5 Festive Christmas Morning Breakfast Recipes

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to kick off Christmas Day than with a delicious breakfast? Whether you’re an early riser eager to dig into presents or prefer a leisurely brunch after the gift-giving frenzy, we’ve got you covered with these five recipes. These dishes will bring joy to your taste buds and set the tone for a magical day!

1. Gingerbread Pancakes with Cinnamon Cream

Start your Christmas morning with a stack of these festive gingerbread pancakes! The warm spices will fill your kitchen with the scent of the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 tbsp melted butter

For the Cinnamon Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.
2. In another bowl, beat the eggs, milk, molasses, and melted butter.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed.
4. Heat a griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat.
5. Pour 1/4 cup batter for each pancake and cook until bubbles form on top.
6. Flip and cook until golden brown.
7. For the cinnamon cream, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and cinnamon until soft peaks form.
8. Serve pancakes warm with a dollop of cinnamon cream and a drizzle of maple syrup.

2. Christmas Tree Breakfast Board

This eye-catching breakfast board is as fun to make as it is to eat! It’s a great way to get everyone involved in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 package crescent roll dough
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Assorted fruits (strawberries, kiwi slices, blueberries, raspberries)
• Mini chocolate chips
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Unroll crescent dough and shape into a Christmas tree on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 11-13 minutes until golden brown. Let cool.
4. Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
5. Spread the mixture over the cooled crescent tree.
6. Arrange fruits on top to create a decorated tree effect.
7. Use mini chocolate chips for the tree trunk.
8. Dust with powdered sugar “snow” before serving.

3. Savory Breakfast Strata

This make-ahead dish is perfect for those who want to spend more time opening presents and less time in the kitchen on Christmas morning.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf day-old bread, cubed
• 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 eggs
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or basil)

Instructions:

1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Layer half the bread cubes, followed by half the sausage and cheese. Repeat layers.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread layers.
5. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
6. In the morning, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until golden and set.
8. Sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving.

4. Cranberry Orange Muffins

These zesty muffins are bursting with holiday flavors and make for a perfect grab-and-go option if you’re eager to get to the presents.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Stir in cranberries and walnuts if using.
4. In another bowl, whisk together egg, orange juice, oil, and zest.
5. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened.
6. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full with batter.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

5. Eggnog French Toast Casserole

This decadent dish transforms a holiday favorite drink into a crowd-pleasing breakfast casserole.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf brioche bread, cubed
• 6 eggs
• 2 cups eggnog
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the topping:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and arrange bread cubes in it.
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, eggnog, sugar, vanilla, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Pour mixture over bread, ensuring all pieces are coated.
4. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
5. In the morning, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. For the topping, mix flour, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and salt until crumbly.
7. Sprinkle topping over the casserole.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and set.
9. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving with maple syrup.

There you have it – five delightful recipes to make your Christmas morning extra special! From the traditional to the unique, these dishes are sure to please everyone around your holiday table. Remember, the best ingredient is always the love and joy you put into your cooking. Merry Christmas and happy feasting!