Christmas brunch is one of my favorite meals of all time!!! First of all, I’m a brunch person in general. Given the option for a moonlight dinner or a lingering, day time brunch in the sun. I will ALWAYS choose brunch! Maybe it’s the champagne cocktails? Maybe its the wide variety of sweet OR savory meal options? Either way–I’m already giddy for our Christmas Brunch!
As a child my family had an annual tradition of celebrating Christmas brunch with my HUGE extended family at my Aunt’s home. She had a gorgeous, Martha Stewart worthy spread displayed for all 100 of our family members to enjoy.
Christmas brunch was just as visually pleasing as it was delicious!! The holiday schedule was the same every year. After you devoured your presents from Santa, it was time to head over to Aunt Cee Cee’s in our Christmas jammies, (It was mandatory for all ages!!!) ready to say Merry Christmas and celebrate!
As we enjoyed brunch in our cozy pajamas and spent time with family, time would stand still! LIKE MAGIC!! Christmas Day was focused on being together, and the morning would slowly fade into the late afternoon! The kids would run around and share their new toys {I have nearly 40 first cousins!!!} and the adults would get lost in conversation around the dining tables. It was my favorite part of Christmas as a child.
I’ve tried to recreate this experience and slow our pace on Christmas Day. To savor the moments and the meal times. My only wish is that we could share Christmas brunch with our extended family, now spread too far and wide! {Le Sigh!}.
Now that I’m adult, it’s funny how I’ve pretty much recreated the brunch menu I enjoyed as a child unconsciously! The only difference is that most of the recipes I make are Gluten Free and Dairy Free! EXCEPT for Challah French Toast…Because sadly there just isn’t a GF substitute that comes close to the the real thing! On to Christmas Brunch Menu!
Smoked Salmon Breakfast Casserole
When you can’t decide between lox or eggs, make this Smoked Salmon Casserole by Cooking Light! It’s elegant, delicious, only takes minutes to put together, and its full of healthy fat and protein! I make the casserole the night before, cover, refrigerate and simply oven heat for 45 minutes in the morning. Serve it over a fresh bed of arugula, with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze and a side of avocado for a melt in your mouth meal!!!
RECIPE EDITS***I use olive oil instead of canola oil, sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes (personal preference) and I skip the goat cheese.
If you want to serve a bagel {And a Mimosa!!!} along side this casserole and you live in Austin, head over to Trianon Coffee. They have the VERY best bagels in ATX. {In my opinion!}. If you need gluten free bagels that don’t taste gluten free head to Gluten Free Yourself Kitchen! I also LOVE Kite Hill Dairy Free Cream Cheese for the smear!
Best Challah French Toast
Challah French Toast is my hubby’s addition to Christmas Brunch! He literally makes the very best Challah French Toast EVER so I stay out of his way and let him do his thing! I always buy two loaves of Challah to make sure we don’t run out!!!
We pretty much follow this recipe by The Kitchn to the letter. Even the real {grass-fed} butter and heavy cream! If you need to adjust this recipe to be dairy free I love using Califia Farms Holiday Nog in our French Toast!!! It provides a the perfect creamy, “holidayesque” flavor!!!
While it’s open–whip up some spiked Holiday Nog by simply adding 1/4 Cup of rum + 1/2 Cup of vanilla liqueur and a dash of cinnamon to 3 Cups of the Holiday Nog. I also LOVE these Holiday Nog Scones. Great for gifts.
Paleo Broccoli Quiche with Bacon
I love sharing this paleo quiche by Paleo Running Mama. It’s been one of my breakfast favorites for years. Healthy, easy, and delicious!!! During the holiday season I save time and buy store bought GF pie crust from Trader Joe’s! Just be sure to bake the crust solo first before you add in the ingredients!
If you have more adults than children, this Spring Herb Frittata by Running With Forks is another great egg based recipe for mature audience! {And adventurous kiddos}. It’s easy on the eyes, healthy and has a great herby flavor profile!
GF Cinnamon Rolls by Danielle Walker
I’ve made this Cinnamon Roll recipe by Against All Grain for the past two Christmas mornings! It’s a big hit, and your family will not believe it’s dairy free & grain free! I love my gooey cinnamon roll alongside a BIG cup of coffee with steamed oat milk!! {YUM!} The grain free cinnamon roll recipe lives in Danielle Walker’s Celebrations Cookbook. {Get a copy}! If you don’t own one, watch this amazing tutorial on YouTube detailing how to perfect her Cinnamon Roll recipe! I re-watch it every year before I begin!
If gluten and dairy are not troublesome in your home and you are looking for an amazing classic cinnamon roll recipe, I also love The Best Cinnamon Roll Recipe by Ambitious Kitchen!!! They are soooo yummy!! Her blog post and recipe are extremely detailed and easy to follow. There is also an amazing video showcasing how to get your roll on!! Save time and make them the night before!
Best-Ever Fluffy Waffles By Lexi’s Clean Kitchen
If you need an amazing paleo waffle recipe, I’ve got you covered! This recipe is soooo delicious and perfect for Christmas Brunch… or really any old Sunday morning! If you don’t feel like slaving over the waffle iron on Christmas morning (I don’t blame you!). You can make these up to five days ahead of time! I also really love this apple cinnamon version.
Eggs Benedict Salad Recipe
If you need a gorgeous salad on your spread, make this Eggs Benedict Salad Recipe by Food & Wine! It’s decadent, healthy and cannot be missed! Greens, fiber and protein all on one plate!!! Hollandaise is my least favorite flavor profile, so I love how the author has replaced hollandaise with a yogurt based version!
If you need another lunch like option I also really love this Potato Quinoa Cake Recipe!!
I hope you have the tools you need to start thinking about what you and your family will create for a Healthy & Delicious Christmas Brunch!
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This all looks soooo good! Great menu! That eggs Benni salad is getting added to my brunch menu!