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Genius Make Ahead Christmas Brunch Recipes For A Calm Morning
Struggling to enjoy Christmas morning from behind a mountain of mixing bowls? You’re not alone. So many of us want to create a magical holiday meal, but we end up missing the actual magic while we cook. The stress of getting a festive brunch on the table can turn a joyful celebration into a frantic race against the clock.
The secret to a calm, delicious holiday is a make-ahead Christmas brunch. By preparing incredible dishes the day before, you can serve a festive feast with almost no morning-of effort. This guide will show you exactly how with foolproof recipes and a stress-free timeline, so you can be present for every moment.
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Tired of a Hectic Christmas Morning? Here’s the Secret to a Calm, Delicious Brunch
I remember one Christmas morning vividly. The kids were tearing open presents, carols were playing, but I was frantically flipping pancakes, burning bacon, and feeling my holiday cheer evaporate with every new dirty dish. I was hosting, but I wasn’t present. That’s when I decided things had to change.
The solution was simpler and more delicious than I ever imagined: a make-ahead brunch. This isn’t about serving leftovers; it’s a genius strategy of assembling impressive, crowd-pleasing dishes on Christmas Eve. When you wake up, all you have to do is pop them in the oven.
This shift transformed my holiday. It allowed me to trade the chaos of the kitchen for creating family memories. This guide is built on years of experience, sharing the exact recipes and the foolproof timeline I use to guarantee a peaceful, stress-free, and utterly delicious Christmas morning. You deserve to enjoy the magic, too.
9 Genius Make-Ahead Christmas Brunch Recipes for a Calm Morning
These aren’t just any recipes. Each one has been selected because it’s specifically designed for this make-ahead strategy. They are tried-and-true, tested for their reliability, and guaranteed to be crowd-pleasers. From indulgent sweet bakes to hearty savory casseroles, this list has everything you need to build the perfect, stress-free Christmas brunch menu.
1. Overnight Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
Pin this magical morning treat to your ‘Christmas Recipes’ board!
This is the ultimate sweet centerpiece for your Christmas brunch. It combines the gooey, cinnamon-swirl goodness of a cinnamon roll with the rich, custardy texture of a perfect French toast bake. Prepping it the night before allows the rich brioche bread to soak up all the deliciousness, ensuring a perfect bake.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf (16 oz) of day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- For the Cinnamon Swirl: 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp cinnamon
- For the Icing: 4 oz cream cheese (softened), 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Prep the Night Before: Arrange the bread cubes in a greased 9×13-inch ceramic baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, and vanilla. Pour evenly over the bread.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the swirl. Dollop over the casserole and gently swirl with a knife.
- Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Christmas Morning: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for another 20-25 minutes until golden and set.
- While baking, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the warm casserole before serving.
Using day-old, slightly dry bread is the non-negotiable secret. It soaks up the custard without turning into mush, creating the perfect texture.
2. Savory Sausage and Croissant Brunch Bake
Save this savory showstopper for a stress-free Christmas!
For the perfect savory counterpoint, this brunch bake is a guaranteed hit. Using flaky, buttery croissants instead of regular bread makes it feel exceptionally elegant. The combination of savory breakfast sausage, nutty Gruyère cheese, and rich egg custard is pure comfort and joy.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 lb savory breakfast sausage
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4-5 large, day-old croissants, torn into large pieces
- 1.5 cups shredded Gruyère or white cheddar cheese
- 10 large eggs
- 2.5 cups half-and-half
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Prep the Night Before: In a large non-stick skillet, cook the sausage and onion until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- Spread the torn croissants in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the sausage mixture and 1 cup of the shredded cheese.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour evenly over the croissant mixture.
- Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.
- Christmas Morning: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Uncover the dish and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, until the center is set and the top is golden and puffy. Let rest for 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh chives before serving.
Using high-quality, all-butter croissants makes a huge difference. If you can find them from a local bakery, it elevates this dish from great to unforgettable.
3. Make-Ahead Cheesy Potato Gratin
The perfect savory side dish! Pin this recipe for your holiday menu.
Every great brunch needs a stellar potato side dish, and this gratin is the answer. Thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes are baked in a creamy, garlic-infused sauce with Gruyère and Parmesan until bubbly and golden. You can fully assemble it the night before, so on Christmas morning, it just needs to be baked to perfection.
Materials Needed:
- A mandoline slicer for ultra-thin, even potato slices
- 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- 1.5 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Prep the Night Before: Use the mandoline to slice potatoes 1/8-inch thick. Place slices in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning.
- In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, garlic, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Drain the potatoes well and add them to the simmering cream mixture. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring gently, until potatoes are slightly tender.
- Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup of Gruyère and the Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish. The dish can now be cooled, covered, and refrigerated overnight.
- Christmas Morning: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Gruyère on top.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the top is deeply golden and the cream is bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Don’t rinse the potatoes after slicing. The surface starch helps to thicken the cream sauce, creating a richer, more velvety gratin.
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4. Cranberry Orange Scones with Vanilla Glaze
Save this festive baking idea for a perfect holiday treat!
