Christmas morning is magical, but it can also be hectic! Between the excitement of gifts and the joy of family gatherings, who has time to spend all morning in the kitchen? This year, let’s make things easier with delicious make-ahead breakfast and brunch recipes that allow you to enjoy the festivities without the fuss.
Overnight French Toast Bake: A Sweet Start
Imagine waking up to the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through the air. An overnight French toast bake is easy to prepare the night before. Layer slices of bread with a mixture of eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla, and let it soak overnight. In the morning, pop it in the oven for a decadent, hassle-free start to your Christmas.
Savory Breakfast Casserole: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser
For a savory option, try a make-ahead breakfast casserole. Layer cooked sausage, cheese, and bread in a baking dish. Pour over a mixture of eggs and milk, and refrigerate overnight. Baked in the morning, it’s a satisfying dish that feeds a crowd with minimal morning effort.
Festive Fruit Salad: A Refreshing Touch
A colorful fruit salad adds a refreshing and healthy element to your Christmas brunch. Combine seasonal fruits like pomegranates, oranges, and kiwis, and toss them with a honey-lime dressing. This can be made the night before and chilled until serving.
Mini Quiches: Bite-Sized Delights
Mini quiches are perfect for a grab-and-go option. Fill muffin tins with your favorite quiche ingredients – think ham, cheese, spinach – and cover with an egg mixture. Bake ahead and simply reheat in the morning. They’re as festive as they are convenient!
Christmas Morning Muffins: A Festive Bake
Muffins are a great make-ahead option. Try flavors like cranberry-orange or gingerbread for a festive touch. Bake them a day ahead and serve them warm or at room temperature as part of your brunch spread.
Smoked Salmon Platter: A Luxurious Addition
A smoked salmon platter is impressively easy. Arrange smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, red onion, and lemon slices on a platter. Cover and refrigerate overnight, and it’s ready to serve with bagels in the morning.
Holiday Granola: Crunchy and Merry
Homemade granola with nuts, dried fruit, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg is a crunchy, merry treat. Make it ahead and serve it with yogurt or milk for a simple yet delightful breakfast option.
With these make-ahead Christmas morning recipes, you can enjoy more time unwrapping presents and making memories with loved ones, and less time in the kitchen. From sweet bakes to savory casseroles and refreshing salads, there’s something to please everyone in the family. Here’s to a merry, delicious, and relaxed Christmas morning!
By Stanislav Kondrashov
