65 Sweet & Savory Christmas Brunch Ideas

Creamy Strawberry Crepes

Take ruby red strawberries plus a creamy filling and tuck them into these delicate strawberry crepes for an elegant Christmas brunch idea. —Kathy Kochiss, Huntington, Connecticut

Go to Recipe

Quick & Easy Sausage Gravy

Breakfast doesn’t get any heartier or more satisfying than this home-style Christmas brunch idea. No one will leave the table hungry! —John Wilhelm, Richmond, Virginia

If you’re hosting a Christmas meal a bit later in the day, you’ll love these Christmas lunch ideas.

Prosciutto, Egg and Spinach Strata

This egg spinach strata recipe is one of my favorite Christmas brunch ideas! It’s a wonderful savory dish that incorporates elements of the cuisine I grew up enjoying. Plus, you can prepare it the night before and just throw it in the oven in the morning. —Danielle Pfanstiehl, Andover, Connecticut

Hosting a Christmas party? Discover our best Christmas punch recipes.

Cranberry-Walnut Belgian Waffles

Belgian waffles have larger squares and deeper pockets than American waffles. I make mine with nutrition boosters like whole wheat, flaxseed, cranberries and toasted walnuts. —Laura McDowell, Portland, Maine

Maple Sausage Patties

Maple syrup, sage, thyme and a little liquid smoke give a delightful flavor to these homemade sausage patties. They're always a treat, but especially alongside pancakes or French toast. —Margaret Eid, Huron, South Dakota.

Festive French Pancakes

Not quite as thin as true crepes, these light-as-a-feather French pancakes are topped with preserves and a dusting of confectioners’ sugar. They’re elegant, so easy to make and say “Joyeux Noel” with delicious French flair! —Diane Aune, Nine Mile Falls, Washington

Favorite Christmas Breakfast Casserole

After church on Christmas morning, our family enjoys this easy, make-head casserole. I’d also recommend this Christmas brunch idea for a special breakfast any time of the year. —Maryellen Hays, Wolcottville, Indiana

Gingerbread Syrup

Here's a wonderful treat for the season. Stir a tablespoon of gingerbread syrup into coffee, tea or cider; drizzle it over pancakes, hot cereal or yogurt; or use it as a glaze for chicken or pork chops. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

Pumpkin and Oat Pancakes

For a new Christmas brunch idea, these pancakes are perfect. The pumpkin and cinnamon work together beutifully. —Nancy Horsburgh, Everett, Ontario

Orange-Glazed Bacon

Just when you thought bacon couldn’t get any tastier, our Test Kitchen staff whipped up this Christmas brunch idea starring the favorite breakfast meat drizzled with a sweet orange glaze. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin

Leek Tart

This tart has a flaky pastry crust and tasty filling of leeks, bacon, eggs and cream. Satisfying and delicious, it makes a nice brunch dish, but you can serve it for any meal. —Anneliese Deising Plymouth, MI

Cheesy Hash Brown Bake

These cheesy hash browns were so popular at the morning meetings of our Mothers of Preschoolers group that we published it in our newsletter. It’s a great dish for busy moms because it can be prepared ahead of time. It’s a perfect Christmas brunch idea. It’s creamy, comforting and tasty. —Karen Burns, Chandler, Texas

Air-Fryer French Toast Cups with Raspberries

These air-fryer French toast cups are the perfect Christmas brunch idea. I made this recipe for my mom on Mother’s Day, and we both enjoyed it. —Sandi Tuttle, Hayward, Wisconsin

Early-Riser Oven Omelet

Everyone will rush to the table when you serve this big fluffy omelet. Packed with tomato, broccoli, ham and cheese, it makes a hearty brunch dish that easily serves a bunch. —Wendy Fawcett, Gillam, Manitoba

Blueberry Turnovers

Looking for a festive Christmas brunch idea? While you can make them a little in advance, these blueberry turnovers are best served the day they’re made. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Breakfast Enchiladas

Draped in gooey cheese and a savory sauce, these enchiladas are a popular option for a Christmas brunch idea. Chorizo gives the hearty filling a Southwestern kick. —Tahnia Fox, Trenton, Michigan

Apple Butter Bread Pudding

This is one of my mother’s best recipes! I’m sure your family will be delighted with it, too. Serve it as a dessert or a very special Christmas brunch recipe. —Jerri Gradert, Lincoln, Nebraska

Sheet-Pan Eggs and Bacon Breakfast

I saw this sheet-pan eggs and bacon recipe on social media and decided to re-create it as a Christmas brunch idea. It was a huge hit! Use any cheeses and spices you like—you can even try seasoned potatoes. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

Sunshine Crepes

"My family wanted just a light brunch and coffee this year for Christmas morning, so I whipped up these sweet and fruity crepes that were a big hit with everyone! To save even more time, use pre-made crepes,” suggests Mary Hobbs, Campbell, Missouri.

