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Brilliant Christmas Breakfast Ideas To Make The Night Before
Tired of sprinting between the tree and the stove on Christmas morning? You want to savor every moment, but the pressure to create a special meal adds a layer of stress.
A make-ahead Christmas breakfast is your solution. These are festive, crowd-pleasing recipes designed to be fully assembled the night before. This simple shift in timing solves the problem of a chaotic holiday morning.
The best way to have a stress-free holiday meal is to choose make-ahead Christmas breakfast ideas. Recipes like overnight breakfast casseroles, French toast bakes, and cinnamon rolls can be prepped on Christmas Eve, so all you do in the morning is bake and serve. This guide will show you exactly how.
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Tired of a Hectic Christmas Morning? Here’s Your Stress-Free Solution
The scene is familiar: wrapping paper covers the floor, kids are buzzing with excitement, and you’re trying to soak it all in. But in the back of your mind, there’s a timer ticking on a complicated breakfast you still have to cook. The desire for a special, memorable holiday breakfast often clashes with the reality of a busy, chaotic Christmas morning.
Like you, I used to spend my Christmas morning in a frantic rush—until I discovered the magic of prepping the night before. The make-ahead method is the simple, brilliant solution that transforms a hectic morning into a relaxed and joyful one. By doing all the chopping, mixing, and assembling on Christmas Eve, you give yourself the gift of time. You get to be present for the memories instead of stuck in the kitchen.
This curated list of recipes is your key to a delicious, impressive, and completely stress-free Christmas breakfast.
9 Brilliant Christmas Breakfast Ideas You Can Make The Night Before
Here is the ultimate list of tried-and-true recipes for a relaxed holiday. You’ll find hearty and savory bakes, indulgent and sweet treats, and even some lighter options to please everyone at your table. Each of these 9 recipes has been selected for its reliability, delicious flavor, and foolproof make-ahead method, ensuring your Christmas morning is a success.
- Classic Overnight Sausage & Cheese Casserole
- Showstopper Overnight Cinnamon Rolls
- Baked Eggnog French Toast Casserole
- Hearty Hashbrown & Ham Breakfast Bake
- Cranberry Orange Scones (Prep-Ahead Dough)
- Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos
- Festive Baked Oatmeal with Apples & Cinnamon
- Gluten-Free Savory Breakfast Bake
- Overnight Monkey Bread with Caramel Sauce
1. Classic Overnight Sausage & Cheese Casserole
Pin this foolproof recipe for your next holiday gathering!
This savory breakfast casserole is a holiday classic for a reason. Combining sausage, cheese, and bread in a rich egg custard, it’s a complete meal in one dish. Assembling it the night before allows the bread to perfectly soak up the flavors, resulting in a creamy texture that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 6-8 slices of sturdy, slightly stale bread (brioche or challah work best), cubed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 10 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 tsp dry mustard powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- A 3-quart ceramic or glass baking dish (9×13 inch)
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly. Spread the cubed bread in an even layer across the bottom.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the bread, followed by 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheese.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined and slightly frothy.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it’s saturated.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or a lid.
- Refrigerate overnight, for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours.
- The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
- Bake, still covered, for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Pro-Tip: Using slightly stale or toasted bread is the secret to avoiding a soggy casserole. Dry bread acts like a sponge, perfectly absorbing the egg custard without turning to mush.
2. Showstopper Overnight Cinnamon Rolls
Save this indulgent recipe for the perfect Christmas treat!
Nothing says “special occasion” like the smell of warm cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. This recipe allows you to do all the work of making the dough and assembling the rolls the day before. The slow, cold proof in the refrigerator develops a deeper flavor and guarantees a perfectly fluffy texture.
Ingredients Needed:
- For the Dough: 1 cup warm milk, 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 egg, ¼ cup melted butter, 3-4 cups all-purpose flour, pinch of salt.
- For the Filling: ½ cup softened butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp ground cinnamon.
- For the Icing: 4 oz cream cheese (softened), ¼ cup softened butter, 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, ½ tsp vanilla extract.
- A high-quality stand mixer with a dough hook makes this much easier.
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Make the dough: In your stand mixer bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Mix in the remaining sugar, egg, and melted butter.
- Gradually add flour and salt, using the dough hook to mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled.
- Assemble the rolls: Punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle. Spread the softened butter for the filling over the dough, leaving a small border. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle it evenly over the butter.
- Roll the dough up tightly into a log. Cut into 9-12 even rolls and place them in a greased 9×13 inch pan.
- Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to rise slowly overnight (8-18 hours).
- The next morning, remove the rolls from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 45-60 minutes while the oven preheats to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- While baking, beat together all icing ingredients until smooth. Spread generously over the warm rolls.
Lesson Learned: Don’t let the rolls do their second rise at room temperature before refrigerating. The cold of the fridge is what controls the yeast, ensuring they don’t over-proof and taste sour.
3. Baked Eggnog French Toast Casserole
Pin this festive twist on a breakfast classic!
