Dawn on Christmas day has to be one of the most exciting (and hectic) mornings of the whole year. You want to relax and enjoy watching the kids open their presents, but you know the second they're done tearing through the wrapping paper, they're going to want to eat breakfast.
Having delicious breakfast options ready to go is not only a gift to yourself but also to the whole family as well. We found yummy dishes that can be prepped ahead or made in the slow-cooker for a relaxing and tasty start to your holiday.
Image via joyfulhealthyeats.com and Nataliya Arzamasova/shutterstock
Bacon & Egg Morning Muffins
Whitney at Beauty in the Mess says these Bacon & Egg Morning Muffins can be made ahead of time and frozen.
"Pull them out of the freezer, use either the microwave or toaster oven to warm them up, and serve a yummy, filling breakfast," she says. And, bonus, they're gluten-free!
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Overnight Monkey Bread
Jami at An Oregon Cottage shares her recipe for Overnight Monkey Bread and it sounds like the ultimate holiday indulgence! Take the extra time to glaze it, she recommends, it'll all be worth it!
Breakfast Sandwiches
Jamie of Jamie Cooks It Up says these Make-Ahead Breakfast Sandwiches only take about 30 minutes to prepare and can be made up to two days in advance. If you love egg, ham, and cheese in one bite, you'll adore these!
"Whether you are having guests over for a holiday brunch, or are just planning on hanging out around tree on Christmas morning with your immediate family, these breakfast sandwiches would be perfect," she says. Agreed!
Overnight Egg Nog French Toast
Overnight Egg Nog French Toast from Samantha at Five Heart Home is so delicious, you may find that it becomes a new holiday tradition.
"The fact that the bread has been soaked in eggnog and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg means that it tastes — and the whole house consequently smells — like Christmas," she says. Is there anything better??
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Cheesy Bacon Spinach Frittata
Krista of Joyful Healthy Eats says her Cheesy Bacon Spinach Frittata is every bit as delicious the day after it's prepared, so why not make it on Christmas Eve and then just warm it up when you're ready for breakfast?
Snickerdoodle Donut Muffins
Mary at Sweet Little Blue Bird says these Snickerdoodle Donut Muffins are a family favorite! The recipe doesn't require eggs, so if you've got a loved one with an egg allergy, these are for you!
Lemon Blueberry Bread Pudding
Mary of Straw Mary Smith paired two of her favorite flavors in one dish to create this Lemon Blueberry Bread Pudding. It's a luscious treat that's just right for a holiday breakfast or brunch!
Crock-Pot Apple Pie Coffee Cake
Thanks to cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and apples, of course, this Crock-Pot Apple Pie Coffee Cake will make your whole home smell amazing on Christmas morning. Recipe creator Jenn of Get Crocked says it cooks on high for two hours. Sounds perfect!
Savory Bread Pudding
If your family prefers savory to sweet, they'll love this Savory Vegetable Bread Pudding, created by Sandi of A New York Foodie.
"My Savory Vegetable Bread Pudding is not only delicious but so easy to make," she says. "Everything gets mixed into a large bowl and then poured into a baking dish. What could be easier than that?"
Banana Bread Pudding
Stephanie of Daily Appetite shares her Banana Bread Pudding recipe, which she says is actually a dessert item but tastes amazing served for breakfast as well.
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Asiago Cheese & Italian Sausage Strata
Asiago Cheese & Italian Sausage Strata, created by Melissa of Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen, calls for cubed bagels which absorb the egg and cream custard overnight.
"It’s terrific not only as a time saver but for those special mornings when popping something into the oven is just what you need. The savory flavors would also make a fabulous potluck brunch dish," she says.
Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls
Want to start your day with a sweet pastry? Christi of Love From the Oven says these Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls are some of the best her family has ever had. Make them ahead and then warm them up on Christmas morning for a delicious treat!
Gingerbread Donuts
It wouldn't be Christmas without a hearty dose of gingerbread. Thankfully, Cate of Chez Catey Lou shared her yummy recipe for Gingerbread Donuts, which are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
"These light and cakey baked doughnuts taste just like a classic gingerbread cookie," she says. "The molasses and dark brown sugar add a rich sweetness, and the spices are so warm and delicious."