy Christmas Brunch Ideas

Celebrate the holidays with delicious Christmas brunch ideas! Easy recipes, festive drinks & cozy table settings everyone will love.

There’s something truly special about waking up on Christmas morning — the scent of cinnamon, the sound of laughter, and a table filled with delicious homemade dishes that warm the heart. Christmas brunch is more than just a meal — it’s a cozy gathering of love, comfort, and joy.

Whether you are hosting a large family brunch or an intimate breakfast for two, these 20 Christmas brunch ideas will fill your home with warmth, flavor, and festive cheer. From sweet classics to savory favorites, each dish comes with tips, steps, cost guides, and pros and cons to help you plan the perfect celebration.

1. Cinnamon Roll Wreath

A beautiful centerpiece and delicious treat in one! This pull-apart cinnamon roll wreath fills your home with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and sugar. It’s soft, sweet, and irresistible — perfect for sharing as everyone unwraps gifts.

Tips: Use pre-made dough for convenience or make your own for a homemade touch.
Steps:

1. Arrange rolled cinnamon buns in a circular wreath shape.
2. Bake until golden.
3. Drizzle with icing and decorate with cranberries or rosemary sprigs.
   Cost: $8–$15
   Pros: Festive and visually stunning.
   Cons: Best served fresh — not ideal for early prep.

2. Eggnog French Toast

This holiday twist on classic French toast is rich, creamy, and full of warm nutmeg and vanilla flavors. It tastes like Christmas in every bite and pairs beautifully with maple syrup or powdered sugar.

Tips: Use slightly stale bread for best absorption.
Steps:

1. Whisk together eggnog, eggs, and cinnamon.
2. Dip bread slices and cook on a griddle.
3. Serve with whipped cream or fruit.
   Cost: $6–$10
   Pros: Quick, festive flavor.
   Cons: Needs to be cooked fresh.

3. Cranberry Orange Scones

These tender, buttery scones blend tart cranberries with zesty orange — the perfect morning treat to enjoy with hot cocoa or tea. They add a bright, fresh note to your brunch spread.

Tips: Don’t overmix the dough; cold butter makes flakier scones.
Steps:

1. Combine dry ingredients with butter, cranberries, and orange zest.
2. Form dough and cut into triangles.
3. Bake until golden brown.
   Cost: $7–$12
   Pros: Festive, easy to bake ahead.
   Cons: Best enjoyed warm.

4. Holiday Breakfast Casserole

A crowd-pleaser filled with eggs, cheese, and breakfast sausage layered over bread cubes. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a big family without fuss.

Tips: Assemble the night before and bake in the morning.
Steps:

1. Layer bread, cooked sausage, and cheese.
2. Pour egg mixture over top.
3. Bake until puffed and golden.
   Cost: $10–$20
   Pros: Make-ahead friendly.
   Cons: Takes 45–60 minutes to bake.

5. Gingerbread Pancakes

Fluffy pancakes infused with the cozy spices of gingerbread — cinnamon, nutmeg, and molasses. They’re sweet, spiced, and feel like a warm hug on a snowy morning.

Tips: Serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Steps:

1. Mix dry and wet ingredients separately.
2. Combine and cook on a griddle.
3. Stack high and top with butter or syrup.
   Cost: $5–$8
   Pros: Aromatic and fun for kids.
   Cons: Can stick if griddle is not greased.

See More | How to Style a Dessert Table On Christmas: 25 Themed Ideas

6. Smoked Salmon Bagel Board

Elegant yet simple, a bagel board with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and fresh toppings adds sophistication to your brunch. It’s colorful, customizable, and easy to assemble.

Tips: Offer different bagel flavors and toppings like dill or capers.
Steps:

1. Arrange bagels, smoked salmon, and spreads on a platter.
2. Add sliced veggies and herbs.
3. Serve chilled.
   Cost: $20–$35
   Pros: No cooking required, stunning presentation.
   Cons: Higher cost for quality salmon.

