Christmas morning is about unwrapping gifts, staying in pajamas way too long, and, of course, eating something that feels a little extra special. No one wants to be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is tearing through presents, so breakfast needs to be festive, easy, and worth remembering. Whether you’re into sweet casseroles, spiced waffles, or hearty savory dishes, these recipes have it all. They’re simple enough to keep the stress out of your morning but still packed with flavor to make the day feel special.
English Muffin Berry Casserole
Layers of soft English muffins, tangy cranberry sauce, and creamy mascarpone come together in this easy-to-prep casserole. Great for feeding a crowd while letting you enjoy the morning, it’s a perfect centerpiece for Christmas breakfast.
Get the Recipe: English Muffin Berry Casserole
Gingerbread Oatmeal
Steel-cut oats cooked with molasses and holiday spices like cinnamon and ginger make for a hearty, festive breakfast. It’s comforting, easy to make, and a great way to kick off Christmas morning with cozy flavors.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Oatmeal
Gingerbread Waffles
These waffles are packed with gingerbread spices that fill the house with holiday aromas as they cook. Slightly sweet and crispy, they’re a perfect addition to your Christmas breakfast spread that everyone will reach for first.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Waffles
Christmas Morning Muffins
Loaded with dried cranberries, nutmeg, and rosemary, these muffins are topped with a cinnamon crumble and vanilla glaze. Perfect for grabbing on-the-go or pairing with coffee, they bring festive flavor to your holiday morning.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Morning Muffins
Cranberry Orange Bread
Tart cranberries and sweet orange glaze make this quick bread festive and bright. Its moist texture and tender crumb are perfect for slicing and sharing with family during a relaxed Christmas morning.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Bread
Gingerbread Banana Bread
A classic banana bread gets a festive upgrade with gingerbread spices and a maple tahini glaze. Rich and easy to bake, it’s a comforting holiday treat that works perfectly for breakfast or as a snack later in the day.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Banana Bread
Panettone Bread Pudding
Classic panettone becomes a creamy bread pudding filled with apples, raisins, and a luscious custard. It’s indulgent yet easy to prepare, making it a standout choice for a Christmas breakfast that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Panettone Bread Pudding
Chestnut Waffles
These waffles use chestnut flour for a nutty, rich flavor and are topped with vanilla cranberry compote. They’re a festive and creative option for Christmas morning that feels both seasonal and special.
Get the Recipe: Chestnut Waffles
Almond Persimmon Pancakes
Sweet persimmon pulp and almond flavor come together in these fluffy pancakes. They highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients, making them a great addition to any winter breakfast spread.
Get the Recipe: Almond Persimmon Pancakes
Everything Bagel Breakfast Strata
Packed with bacon, cheese, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes, this hearty breakfast strata is made with everything bagels. It’s perfect for prepping the night before so you can bake it fresh on Christmas morning without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Everything Bagel Breakfast Strata
Mini Ham and Cheese Breakfast Pies
These individual pies combine ham, cheese, and spinach in flaky pastry. Great for a quick yet festive breakfast, they’re easy to grab and perfect for keeping everyone satisfied without too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Mini Ham and Cheese Breakfast Pies
Citrus Honey Biscuits
Sweet honey and fresh citrus flavors from orange and Meyer lemon make these biscuits a bright addition to your breakfast table. They pair perfectly with sweet or savory dishes, bringing a touch of lightness to the holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Honey Biscuits
Raspberry Granola Stuffed French Toast
This French toast is filled with crunchy granola clusters and topped with a simple raspberry mash. It’s a festive way to mix up your breakfast routine and adds just enough texture and sweetness to make it feel special for the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Granola Stuffed French Toast
Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole
Eggs, turkey sausage, grated apples, and creamy cheese come together in this hearty breakfast casserole. Perfect for feeding a crowd, it can be prepped ahead of time, so you can relax and enjoy the holiday morning with family.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole
Banana Nutmeg Pancakes
These fluffy, yeast-based pancakes are made from scratch and lightly spiced with nutmeg. With only 10 minutes of rising time, they’re an impressive but easy breakfast that’s perfect for Christmas morning.
Get the Recipe: Banana Nutmeg Pancakes
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.