There’s nothing like the smell of fresh baking on Christmas morning. With this recipe, you get that irresistible aroma without the work. The scone dough, packed with festive tart cranberries and bright orange zest, is fully prepped and cut the night before. In the morning, you just bake them from cold for a perfectly tender, flaky result.
Supplies Needed:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) very cold, unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing
- 1 large egg
- A pastry blender or food processor
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Prep the Night Before: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Using a pastry blender, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the cranberries and orange zest.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Pour into the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pat the dough into an 8-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 8 wedges. Place the unbaked scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
- Christmas Morning: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the tops of the cold scones with a little heavy cream.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. While they cool slightly, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tbsp of milk and a splash of vanilla for the glaze. Drizzle over the warm scones.
The key to a tender, flaky scone is keeping the butter as cold as possible. Some people even freeze the butter and grate it into the flour.
5. Easy Overnight Egg and Ham Strata
The ultimate classic make-ahead brunch! Save this recipe now.
A strata is the quintessential make-ahead breakfast casserole for a reason: it’s practically foolproof. This classic combination of sourdough bread, savory diced ham, and sharp cheddar cheese is layered and then soaked in a simple egg mixture overnight. It bakes up into a beautifully puffed, golden, and satisfying dish that everyone loves.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf (1 lb) day-old sourdough or Italian bread, cubed
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 10 large eggs
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 tsp dry mustard powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A box grater for cheese
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Prep the Night Before: Grease an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish. Create a layer with half of the bread cubes.
- Top the bread with half of the diced ham and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat with another layer of bread, ham, and cheese.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture slowly and evenly over the layers in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Christmas Morning: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes, or until puffed, golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
For extra flavor, sauté some finely chopped onions or bell peppers and add them with the ham and cheese layers.
6. Pull-Apart Gingerbread Spice Monkey Bread
The most fun and festive breakfast! Pin this easy recipe.
If you have kids (or kids-at-heart), this is a must-make. Using canned biscuit dough as a shortcut makes this incredibly easy. The dough pieces are coated in gingerbread spices and sugar, then drenched in a buttery molasses-caramel sauce. Assemble it all the night before, and in the morning, bake it into a warm, gooey, pull-apart masterpiece.
Materials Needed:
- 2 cans (16.3 oz each) of refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands!)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp molasses
- A 10- or 12-cup Bundt or fluted tube pan
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Prep the Night Before: Grease the Bundt pan thoroughly. Separate the biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters.
- In a large zip-top bag, combine the granulated sugar and all the ground spices. Shake to mix.
- Add the biscuit pieces to the bag in batches, shaking to coat each piece evenly. Arrange the coated pieces in the prepared pan.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter with the brown sugar and molasses over medium heat, stirring until smooth. Pour this caramel sauce evenly over the biscuit pieces in the pan.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Christmas Morning: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is deep golden brown and the biscuits in the center are cooked through. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter.
Don’t be shy with the non-stick spray! The caramel sauce is sticky, so a very well-greased pan is essential for a clean release.
7. Crustless Spinach and Feta Quiche
A light, elegant, and easy brunch idea! Save this gluten-free recipe.
For a lighter, gluten-free savory option, this crustless quiche is perfect. It’s packed with flavor from salty feta, savory Parmesan, and healthy spinach. You can assemble the entire dish the night before, and it bakes into a light, fluffy, and elegant main course or side dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed very dry
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 8 large eggs
- 1.5 cups milk or half-and-half
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A 9-inch deep-dish pie plate
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Prep the Night Before: Grease the pie plate well.
- The most important step: Squeeze every last drop of water from the thawed spinach using your hands or a clean kitchen towel. This prevents a watery quiche.
- In a bowl, mix the dry spinach, feta cheese, Parmesan, and green onions. Spread this mixture evenly in the bottom of the pie plate.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until light and frothy.
- Pour the egg mixture over the spinach and cheese in the pie plate. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Christmas Morning: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, until the center is just set (it should have a slight jiggle) and the top is lightly golden. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
This dish can also be baked the night before, cooled completely, and refrigerated. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or warm the whole quiche in a 300°F oven until heated through.
8. Slow-Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Keep everyone warm and happy with this set-it-and-forget-it drink!
Free up your stove and let the slow cooker handle the drinks. This rich, creamy peppermint hot chocolate is a “dump and go” recipe. Just combine the ingredients a couple of hours before you want to serve it, and it stays perfectly warm for hours. Set up a toppings bar next to it and let everyone create their own masterpiece.
Ingredients Needed:
- 6 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract (or to taste)
- A 4-quart or larger slow cooker
- Toppings: whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies, mini marshmallows
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Christmas Morning (2 Hours Before Serving): This is a morning-of recipe, but it’s completely hands-off.
- Combine whole milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and chocolate chips in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours, whisking every 30 minutes to ensure the chocolate melts evenly and doesn’t stick.
- Once everything is melted and hot, turn the slow cooker to the “WARM” setting.
- Stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- Set up a “Hot Chocolate Bar” next to the slow cooker with mugs and bowls of toppings so guests can serve themselves.
Use good quality chocolate chips (like Ghirardelli or Guittard). They melt better and provide a much richer, less waxy flavor than cheaper brands.
9. Festive Cranberry-Ginger Mimosa
Cheers to a calm Christmas! Pin this simple holiday cocktail.
A festive cocktail makes any brunch feel more special. This holiday twist on a classic mimosa couldn’t be easier. The beautiful ruby color from the cranberry juice and the festive rosemary garnish make it look incredibly elegant, but it only takes seconds to assemble in the glass.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) of chilled Prosecco or other dry sparkling wine
- 2 cups chilled 100% cranberry juice (not cocktail)
- 1 cup chilled ginger ale or ginger beer for a spicier kick
- For Garnish: fresh cranberries, sprigs of fresh rosemary
- Champagne flutes
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Prep the Night Before: Ensure all your liquid ingredients are well-chilled in the refrigerator. This is the key to a great mimosa.
- Christmas Morning (Just Before Serving): This is assembled in the glass to maintain fizz.
- Set up a “Mimosa Bar” so guests can customize. Set out the chilled juices and sparkling wine.
- To make one drink: Fill a champagne flute about 1/3 full with cranberry juice.
- Add a small splash (about 1/6) of ginger ale.
- Top slowly with chilled Prosecco, pouring at an angle to preserve the bubbles.
- Garnish with a few fresh cranberries and a small sprig of rosemary, which looks like a tiny Christmas tree branch.
- For a Non-Alcoholic Version: Simply substitute sparkling apple cider or sparkling white grape juice for the Prosecco.
To keep your sparkling wine bubbly longer, open it right before serving. If making a large batch in a pitcher, combine the juices first and gently pour in the Prosecco at the very last second before bringing it to the table.
Your Stress-Free Christmas Brunch Game Plan: A Foolproof Timeline
Recipes are only half the battle. The real secret to a calm morning is a simple plan. This is the playbook that removes all the guesswork and lets you wake up feeling organized and in control.
Two or Three Days Before Christmas:
- Finalize Your Menu: Choose 1-2 main dishes, 1-2 sides, and your beverages from the list above.
- Write Your Shopping List: Go through each recipe and check your pantry. Make a detailed list.
- Do All Your Grocery Shopping: Get everything you need now to avoid the last-minute store rush.
Christmas Eve (Your Power Prep Day):
- Set the Table: Lay out your tablecloth, plates, cutlery, and napkins. Place serving dishes with sticky notes for what goes where.
- Assemble All “Overnight” Dishes: This is your main event! Prepare the French toast casserole, savory strata, potato gratin, etc., cover, and place in the fridge.
- Prep “Morning-Of” Ingredients: Make the scone dough and refrigerate. Chop any vegetables or herbs needed for garnish. Cook bacon or sausage if using.
- Set Up the Beverage Station: Place your slow cooker, mugs, and coffee maker on a counter away from your main cooking zone. Get toppings ready in small bowls.
- Tidy the Kitchen: Wash all prep dishes and wipe down counters. Waking up to a clean kitchen is a gift to yourself.
Christmas Morning (The “Enjoy” Phase):
- First Thing: Turn on the coffee maker and preheat the oven according to your recipe’s instructions.
- 60-75 Mins Before Eating: Place your main casseroles/stratas in the preheated oven. Set a timer!
- 30 Mins Before Eating: Place faster-baking items like scones or potatoes in the oven. Turn on the slow cooker for hot chocolate.
- 10-15 Mins Before Eating: As dishes come out of the oven, let them rest. Assemble the mimosa bar.
- Time to Eat! Unveil your beautiful, seemingly effortless brunch. Sit down with your family and enjoy the calm, delicious morning you created.
FAQs About easy christmas morning brunch recipes
What can I make for Christmas breakfast the night before?
The best dishes to make the night before are bread-based casseroles and bakes. Options like an overnight French toast casserole, a savory sausage strata, or a croissant breakfast bake are ideal. Their flavors actually improve overnight as the bread soaks up the egg mixture, saving you precious time on Christmas morning.
How do you keep brunch warm for a crowd?
Use a combination of your oven and small appliances. Set your oven to a low “warm” setting (around 200°F/93°C) to hold casseroles after they’re cooked. A slow cooker is perfect for keeping dishes like potatoes, grits, or hot chocolate warm, and an electric warming tray is excellent for a buffet setup.
What are some good Christmas brunch ideas for kids?
Interactive and fun recipes are big winners with kids. Pull-apart monkey bread is always a favorite. You can also create a “toppings bar” for pancakes or baked oatmeal with festive sprinkles, chocolate chips, and fruit. Cinnamon rolls shaped like Christmas trees are another simple and engaging option.
Final Thoughts
This year, give yourself the best gift of all: a peaceful, present, and delicious Christmas morning. With a little planning, you can step out of the kitchen and into the memories being made.
What’s your family’s must-have Christmas morning brunch dish? Share your traditions in the comments below
Last update on 2025-11-12 at 12:18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
