A curated list of my favorite holiday breakfast recipes that are make-ahead friendly and crowd friendly! From casseroles and savory bakes to cozy pastries, sides, and drinks, this list is chock-full of delicious ideas!
Below the recipes, I also share a simple holiday morning game plan, my best tips for making ahead, freezing, and reheating as well as scaling for a crowd, and menu ideas for Thanksgiving and Christmas breakfast!
These holiday breakfast recipes are built for the mornings when the house is full and the oven is already spoken for. Whether it’s Thanksgiving morning before the turkey goes in, or Christmas morning between stockings and unwrapping gifts and family photos, you’d LOVE something special on the table without standing at the stove for an hour.
Most of these recipes do their work the night before. Overnight casseroles sit in the fridge until it’s time to bake. Cinnamon rolls and babka rise while you sleep. Sheet pan pancakes feed a crowd in one go. And there’s a full lineup of sides, spreads, and festive brunch drinks to round it all out.
Contents
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- Overnight breakfast casseroles & savory bakes
- Cinnamon rolls, babka & holiday pastries
- Pancakes, waffles & French toast for a crowd
- Breakfast sides, spreads & toppings
- Holiday brunch drinks
- Your holiday morning game plan
- Make-ahead, freezing & reheating tips
- Holiday breakfast menu ideas
- How to scale breakfast for a crowd
Overnight breakfast casseroles & savory bakes
An overnight breakfast casserole is a tried and true trick for a relaxed holiday morning. Assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning. Cozy, scrumptious, and they feed a crowd well!
1. Classic quiche lorraine
Quiche lorraine
Packed with bacon, chives, cheese, and eggs, and baked in an easy to make flaky and buttery crust. Bake it a day ahead and rewarm. Make-ahead, serves a crowd
Quiche lorraine recipe
2. Bacon and egg pie
Breakfast pie
Flaky pastry filled with bacon and whole eggs. It slices neatly and is just as good warm or at room temperature. Make ahead, serves a crowd
Bacon and egg pie recipe
3. Brioche French toast casserole
French toast casserole
Rich brioche soaks up a vanilla custard overnight and bakes up puffed and golden. The easiest way to serve French toast to ten people at once.Make ahead, serves a crowd, Christmas
Brioche French toast casserole recipe
4. Croissant bread pudding
Raspberry croissant bread pudding
Buttery croissants and tart raspberries in a creamy custard. Elegant enough for Christmas brunch, simple enough to assemble in a pinch.Make ahead, serves a crowd, Christmas
Croissant bread pudding recipe
5. Grilled cheese casserole with bacon
Bacon grilled cheese casserole
All the gooey, crispy comfort of grilled cheese, baked in one pan. The bacon is all cooked in the oven too, so you can cook it all at once. A guaranteed hit with kids.Serves a crowd
Bacon grilled cheese casserole recipe
6. Thanksgiving leftover strata
Thanksgiving leftover strata
Turn leftover turkey, stuffing, and sides into a savory egg bake that's chock-full of flavor for the morning after.Make ahead, serves a crowd, Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving leftover strata recipe
7. Breakfast pizza egg muffins
Breakfast egg muffins
Grab-and-go egg muffins packed with flavor with all the usual pizza toppings and add-ins. Perfect for a self-serve breakfast spread.Make ahead, freezer-friendly, serves a crowd, Thanksgiving, Christmas
Pizza egg muffins recipe
Cinnamon rolls, babka & holiday pastries
Honestly, it doesn’t even feel like holiday morning if the kitchen isn’t filling up with the smell of sweet, warming spices. Many of these doughs can rise overnight in the fridge, so the hard work is done before anyone’s awake.
