Christmas Breakfast Ideas (With Festive Recipes Twists the Whole Family Will Love)
Christmas morning is one of the few days of the year when breakfast feels just as special as dinner. Whether you are feeding excited children, hosting family, or easing into the day with a coffee and something indulgent, the right Christmas breakfast sets the tone for everything that follows.
From cosy classics to show-stopping centrepieces, here are Christmas breakfast ideas perfect for all the family, including easy recipes, make-ahead options, and indulgent treats for a truly festive start.
Classic Christmas Breakfasts (Traditional & Comforting)
A Festive Full English (With a Christmas Twist)
A traditional full English feels especially comforting on Christmas morning. You can keep it classic or add festive upgrades.
What to include:
- Pork sausages or pigs in blankets
- Smoked back bacon
- Free-range eggs (fried or scrambled)
- Grilled tomatoes and mushrooms
- Toast or fried bread
Festive upgrade ideas
- Cranberry or chestnut sausages
- Sprigs of rosemary in the mushrooms
- A drizzle of maple syrup over bacon
💡 Tip: Prep mushrooms and tomatoes the night before to save time.
Smoked Salmon & Scrambled Eggs
Light, luxurious, and perfect if you want something indulgent but not heavy.
Ingredients (serves 2)
- 4 eggs
- 20g butter
- 100g smoked salmon
- Crème fraîche
- Chives or dill
- Sourdough or bagels
Method
- Whisk eggs gently with a pinch of salt.
- Melt butter on a low heat and slowly scramble eggs until just set.
- Serve on toasted sourdough, topped with smoked salmon, crème fraîche, and herbs.
Christmas Morning French Toast Bake
Perfect for hosting and ideal if you want minimal effort on the day.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche (cubed)
- 4 eggs
- 300ml double cream
- 100ml milk
- 2 tbsp caster sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Method
- Place brioche cubes in a greased baking dish.
- Whisk eggs, cream, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- Pour over bread, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake at 180°C (160°C fan) for 35–40 minutes until golden.
Serve with icing sugar, berries, and maple syrup or crispy bacon
Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bake
All the joy of cinnamon rolls without individual proving or rolling.
Why it works
- Feeds a crowd
- Smells incredible
- Can be assembled the night before
Use shop-bought cinnamon rolls or make your own dough, slice into chunks, bake in a dish, and drizzle with cream cheese icing.
Lighter Christmas Breakfast Ideas
Festive Yoghurt Parfaits
A great option if you want something fresh alongside heavier foods.
Layer with
- Greek yoghurt
- Honey
- Granola
- Fresh berries
- Pomegranate seeds
Serve in glasses for a simple but elegant presentation.
Christmas Pancakes
Fluffy pancakes feel like a treat without being overwhelming.
Festive toppings
- Cinnamon-spiced apples
- Maple syrup and bacon
- Chocolate chips and whipped cream
💡 Tip: Make pancake batter the night before and keep chilled.
Christmas Breakfast Treats & Extras
Pastries & Sweet Bakes
Add a selection to your table for grazing:
- Croissants
- Pain au chocolat
- Mince pie croissant twists
- Stollen slices
Warm briefly in the oven for maximum effect.
Christmas Morning Drinks
No Christmas breakfast is complete without something festive in a mug or your fine crystal.
Popular choices
- Hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows
- Coffee with flavoured syrups
- Buck’s Fizz or orange juice
Final Tips for a Stress-Free Christmas Breakfast
- Plan the menu the night before
- Use make-ahead dishes wherever possible
- Mix one indulgent option with one lighter choice
- Set the table on Christmas Eve to save time
Christmas breakfast should feel joyful, not rushed. Whether you go all-out with a full English or keep it simple with pastries and coffee, the most important ingredient is enjoying the moment.