Red Pepper Cornmeal Souffle

I use the vegetables from our garden in all my cooking. Dotted with parsley and red pepper, this souffle is a favorite. —Janet Eckhoff, Woodland, California

Turkey & Swiss Frittata

Apricots, Swiss cheese, green onions and veggies combine beautifully in this Christmas brunch idea. You can use different spices to suit your personal taste. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho

Creamy Baked Eggs

This recipe is so simple, and the eggs come out just as my husband likes them every time. If you like soft yolks, cook eggs for nine minutes; for firmer yolks, cook for about 11 minutes. —Macey Allen, Green Forest, Arkansas

Bread Pudding with Nutmeg

I always make this bread pudding recipe for my dad on his birthday and on holidays. He says it tastes exactly like the bread pudding with nutmeg he enjoyed as a child. —Donna Powell, Montgomery City, Missouri

Pistachio Granola

After a search for the perfect granola, I found this recipe and tweaked it just a little for my taste. Enjoy it as a crunchy topping on your yogurt or give it away as a thoughtful homemade gift. —Candy Summerhill, Alexander, Arkansas

Breakfast Scramble

One weekend morning, My husband and I wanted a breakfast without the traditional sausage or bacon. I reached for the ground beef and tossed in other ingredients as I went. This recipe was the mouthwatering result. —Mary Lill, Rock Cave, West Virginia

Apple-Cinnamon Baked French Toast

When my wife and I hosted a breakfast for our church group, we wanted to avoid the last-minute rush of cooking. So we decided to try this make-ahead French toast. Everyone loved it and requested the recipe. If you’re looking for a special Christmas brunch idea, this is the recipe for you.

Fennel Orange Salad

You’ll need just a few ingredients to fix this fresh Christmas brunch idea. The combination of crisp fennel and juicy oranges is delightful. To reduce last-minute prep, make it the day before you plan to serve it. —Nina Hall, Spokane, Washington

Buttermilk Pecan Waffles

I like cooking with buttermilk. These golden buttermilk waffles are my husband's favorite breakfast, so we enjoy them often. They're as easy to prepare as regular waffles, but their unique taste makes them exceptional.

Broccoli Cheese Crepes

This recipe from Jane Shapton is perfect to prepare for a special Christmas brunch idea. The Irvine, California cook tucks a cheesy broccoli mixture into tender homemade crepes with delicious results.

Winter Fruit Salad

The bright colors in this winter fruit salad will perk up your morning. This is such a wonderful Christmas brunch idea to make for get-togethers.—Laura Brodine, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Sheet-Pan Yellow Bells & Eggs

I love this quick, easy, no-fuss recipe. It is healthy for many popular diets (think Keto and Whole30) since it is made with fresh, simple ingredients and tossed into the oven. When you have guests overnight, prep this in the evening and just toss it onto the sheet pan in the morning. Add any of your favorite veggies, and even fruit—I especially love a sweet potato and apple tossed into the mix. —Marina Castle-Kelley, Canyon Country, California

Sausage and Pancake Casserole

Trial and error made this pancake casserole recipe one that my family asks for time and time again. It’s so easy and very good. —Ethel Sanders, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Shakshuka Breakfast Pizza

I turned traditional shakshuka into a fun brunch pizza. Its sweet, spicy and crunchy ingredients make it perfect for morning, noon or night. —Phillipe Sobon, Harwood Heights, Illinois

Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Spicy sausage, herbs and vegetables fill this casserole with hearty flavor. I like to make it for my family's Christmas breakfast or it's also a fabulous Christmas brunch idea! —Debbie Carter, O'Fallon, Illinois

Gingerbread Belgian Waffles

I like to combine the sweet and spicy taste of gingerbread with the cool and dreamy taste of cream cheese frosting. It's a heavenly way to start the day! —Jannine Fisk, Malden, Massachusetts

Asparagus Crepes

“I love serving these tender crepes with their light lemony sauce in spring,” notes Carol Hemker of Phenix City, Alabama. “But my husband would eat them any time of year at all. In fact, it’s the only way he’ll eat asparagus! This dish is also lovely for luncheon or brunch.”

No-Knead Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

My cousin gave this recipe to my mother many years ago. My mother shared it with me, and I have been making it ever since. The rolls are so amazingly moist and tender, especially right out of the oven. —Kathleen Gill, Miles City, Montana

Blueberry Crunch Breakfast Bake

Blueberries in season make this a very special breakfast, but I find that frozen berries can work just as well. My grandmother used to make this with strawberries and I always loved to eat it at her house. —Marsha Ketaner, Henderson, Nevada

Eggs Benedict Casserole

This eggs Benedict casserole is just as tasty as the classic but without all the hassle. Simply assemble the ingredients ahead, and bake it the next morning for an elegant breakfast or brunch. —Sandie Heindel, Liberty, Missouri

Pumpkin Waffles with Orange Walnut Butter

This is so delicious! Bring a flourish to the breakfast table with these unique and flavorful waffles. —Brandi Davis, Pullman, Washington

Country Brunch Skillet

Using frozen hash browns and packaged shredded cheese shaves minutes off the prep time of this skillet egg dish, making it an appealing meal you can put together quickly. —Elvira Brunnquell, Port Washington, Wisconsin

Wilted Endive Salad

The blend of seasonings, greens and warm bacon dressing makes this endive salad a sure hit. My guess is that it'll be a favorite at your next gathering. —Mildred Davis, Hagerstown, Maryland

