Christmas morning is magical—but let’s be honest: between the early wake-up call, gift wrapping chaos, and endless family excitement, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where make-ahead Christmas brunch recipes come to the rescue.
Imagine waking up to a home that smells like cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh-baked goodness… all without scrambling eggs or flipping pancakes in your pajamas. These make-ahead brunch ideas are designed to simplify your holiday morning while still delivering the warm, comforting flavors everyone craves.
Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just feeding your family before the holiday festivities begin, these recipes check all the boxes:
- Minimal effort on the day-of
- Festive and crowd-pleasing flavors
- Perfect balance of sweet and savory options
- Kid-approved, freezer-friendly, or prep-the-night-before flexibility
From cozy casseroles and overnight bakes to fruity muffins and elegant egg dishes, this roundup has something for every kind of holiday morning—whether you’re serving cocoa in slippers or mimosas with friends.
So pour yourself a hot drink, queue up the carols, and let’s make Christmas morning the easiest and most delicious one yet—with 12 make-ahead brunch recipes that do the heavy lifting while you enjoy the moment.
Overnight Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Sweet, gooey, and ready to bake in the morning
This Overnight Cinnamon Roll Casserole is the ultimate make-ahead Christmas morning treat. With layers of soft cinnamon rolls soaked in a rich custard, it bakes into a warm, gooey, crowd-pleasing brunch centerpiece—no kneading or yeast required. Perfect for serving a family or group with zero stress on the big morning.
Ingredients
Serves 8
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing included)
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for topping
- Optional: extra maple syrup or powdered sugar for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the night before:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and spread evenly in the dish. - In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls, making sure all pieces are coated.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (at least 6 hours).
- On Christmas morning:
Remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats to 350°F (175°C). - Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through in the center.
- Drizzle the reserved icing (from the cinnamon roll cans) over the top while warm. Add optional toppings like chopped nuts, maple syrup, or powdered sugar.
Tips for Success
- For extra richness, substitute half-and-half for the milk and cream combo.
- Add raisins, dried cranberries, or apple chunks for a fruity twist.
- Bake until the center is firm to avoid a soggy middle.
Make It Festive
Serve with hot cocoa or spiced coffee, and garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar for that snow-dusted look. This casserole is sweet enough to be dessert, but festive enough to steal the breakfast spotlight.
Christmas Morning Breakfast Strata
Savory, cheesy, and prepped the night before
This hearty breakfast strata is the savory counterpart to sweet casseroles—packed with bread, eggs, sausage, veggies, and melty cheese. It’s ideal for Christmas morning because you can assemble it the night before, then just bake and serve. It feeds a crowd and keeps everyone full until dinner.
Ingredients
Serves 8–10
- 1 loaf French bread or sourdough, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 6–7 cups)
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (or bacon), cooked and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1–2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- 8 large eggs
- 2¼ cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (or Swiss)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Optional toppings: fresh parsley, green onions, hot sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the night before:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread bread cubes evenly in the bottom. - In a skillet, sauté onion and bell pepper in olive oil until softened (about 5 minutes). Add spinach last if using, and cook just until wilted.
- Layer the cooked sausage and sautéed veggies over the bread in the dish. Sprinkle both cheeses evenly over the top.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and thyme. Pour evenly over the bread mixture, pressing down gently to help it absorb.
- Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 hours).
- On Christmas morning:
Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until golden and set in the center. If it browns too quickly, tent with foil during the last 15 minutes.
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped herbs if desired.
Tips for Success
- Use stale or day-old bread for better texture.
- Swap in veggies like mushrooms, broccoli, or green onions for variation.
- For vegetarian version, omit sausage and add more veggies and cheese.
Make It Festive
Use red bell pepper and spinach for a naturally “red and green” color combo. Serve with cranberry-orange juice or mimosas for a full Christmas morning experience.
Eggnog French Toast Bake
Festive, custardy, and filled with holiday spice
This cozy breakfast casserole takes everything you love about French toast and infuses it with the warm, nostalgic flavor of eggnog. Prepped the night before and baked in the morning, it’s an easy way to impress guests without lifting a finger after sunrise.