8. Cinnamon rolls
Classic cinnamon rolls
Made with a rich, soft, fluffy bread dough, and stuffed with a delicious butter-cinnamon-sugar paste. Shape them the night before and bake in the morning.Make ahead, Christmas
Cinnamon rolls recipe
9. Brioche cinnamon rolls
Brioche cinnamon rolls
An extra-rich, pillowy version for a showstopper Christmas breakfast.Make ahead, Christmas
Brioche cinnamon rolls recipe
10. Chocolate babka
Chocolate babka
Swirls of fudgy chocolate filling through rich, buttery, tender bread. Bake it a day or two ahead.Make ahead, serves a crowd, Christmas
Chocolate babka recipe
11. Cinnamon babka
Cinnamon babka
Rich, buttery, soft bread loaf with swirls of sweet cinnamon, topped off with a delicious streusel topping. Perfect with coffee on a cold morning.Make ahead, serves a crowd, Christmas
Cinnamon babka recipe
12. Bostock pastry
Bostock pastry
A French bakery trick for day-old bread. Soaked in a sweet citrusy syrup, and baked with frangipane and sliced almonds on top! A delicious use for leftover babka or brioche or croissants.Make ahead, serves a crowd, Christmas
Bostock pastry recipe
13. Homemade croissants
French croissants
The ultimate holiday baking project, spread over a couple of days, with step-by-step photos and detailed instructions. A reader-favorite recipe for the most foolproof homemade croissants. Christmas
Homemade croissants recipe
14. Chocolate croissants
Pain au chocolat
Another foolproof, authentic recipe to make pain au chocolat with my reader-favorite, tried and true croissant dough. The recipe is for a small batch of 6 croissants, but I show how to easily double the recipe too. Christmas
Chocolate croissants recipe
15. Glazed doughnuts
Homemade doughnuts with vanilla glaze
All the tips to make perfect glazed doughnuts at home that are puffy and airy on the inside and tender on the outside. And dipped in a perfectly sweet vanilla glaze.Make ahead, serves a crowd, Christmas
Glazed doughnuts recipe
16. Strawberry custard brioche tarts
Brioche custard tarts
Beautiful individual brioche tarts filled with a creamy vanilla pastry cream and fruit. A festive centerpiece for a brunch table. Can store in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can make 16 mini tarts or 4 large tarts with this recipe.Make ahead, Christmas
Brioche custard tarts recipe
17. Classic cream scones
Cream scones
Tender, flaky, tall scones ready in under an hour. Serve with lemon curd and jam for a cozy holiday breakfast or brunch. Make ahead, freezer-friendly, serves a crowd, Christmas
Cream scones recipe
18. Muffins
Basic muffins
One simple batter, endless flavor variations. Try cranberry orange for Christmas or spiced apple for Thanksgiving. I also share two methods to make muffins; one method for a single batch, and a second method to make multiple batches at once.Make ahead, freezer-friendly, serves a crowd, Thanksgiving, Christmas
Basic muffins recipe
Pancakes, waffles & French toast for a crowd
Flipping pancakes one at a time while everyone waits is not my idea of a holiday. These recipes either bake all at once, rest overnight, or freeze ahead, so breakfast for a crowd lands on the table hot. And they are all very customizable with your choice of topping.
19. Sheet pan pancakes
Oven baked pancakes
Who wants soft, light, fluffy, delicious pancakes in a fraction of the time and effort as regular pancakes? One pan, one bake, a dozen fluffy squares. Top one half with berries and one half with chocolate chips. Or however else you like!Serves a crowd, Thanksgiving, Christmas
Sheet pan pancakes recipe
20. Pumpkin pancakes
Pumpkin pancakes with maple pecan topping
Easy, light, fluffy pancakes packed with fragrant pumpkin pie spice and topped with a decadent maple pecan topping. Perfect for Thanksgiving breakfast. Mix dry and wet ingredients together a day ahead, and mix those two together and make the pancakes on the morning of.Serves a crowd, Thanksgiving
Pumpkin pancakes recipe
21. Overnight yeasted waffles
Overnight yeasted waffles
Mix the batter before bed and wake up to the crispiest, lightest waffles you've ever made.Make ahead, serves a crowd, Thanksgiving, Christmas
Overnight yeasted waffles recipe
22. Spiced yeasted waffles
Spiced yeasted waffles with pecans and caramel apple compote