Bananas Foster Baked French Toast

Mmm…bananas Foster for breakfast! This yummy baked French toast serves up all the taste of the spectacular dessert in fine fashion. —Laurence Nasson, Hingham Massachusetts

Hash Brown Egg Brunch

Slow cookers aren't just for making dinner. I make this often if we're having company overnight. With just a little planning and not much work, I can prep it the night before and have a lovely breakfast waiting in the morning. —Barb Keith, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Sunny-Side-Up Herbed Tart

Feel free to be creative with this Christmas brunch idea. Try Canadian bacon or ham as the meat ingredient, and add toppings such as thyme, chopped spinach or goat cheese. —Diana Neves, Lafayette, California

Sausage-Sweet Potato Hash & Eggs

When I first began making this dish for breakfast, I served it with fried eggs on top. Now I sometimes make it for supper and serve it without eggs. It’s fantastic when I want a dish I can make quickly with minimal cleanup. —Nancy Murphy, Mount Dora, Florida

Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

I like to try different fun fillings in these soft rolls, and each one is packed with cinnamon flavor. They are definitely worth the overnight wait. —Chris O'Connell, San Antonio, Texas

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

I keep frozen spuds on hand for meals like this Tater Tot breakfast casserole. It’s a super brunch, breakfast or side dish for kids of all ages. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

The Best French Toast

There’s no question that this is the best Christmas brunch idea ever. The caramelized exterior meets a soft custardlike center that practically melts in your mouth. Not only that, but it’s quick and easy, too! —Audrey Rompon, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Cornflake-Coated Crispy Bacon

I've loved my aunt's crispy-coated bacon ever since I was a child. Now I've shared the super simple recipe with my own children. We still enjoy a big panful every Christmas morning—and on many other days throughout the year! —Brenda Severson, Norman, Oklahoma

Pecan Coffee Cake Muffins

These moist, cakelike muffins with heaps of crumb topping are to die for! They’re wonderful for company, entertaining, brunch or any time you want a treat. —Shannon Saltsman, Olmsted Falls, Ohio

Vegetable Strata

We always serve food at our Bunco games, and since one of us is a vegetarian we like to make fun meatless dishes we can all enjoy. This strata can easily be doubled and tastes fantastic hot or at room temperature. —Doris Mancini, Port Orchard, Washington

Sheepherder’s Potatoes

Thyme adds a nice flavor surprise to this breakfast casserole with potatoes. Serve it as a side dish at dinner—or as the main course at breakfast or brunch. —Deborah Hill, Coffeyville, Kansas

Cheddar-Butternut Squash Clafoutis

I came up with this savory version of the classic French dessert clafoutis as a Christmas brunch idea. My friends loved it, but in the end I could have eaten the whole pan myself while dreaming of being in Paris with every scrumptious bite. —Joseph A. Sciascia, San Mateo, California

Cinnamon Blueberry French Toast

I like to prep this breakfast in the evening, let it chill, then turn on the slow cooker when we wake up in the morning. It’s done just right. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

Pecan Wheat Waffles

Your bunch will say a big "yes" to breakfast when these waffles are on the menu. Top them with syrup, fruit or powdered sugar. —Susan Bell, Spruce Pine, North Carolina

Spiced Orange-Hazelnut Oatmeal

I’ve banished ho-hum oatmeal. My new best blend is loaded with fruit and fiber. I flavor the whipped cream with cardamom and ginger to top it off. —Heather Porter, Kalispell, Montana

Eggs Benedict with Homemade Hollandaise

Legend has it that poached eggs on an English muffin started at Delmonico’s in New York. Here’s my take on this brunch classic, and don’t spare the hollandaise. —Barbara Pletzke, Herndon, Virginia

Berry Ricotta Puff Pancake

This slightly sweet berry puff pancake is filled with fruit and has a custardy texture that puffs up beautifully when baked. It is a great Christmas brunch idea. —Jessi Smith, Fort Myers, Florida

Cranberry-Apple French Toast

My husband's breakfast club at work raves about this make-ahead French toast. Pop it in the oven in the morning to get your day off to a sweet, bubbly start. —Mara Faulkner, Martinsburg, West Virginia

Corned Beef Hash and Eggs

Sunday breakfasts have always been special in our house. It’s fun to get in the kitchen and cook with the kids. No matter how many new recipes we try, they always rate this corned beef hash recipe No. 1! —Rick Skildum, Maple Grove, Minnesota

Broccoli Ham Quiche

This rich ham and broccoli quiche is featured in a family cookbook I put together. My husband is proof that quiche can satisfy even a very healthy appetite. —Marilyn Day, North Fort Myers, Florida

Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes

These pumpkin pancakes are also delicious served with butter or whipped topping and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Freeze any extras in a single layer on a cookie sheet, then store in a freezer bag. They're great fresh out of the toaster! —Mindy Bauknecht, Two Rivers, Wisconsin

Mixed Berry French Toast Bake

I love this recipe! It's perfect for fuss-free holiday breakfasts or company—utterly delicious and so easy to put together the night before. —Amy Berry, Poland, Maine