20 Best Holiday Morning Breakfasts

Wake up to the festive aroma of gingerbread on Christmas morning with this delightful overnight French toast bake. All you need is a loaf of thick-sliced country bread, a blend of warming spices to add to the egg mixture, and cranberries for a hint of tartness. Prepare it the day before and refrigerate overnight before popping it in the oven while the family opens their gifts.

A savoury breakfast treat that combines the delicious flavours of everything bagels and cream cheese in a flaky hand pie, these tarts are a must-add to your holiday brunch table. It’s an elevated take on a childhood favourite and you’ll be transported to your youth with just one bite.

If you can’t get enough everything bagel seasoning, you have to try Molly Yeh’s Bagel Salad recipe.

While banana bread can be enjoyed year-round, it’s special enough to make the Christmas morning breakfast spread. Bake a loaf or two ahead of time and freeze them until you’re ready to eat, and then nibble on a slice along with a hot cup of coffee.

In addition to banana bread, bake this highly snackable gingerbread spiced pound cake for the holidays.

If you have leftover latkes from a Hanukkah soiree, skip the English muffins and use the potato pancakes as the base of a scrumptious eggs Benedict. Layer it with smoked salmon, a poached egg and an easy Hollandaise sauce for an impressive holiday brunch dish.

Related: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Latke Charcuterie Board

The secret to these fluffy Belgian waffles is making the batter the night before and allowing it to sit overnight in a cool room. In the morning, simply beat some eggs with baking soda and add them to the batter mixture, heat up the waffle iron and cook until the waffles are golden brown. Serve them alongside an assortment of toppings — like whipped cream, maple syrup, sliced fruit and toasted coconut — so that everyone can customize their own waffle.

Is there a better time than the holiday season for the fanciest of ham and cheese sandwiches topped with a sunny side up egg? Look no further than the croque madame. To make it even more special, switch out the bread for a buttery, flaky croissant. This is a meal that you’ll want to savour each luscious bite.

Related: Is the Croissant Actually French? We Investigate

It doesn’t get more hygge than the holiday season, and Scandinavian cardamom buns were made for cozy winter mornings. The cardamom is incorporated into the dough, filling and glaze, giving these buns a floral, spicy kick that will please the senses.

Want another hit of cardamom in a baked good? Try these Cardamom Teff Apple Muffins

Cilbir, also known as Turkish eggs, is a divine dish that fits right in with your Christmas breakfast menu. The poached eggs are served on a bed of herbed, garlicky yogurt and drizzled with a spicy butter sauce. Make sure you serve it with lots of crusty bread so you can scoop up every delicious bite.

Want to try more savoury yogurt dishes? Make this homemade labneh recipe topped with roasted beets and hazelnuts.

Breakfast casseroles are exactly what you need when entertaining a crowd during the holiday season. This recipe takes everything you love about an everything bagel breakfast sandwich and bakes it into a golden, cheesy dish that can be assembled the night before and popped into the oven when you wake up.

For a sweet brunch option, this blueberry and bacon breakfast casserole features some of Canada’s most celebrated ingredients.

On a chilly winter morning, why not warm up with a spicy, restaurant-style huevos rancheros in the comfort of your home? Made with corn tortillas, a piquant tomato sauce, eggs and black beans, serve this breakfast dish along with crumbled cotija cheese and creamy sliced avocado.

Indulge in a delightful twist where classic baklava flavours combine in a sweet, aromatic and nutty breakfast sensation. The breakfast dish begins with generous layers of croissants that absorb a subtly sweet custard. Top with pistachios, walnuts, cinnamon, cloves and sugar before baking, and drizzle with a touch of honey syrup once it’s out of the oven.

If you have some leftover pistachios, use them in these tasty rugelach cookies.

A perfect fusion of morning buns and hot chocolate, this breakfast treat features pillowy soft dough that’s generously layered with a luscious, buttery chocolate filling and finely chopped dark chocolate. The quick and delicious frosting is made from butter and mini marshmallows blended with icing sugar and cocoa powder. Put on your favourite pjs, pour a cup of coffee and savour a bun warm from the oven while the snow falls softly outside.

You May Also Like: Our Honest Review of De’Longhi’s TrueBrew Coffee Machine

Experience a fusion of classic cinnamon rolls and the savory allure of a croque madame in these delectable rolls. Brimming with layers of ham, Emmental cheese, and a delightful sweet Dijon filling, each roll is crowned with a drizzle of hollandaise sauce and a sprinkle of chives, creating a harmonious balance of sweetness and savory richness in every bite. Elevate your brunch menu with this show-stopping dish that is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

Looking for another sweet and savoury roll to add to your menu? Try these pork floss scallion rolls with honey butter.

Tiramisu for breakfast? Anything goes during the holiday season! This sweet French toast combines the flavours of the classic Italian dessert like mascarpone and espresso with thick-sliced challah. Dust with cocoa powder and add a dollop of whipped cream or some fresh berries when serving.

You May Also Like: 10 Pecan Desserts That Taste Like Perfection

For holiday gatherings, breakfast or brunch options that allow for advance preparation and a fresh morning bake are always a hit. This casserole is an ideal choice for a festive brunch, brimming with robust flavours like breakfast sausage, eggs and potatoes all in one delicious dish. Serve it alongside a hot cup of coffee and you’ve got a great way to feed a crowd during the holiday season.

Celebrate the holiday season with a twist on the classic coffee cake. This delightful creation, inspired by sweet Vietnamese coffee, features a tender cake infused with robust coffee flavuor and comforting cinnamon. Topped with a crunchy streusel and a luscious sweetened condensed milk glaze, it’s the perfect way to add a touch of warmth and indulgence to your brunch spread.

Savour the warmth and comfort of cinnamon bun pancakes, adorned with a homemade maple cream cheese glaze and generously sprinkled with toasted, chopped pecans. It’s a festive and delightful way to start your holiday mornings on a sweet note.

For a hearty and savoury holiday breakfast with a Texas flare, this Benedict is a hit. Poached eggs and grilled steak are layered on thick Texas toast topped with a delicious steak sauce Hollandaise and a flavourful black bean tomato relish.

You May Also Like: Bobby Flay’s Best Holiday Brunch Recipes

Add this shakshuka bursting with herbaceous flavour to your holiday brunch menu. Go for a creamy leek and spinach combination or try a variation with kale or collards instead of spinach, or feta instead of goat cheese. Plus, it’s easy to double or halve the recipe to suit the size of your gathering.

For another variation, try this sweet potato shakshuka with Sriracha butter and pickled onions.

Elevate your holiday breakfast with a celebratory twist on savoury crepes. This multi-layered cake combines the thin pancakes with smoked salmon and flavour-packed herbed cream cheese. It’s a delightful dish that could easily be the centrepiece of your holiday brunch spread.