7. Peppermint Hot Cocoa Bar

Set up a hot cocoa station for guests to make their own drinks with marshmallows, whipped cream, and candy canes. It’s interactive, cozy, and a hit with both kids and adults.

Tips: Use slow cookers to keep cocoa warm.
Steps:

1. Make homemade hot cocoa or use mix.
2. Arrange toppings in jars.
3. Let guests customize their drinks.
   Cost: $10–$25
   Pros: Fun and festive.
   Cons: Requires space for setup.

8. Ham and Cheese Breakfast Sliders

Soft rolls filled with eggs, ham, and melted cheese — baked to golden perfection. These sliders are easy to make in batches and perfect for serving a crowd.

Tips: Use Hawaiian rolls for sweetness.
Steps:

1. Layer ham, scrambled eggs, and cheese on rolls.
2. Brush tops with butter.
3. Bake until melted and warm.
   Cost: $10–$18
   Pros: Easy, filling, portable.
   Cons: Best eaten fresh.

9. Maple Glazed Bacon Twists

Sweet and savory perfection — crispy bacon brushed with maple syrup and baked into twists. The irresistible aroma fills your home with holiday cheer.

Tips: Line your pan with foil for easy cleanup.
Steps:

1. Twist bacon strips.
2. Brush with maple syrup.
3. Bake until crisp.
   Cost: $8–$12
   Pros: Addictive flavor combo.
   Cons: Can splatter while baking.

10. Spinach and Feta Mini Quiches

These bite-sized quiches are elegant, protein-packed, and full of flavor. Ideal for brunch buffets or light eaters who prefer savory options.

Tips: Use pre-made pastry shells for convenience.
Steps:

1. Fill mini shells with egg mixture and spinach-feta filling.
2. Bake until set.
3. Serve warm or at room temperature.
   Cost: $10–$15
   Pros: Portable, pretty, vegetarian-friendly.
   Cons: Takes time to fill each shell.

11. Christmas Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing

A colorful mix of red and green fruits — strawberries, kiwi, grapes, and pomegranate — tossed in a zesty honey-lime glaze. It’s light, fresh, and visually stunning.

Tips: Chill before serving for best flavor.
Steps:

1. Chop fresh fruits.
2. Whisk honey, lime juice, and zest.
3. Toss together and garnish with mint.
   Cost: $8–$15
   Pros: Refreshing contrast to heavy dishes.
   Cons: Short shelf life once dressed.

12. Sausage and Gravy Biscuits

A Southern favorite that feels indulgent and comforting. Fluffy biscuits smothered in rich, creamy sausage gravy — the ultimate comfort food for Christmas morning.

Tips: Make gravy from scratch for best taste.
Steps:

1. Cook sausage until browned.
2. Stir in flour and milk for gravy.
3. Pour over warm biscuits.
   Cost: $12–$18
   Pros: Filling and flavorful.
   Cons: High in calories.

13. Red Velvet Waffles

Beautifully festive red waffles with a hint of cocoa flavor. Topped with cream cheese frosting or whipped cream, they’re as pretty as they are delicious.

Tips: Add chocolate chips for extra decadence.
Steps:

1. Prepare waffle batter with cocoa and red food coloring.
2. Cook until crisp.
3. Top with cream cheese glaze.
   Cost: $8–$14
   Pros: Instagram-worthy and indulgent.
   Cons: Slightly time-consuming.

14. Baked Apple Oatmeal

Warm, hearty, and full of cinnamon-spiced apples — this baked oatmeal is comfort in a casserole dish. Perfect for prepping ahead and reheating on busy mornings.

Tips: Use oats, not instant oatmeal.
Steps:

1. Mix oats, milk, apples, and cinnamon.
2. Bake until set and golden.
3. Serve warm with maple drizzle.
   Cost: $6–$10
   Pros: Healthy and filling.
   Cons: Takes 30–40 minutes to bake.