Ingredients
Serves 8–10
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (about 10 cups), cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup milk (whole preferred)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Optional topping: powdered sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream, or chopped pecans
Streusel Topping (Optional but amazing):
- ½ cup flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup cold butter, cubed
Instructions
- The night before:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add cubed bread evenly in the pan. - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, eggnog, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, gently pressing down to soak them. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- If using streusel: mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly. Refrigerate until morning.
- On Christmas morning:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the casserole and sprinkle streusel topping evenly over the top (if using). - Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. The center should be set but soft.
- Let cool 10 minutes before serving. Top with powdered sugar, syrup, or whipped cream if desired.
Tips for Success
- Use thick, stale bread like brioche, Texas toast, or French bread to avoid sogginess.
- Add chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or white chocolate chips for texture and holiday flair.
- For extra eggnog flavor, reduce milk and add ½ cup more eggnog.
Make It Festive
Serve warm with maple syrup, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top like snow, and add a cinnamon stick or holly sprig to the serving platter for a festive finish.
Make-Ahead Ham & Cheese Croissant Bake
Buttery, savory, and irresistibly cheesy
This make-ahead croissant casserole is a buttery, rich dish that brings together flaky croissants, salty ham, and melty cheese in a creamy egg custard. It’s a perfect crowd-pleaser for Christmas morning—hearty, comforting, and no stress when everyone’s hungry and the gifts are unwrapped.
Ingredients
Serves 6–8
- 5–6 large butter croissants, torn into large pieces
- 1½ cups diced cooked ham
- 1½ cups shredded Swiss cheese (or Gruyère)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1¾ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, but adds depth)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional garnish: chopped chives or green onions
Instructions
- The night before:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange torn croissant pieces in the dish, layering with ham and both cheeses. - In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissants, pressing gently to help them absorb the liquid.
- Cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- On Christmas morning:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the fridge and let sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. - Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions for a fresh finish.
Tips for Success
- Use day-old croissants for better texture—they soak up the custard without falling apart.
- Try cooked bacon, turkey, or vegetarian sausage instead of ham.
- Swiss cheese gives it a French flair, but cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack also work well.
Make It Festive
Use a mix of red and green ingredients (think red peppers and herbs) to make the bake look more Christmassy. Serve with a simple fruit salad and coffee for a well-rounded brunch.
Cranberry Orange Muffins
Bright, zesty, and freezer-friendly
These cranberry orange muffins bring together tart cranberries, sweet citrus, and a tender crumb—perfect for a festive morning. You can bake them days ahead, freeze them, and warm them up just before serving.
Ingredients
Makes 12 muffins
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
¾ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
¼ cup orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
Optional: coarse sugar for topping
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Add wet ingredients to the dry and stir until just combined. Fold in cranberries. Divide batter evenly among the muffin cups and sprinkle with coarse sugar if using. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Tips for Success
Use fresh cranberries for a tangier bite, but frozen work well too—no need to thaw. Don’t overmix the batter to keep muffins light and fluffy. Add chopped walnuts or white chocolate chips for a fun variation.
Make It Festive
Serve in a lined basket with a sprig of rosemary and orange slices for holiday flair. These muffins pair beautifully with hot cider or coffee.
Sausage, Egg & Potato Breakfast Casserole
Hearty, flavorful, and feeds a crowd
This all-in-one breakfast casserole is packed with sausage, eggs, potatoes, and cheese—everything you need in one pan. Assemble it the night before and simply bake it in the morning for a no-stress, filling brunch that keeps everyone happy until Christmas dinner.
Ingredients
Serves 8–10
1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy), cooked and crumbled
6 cups frozen diced hash brown potatoes, thawed
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup diced bell pepper (red or green)
½ cup diced onion
8 large eggs
1½ cups whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon paprika
Optional: green onions or hot sauce for garnish
Instructions
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the thawed hash browns evenly in the bottom. Top with cooked sausage, bell pepper, onion, and shredded cheese. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the ingredients in the dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
On Christmas morning:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the casserole sit at room temperature while the oven heats. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for Success
You can swap in bacon or ham instead of sausage. Add spinach or mushrooms if you want more veggies. Make it spicy with pepper jack cheese or red pepper flakes.