A holiday-favorite variation of my overnight yeasted waffles recipe. Packed with warming spice flavor, studded with toasted pecans, and topped with caramel apple pie filling.Make ahead, serves a crowd, Thanksgiving, Christmas
Spiced yeasted waffles recipe
23. Classic French crepes
Easy French crepes
Thin, delicate crepes for a build-your-own bar with lemon curd, jam, and fruit. The batter improves after resting overnight.Make ahead, serves a crowd, Thanksgiving, Christmas
Crepes recipe
24. Classic French toast
Easy French toast
Soft and custardy in the center, and caramelized on the outside, French toast is always a crowd-favorite! Slice the bread, make the egg-milk mixture, dip, pan fry. That's it. Serve with whipped cream, berries, or whatever you fancy!Serves a crowd, Thanksgiving, Christmas
Classic French toast recipe
25. Brioche French toast
Brioche French toast
Holiday French toast at its supreme! Rich, buttery brioche bread makes for decadent French toast. A very customizable recipe too. Perfect for Christmas breakfast or brunch.Make ahead, freezer-friendly, serves a crowd, Thanksgiving, Christmas
Brioche French toast recipe
26. French toast sticks
French toast sticks
Grab, dip, and eat. These are such a fun way to serve French toast. These kid-friendly French toast sticks freeze well and reheat in the oven.Make ahead, freezer-friendly, serves a crowd, Thanksgiving, Christmas
French toast sticks recipe
Breakfast sides, spreads & toppings
Round out the spread with a savory hash, sweet and savory homemade spreads, and a make-ahead extra that bring in the season’s flavors!
27. Roasted delicata squash
Roasted delicata squash
My favorite winter squash. It's also the easiest to prepare from the squash family, since there’s no peeling at all. These are naturally sweet, and you can make them even more delicious by roasting them.Make ahead, freezer-friendly, serves a crowd, Thanksgiving
Roasted delicata squash recipe
28. Delicata squash with bacon and pesto
Bacon roasted delicata squash
This sweet, creamy, roasted delicata squash served with bacon and a herby walnut pesto is chock-full of flavor! Serve as a holiday breakfast side or with a poached egg on top as a full meal.Make ahead, serves a crowd, Thanksgiving
Delicata squash with bacon and pesto recipe
29. Celeriac hash
Celeriac hash with bacon and Swiss chard
Earthy, sweet, oven roasted celeriac (celery root) hash with crispy bacon and garlic greens is such a flavor-packed Fall breakfast or brunch option.Make ahead, freezer-friendly, serves a crowd, Thanksgiving
Celeriac hash recipe
30. Oven roasted breakfast potato hash
Breakfast potato hash (with bacon and eggs)
Crunchy breakfast potatoes, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked eggs with a creamy, runny yolk! All cooked in one sheet pan and ready in 40 minutes with little active time on your part. Make ahead, serves a crowd, Thanksgiving, Christmas
Breakfast potato hash recipe
31. Strawberry sauce
Strawberry sauce topping
A versatile fruit sauce that you can use as a runny sauce or thicker filling or as a topping over pancakes, waffles, French toast, crepes etc. Make ahead, freezer-friendly, serves a crowd, Thanksgiving, Christmas
Strawberry sauce topping recipe
32. Bacon tomato jam
Bacon tomato jam
Packed with sweet, savory, umami, smoky flavors, you can make this with fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes in the offseason. Use it as a dip, spread, filling, sauce or relish.Make ahead, freezer-friendly, serves a crowd, Thanksgiving, Christmas
Bacon tomato jam recipe
33. Caramel apple pie filling
Caramel apple compote
Softened apple cooked in caramel and spices for a fruity, sweet, spicy filling. Spoon it over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a Thanksgiving-worthy topping.Make ahead, freezer-friendly, serves a crowd, Thanksgiving
Caramel apple pie filling recipe
34. Smoked salmon canapés
Smoked salmon canapés
Elegant bites that turn a holiday brunch board into something truly special. I use smoked salmon in the filling too here, along with sour cream, for a more tangy and lighter filling that’s full of flavor!Make ahead, serves a crowd, Christmas
Smoked salmon canapés recipe
Holiday brunch drinks
A memorable holiday breakfast or brunch needs something festive in every glass. Here are a few cocktail ideas for the grown-ups, plus cozy hot drinks everyone can enjoy.
