What to Make for Breakfast on Christmas Morning

When you think about planning a Christmas meal, you probably start with dinner. Maybe you’ll make a roast or a spiral sliced ham or a turkey. But I’d argue that breakfast is an even more important part of your holiday festivities. It’s a great way to start the day before opening presents—or a good excuse to take a break from opening them if you’re starting early.

But what exactly should you make for the first meal of the holiday? While you don’t have to feel bound by any conventions, there are a few dishes that we come back to time and time again for their simplicity, snackability and, of course, deliciousness. The following are some of the best breakfasts to make for Christmas morning.

1. Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls can be an especially easy breakfast to make on Christmas morning, particularly if you use the store-bought variety. Want to make them from scratch instead? Consider preparing the dough ahead of time to keep things as fuss-free as possible on Christmas morning. Slather with icing and serve.

2. Quiche

Quiche is a perfect option for those who prefer a savory breakfast on Christmas morning but who don’t want to spend a ton of time making scrambled eggs, bacon and hashbrowns. Keep it simple and light with a veggie quiche, or opt for a heartier version with crumbled breakfast sausage, bacon or both.

3. Breakfast Tacos

If you’re serving a crowd, there’s perhaps no better Christmas morning breakfast than tacos. You can set out all the different components and have everyone make their own plate, choosing the toppings they prefer. Scrambled eggs, beans and fried potatoes are all good taco bases, and you can offer vegetables, cheese and salsa on the side.

4. Lox Bagels

Another good customizable Christmas breakfast option? Lox bagels. Smoked salmon feels fancy, so it’s ideal for a holiday. Capers and sliced red onion keep the flavors light and bright, while cream cheese is likely to appeal to even the pickiest of eaters in your family. Set out all the necessary ingredients, and have everyone make their own bagels.

5. Coffee Cake

When you want to keep things simple, a coffee cake is the way to go for Christmas morning breakfast. You can make it the night before, so you really don’t have to do anything the morning of. As the name suggests, it pairs well with coffee, and it’ll provide you with just enough sustenance to make it through until lunchtime.

6. Breakfast Pizza

Breakfast pizza may not be the most conventional Christmas breakfast option out there, but it is a solid choice if you’re looking for something that can serve a crowd. Pack it with savory ingredients like eggs, sausage and caramelized onions, and serve it in squares or slices along with a variety of condiments like hot sauce, chili flakes and Parmesan cheese.

7. Christmas Cookies

Why make things more complicated than they have to be? If you enjoy a sweet breakfast and you already have Christmas cookies on hand, it’s perfectly acceptable to enjoy a plate of them with a cup of coffee. And let’s be honest: It’s what the children in your family (and your inner child) really want, anyway.

8. Breakfast Casserole

Another ultra-easy Christmas morning breakfast is a breakfast casserole. These are usually egg- and sometimes potato-based, and you can pack them with breakfast meat, vegetables and plenty of cheese.

9. Waffles

Admittedly, waffles are more time-consuming than most of the other ideas on this list. But if you’re willing to put in some work on Christmas morning, waffles can be an especially fun breakfast. Put out a wide variety of toppings, from the typical butter and syrup to the more-indulgent whipped cream and sprinkles, so your guests can enhance their waffles as they wish.

10. Mimosas

Not everyone wants to eat right when they wake up, especially when there are presents to open. If there’s any day of the year when it’s acceptable to drink first thing in the morning on an empty stomach (in moderation, of course!), it has to be Christmas. My family always makes mimosas or Kir Royales, but Bloody Marys and Champagne are also perfect holiday morning options.

Samantha Maxwell is a food writer and editor based in Boston. Follow her on Twitter at @samseating.