15. Holiday Yogurt Parfaits

Layered with yogurt, granola, and red-green fruits, these parfaits are light, nutritious, and easy to personalize. Great for health-conscious guests.

Tips: Use clear glasses for a festive presentation.
Steps:

1. Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit.
2. Top with honey or nuts.
3. Chill before serving.
   Cost: $5–$8 per batch
   Pros: Quick and colorful.
   Cons: Granola softens if made too early.

16. Savory Breakfast Strata

A baked egg dish with bread, cheese, veggies, and sausage layered like a casserole. It’s hearty, delicious, and ideal for feeding a group without constant attention.

Tips: Let it rest overnight for deeper flavor.
Steps:

1. Layer bread, meat, and cheese.
2. Pour egg mixture over top.
3. Bake until puffed and golden.
   Cost: $12–$20
   Pros: Make-ahead convenience.
   Cons: Long bake time.

17. Cranberry Mimosa

A festive spin on the classic mimosa, combining sparkling wine with tart cranberry juice. Refreshing, sparkly, and perfect for a Christmas toast.

Tips: Garnish with rosemary sprigs or cranberries.
Steps:

1. Mix equal parts cranberry juice and champagne.
2. Serve in flute glasses.
3. Chill before serving.
   Cost: $15–$25
   Pros: Elegant, easy to prepare.
   Cons: Not suitable for kids.

18. Potato and Herb Frittata

A golden, fluffy frittata filled with potatoes, onions, and herbs. This simple yet elegant dish looks beautiful on the brunch table and pairs well with fresh fruit or toast.

Tips: Use an oven-safe skillet for easy transfer.
Steps:

1. Sauté potatoes and onions.
2. Add whisked eggs and herbs.
3. Bake until firm and golden.
   Cost: $8–$12
   Pros: Protein-packed and wholesome.
   Cons: Needs precise timing.

19. Chocolate Croissant Bake

Flaky croissants soaked in a custard base with melted chocolate — a brunch dish that feels luxurious and indulgent. It’s like dessert for breakfast!

Tips: Use day-old croissants for better texture.
Steps:

1. Tear croissants into a dish.
2. Pour over egg and milk mixture.
3. Add chocolate and bake until golden.
   Cost: $10–$18
   Pros: Rich and impressive.
   Cons: High sugar content.

20. Christmas Coffee Cake

Soft, buttery coffee cake with a cinnamon swirl and crumble topping — a timeless holiday classic that pairs perfectly with hot coffee or cocoa.

Tips: Add chopped nuts or a drizzle of icing for flair.
Steps:

1. Prepare batter and cinnamon sugar mix.
2. Layer and bake until golden.
3. Cool slightly before slicing.
   Cost: $8–$15
   Pros: Everyone loves it, easy to make ahead.
   Cons: Crumb topping can get messy.

FAQs About Christmas Brunch

Q1: What’s the best make-ahead brunch dish?
Breakfast casseroles, baked oatmeal, and coffee cake can all be prepared the night before and baked on Christmas morning.

Q2: How do I keep brunch warm for guests?
Use warming trays, slow cookers, or cover dishes with foil. Keep baked goods in a low oven (around 200°F).

Q3: What’s a good drink for kids?
Try hot cocoa, sparkling cranberry punch, or fruit smoothies with whipped cream topping.

Q4: How can I make brunch special on a budget?
Use simple ingredients like eggs, bread, and fruit, but focus on presentation — serve in festive dishes, use holiday napkins, and add greenery or candles.

Q5: What’s the ideal Christmas brunch menu balance?
Include one savory dish, one sweet, one fruit-based, and a warm beverage. This creates variety and keeps guests satisfied.

Final Thought:
Christmas brunch isn’t just about food — it’s about connection, laughter, and creating memories around the table. From sweet cinnamon rolls to savory casseroles, these dishes make your morning feel magical and full of love.