Christmas is all about spending time with those you love, and what better way to spend time together than sharing a fabulous make-ahead breakfast or brunch on Christmas morning?
This collection of 35 Make-Ahead Christmas Breakfasts, updated for 2024, includes quick and easy make-ahead recipes and menu ideas, whether you are creating a Christmas buffet menu for a crowd or want to serve a cozy breakfast for two.
There is something for everyone in this collection, and it includes traditional make-ahead breakfast casseroles, unique baked goods, healthy egg dishes, and even a breakfast cocktail or two. And, if you have kids or toddlers, there are also cute recipes created especially for them.
You are sure to find just what you are looking for to create a memorable Christmas breakfast that can be prepared ahead of time so you can sit back and enjoy spending time with your family or guests.
Easy Cast Iron Breakfast Skillet with Bacon – Grits and Pinecones
The breakfast of champions, this Easy Cast-Iron Breakfast Skillet is full of delicious ingredients such as smoky bacon, diced crispy potatoes, ham, bell peppers, jalapenos, eggs, and melty cheddar cheese!
A stick-to-your-ribs breakfast skillet, it is perfect to serve guests for special occasions or during the holidays.
Easy Eggs Benedict Breakfast Casserole – Grits and Pinecones
Easy Eggs Benedict Breakfast Casserole with Blender Hollandaise Sauce is the answer to your make-ahead Christmas breakfast or brunch dreams! A family favorite, this creamy and decadent breakfast casserole recipe only takes minutes to prepare and boasts a short list of ingredients.
Make-Ahead Oven-Baked Caramel Soaked French Toast Casserole – Grits and Pinecones
The name Caramel French Toast says it all. Perfect for a Christmas breakfast or brunch, this delicious, make-ahead wonder, easy Oven-Baked Caramel French Toast Casserole, is filled with crusty french bread soaked in sweet, creamy caramel and then baked in a decadent and creamy custard sauce.
Cottage Cheese Egg Bake – Grits and Pinecones
When the holidays roll around, and your house starts feeling more like a bed-and-breakfast, breakfast can quickly turn into a juggling act. Enter Cottage Cheese Egg Bake—a game-changing, make-ahead breakfast casserole that’s as easy as it is delicious!
Sausage Gravy Breakfast Casserole – Grits and Pinecones
Old-fashioned, foolproof, and delicious, this flavorful southern sausage gravy casserole is easy to make using refrigerated biscuits. It’s perfect for cozy weekend breakfasts with the family or a holiday brunch.
Sheet Pan Pancakes from a Mix – Grits and Pinecones
Get ready to discover the mouthwatering world of quick and easy Sheet Pan Pancakes from a Mix with a luscious berry compote swirled in! Say goodbye to standing over a stove, flipping individual pancakes, and hello to fuss-free, oven-baked fluffy pancakes that are the best way to feed a crowd.
French Toast Bites – Grits and Pinecones
Start your holidays in breakfast bliss with my easy and delectable French Toast Bites. These bite-sized wonders are coated in cinnamon sugar and are a delightful fusion of classic morning favorites, cinnamon toast and traditional French toast.
Four Cheese Strata with Zucchini and Tomatoes – From a Chef’s Kitchen
If you’re unfamiliar with stratas, they’re a layered dish of bread, cheese, and meat or vegetables over which a mixture of eggs and milk is poured. It’s then refrigerated for several hours or overnight so that the bread can soak up the egg and milk mixture. After sitting a spell, it’s baked.
This makes it the perfect make-ahead dish for your Christmas breakfast or brunch!
Breakfast Sausage Cheese Bread – Grits and Pinecones
Sausage cheese bread is an excellent choice for a fabulous make-ahead Christmas breakfast or brunch. Also, this versatile, tasty, and easy-to-make bread is delicious when served as an appetizer with marinara sauce or even as a light entrée with a salad.
Old Fashioned Southern Ambrosia – Grits and Pinecones
Ambrosia is a traditional Christmas dish for many southerners, and I am no exception. I actually can’t imagine the holidays without ambrosia, and if you have never tasted it, you are in for a treat.
Overnight Southern Biscuit, Ham, and Egg Bake – The Seasoned Mom
For a make-ahead Christmas breakfast or a fancy brunch, this Overnight Southern Biscuit, Ham, and Egg Bake is a 10-minute crowd-pleaser! Just toss together the ingredients the night before, leave them to sit in the refrigerator, and bake the breakfast casserole in the morning.
There’s no hassle, no stress, and no last-minute rush to get a comforting and satisfying dish on the table fast!
Easy Southern Cheese Grits Casserole – Grits and Pinecones
Cheese grits are about as Southern as it gets, and my easy, oven-baked Southern Cheese Grits Casserole recipe is true to its name. It’s easy, it’s creamy, and it’s cheesy. This make-ahead wonder is not only perfect for serving at an elegant Christmas brunch, but it’s also ideal for a weekend breakfast with the family.
