Christmas morning can get pretty hectic, especially with a house full of excited gift openers. That’s exactly why a make ahead breakfast isn’t just convenient; it helps everyone start the day with something special, no matter how much sleep you got or how early the kids woke you up. I’ve pulled together a bunch of ideas, tips, and my favorite recipes for creating a Christmas morning breakfast spread that feels festive, easy to pull off, and honestly, really delicious.
Why Make Ahead Breakfasts Work Great for Christmas Morning
Having most of the breakfast dishes ready before you even roll out of bed can seriously reduce stress. It means you’re not flipping pancakes while everyone else is opening gifts, and you get to actually enjoy the morning too. Besides, a make ahead Christmas breakfast keeps everyone fed while you take care of the last minute hustle. Whether you’re feeding a small crew or a house buzzing with family, prepping ahead lets you put out a buffet that looks and tastes like you barely lifted a finger that day.
Recipes You Can Prep the Night Before
Here are some really reliable recipes I love for Christmas morning. You can prep most things the night before, pop a few in the oven when you wake up, and spend less time cooking and more time making memories.
Sausage Balls
These are always a hit, disappear fast, and can be made totally ahead. Check out my basic version:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage uncooked (pork or turkey)
- 2 cups baking mix (like Bisquick)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Mix everything in a bowl until combined. Shape into 1-inch balls, place on a baking sheet, and chill in the fridge overnight. In the morning, bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until golden. These are tasty warm or at room temperature, so you can stagger the baking if you want to keep snacking throughout the morning.
Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole
This one’s a classic; filling, easy, and pretty much foolproof. Here’s what you need:
- 6 cups cubed bread (day old works best)
- 1 lb cooked breakfast sausage or ham, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
- 8 eggs
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Spread the bread in a greased 9×13 pan, sprinkle sausage and cheese over it, and whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour the egg mixture evenly over everything, cover with foil, and refrigerate overnight. On Christmas morning, bake covered at 350°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 15-20 minutes. Let it sit for 10 minutes before slicing so it holds together nicely.
Canned Cinnamon Rolls with a Twist
A can of storebought cinnamon rolls is a real time saver, but you can jazz them up to taste a little more homemade. I like to snuggle them together in a round baking dish, drizzle a bit of brown sugar and melted butter over the top, and sprinkle with chopped pecans before baking according to the package directions. Once they’re out and still warm, swirl over the icing. These get ooey gooey and fill the house with that Christmas spice smell.
Christmas Tree Shaped Fruit Tray
This fun fruit tray brings an eye-catching vibe and balances all the rich dishes with something fresh. Here’s how I do it:
- Pick green fruit (like green grapes or kiwi slices) for the tree body.
- Use strawberries or raspberries as ornaments.
- Add a line of pineapple chunks for the garland or tree topper.
- A row of blueberries or blackberries makes a nice tree base.
On a large rectangular platter, arrange the green fruit in triangle layers, then dot the berries here and there. The pineapple makes for a nice star at the top or a bright garland zigzagging across. It looks super pretty and will be gone before you know it. You can even let the kids help with arranging the fruit for a little holiday project.
Mix and Match Christmas Breakfast Buffet Items
To make things even easier, I always round out the hot dishes with easy storebought favorites that everyone can pick and choose from. Try some of these ideas to fill out your spread and make sure you’ve got something for every taste:
- Bakery donuts and assorted pastries
- Thick slices of baked ham (serve warm or room temp, great for sandwiches or by itself)
- Biscuits (pick frozen or canned if you want to keep things simple)
- Assorted jams, honey, or even Nutella to go with those biscuits
- Waffles or pancakes; you can make these fresh if you love them, but frozen toaster versions work great when time is tight
- A tray of cheese and crackers for anyone craving savory nibbles
- Yogurt parfait cups made the night before with berries and granola
The idea is to take some pressure off and give everyone options, from savory to sweet. Even a bowl of Clementine oranges or apples can finish the buffet and make things look bountiful. Your family and guests will appreciate having plenty of easy grabs to suit their taste while keeping energy up for the Christmas morning fun.
Drinks for Christmas Morning Cheer
Having a variety of drinks ready makes the buffet feel extra special. Here’s what I like to put out. Most of these can be prepped ahead or just poured as needed.
- Crock Pot Hot Chocolate: Pour a couple quarts of chocolate milk into a slow cooker, add a handful of chocolate chips for extra richness, and set to warm. Put marshmallows and whipped cream out for extra fun. For a peppermint twist, toss in a couple of candy canes while it simmers!
- Hot Apple Spiced Cider: Fill your crock pot with apple cider, add orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and a few cloves. Keep it on low so it’s always ready to ladle out. It makes the kitchen smell amazing and warms everyone up.
- Red Holiday Punch (serves about 10):
1 bottle cranberry juice cocktail, 1 bottle ginger ale, 1 small can pineapple juice, and 1 cup orange juice. Mix everything in a punch bowl right before serving and float some orange slices and cranberries for a pretty look. For grownups, offer a splash of rum or vodka on the side so everyone can customize their glass. - Coffee Punch with Ice Cream:
Combine 4 cups cooled brewed coffee, 2 cups milk, 1 cup chocolate syrup, and a splash of vanilla in a punch bowl. Add large scoops of vanilla or coffee ice cream, and let it melt in for a frothy treat. It’s different from your usual cup of joe and always a hit with the grownups. - Traditional choices: Orange juice, cranberry juice, or even milk—these always go over well with both kids and adults.
- Sparkling water or flavored seltzers for a refreshing touch between bites.
Christmas Table Decor and Vibes
I love making the table feel festive, even if breakfast is mostly buffet style. Some simple tablescape ideas:
- Use a red or green tablecloth as your base for instant holiday cheer.
- Add a centerpiece with a couple of fresh pine branches, pinecones, and battery tea lights (safe around curious kids).
- Layer in Christmas plates or napkins, throw in your favorite holiday mug collection for a homey touch.
- Scatter a few ornaments or candy canes along the table for a playful vibe.
- A mini chalkboard sign with a menu or a “Merry Christmas” note.
Turning on some classic Christmas music while everyone eats and opens presents makes the whole morning feel more fun. Spotify and YouTube both have ready-made playlists, so it’s super easy to find just the right mix. It helps set that cozy and happy mood, whether you want cheerful carols or something more mellow in the background. If you love holiday movies, let a family classic roll with the sound low for some nostalgia in the background.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Morning Make Ahead Breakfasts
How far ahead can I prep these dishes?
You can make most casseroles and sausage balls a full day ahead and keep them in the fridge. Cinnamon rolls do best if you bake them the morning you plan to eat them, but arranging them in the pan and covering overnight makes the morning part really fast.
What’s the best way to keep breakfast warm?
I use slow cookers for drinks and even for keeping things like breakfast casseroles or ham slices warm. Otherwise, a low oven (about 200°F) with aluminum foil over the top works to hold heat until everyone is ready to eat. If you have insulated casserole carriers, they can help keep things hot on the table for a while too.
Can I freeze any of these ahead?
Both sausage balls and unbaked breakfast casseroles freeze nicely. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and bake off fresh in the morning. This is really helpful if you need to work way ahead or plan to save leftovers for a future family brunch.
Easy Christmas, Happy Family
The real goal behind a make ahead breakfast on Christmas morning is more time together. With just a bit of prep, you’re set for a relaxed meal with minimal cleanup, and you get to actually kick back with your favorite people while the wrapping paper flies. Don’t forget to snap a few photos of your buffet; even if things aren’t perfectly styled, the memories are what matter most. Here’s to a Christmas morning you’ll actually remember for all the right reasons!