30+ Holiday Brunch Ideas

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Brunch is easily my favorite meal of the week. And today there's a whole slew of Holiday Brunch Ideas coming your way to inspire a holiday brunch! From a Smoked Salmon Bagel Bar to Fluffy Raspberry Chocolate Chip Pancakes there is something for everyone.

Bagels, salmon, cream cheese, vegetables.


 

30+ Holiday Brunch Ideas at a Glance

  • Recipe Types: Egg dishes, baked goods, pancakes + waffles, savory brunch mains, lighter sides, sweet treats 🍳🥐🥞
  • Perfect For: Holiday mornings, Christmas brunch, entertaining guests, feeding a crowd without stress 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🎄
  • Time Range: Quick stovetop recipes, make-ahead bakes, and brunch-table centerpieces ⏱️
  • Recipe Vibe: Cozy, festive, comforting, and crowd-pleasing ✨
  • Why You’ll Love It: Great balance of sweet and savory, make-ahead friendly options, and recipes that feel special but not fussy 💛

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Crepes with ham and fresh greens

Ham and Cheese Crepes

They might seem intimidating, but they are EASY! And really a show stopper!

Scrambled eggs, bacon, and roasted potatoes

Breakfast Potatoes

Is there really anything better than waking up to a giant tray of breakfast potatoes? Specifically breakfast potatoes that are doused with some herbs, dipped in ketchup, and served alongside a soft scrambled egg or two?

Scrambled eggs with cheese and biscuits

Cheesy Pancetta Biscuit Egg Sandwiches

If you're going big, this is the way to go.

Shakshuka with herbs and cheese

Shakshuka

Best way to make eggs feed a crowd. And you can eat them alongside some tortilla chips so that's a win!

Tartines topped with eggs and bacon

Fried Egg Breakfast Sandwiches

Perfect. Cheesy. Herby.. What more could you ask for?

Bagels with salmon and assorted toppings

Smoked Salmon Bagel Bar

Can't go wrong with a fabulous bagel bar to feed a crowd.

Quiche with broccoli and greens garnish

Broccolini Fontina Quiche

Love a quiche because they can be prepped ahead of time.

Baked spinach artichoke strata in dish

Spinach Artichoke Strata

This recipe is one of my favorite holiday brunch ideas and makes a regular appearance at my brunch parties.

Biscuit sandwich with eggs and ham

Garlic and Herb Parmesan Biscuit and Egg Sandwich

Another solid biscuit sandwich option!

Stacked breakfast burritos with fillings

Breakfast Burritos

Easily one of my favorite things to have for brunch!

Sweet Holiday Brunch Ideas

Skillet cake with icing and slices

Chocolate Chip Streusel Cake

This uber moist cake (that you can really eat at any time of the day) has a crunchy streusel topping, a simple powdered sugar glaze, tons of chocolate chips and is served up in a skillet. It’s mind boggling gorgeous and delicious. It’s also SO perfect to make ahead of time because it retains moisture so it doesn’t dry out.

Cinnamon apple cake on cooling rack

Cinnamon Apple Cake

If you're looking for a moist delicious and super flavorful breakfast cake – this Cinnamon Apple Cake is IT!

Waffles with butter and syrup

Greek Yogurt Waffles

These Cinnamon Apple Greek Yogurt Waffles are perfect! They're loaded with flavor, protein, and sweetened with honey!

Sticky buns topped with walnuts and syrup

Walnut Sticky Buns

These are the best buns on the face of the earth - promise.

Cinnamon sugar pull-apart bread slices

Chocolate Cinnamon Sugar Pull Apart Bread 

Takes a minute to prepare but it's worth it! Trust me.

Cinnamon roll monkey bread with icing

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Can't go wrong here! This homemade monkey bread is rolled with a brown sugar and cinnamon mixture, and topped with a vanilla glaze.

Golden brown bread pudding with chocolate

Chocolate Chip Croissant Bread Pudding

All you need is croissants, some chocolate chips, and a few baking essentials and Chocolate Chip Croissant Bread Pudding is at your fingertips. GUYS – WE ARE LIVING OUR BEST LIVES WITH THIS ONE!! 

