Description
Discover 30 Christmas Breakfast Ideas that make holiday mornings memorable. From sweet treats to savory delights, find your new festive tradition here!
Ingredients
Scale
- Pantry Staples:
- 1 loaf (approx. 16 oz) stale brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (plus more for serving)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Flavor Boosters:
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Holiday Add-ins:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- Finishing Touches:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for greasing and drizzle)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Your Bread:: Okay, first things first, grab that slightly stale bread and cut it into thick cubes, maybe about an inch or so. I usually just eyeball it, no need for perfection here! Lay them out in a single layer in your greased 9×13 baking dish. I’ve definitely made the mistake of cutting them too small, and they just get lost in the custard, so aim for chunky. You want those little nooks and crannies to really soak up all the good stuff. It’s the foundation for so many great Christmas breakfast ideas.
- Whisk the Custard:: In a big bowl, crack open those eggs. Add the milk, brown sugar, maple syrup, that gorgeous orange zest, and a pinch of salt. Whisk, whisk, whisk! Get it all combined until it’s smooth and the sugar is mostly dissolved. This is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful base. I always take a quick sniff of the mixture; that citrusy, sweet aroma just screams holidays to me!
- Soak the Bread:: Pour that custardy goodness evenly over the bread cubes in your baking dish. Make sure every piece gets a good soak! Gently press the bread down a bit to ensure it’s submerged. This is a critical step for a tender interior. I’ve definitely rushed this part before, and some pieces came out a bit dry. Don’t be like me, let it soak! Then, sprinkle those fresh cranberries over the top. So pretty!
- Chill Out (or Bake Now!):: Now, here’s where these Christmas breakfast ideas become truly flexible. You can cover the dish and pop it in the fridge overnight – honestly, my preferred method for Christmas morning ease! Or, if you’re making it last-minute, let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes to absorb. The overnight chill really lets the flavors meld, and the bread gets super tender. It’s a lifesaver when you want to wake up to minimal fuss.
- Bake Until Golden:: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If it’s been in the fridge, let it sit out for about 15-20 minutes while the oven heats up. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until it’s puffed up, golden brown, and the center is set. If it starts browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil. I sometimes check it with a knife in the center – if it comes out clean, you’re good to go!
- Serve It Up:: Pull it out of the oven, and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set a bit more. I love to dust it with a little powdered sugar, maybe a drizzle of extra maple syrup, and if I’m feeling fancy, some extra orange zest. The smell, oh my goodness, the smell! It’s warm, sweet, and citrusy – truly the scent of Christmas morning. Enjoy your delicious Christmas breakfast ideas creation!