Make It Festive
Use red and green bell peppers for a classic holiday color scheme. Serve with fresh fruit and coffee for a complete Christmas morning meal.
Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal
Cozy, spiced, and naturally sweetened
This warm and comforting baked oatmeal is filled with gingerbread spices and molasses, making it taste like Christmas morning in a bowl. Prep it the night before and just bake it in the morning. It’s wholesome, festive, and perfect for both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Serves 6–8
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1¾ cups milk (dairy or almond)
¼ cup molasses
¼ cup maple syrup or brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup melted butter or coconut oil
Optional: chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins
Instructions
Grease an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish. In a large bowl, mix oats, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, molasses, syrup, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring just to mix. Fold in any optional add-ins. Pour mixture into the prepared dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
On Christmas morning:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the oatmeal from the fridge and bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden. Serve warm with milk, cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Tips for Success
Use rolled oats, not quick oats, for best texture. Add a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. This reheats beautifully and can be frozen in slices.
Make It Festive
Top with dried cranberries or crushed candied pecans. Serve in mugs with a cinnamon stick for a warm, rustic touch.
Spinach & Feta Breakfast Quiche (Make-Ahead)
Elegant, cheesy, and packed with flavor
This savory spinach and feta quiche is a classic make-ahead dish that feels fancy but is incredibly simple to prep. You can bake it fully in advance or assemble it the night before and bake fresh in the morning. Great warm or at room temperature, it’s perfect for a stress-free holiday brunch.
Ingredients
Serves 6–8
1 9-inch deep-dish pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
5 large eggs
1¼ cups half-and-half or whole milk
1½ cups fresh spinach, chopped
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
¼ cup finely chopped onion
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). If using a raw pie crust, prick the bottom with a fork and pre-bake for 8–10 minutes to prevent sogginess. In a skillet, sauté the onion in a bit of oil until softened. Add spinach and cook until wilted. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg. Spread spinach mixture and cheeses evenly into the crust. Pour egg mixture on top. Cover tightly and refrigerate if baking later.
To bake fresh:
Bake at 375°F for 35–45 minutes or until center is set and top is lightly golden. Let cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
To reheat a pre-baked quiche:
Cover with foil and reheat at 300°F for 15–20 minutes.
Tips for Success
Use a deep-dish crust to avoid overflow. Add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for variety. Let quiche cool fully before slicing for neat pieces.
Make It Festive
Serve with roasted red pepper garnish or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Pair with a cranberry mimosa for a brunch-worthy presentation.
Holiday Fruit Salad with Citrus-Honey Dressing
Colorful, refreshing, and bright on the table
This holiday fruit salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that brings a pop of color and balance to your brunch spread. With a simple citrus-honey dressing, it tastes festive without being heavy—and it can be made completely in advance. Perfect for lightening up your Christmas morning meal.
Ingredients
Serves 6–8
1½ cups red grapes, halved
1½ cups green grapes, halved
1½ cups pineapple chunks
1 cup strawberries, sliced
1 cup kiwi, peeled and sliced
½ cup pomegranate arils
2 small oranges, segmented or cut into half-moons
¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)
Citrus-Honey Dressing
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
Instructions
Wash, peel, and chop all fruits as needed. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, orange juice, lemon juice, and zest. In a large bowl, gently combine all the prepared fruit. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss lightly to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
Tips for Success
Use firm, fresh fruit so it holds up overnight. Add apples or pears right before serving to prevent browning. Chill well for best flavor and texture.
Make It Festive
Use red and green fruits like kiwi, strawberries, grapes, and pomegranate for a beautiful holiday palette. Serve in a glass trifle bowl or a white platter for elegant presentation.
Red Velvet Pancakes (Batter Made Night Before)
Rich, festive, and drizzled with cream cheese glaze
These eye-catching red velvet pancakes bring a dessert-worthy twist to your holiday brunch. The chocolatey batter is made the night before, so all you need to do Christmas morning is heat the griddle and start flipping. Top with a tangy cream cheese glaze for a decadent finish.
Ingredients
Makes 12–14 pancakes
1½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1¼ cups buttermilk
2 large eggs
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel or liquid)
Cream Cheese Glaze
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and red food coloring until smooth. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. Cover and refrigerate the batter overnight.