Infuse your Christmas morning with the iconic flavors of the season. This baked French toast casserole uses eggnog in the custard for a uniquely festive, rich, and creamy result. A buttery streusel topping adds a delightful crunch, making this a truly special holiday treat that requires zero flipping of individual bread slices.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 loaf (about 1 lb) of stale brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups full-fat eggnog
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- For the Topping: ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup packed brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ½ cup cold butter (cubed)
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the bread cubes in an even layer in the dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, milk, sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Pour the eggnog mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Press down gently to help the bread absorb the liquid. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and let the dish sit out.
- In a separate bowl, make the streusel topping. Combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, until the center is set and the topping is golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving with maple syrup.
Pro-Tip: For the richest flavor, use a full-fat, high-quality eggnog. The fat content is essential for creating a creamy, decadent custard base that doesn’t become watery after baking.
4. Hearty Hashbrown, Ham & Cheddar Bake
Save this easy, cheesy breakfast idea!
For those who crave a truly hearty, savory breakfast, this hashbrown bake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Using convenient frozen hashbrowns and leftover ham makes assembly a breeze. The creamy, cheesy potato mixture bakes up with crispy edges and a tender center—pure comfort food for a cozy Christmas morning.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 bag (30 oz) frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup melted butter
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Directions:
- The night before, ensure your hashbrowns are fully thawed. Squeeze out any excess moisture with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. This is a critical step!
- In a very large bowl, combine the thawed hashbrowns, diced ham, 1 ½ cups of the cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, green onions, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together until evenly combined.
- Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheese.
- Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.
- The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and the edges are golden brown. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Lesson Learned: You must get the thawed hashbrowns as dry as possible before mixing. Excess water from the frozen potatoes will make the final casserole watery and prevent the top from getting crispy.
5. Cranberry Orange Scones (Prep-Ahead Dough)
Pin this idea for a fresh-baked pastry experience on Christmas morning!
Enjoy the aroma and taste of fresh-from-the-oven pastries without the morning mess. The dough for these festive cranberry orange scones can be made, shaped, and frozen weeks in advance. On Christmas morning, you simply bake them directly from the freezer for a tender, flaky treat in under 25 minutes.
Materials Needed:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- Zest of 1 large orange
- ½ cup very cold butter, grated or cubed
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing
- 1 large egg
- A high-quality box grater for the butter.
Step-by-Step Directions:
- The night before (or weeks ahead): In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and orange zest.
- Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal with some pea-sized butter bits remaining.
- Gently stir in the cranberries.
- In a small bowl, whisk the heavy cream and egg together. Pour it into the flour mixture and stir with a fork until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Turn the shaggy dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Form it into a 1-inch thick circle.
- Cut the circle into 8 wedges. Place the unbaked scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Flash freeze the scones for 1 hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Christmas morning: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.
- Brush the tops with a little heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes directly from frozen, until golden brown.
Pro-Tip: Grating the frozen butter with a box grater is the best trick for flaky scones. It creates tiny, evenly distributed pockets of butter that melt during baking, producing a tender, layered texture.
6. Easy Freezer-Friendly Breakfast Burritos
Save this grab-and-go idea for a super easy Christmas morning!
For the ultimate easy Christmas breakfast, especially with kids or guests on different schedules, nothing beats freezer breakfast burritos. You can assemble a big batch weeks ahead of time, and on Christmas morning, everyone can reheat their own burrito in the microwave in just a few minutes.
Supplies Needed:
- 12 large flour tortillas
- 1 lb breakfast sausage or bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 12 large eggs, scrambled until just set (slightly undercooked)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Optional: 1 cup cooked diced potatoes or bell peppers
- High-quality aluminum foil and parchment paper for wrapping.
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Prepare your fillings: Cook the sausage/bacon, scramble the eggs (don’t overcook them!), and have your cheese and any other fillings ready.
- Crucially, allow all fillings to cool completely to room temperature. This prevents soggy tortillas.
- Lay out a tortilla. Add a portion of eggs, meat, and cheese down the center.
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to create a sealed burrito.
- Wrap each burrito tightly in a square of parchment paper, then wrap again tightly in aluminum foil. This two-layer wrap prevents freezer burn.
- Place all wrapped burritos in a large freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Remove foil and parchment. Wrap the frozen burrito in a damp paper towel and microwave for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- For a crispy exterior, you can pan-fry the reheated burrito in a lightly oiled skillet for a minute per side.
Lesson Learned: Don’t add wet ingredients like salsa or sour cream inside the burrito before freezing. This will guarantee a soggy mess. Serve them on the side after reheating for the best texture.
7. Healthy & Festive Baked Oatmeal
Pin this healthy yet delicious idea for a lighter holiday breakfast!
What most guides miss is a lighter, healthier option that still feels special and festive. This baked oatmeal is the perfect solution. It can be fully assembled the night before and is packed with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, apples, and cranberries. It bakes up into soft, sliceable squares that are both satisfying and nourishing.
