12.17.2020
Top Holiday Brunch Recipes
Sweet and savory holiday brunch recipes from cinnamon rolls to skillets, plus easy planning, make-ahead tips, and substitutions for guests.
- A mix of sweet and savory brunch recipes perfect for holiday mornings, from cinnamon rolls and coffee cake to skillets and bacon.
- Plan ahead: many items can be prepped or fully made the day before to cut morning stress.
- Use simple swaps to handle dietary needs, keep dishes warm safely, and store or reheat leftovers for best results.
Sleeping in late during the holidays is one of life's greatest pleasures. (If the kids let you, of course!) It gets even better when you’re awoken to the sweet, spicy smell of cinnamon rolls and hot coffee. We compiled our favorite breakfast and brunch recipes for the holidays. If you have a favorite brunch recipe or tradition to share, email us at spices@thespicehouse.com, or let us know in the comments below!
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Holiday Pancakes with Orange-Maple Cranberry Syrup
Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls
Peppermint Hot Cocoa
Spicy Apple Bagel Spread
Old Fashioned Fruitcake
Maple Garlic Bacon
Harvest Oven Pancake
Chicken Sausage and Butternut Squash Skillet
CHICKEN SAUSAGE SKILLET RECIPE
Chorizo Hash Breakfast Skillet
Apple-Ginger Streusel Coffee Cake
Hazelnut Mocha Latte
Cardamom Braid
Gingerbread Man Muffins
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I plan a holiday brunch menu for a crowd?
Choose a balance of sweet and savory dishes so there is something for everyone. Pick two-to-three make-ahead items and one hot item you finish just before serving. Estimate 1.5 servings per person for a buffet, and offer one protein, one egg or pancake dish, a pastry, and at least two sides or spreads.
Which recipes can I make ahead to save morning time?
Many items work well made ahead: cinnamon roll dough can be refrigerated overnight and baked in the morning, streusel and syrups store in jars, fruitcake and coffee cake keep a day or more, and bacon or sausage can be cooked and reheated. Par-cook skillet components and finish them on the stove before serving.
How can I keep multiple dishes warm while guests arrive?
Use your oven set to 200 to 250 F to hold baked goods on low racks. A slow cooker set to warm is great for sauces or hot drinks. Insulated containers and chafing dishes work for larger spreads. Cover trays with foil to retain moisture and check temperatures so foods stay safe.
What are easy swaps for common dietary needs like vegan or gluten-free?
For vegan swaps use plant milk, vegan butter, and flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground seed plus 3 tablespoons water). For gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Replace dairy with coconut or almond milk in sauces and syrups. For meat-free options, serve plant-based sausage or extra beans and roasted vegetables.
How should I store and reheat leftovers from brunch?
Refrigerate leftovers within two hours in shallow airtight containers. Most pastries and pancakes reheat well in a 325 F oven for 8 to 12 minutes or in a toaster oven. Reheat skillets on the stove with a splash of broth. Freeze portions in labeled bags for up to three months.
What drinks pair best with these holiday brunch dishes?
Offer a mix of hot and cold: regular and flavored coffee, hazelnut or peppermint lattes for sweets, and hot spiced cider for cozy comfort. For adults, mimosas or a light sparkling cocktail pair well with sweet pastries and savory skillets.
What simple ingredient substitutions work if I am missing something?
Swap citrus: use lemon if you are out of orange, or vice versa. Use dried cranberries soaked briefly if fresh are not available. Replace maple syrup with honey in a pinch. If a recipe calls for one warm spice, you can often use a blend of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg for similar flavor.
What basic equipment makes holiday brunch easier?
Have one or two large skillets, a muffin tin, a 9x13 baking pan, a baking sheet, and a slow cooker or Dutch oven. A good whisk, spatula, and oven thermometer help too. A large mixing bowl and measuring cups save time when scaling recipes for guests.
How should I plan a holiday brunch menu for a crowd?
Choose a balance of sweet and savory dishes so there is something for everyone. Pick two-to-three make-ahead items and one hot item you finish just before serving. Estimate 1.5 servings per person for a buffet, and offer one protein, one egg or pancake dish, a pastry, and at least two sides or spreads.
Which recipes can I make ahead to save morning time?
Many items work well made ahead: cinnamon roll dough can be refrigerated overnight and baked in the morning, streusel and syrups store in jars, fruitcake and coffee cake keep a day or more, and bacon or sausage can be cooked and reheated. Par-cook skillet components and finish them on the stove before serving.
How can I keep multiple dishes warm while guests arrive?
Use your oven set to 200 to 250 F to hold baked goods on low racks. A slow cooker set to warm is great for sauces or hot drinks. Insulated containers and chafing dishes work for larger spreads. Cover trays with foil to retain moisture and check temperatures so foods stay safe.
What are easy swaps for common dietary needs like vegan or gluten-free?
For vegan swaps use plant milk, vegan butter, and flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground seed plus 3 tablespoons water). For gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Replace dairy with coconut or almond milk in sauces and syrups. For meat-free options, serve plant-based sausage or extra beans and roasted vegetables.
How should I store and reheat leftovers from brunch?
Refrigerate leftovers within two hours in shallow airtight containers. Most pastries and pancakes reheat well in a 325 F oven for 8 to 12 minutes or in a toaster oven. Reheat skillets on the stove with a splash of broth. Freeze portions in labeled bags for up to three months.
What drinks pair best with these holiday brunch dishes?
Offer a mix of hot and cold: regular and flavored coffee, hazelnut or peppermint lattes for sweets, and hot spiced cider for cozy comfort. For adults, mimosas or a light sparkling cocktail pair well with sweet pastries and savory skillets.
What simple ingredient substitutions work if I am missing something?
Swap citrus: use lemon if you are out of orange, or vice versa. Use dried cranberries soaked briefly if fresh are not available. Replace maple syrup with honey in a pinch. If a recipe calls for one warm spice, you can often use a blend of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg for similar flavor.
What basic equipment makes holiday brunch easier?
Have one or two large skillets, a muffin tin, a 9x13 baking pan, a baking sheet, and a slow cooker or Dutch oven. A good whisk, spatula, and oven thermometer help too. A large mixing bowl and measuring cups save time when scaling recipes for guests.
Thank you for the recipes – keep ‘em coming. In reading through them, they’re easy to modify for lower fat diets, using gluten free spelt flower, and non-dairy milk such as almond or coconut milk.