Christmas brunch is the perfect opportunity to gather with loved ones and indulge in a feast that celebrates the season. From sweet to savory, these festive recipes will have your guests feeling merry and bright. Get ready to impress with delightful dishes that are easy to prepare and stunning to serve!
1. Gingerbread Pancakes
Warm and spiced, perfect for a chilly holiday morning.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons molasses
Process:
- Mix all dry ingredients together, then whisk in milk, egg, and molasses until smooth.
- Cook on a hot griddle until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden.
Make it Unique:
Add chopped pecans for crunch or top with spiced apple compote.
2. Cranberry Orange Muffins
Sweet and tangy flavors to brighten your holiday table.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Stir in milk, orange juice, zest, and cranberries until just combined. Spoon into muffin tins and bake for 20 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Incorporate walnuts for added texture or replace cranberries with blueberries for a twist.
3. Savory Spinach and Feta Quiche
A rich and delicious option for brunch lovers.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Process:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Whisk eggs and cream in a bowl, then stir in spinach, feta, salt, and pepper.
- Pour mixture into the pie crust and bake for 30-35 minutes until set.
Make it Unique:
Add sun-dried tomatoes or swap feta for goat cheese for a unique flavor.
4. Maple Bacon Breakfast Sandwiches
Savory meets sweet in these satisfying sandwiches.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bacon
- 4 eggs
- 4 slices of cheese (cheddar or gouda)
- 4 English muffins, split
- Maple syrup for drizzling
Process:
- Cook bacon until crispy and set aside. In the same pan, fry eggs and place cheese on top to melt.
- Assemble sandwiches by layering bacon, egg, and cheese on English muffins. Drizzle with maple syrup before serving.
Make it Unique:
Swap bacon for avocado for a vegetarian option or add hot sauce for heat.
5. Christmas Morning Fruit Salad
A bright and refreshing addition to your brunch spread.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup diced pineapple
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 cup cubed watermelon
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Juice of 1 lime
Process:
- In a large bowl, combine all fruits.
- Mix honey and lime juice in a small bowl and pour over fruit, gently tossing to combine.
Make it Unique:
Use seasonal fruits like persimmons or add mint for a fresh touch.
6. Eggnog French Toast Casserole
Deliciously rich and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of brioche bread
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Process:
- Grease a baking dish and layer the brioche. Whisk together eggs, eggnog, vanilla, and cinnamon, then pour over bread.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes the next day.
Make it Unique:
Add chopped pecans or replace eggnog with almond milk for a dairy-free version.
7. Peppermint Hot Chocolate Bar
Create a fun, interactive drink station for guests.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Process:
- In a saucepan, heat milk, cream, cocoa powder, and sugar until warm. Whisk until combined.
- Stir in peppermint extract and serve with toppings.
Make it Unique:
Add a splash of bourbon for an adult version or top with a drizzle of caramel.
8. Pecan Praline Sticky Buns
Sweet and sticky, perfect for sharing with family.
Ingredients:
- 1 can biscuit dough
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt butter and mix with brown sugar, then stir in pecans.
- Cut biscuits into quarters, toss in cinnamon, and layer over pecan mixture in a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Substitute walnuts for pecans or drizzle with cream cheese frosting.
9. Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagels
A sophisticated but simple dish to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- 4 bagels, sliced
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 8 oz smoked salmon
- 1/4 cup capers
- Fresh dill for garnish
Process:
- Toast bagel halves until golden. Spread cream cheese generously.
- Top with smoked salmon, capers, and dill before serving.
Make it Unique:
Swap salmon for roasted veggies for a vegetarian option or add pickled red onions.
10. Holiday Spiced Chai Latte
Warm up with a fragrant spiced drink that delights the senses.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- 2 chai tea bags
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Nutmeg for garnishing
Process:
- Heat milk in a saucepan, then steep chai bags for 5 minutes.
- Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon, remove tea bags, and froth if desired.
Make it Unique:
Add whipped cream on top or replace milk with almond milk for a lighter version.
11. Chocolate Chip Scone Wreath
A lovely centerpiece that’s both tasty and festive.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup cold butter
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
Process:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Mix flour, sugar, and baking powder, then cut in butter until crumbly.
- Stir in chocolate chips and add cream. Form into a wreath and bake for 15-20 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Add orange zest for a citrus twist or drizzle melted chocolate on top after baking.
12. Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
A hearty and wholesome option for a chilly Christmas morning.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (or almond milk)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 diced apples
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix all ingredients in a baking dish, distributing apples evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until set and golden.
Make it Unique:
Top with raisins or add almond slices for extra crunch.
Gather your loved ones and whip up one or all of these marvelous recipes this holiday season! From sweet to savory, each dish will add warmth and joy to your Christmas brunch. Let the festivities begin!