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy works)
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced
- ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries
Step-by-Step Directions:
- The night before, grease an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: rolled oats, pecans, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Stir in the diced apple and cranberries.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, milk, and maple syrup.
- Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- The next morning, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake uncovered for 35-45 minutes, until the center is set and the edges are lightly browned.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with yogurt or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Pro-Tip: The overnight soak is key for a creamy texture. It allows the oats to soften and fully absorb the liquid, preventing a dry or chewy result.
8. Gluten-Free Savory Sausage & Veggie Bake
Save this delicious gluten-free breakfast idea for everyone to enjoy!
Catering to dietary needs doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or convenience. This breadless breakfast casserole is naturally gluten-free and packed with protein and vegetables. By skipping the bread and loading up on sausage, peppers, and spinach, you get a vibrant, satisfying meal that can be prepped the night before and makes everyone feel included at the holiday table.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 large handfuls of fresh spinach
- 12 large eggs
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A non-stick deep pie dish or 8×8 baking pan.
Step-by-Step Directions:
- In a skillet, cook and crumble the breakfast sausage; set aside.
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the bell pepper and mushrooms until softened. Add the spinach and cook until just wilted. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, almond milk, oregano, salt, and pepper until very well combined.
- Grease your baking dish. Spread the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Pour the egg mixture over the top.
- At this point, you can cover and refrigerate the uncooked bake overnight.
- The next morning, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, until the eggs are completely set in the center and the top is lightly browned. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Lesson Learned: Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the bake is essential. It removes excess water, which would otherwise make the final dish soggy, and it deepens their flavor.
9. Decadent Overnight Caramel Monkey Bread
Pin this ultimate pull-apart treat for a fun and festive breakfast!
When you want an easy recipe with a huge “wow” factor, monkey bread is the answer. This version uses a brilliant shortcut—refrigerated biscuit dough—and is assembled entirely the night before. The biscuit pieces soak in a brown sugar and butter caramel sauce overnight, baking into a gooey, pull-apart masterpiece that is incredibly fun to eat.
Materials Needed:
- 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- For the Sauce: 1 cup packed brown sugar, ½ cup butter
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
- A 10- or 12-cup non-stick bundt pan.
Step-by-Step Directions:
- The night before, generously grease your bundt pan.
- Open the cans of biscuits and cut each biscuit into quarters.
- In a large zip-top bag, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Add the biscuit pieces, seal the bag, and shake until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Arrange the coated biscuit pieces in the prepared bundt pan. Sprinkle with pecans if using.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
- Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the biscuit pieces in the pan.
- Cover the bundt pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the pan sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the top is deep golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the pan cool for only 5-10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a large serving platter.
Pro-Tip: Don’t let the monkey bread cool for too long in the pan! The caramel will start to set and harden, making it difficult to remove. Inverting it while it’s still very hot and molten is key.
Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to a Perfect Christmas Breakfast
- Embrace the Overnight Method: The #1 rule for a stress-free morning is to do the work the day before. Choose a recipe designed for overnight refrigeration.
- Pick Your Style: Decide between a savory, all-in-one casserole (like the sausage or hashbrown bake) or an indulgent sweet treat (like cinnamon rolls or French toast).
- Don’t Fear the Sog: Prevent soggy casseroles by using stale, sturdy bread (brioche, challah) and by sautéing vegetables to remove excess moisture.
- Read the Recipe Twice: Pay close attention to steps like letting a cold dish rest at room temperature before baking, as this ensures even cooking.
- Plan a Simple Side: A fresh fruit salad is the perfect, no-cook accompaniment to any of these rich, baked dishes.
People Also Ask About Make-Ahead Christmas Breakfast
Will my overnight French toast casserole get soggy?
To prevent a soggy casserole, the key is using the right bread. Use sturdy, dry, or stale bread like brioche, challah, or French bread. These absorb the custard without disintegrating. Avoid soft, fresh sandwich bread at all costs. Letting it soak overnight actually helps create a creamy, not soggy, texture.
Can I freeze a breakfast casserole?
Yes, most breakfast casseroles freeze beautifully. You can freeze it unbaked or baked. For an unbaked casserole, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator for 24 hours before baking as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the cook time.
How do I know when an egg casserole is fully cooked?
The casserole is done when the center is set and no longer jiggly. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean, without any wet egg mixture on it. For food safety, the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
What can I serve with a Christmas breakfast casserole?
A fresh fruit salad is the perfect side dish. It provides a light, refreshing contrast to a rich, savory casserole. Other easy options include bacon or sausage (which can be baked in the oven on a sheet pan), yogurt with granola, or festive mimosas and a pot of fresh coffee.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas, give yourself the gift of a relaxed and present morning. By choosing one of these brilliant make-ahead breakfast ideas, you’re not just preparing food; you’re setting the stage for creating cherished memories with your loved ones without the frantic rush.
What is your family’s must-have Christmas morning breakfast tradition? Share it in the comments below
Last update on 2025-11-26 at 04:33 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