35. Gin and blood orange mimosa
Gin and blood orange mimosa
Blood oranges are at their best in winter, making this the perfect Christmas brunch mimosa. Floral, citrusy, earthy, and delicious! Make ahead, Christmas
Gin and blood orange mimosa recipe
36. Ginger lychee sangria blanca
Ginger lychee sangria blanca
Mix a pitcher ahead and let the flavors develop overnight. Sweet, fruity, and refreshing.Make ahead, serves a crowd, Thanksgiving, Christmas
Ginger lychee sangria blanca recipe
37. Gold shimmery champagne cocktail
Gold champagne cocktail
Edible shimmer makes every glass sparkle. Great for Christmas morning through New Year's.Serves a crowd, Christmas
Gold shimmery champagne cocktail recipe
38. Spiced hot apple cider
Spiced hot apple cider
Sweet apple cider infused with warming spices and lots of cinnamon is the perfect pick me up when the weather turns cool during the holidays. And add a little rum or bourbon for a spiked apple cider that’ll warm you up even more!Make ahead, serves a crowd, Thanksgiving
Spiced hot apple cider recipe
39. Pumpkin spice coffee creamer
Homemade pumpkin spice coffee creamer
Enjoy a warm, cozy, delicious cup of pumpkin spice latte for holiday brunch with this easy homemade coffee creamer. Creamy with plenty of pumpkin flavor and a dash of cinnamon.Make ahead, serves a crowd, Thanksgiving
Pumpkin spice coffee creamer recipe
40. Homemade eggnog
Homemade eggnog (no raw eggs)
Tastes SO much better than store-bought! This recipe makes a thick, creamy, warmly spiced eggnog made with pasteurized egg whites and cooked egg yolks, so it's safe to drink for anyone! You can make it with or without alcohol too.Make ahead, serves a crowd, Christmas
Homemade eggnog recipe
41. Masala chai
Masala chai
Warmly spiced milk tea that tastes like the holidays in a mug. Make a big pot on the stove.Make ahead, serves a crowd, Thanksgiving, Christmas
Masala chai recipe
42. Peanut butter hot chocolate
Peanut butter hot chocolate
Rich, creamy, and a little indulgent. A Christmas-morning treat for kids and adults alike! Feel free to make a big batch for a crowd.Make ahead, serves a crowd, Christmas
Peanut butter hot chocolate recipe
Your holiday morning game plan
The night before
- You can store bread puddings and casseroles in the fridge overnight. The custard in the bread pudding will absorb into the bread more evenly through the night, and the flavors in the casserole will have a chance to mingle. You can bake them before serving, so they can be served piping hot!
- Depending on the recipe, the cinnamon rolls can also be rolled up and stored in the fridge overnight. You can bake some cinnamon rolls straight from the fridge, while for others, you may need to proof them a little longer at room temperature before baking.
- My favorite waffle recipe is a yeasted waffle! So, it’s the perfect waffle mixture that you can make the night before. The overnight proof does all the hard work, and you only have to cook the waffles in the morning.
- Don’t forget condiments! You can easily make all the holiday-worthy condiments the day or night before.
- Don’t forget to make the chilled drinks ahead of time too, whether it’s cocktails or mocktails, make sure your drinks are made ahead of time and properly chilled. Also make sure to chill the soda or bubbly you use in their bottles, so they will be freshly fizzy and chilled the next day.
- If I know I’ll be serving iced coffee or iced tea, I’ll make this the night before too. Espresso shots into a bottle and straight into the fridge to cool down, so that it’s easier for me to assemble iced coffee drinks on the morning of.
- While you have all the food items prepped and ready for the next day, you might as well get all the plates, cutlery, serving dishes, and bowls and pitchers clean and ready to go too!
The morning of
- Remove the cinnamon rolls first from the fridge, especially if they need to proof a little longer before going into the oven.
- Take out the casserole and / or bread pudding from the fridge as you start to preheat the oven.
