Christmas Morning Breakfast Ideas the Whole Family Will Love

There’s something magical about waking up on Christmas morning: twinkling lights, cozy pajamas, and the promise of a delicious breakfast that brings the whole family together. Whether you’re hosting overnight guests, feeding hungry kids before gifts, or creating new traditions, a festive breakfast spread is a must. Below are 10 Christmas morning breakfast ideas, complete with ingredients and simple recipe guidance to make your holiday morning both easy and memorable.

10 Christmas Morning Breakfast Recipes

1.) Panettone French Toast

A festive take on French toast beloved by celebrity chefs and families alike — ideal for using leftover panettone. Check out the full recipe on Allrecipes!
Ingredients

• 1 loaf panettone, sliced
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup cream
• 2 tbsp sugar
• Butter for the griddle
• Maple syrup, whipped cream, or cinnamon-cream sauce

Method
Whisk eggs, milk, cream, and sugar. Dip panettone slices into the custard mixture and cook on a buttered griddle until golden brown. Serve with syrup and whipped cream.

2.) Gingerbread Pancakes

Cozy spiced pancakes with classic holiday flavors like ginger, cinnamon, and molasses — perfect for Christmas morning. The full recipe can be found on EatingWell.
Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ginger
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ cup molasses
• 2 cups milk
• 2 eggs
• Butter or oil for cooking
• Icing (powdered sugar + milk) and toppings

Method
Combine dry ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients, then gently combine them. Cook on a griddle and serve with icing or warm maple syrup.

3.) Overnight Cranberry French Toast Casserole

French toast casserole with cranberries that can be assembled the night before for minimal Christmas morning prep. For the full recipe, check out The Speckled Palate!
Ingredients

• 12 oz baguette, cubed
• ¾ cup fresh cranberries
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Optional: toppings like whipped cream or extra syrup

Method
Layer bread and cranberries in a baking dish. Whisk eggs, milk, yogurt, syrup, and cinnamon, then pour over bread. Refrigerate overnight. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until set.

4.) Savory Breakfast Casserole

Christmas morning casseroles can feed crowds and often be prepped ahead.
Ingredients

• 6 cups cubed bread
• 8 eggs
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked
• 1½ cups milk
• Salt & pepper

Method
Spray a casserole dish and layer bread, sausage, and cheese. Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour over bread. Let soak overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes.

5.) Cinnamon Baked French Toast

A rich, sticky French toast casserole that can be prepared ahead, perfect with fruit or nuts on top.
Ingredients

• 1 loaf crusty bread
• 8 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla
• Topping: flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter

Method
Tear bread into pieces in a pan. Mix eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla; pour over bread. Mix the topping and sprinkle it before baking. Refrigerate overnight, then bake until golden.

6.) Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Pastries

Festive twists on cinnamon rolls add whimsy to Christmas breakfast menus. Check out the full recipe from Food Network!
Ingredients

• Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough
• Frosting
• Holiday sprinkles

Method
Unroll and rearrange cinnamon rolls into a tree shape on a baking sheet. Bake according to package directions, then frost and decorate with sprinkles.

7.) Savory Quiche Lorraine

Quiches add a sophisticated yet family-friendly centerpiece to Christmas breakfast.
Ingredients

• 1 pie crust
• 6 eggs
• 1½ cups cream or milk
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• Salt & pepper

Method
Fit the crust into a pie dish. Whisk eggs and cream, stir in ham, cheese, salt, and pepper. Pour into the crust and bake at 375°F (190°C) for ~35 minutes.

8.) Cinnamon Pancake Casserole

Pancakes baked in a custard casserole give classic flavors with no flipping needed.
Ingredients

• Frozen pancakes
• 6 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• ½ cup syrup
• Cinnamon and sugar

Method
Layer pancakes in a baking dish. Whisk eggs, milk, syrup, and cinnamon; pour over. Bake at 350°F until set and serve with syrup.

9.) Monkey Bread Breakfast Pull-Apart

A sweet, sticky pull-apart bread that feels festive and fun for kids.
Ingredients

• Pre-made biscuit dough
• 1 cup sugar + cinnamon
• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup brown sugar

Method
Dip dough pieces in cinnamon sugar, layer in a bundt pan, and pour melted butter and brown sugar over top. Bake until golden and serve warm.

10.) Fruit & Yogurt Parfait Bar

Add a lighter, customizable option with seasonal fruits.
Ingredients

• Greek yogurt
• Honey or maple syrup
• Fresh berries, pomegranate seeds, sliced bananas
• Granola
• Optional nuts or coconut flakes

Method
Set out bowls of toppings and let everyone build their own parfaits — an easy, healthy complement to the heartier items.

Final Festive Thoughts

These Christmas morning breakfast recipes will help you craft a festive spread that’s both delicious and memorable, with options you can prep ahead or assemble with the kids while the coffee brews. Enjoy the smells, the smiles, and the sense of togetherness as you celebrate!