Chocolate banana bread with chocolate chips

Double Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

It’s made in 1 bowl, so super quick and easy. And it’s obviously stuffed with plenty of chocolate chips because that’s the only smart way to eat banana bread.

French toast with berries and syrup

Caramelized French Toast with a Berry Compote

Imagine a giant holiday brunch french toast spread!

Stack of pancakes with syrup drizzle

Fluffy Raspberry Chocolate Pancakes

This is another one of my favorite holiday brunch ideas because it's perfect for kids and adults. You'll never make pancakes any other way.

Baked dessert with berries and cream

Mixed Berry Strata

Another recipe I always make on repeat anytime I am hosting any brunch!

Delicious cinnamon rolls with icing

Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls

These are NEXT LEVEL. The recipe can be prepped ahead so you can make the night before and then bake off the morning of.

Lemon raspberry cake with drizzle.

Lemon Raspberry Yogurt Cake

The most perfect Lemon Raspberry Yogurt Cake with a sweet Lemon Drizzle! Makes for an easy breakfast/brunch treat that's great to feed a crowd.

🎄🥐✨ Tips + Tricks for Hosting a Holiday Brunch

Let it be relaxed. Holiday brunch should feel cozy, not curated within an inch of its life. Light candles, put on music, pour coffee, and enjoy your people.

Pick a menu that loves being made ahead. Overnight casseroles, cinnamon rolls, baked French toast, and dips are your best friends. If it can be prepped the night before, it belongs on the menu.

Balance sweet + savory. One egg dish, one carb-y bake, one fresh thing, one sweet treat. That’s the formula. No one wants only sugar… but no one wants only eggs either.

Lean into a build-your-own moment. Yogurt parfait bar, breakfast burrito setup, bagels with all the toppings. It feels festive and saves you from plating everything yourself.

Serve at room temp on purpose. Choose dishes that are delicious warm or room temp so you’re not juggling oven timers while guests are arriving.

Make one “wow” item. Just one. Everything else can be simple. A beautiful cinnamon roll bake, a showy frittata, or a holiday cake gives the table a centerpiece without overdoing it.

Keep drinks easy but special. Coffee, tea, juice… then add one festive option like mimosas, a spiced latte situation, or hot chocolate with toppings. No full bar required.

Use your oven strategically. Don’t overload it. If something bakes at 350, try to keep everything in that zone or fully baked ahead and reheated gently.

Set the table the night before. This is a game changer. Plates, napkins, serving utensils, coffee mugs. Do it all ahead so your morning is calm.

Stock extra butter, napkins, and coffee. These are always the first things to disappear. Always.

Looking for amazing breakfast ideas? Check out my roundup of 80+ breakfast recipes here

Smoked Salmon Bagel Bar from www.whatsgabycooking.com (@whatsgabycookin)

Holiday Brunch Ideas: Smoked Salmon Bagel Bar

Author: Gaby Dalkin
5 from 1 vote
My favorite way to entertain for a holiday brunch - this Smoked Salmon Bagel Bar!! Loaded up with bagels from your fav bakery and then all the accoutrements! It's perfection.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people

Ingredients
  

  • ½ pound smoked salmon
  • 8-10 of your favorite assorted bagels sliced and toasted
  • ½ cup thinly sliced red onions
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges
  • cup capers, drained
  • cup freshly snipped chives
  • cup freshly snipped dill
  • cup quartered or sliced radishes
  • 1-2 whole tomatoes, sliced
  • ½ cup sliced cucumbers
  • 2-3 tubs of your favorite cream cheese
  • salmon roe (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Arrange everything on a large board and allow your guests to assemble their own bagels.

Notes

Make sure your bagels are sliced so your guests can grab, load, and go.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 340kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 991mg | Potassium: 288mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 461IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @WhatsGabyCookin or tag #whatsgabycooking!

18 Comments

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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