- Bake the casserole / bread pudding first, so that it can cool down slightly and settle while you bake the rest.
- Then bake the bread rolls and / or cinnamon rolls. While they’re baking, make the glaze that goes with the cinnamon rolls.
- Get the hot drinks ready to go; brew coffee, make tea (like masala chai or regular milk tea), and keep it warm.
- Set out all the condiments and spreads and the cold drinks; iced coffee, mimosas, mocktails, or cocktails.
- Finally, bake half sheet pancakes, or the one sheet breakfast hash, so that they’ll be hot and ready to go while you’re guests are already there. Once they’re in the oven, you can still mingle with your family and guests and serve brunch warm and straight out of the oven!
Make-ahead, freezing & reheating tips
- You can make casseroles the night before and bake the morning of. But you can also bake them ahead of time and freeze for later too! Just let the casserole thaw in the fridge overnight, and reheat in the oven before serving.
- One of my favorite things to make ahead and freeze is bread! Because of the multiple proofing steps and shaping, it can take some time to bake. Proofing times are important, so I prefer to make the bread buns and bread loaves ahead of time; such as brioche, or babka, or even milk bread, and then FREEZE them once they cool down. This allows me to reheat the bread the day that I’ll be serving them, and they taste like they were JUST baked! No guesstimating proof times the morning of.
- Quiches and egg-based dishes (i.e. bread pudding, strata, French toast casserole etc.) need to be made the night before. If needed, you can reheat them in the oven before serving.
- Reheating – I prefer to preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and then reheat all the dishes at different stages. Food that was made in larger dishes (casseroles, quiches etc.) take the longest to reheat. I like to use a thermometer to check the internal temperature to ensure I reheated the food to the correct temperature.
- You can also reheat breads at the same temperature, and they’ll take a shorter time to reheat. Again, you can use a thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Holiday breakfast menu ideas
Thanksgiving morning (light, before the big meal)
- Main – Pumpkin pancakes / pizza egg muffins / overnight yeasted waffles
- Something sweet – Cinnamon rolls / muffins
- Side – Roasted delicata squash / celeriac hash / caramel apple pie filling
- Drink – Coffee with pumpkin spice creamer / masala chai
Day after Thanksgiving
- Main – Thanksgiving leftover strata
- Something sweet – Sheet pan pancakes / spiced yeasted waffles
- Side – Oven toasted breakfast potato hash / strawberry sauce / bacon tomato jam
- Drink – Spiced hot apple cider
Christmas morning (make ahead)
- Main – Brioche French toast casserole / bacon and egg pie / French crepes
- Something sweet – Brioche cinnamon rolls / cream scones
- Side – Strawberry sauce / bacon tomato jam
- Drink – Blood orange mimosa / eggnog / peanut butter hot chocolate
Christmas brunch (showstopper)
- Main – Quiche lorraine / bacon and egg pie
- Something sweet – Bostock pastry / French toast sticks / Strawberry custard brioche tarts
- Side – Smoked salmon canapés
- Drink – Gold champagne cocktail / ginger lychee sangria blanca
How to scale breakfast for a crowd
- For bigger crowds, make sure to keep things simple.
- You don’t have to add MORE dishes, just choose the main dish, one or two side dishes, and a sweet dish. You can offer two types of beverages, or to make it even simpler, you can purchase premade drinks in different flavors (like sparkling water or non-alcoholic drinks).
- Make double (or more) batches of the recipes that you’re serving, but instead of using a larger casserole dish, make it in multiple standard casserole dishes. The guesswork to calculate the new baking time with new dishes may not always work out. It’s also much easier to make casseroles in the standard size, than making smaller individual ones for a larger crowd.
- If your oven allows it, use larger sheet pans for roasting potatoes, or vegetables. You can still use standard sheet pans (half sheet pan) for recipes like sheet pan pancakes, where the size has an impact on bake times.
- Instead of plating individual plates, have a serving station, where your guests can serve themselves. Even having a breakfast sandwich or pancake station, where they build their own sandwiches or pancake / waffle plate!
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