You're probably already frantic trying to get all those last-minute Christmas details in order, but take a moment to consider these Christmas breakfast ideas you can make ahead of time. Anyone who celebrates Christmas knows that Christmas Day morning is easily one of the most hectic mornings of the year. No matter how old you are, you always wake up earlier than normal to open gifts in a frenzy of excitement, all while dealing with a possible hangover or just exhaustion from the Christmas Eve festivities the night before. If you're anything like my family, you're also sitting in a mess of wrapping paper and cookies and leftover wine glasses from the company the night before. Add to that the rush of getting ready for the day, and you barely have time for a good breakfast — which is one of the best parts of Christmas Day! This is exactly why you need some make-ahead breakfast recipes.
Sure, you could spend part of your Christmas morning in the kitchen, putting together a delicious and Instagram-picture-worthy breakfast, or you could make most of it the night (or a few days) before, stick it in the oven to heat it up, and eat. Which one sounds better to you? That's what I thought.
These make-ahead breakfast recipes are about to make your Christmas morning so much easier — and more delicious. Check 'em out, and deal with the struggle of trying to choose just one.
1. Overnight French Toast
Want something sweet and classic for breakfast? Go for French toast, which is easy to make, and can also be made overnight. This casserole from Deliciously Yum is made with blueberry syrup, but could probably be made with any other fruit syrup if you wanted.
2. Cheesy Breakfast Bake
Why make eggs, potatoes, and meat separate when you could make them all together in one dish? This breakfast bake by The Cozy Apron is full of cheesy goodness. Making it the night before is a great option because it allows the flavors to really mix in together.
3. Arugula And Mushroom Quiche
Quiche is amazing and it can sit in the refrigerator for up to three days. So, you can make this recipe by Cookie and Kate the night before or a day or two before if you really need to. Doesn't get much more simple than that!
4. Eggnog Chocolate Marzipan French Toast
There are so many good flavors in this French toast by Half-Baked Harvest that I honestly don't even know where to start. The eggnog makes this festive, the chocolate keeps it sweet and delicious. Leave the bread soaking in the mixture overnight for some serious flavor, then bake in the morning.
5. Breakfast Bread Pudding
Looking for something savory rather than sweet? This breakfast bread pudding by The Little Epicurean reminds me of a breakfast stuffing. With crispy bread, kale, peppers, and eggs, this is a great way to start your Christmas morning.
6. Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Just because it's not fall anymore doesn't mean you can't enjoy the lovely flavors of apple cinnamon. This slow cooker oatmeal by How Sweet It Is is great — combine the ingredients together before going to sleep, then let them cook and simmer while you sleep so you can wake up to breakfast, already almost finished. And in case you were worried oatmeal is boring, this includes a whipped maple cream that will bring it to another level.
7. Overnight Cinnamon Roll Bread
If you're going to have a super sweet breakfast with basically no healthy aspect to it at all, Christmas morning is the day to do it. This cinnamon roll bread by Half-Baked Harvest is supposed to be made overnight, and will result in some seriously happy family members in the a.m.
8. Chocolate Banana Crinkle Muffins
I made these muffins by Averie Cooks last week, and guys, they changed my life. I never knew a muffin could be so good. They're moist and sweet (but not too sweet), and they don't need anything added to them. They also stay fresh for a day or two, so you're fine to make them the day before.
9. Nutella Sticky Buns
These look so good that I honestly don't even know what to do with myself. Nutella. Bread. Caramel. More Nutella. Almonds. I'm freaking out. These are a lot of work, so if you have the time, choose this recipe by How Sweet It Is. They say to be served immediately, but you could make these and freeze them, or just let them sit overnight.
10. Sweet Potato Hash With Sausage And Eggs
I made sweet potato hash with eggs recently, and it was much more delicious than I thought it would be. This one can be cooked, then refrigerated for up to three days. Make it before Christmas, heat it up when you're ready — so easy! The Kitchn shows you how.
11. Gruyere, Apple, And Sage Scones
These scones by Good Life Eats can be made and then frozen for up to one month, if needed. You can also make them a day or two before, and then just stick them in a toaster oven the morning you're ready to eat them. Add some quick scrambled eggs, and you've got an easy breakfast everyone will love.
12. Eggnog Breakfast Crumble Crumb Cake
This is basically just crumb cake, and so it can definitely be made the day or night before. If you're into sweet breakfasts, this recipe by How Sweet it Is is perfect — and the eggnog makes it feel just right for Christmas.
13. Sausage, Artichoke, And Goat Cheese Egg Bake
This is another great option if you're looking for something more salty and savory. Sausage, artichokes, and goat cheese mix with eggs for a great bake you can prepare up to five days in advance. Head over to The Kitchn for the recipe.
14. Overnight Pumpkin Waffles
If you have not yet had enough of pumpkin, go for this pumpkin waffle recipe by Half-Baked Harvest. It's supposed to sit overnight, making it perfect for Christmas morning. Plus, this isn't just pumpkin waffles — it's smothered in pecan butter, cider syrup, and spiced apples. Drooling.
15. Tomato Zucchini Frittata
Looking for something lighter? Go for this tomato and zucchini frittata by Love and Lemons. While it doesn't specify that it can be made ahead of time, I often make frittatas and save them for a few days, so it can definitely be reheated.
16. Overnight Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls always scream "Christmas" to me for some reason, so the fact that these are supposed to sit overnight makes them even better. Just when you thought this sweet treat couldn't get sweeter, there's caramel and pecans on top. Find the recipe at Mom On Timeout.
17. Sausage Kale Tomato Strata
If you're making more of a brunch instead of a breakfast, this strata by Savory Sweet Life is a great option because it's filling and hearty. This can be made to eat right away, but it can also be made ahead of time and heated up in the morning.
18. Overnight Oatmeal Cinnamon Pancakes
Pancakes are typically made right before you eat them, because they can be tricky to heat up. These are supposed to sit overnight. It's a really simple recipe that is great for a no-frills, but good, breakfast. Thanks, Mel's Kitchen Cafe.
Looking for more holiday cheer? Check out Bustle on YouTube.
Images: Deliciously Yum; The Cozy Apron; Cookie and Kate; Half-Baked Harvest; The Little Epicurean; How Sweet It Is; Half-Baked Harvest; Averie Cooks; The Kitchn; Good Life Eats; How Sweet it Is; The Kitchn; Half-Baked Harvest; Love and Lemons; Mom On Timeout; Savory Sweet Life; Mel's Kitchen Cafe
