Growing up, my grampa, Papa, always made a big Christmas breakfast for the family. Walking through my grandparents door, you would be greeted with the aroma of bacon sizzling on the stovetop, buttermilk biscuits baking in the oven and fresh coffee ready for pouring. We would all squeeze around the dining room table, elbow to elbow, thank the Lord for our many blessings and then devour the bountiful spread of breakfast dishes while excitedly sharing about our long awaited Christmas gifts we had opened only an hour earlier.
Even now, 25 years later, I can hear the gleeful voices, feel the buzz of released anticipation and smell all things delicious cooking in that tiny kitchen. It wasn’t really about the food- not at all, actually. But the food connected us. That small oval dining room table was the place we all gathered to love, laugh, and share- share memories not easily forgotten.
Whether you are hosting a full house of guests or having a small intimate Christmas morning, I have a roundup of some of the most delicious, health-FUL and crowd pleasing brunch recipes that will delight your tastebuds and become the start of some beautiful memories!
Egg Quiche Muffins
Customize these egg muffins by adding interesting and flavorful cheeses, a variety of vegetables and even some fresh chopped herbs. Protein dense eggs will fill you up without weighing you down. You can begin your fun-filled Christmas day with a hearty breakfast and still feel great in your skinny jeans!
From Healthy Inspiration
Sweet Potato and Sausage Cheesy Egg Bake
With only 5 ingredients, this recipe is not only a crowd pleaser but super simple! Sweet, salty, and savory- the perfect combination, unless you want to kick it up a notch with spicy chicken sausage!
From DashingDish
Baked Oatmeal
Crowding around the breakfast table with your fuzzy-socks-wearing favorite people to share this amazing Berry Vanilla Baked Oatmeal is the perfect picture of home. Simply delicious. Downright comfortable. Warmth in a bowl. Sweet memories.
From Healthy Inspiration (modified from Celebrating Sweets)
5 Minute Egg Bake
No one wants to spend unnecessary time cooking in the kitchen while Christmas festivities are being enjoyed. This Egg Bake can be whipped up in 5 minutes flat!! Invest your precious moments with the people you love and let your oven do all the work!
From Muscle and Manna
Gluten Free Wild Blueberry and White Chocolate Oatmeal Cups
Vibrant wild blueberries, hearty oats and decadent white chocolate chips all combined together in a sweet muffin that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and fill you up! You don’t need any expensive gluten free flour mixes or ingredients- just old fashioned oatmeal! These muffins aren’t too naughty but have just enough chocolaty flare to tease your gues that they are!
From Real Mom Nutrition
Baked Eggs in Spaghetti Squash Nests
Impressed and amazed. Your brunch guests will be wowed when you serve these elegant baked eggs for breakfast. If you are looking for a recipe that is outside the box but isn’t too complicated, try this out!
From SkinnyTaste
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins
Speckled with bits of sweet chewy apples and bold with cinnamon spice, these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins are the perfect accompaniment to an egg bake, or scrambled eggs and chicken sausage. They are kid-friendly but will delight adult tastebuds as well. Leftovers are also the perfect snack with a cup of tea or decaf coffee mid afternoon!
From Healthy Inspiration
Baked Apples Stuffed with Oatmeal
The warm apple cinnamon aroma will greet your guest as they come down to breakfast. This breakfast highlights the last of the seasonal apples and uses ingredients already in your pantry. Give your guests a toppings bar with chopped walnuts, flaked coconut, greek yogurt and toasted almonds to add some tasty flare to their baked apple.
From Noora Mousa, RDN, Food & Nutrition Magazine
Breakfast Cookies
Cookies for breakfast! What little or big person doesn’t like the idea of that! These cookies are filled with good-for-you ingredients including oats, dried fruit, chopped nuts, mashed bananas and coconut. ‘Tis the season for… COOKIES!
From McKenzie Hall, RDN and Lisa Samuel, MBA, RDN, Food & Nutrition Magazine
Gingerbread Pancakes
With a hint of spice and everything nice, these pancakes are a crowd pleaser! No refined flour- only wholesome ingredients that won’t leave you feeling drab and lethargic. These pancakes are the perfect way to start your day!
From DashingDish
Poached Pears with Yogurt
This eye catching dish can be breakfast or dessert! Your family will feel like they are at a 5 star restaurant when then eat this easy to make poached pears. Serve alongside a savory casserole for a satisfying breakfast!
From SkinnyTaste