Easy Crustless Ham and Cheese Quiche – Grits and Pinecones
My foolproof and flavorful, low-carb, Crustless Ham and Cheese Quiche is full of silky egg custard, melted cheddar cheese, and chunks of sweet and savory ham. This crustless quiche recipe is perfect for a make-ahead Christmas breakfast and is so easy that anyone, even beginner cooks or kids, can make it.
Peppermint White Chocolate Sweet Rolls – Three Olives Branch
The holidays are here! I love to cook and bake things that are representative of the season, and these make-ahead Peppermint White Chocolate Sweet Rolls are a perfect treat for your Christmas breakfast or brunch!
Butterscotch Pecan Monkey Bread- Grits and Pinecones
Sweet on multiple levels and bursting with flavor, it’s love at first bite with my irresistible make-ahead Butterscotch Pecan Monkey Bread. Made with frozen bread dough and butterscotch pudding mix, this decadent make-ahead treat is perfect for a Christmas morning breakfast or brunch!
Breakfast Fruit Salad Cocktail with Orange Syrup
Easy Breakfast Fruit Salad Cocktail with Orange Syrup is full of fresh, luscious berries and seasonal fruit, including blackberries, peaches, grapes, and strawberries. This delicious, low-calorie fruit salad is kid-friendly and the perfect dish for a make-ahead Christmas breakfast or brunch.
Cranberry Scones – Beyond the Chicken Coop
Cranberry Scones are perfect for Christmas breakfast or brunch!
Make-Ahead Sausage and Grits Casserole – Grits and Pinecones
Make-Ahead Sausage and Grits Casserole is a very Southern breakfast or brunch entrée full of thick, cheesy grits and spicy pork sausage. This versatile, hearty, make-ahead grits casserole is then baked to perfection and perfect for a Christmas morning breakfast or brunch.
Spinach and Bacon Quiche with Tomatoes – Grits and Pinecones
Make-ahead Spinach and Bacon Quiche with Tomatoes is quick, easy to make, and sure to impress! Fresh spinach, crisp, smoky bacon, and sliced cherry tomatoes are the superstar ingredients in this savory quiche recipe.
Cinnamon Pecan Pull-Apart Bread – Wildflower
Unlike much biscuit-variety pull-apart bread, this recipe is made with frozen rolls. The best part is that it can be made ahead the night before in five minutes and left to rise in a cold oven. (no joke – five minutes.)
Cinnamon Snowflake Bread – Pudge Factor
Cinnamon Snowflake Bread is the perfect breakfast for Christmas Day. While sugar plums are dancing in the heads of your family, make this amazing bread for a memorable start to Christmas Day.
Slab Breakfast Pie – My Kitchen Love
There is simply nothing better than waking up to the smell of eggs and bacon cooking. I love waking up a few minutes early on Christmas to prep this dish, so when the rest of the family makes it downstairs, this pie is cooked with melted cheese and still-soft eggs.
Make-Ahead Breakfast Enchiladas – Pudge Factor
Make Ahead Breakfast Enchiladas is the perfect dish for your Christmas breakfast or brunch. This breakfast enchilada recipe is full of cheesy sausage and bacon goodness.
Make-Ahead Sausage Egg Breakfast Casserole – My Gorgeous Recipes
Sausage egg breakfast casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that can be prepared the night before and refrigerated. Just pop in the oven Christmas morning, and a heavenly golden casserole will be cooking while you enjoy your cup of tea or coffee.
Stuffed Overnight French Toast Casserole – Living Sweet Moments
This delicious Overnight French Toast Casserole is stuffed with maple peanut butter and berries. Perfect for Christmas brunch, breakfast, or even dessert. Yum!
Sunrise Mimosa – Pudge Factor
Sunrise Mimosa is a refreshing and simple twist on a classic cocktail, making it the perfect drink for a Christmas breakfast or brunch!
Pumpkin Buttermilk Pancakes with Candied Pecans – The Unlikely Baker
Light, fluffy, and full of the warm, cozy flavors of fall, these pumpkin buttermilk pancakes are sure to become a Christmas morning favorite! Top with candied pecans, drizzle with maple syrup, and enjoy with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.
Sous Vide Bacon And Gruyère Egg Cups – Pudge Factor
Sous Vide Bacon and Gruyère Egg Cups are amazingly delicious, easy to make, and quite versatile. With their velvety texture, they’re perfect for a Christmas breakfast or brunch. Also, they can be refrigerated and reheated with no loss of flavor, so they can be made ahead of the big day.
Ricotta Orange Pancakes with Cranberry Sauce – Berry Maple
A fantastic combination of juicy orange, creamy ricotta, and tart cranberries makes these pancakes a perfect festive breakfast dish.
Orange Cranberry Coffee Cake – A Turtles Life for Me
This orange cranberry coffee cake has so few ingredients; it almost seems like a mistake. Trust me, though, resist the urge to throw in anything extra. This is exactly as it should be, and you will not regret it. Not for one second.
Christmas Breakfast Danish – Kitchen Gidget
Try this festive Christmas Breakfast Danish – cherry cheese pastry in the shape of a candy cane! This gorgeous candy cane danish is easy to assemble with crescent rolls, cherry pie filling, and sweetened cream cheese. It’s a fun Christmas breakfast treat to make with kids!