On Christmas morning:
Heat a nonstick griddle or pan over medium heat and lightly grease. Stir the batter gently. Scoop about ¼ cup per pancake onto the griddle. Cook for 2–3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook another 1–2 minutes. Keep warm in a 200°F oven if needed.
To make glaze:
Whisk cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over pancakes just before serving.
Tips for Success
If batter thickens overnight, add a splash of milk before cooking. Use a cookie cutter or mold to create holiday shapes. These pancakes freeze well—reheat in a toaster or oven.
Make It Festive
Serve stacked with powdered sugar “snow” and crushed peppermint for a show-stopping holiday look. Pairs well with hot cocoa or mochas.
Mini Breakfast Burritos (Freezer-Friendly)
Portable, protein-packed, and great for grab-and-go mornings
These mini breakfast burritos are filled with eggs, sausage, cheese, and veggies—all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. They’re easy to make in batches, freeze beautifully, and reheat in minutes. Great for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for low-maintenance Christmas mornings.
Ingredients
Makes 10–12 mini burritos
10–12 small flour tortillas (6-inch size)
8 large eggs
½ cup milk
1 cup cooked breakfast sausage or crumbled bacon
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup diced bell pepper (any color)
½ cup diced onion
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon butter or oil for cooking
Optional: hot sauce, salsa, or avocado for serving
Instructions
In a skillet, sauté bell pepper and onion in butter over medium heat until softened. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour into skillet with the veggies and scramble until cooked through. Let cool slightly. Warm tortillas slightly to prevent tearing. Fill each tortilla with about 2 tablespoons of egg mixture, a spoonful of sausage, and a sprinkle of cheese. Roll tightly into burritos, folding in the sides.
Make-ahead method:
Wrap each burrito in foil or plastic wrap. Place in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat:
Microwave wrapped in a paper towel for 60–90 seconds, or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.
Tips for Success
Don’t overfill or they’ll be hard to roll. Add cooked potatoes, spinach, or black beans for variety. Use parchment to prevent freezer stickiness.
Make It Festive
Serve with red salsa and chopped green onions for a holiday color pop. Create a DIY burrito bar if serving fresh!
Overnight Chia Yogurt Parfaits with Cranberries
Creamy, refreshing, and layered with festive flair
These layered parfaits are a healthy yet indulgent make-ahead option for Christmas brunch. With creamy chia pudding, tangy yogurt, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce or compote, they’re beautiful in glass jars and completely prep-ahead friendly—just grab and serve!
Ingredients
Makes 4–6 parfaits
1½ cups plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
¼ cup chia seeds
2–3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup cranberry sauce or homemade cranberry compote
½ cup granola or crushed nuts for topping
Optional garnish: orange zest, fresh mint, pomegranate seeds
Instructions
In a bowl or large jar, mix milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, and vanilla. Stir well and let sit for 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent clumping. Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours until thickened. To assemble, layer chia pudding, yogurt, and cranberry sauce in jars or cups. Repeat layers if desired. Top with granola or nuts just before serving to keep it crunchy.
Tips for Success
Use unsweetened yogurt for less sugar or flavored yogurt for extra richness. Make your own cranberry compote with cranberries, orange juice, and maple syrup simmered until thick. Assemble parfaits in glass jars for easy presentation and storage.
Make It Festive
Top with red pomegranate seeds and green mint for instant holiday color. Add a ribbon around the jar and serve with tiny spoons for a gift-worthy touch.
Christmas morning should be filled with joy, laughter, and cinnamon-scented memories—not stress and scrambling in the kitchen. With these make-ahead brunch recipes, you can prep everything the night before and wake up knowing your holiday breakfast is already taken care of.
Whether you’re serving a house full of guests or enjoying a quiet celebration with family, these dishes are guaranteed to make your morning feel magical. From sweet and spiced bakes to savory casseroles and light parfaits, there’s something for every palate and every pace.
So pour the coffee, pass the plates, and enjoy a slow, meaningful start to one of the most special days of the year. Here’s to full bellies, warm hearts, and a Christmas morning that feeds both.
Happy holidays and happy brunching!