Christmas morning should be all about cozy vibes and delicious food, right? Imagine waking up to the smell of Classic Eggnog French Toast or a warm Savory Breakfast Casserole. Sounds tempting, doesn't it? And let's not forget the sweet and zesty Cranberry Orange Scones, or those irresistible Honey-Glazed Ham and Cheese Croissants. Trust me, your taste buds are in for a treat! So, which recipe will you kick off your festive feast with?
Classic Eggnog French Toast
Start your Christmas Day off with a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite: Eggnog French Toast. This rich and festive dish combines the creamy, spiced flavor of eggnog with the traditional warmth of French toast, making it a perfect choice for your holiday morning feast.
Serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, and perhaps a sprinkle of nutmeg for extra flair. Your family and friends will love this indulgent treat, and it's sure to bring everyone together around the breakfast table.
Ingredients:
- 6 slices of thick bread (such as brioche or challah)
- 1 cup eggnog
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Butter or oil for cooking
- Powdered sugar (for serving)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggnog, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a tablespoon of butter or oil.
Dip each slice of bread into the eggnog mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side.
Place the soaked bread slices onto the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from the skillet and keep warm while you repeat the process with the remaining slices.
Serve hot, dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with maple syrup.
Extra Tips:
For an even richer flavor, consider using homemade eggnog if you have the time, as it can enhance the dish considerably.
Additionally, you can experiment with different types of bread; a cinnamon-raisin bread would add a delightful touch.
If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can soak the bread slices in the eggnog mixture overnight in the refrigerator and cook them in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast.
Savory Breakfast Casserole
Start your Christmas morning off right with a savory breakfast casserole that's sure to please the whole family. This dish combines fluffy eggs, hearty bread, and a medley of vegetables and meats, all baked to perfection.
Not only is it a delicious way to fuel your festive day, but it can also be prepared the night before to save time in the morning. Gather everyone around the table to enjoy this comforting meal while you unwrap presents and celebrate the holiday spirit.
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of bread (cubed)
- 1 cup cooked sausage (crumbled)
- 1 cup cooked bacon (chopped)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 6 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried mustard
- 1/2 cup bell peppers (diced)
- 1/2 cup onion (diced)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, dried mustard, and garlic powder until well combined.
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the cubed bread evenly across the bottom, followed by the crumbled sausage, chopped bacon, diced bell peppers, and onion.
Pour the egg mixture over the top, ensuring all the bread is soaked. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, then cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider incorporating your favorite herbs or spices, such as thyme or paprika, into the egg mixture.
You can also customize the casserole by adding different vegetables like spinach or mushrooms or swapping the cheese for something like feta or mozzarella.
If you want to prepare it in advance, assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it, then bake it straight from the fridge in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Enjoy your festive breakfast!
Cranberry Orange Scones
Cranberry orange scones are a delightful way to start Christmas Day, bringing a burst of flavor and festive cheer to your breakfast table. The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates a perfect balance that pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
These scones are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing morning with your loved ones.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Fold in the chopped cranberries and orange zest.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an added touch of sweetness, consider glazing your scones with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and orange juice.
If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute buttermilk for the heavy cream.
These scones can also be frozen before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
Enjoy them warm for the best experience, and feel free to experiment with different mix-ins such as nuts or chocolate chips!
Honey-Glazed Ham and Cheese Croissants
Kick off your Christmas Day festivities with delicious Honey-Glazed Ham and Cheese Croissants. These flaky, buttery delights are filled with savory ham and gooey cheese, then drizzled with a sweet honey glaze that adds a festive touch to your breakfast table.
Perfectly easy to prepare and impressive to serve, these croissants will surely become a holiday favorite.
Ingredients:
- 6 large croissants
- 1 cup sliced ham
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice each croissant in half and layer the bottom half with sliced ham and shredded cheese. Replace the top of the croissant and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, melted butter, and black pepper. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the croissants.
Bake them in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the croissants are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a thin slice of apple or pear inside each croissant for a sweet and savory combination.
If you want to make these croissants ahead of time, you can assemble them the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to brush the honey glaze on just before baking for the best results.
Enjoy these croissants warm, as they're best served fresh out of the oven!
Winter Fruit Salad With Maple Dressing
Winter Fruit Salad with Maple Dressing is a revitalizing and vibrant dish perfect for the festive season. This colorful salad combines the sweetness of seasonal fruits with a delightful maple dressing, making it a lovely addition to your Christmas breakfast spread. Not only is it visually appealing, but it's also a healthy option that can energize you for the holiday festivities ahead.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1 cup diced pears
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 cup sliced kiwis
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional)
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, pears, pomegranate seeds, sliced kiwis, and mandarin orange segments.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, lemon juice, and cinnamon until well combined.
Pour the maple dressing over the fruit mixture and gently toss until all the fruit is evenly coated.
Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and texture.
Extra Tips:
To improve the flavor of your Winter Fruit Salad, consider using organic fruits when possible, as they tend to be more flavorful.
You can also add a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist or incorporate other seasonal fruits like cranberries or persimmons.
If you prefer a creamier texture, mixing in a bit of Greek yogurt can add a lovely richness.
This salad can be prepared ahead of time; just wait to add the nuts until you're ready to serve to keep them crunchy.