Christmas Tree Waffles – Little Sunny Kitchen
Christmas Tree waffles for a festive Christmas breakfast!
Peppermint Chocolate Truffle Pancakes – Kleinworth and Co
There are so many wonderful ideas for breakfast & Christmas morning is the perfect time to enjoy them. I came up with these Peppermint Chocolate Truffle Pancakes that are FABULOUS. Chocolate & peppermint are the perfect match – especially this time of year.
Caprese Quiche – The Life Jolie
Caprese Quiche is an easy breakfast or brunch recipe. This is simple, feel-good food at its finest, with mouthwatering tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. It’s great to make ahead or eat right away and perfect to whip up for Christmas Morning!
Overnight Cinnamon Rolls – Pudge Factor
Twas the night before Christmas when visions of cinnamon rolls were twirling in everyone’s head. Could Santa load some on his sleigh for a perfect ooey gooey wake-up treat? Of course, with Overnight Cinnamon Rolls! They are the perfect make-ahead breakfast when your sweet tooth craves a sugary start to the day.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Our traditional Christmas breakfast menu includes Make-Ahead Oven-Baked Caramel French Toast Casserole, Old Fashioned Southern Ambrosia, and longtime family favorite, Breakfast Sausage Cheese Bread. If we are having guests, I might also include another make-ahead favorite, Butterscotch Pecan Monkey Bread.
A Christmas breakfast in the South would definitely include either Cheese Grits or a make-ahead Cheese Grits Casserole. It might also include Southern Ambrosia, cooked bacon or sausage, and maybe Sweet Potato Biscuits or Cornmeal Biscuits.
It really depends on how many folks you will be feeding and whether you plan to serve it family-style or on a buffet. You will also want to offer a combination of both sweet and savory dishes, and of course, make-ahead recipes are essential.
On the savory side, I like to serve a Baked Ham with Pineapple and Cherries along with my make-ahead Eggs Benedict Breakfast Casserole along with either my Crustless Ham and Cheese Quiche or Spinach and Bacon Quiche.
For something sweet, nothing beats my Oven-Baked Caramel French Toast Casserole or Butterscotch Pecan Monkey Bread.
For sides, I would serve either Southern Ambrosia, Baked Pineapple Cheese Casserole, Old-Fashioned Frozen Fruit Salad, or Breakfast Fruit Salad with Orange Syrup. And, of course, festive Mimosas are always a welcome addition.
A nice assortment of baked goods, such as Sausage Cheese Bread, Sour Cream Apple Bread, Easy Orange Cinnamon Rolls, or Apple Cranberry Muffins, would round things out nicely.
More Christmas recipes:
For more recipes and menu ideas, you can find all of my Christmas-themed recipes here.
Thank you so much for visiting Grits and Pinecones, and Merry Christmas!
Amelie
Wow, such a great post! This gives me lots of inspiration and new recipes to try during the Christmas holidays. Thanks!
Karyl | Karyl's Kulinary Krusade
What a great collection of recipes! I’ve got several from this list pinned, and planning to make. I can’t decide which to start with, so I guess I’ll have to begin with the Sunrise mimossa 🙂
Anne Murphy
What a wonderful collection! I particularly like all the hearty, savory casseroles. (Well, I love sausage in anything…)
Helene
Your blueberry pancakes caught my eye the other day on pinterest too. The shot is epic Sharon! Also, I am a huge fan of Danish, it’s my secret addiction and if i get a hand on a few slices, I would not be able to stop myself. Time to plan our Christmas breakfast!
Gritsandpinecones
Thank you so much, Helene! I actually just attended a photography workshop with Lindsay at Pinch of Yum and took the blueberry photos there! I liked them so much I developed a recipe to go with it!
Megan
Perfect timing. I was just thinking this morning that I need to come up with some ideas for brunch on Christmas!
Analida Braeger
These all look so good! I love getting up Christmas morning and just hanging out and whipping up something easy and sipping a mimosa or two!
Erica Acevedo
I THOUGHT I knew what I wanted for Christmas breakfast…now I see I’m going to have to reevaluate the old standard! Fab list here, lady!
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices
Oh my goodness look at the display of goodness in here! Cannot decide which are my favorites, will have to make pretty much all of them! 🙂 Thanks!
Elaine @ Dishes Delish
Wow. What a great roundup. Every single one of these recipes looks so delicious!! The french toast looks so divine!! I think that’s my first recipe to try!
Ben Myhre
Oh, this is such a great roundup. I love the pizza up there. pizza is just the perfect food!
Veena Azmanov
Such a delicious collection !! I love them all. I would not be able to decide what I want this Christmas. Saving for later. LOVE this!
Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen
What a great assortment! I love breakfast at any time of day – and this collection definitely has me craving it for dinner tonight!
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
SOOOO many delicious things on here from sweet to savoury. I would even use some of these for “breakfast for dinner” too. Happy Holidays….ENJOY all the foods of the season.