Cozy Brunch Ideas from Scones to Hot Chocolate

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From festive scones bursting with citrus and tart cranberries to the cozy comfort of European-style hot chocolate, these holiday brunch recipes help you spend less time in the kitchen and more time soaking in the joy of the season. We’ve even thrown in ‘adult cheer’ with a festive spiked libation. When the chaos of gifting is all part of the fun, you won’t want to miss the smiles on your family’s faces. These dishes and warm beverages let you savor the holidays without missing a beat, making the one morning of the year that counts both memorable and delicious!

White Chocolate Mocha

White Chocolate Mocha
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

Need to warm up? Wrap your palms around a hot, steamy mug of white chocolate mocha. Whips up in just a few minutes, and tastes even nicer than Starbucks!
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Mocha

Cheddar Bay Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Eggs

A close-up of a savory breakfast casserole slice on a plate. The dish is loaded with cheese, ground meat, and chopped vegetables, topped with a crispy, golden-brown crust. Sprinkled cheese pieces and pepper are scattered around the plate.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

The best part of this Cheddar Bay Breakfast Casserole, aside from the fluffy eggs, sausage, and iconic Red Lobster biscuits, is the gooey melted cheddar. For an extra kick, toss in some shredded pepper jack to spice things up!

Get the Recipe: Cheddar Bay Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Eggs

Smoked Salmon Brunch Frittata

A plate with a slice of omelette topped with herbs and sliced red peppers, accompanied by two round, golden-brown fried balls. A red bowl filled with more fried balls and pepper shakers are nearby on a white surface.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Holiday Brunch is all about combining everything you love from breakfast, lunch, and the festive season into one epic spread! Today’s Smoked Salmon Brunch Frittata is the perfect centerpiece to kick off a delicious Brunch menu.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Brunch Frittata

Delicious Croissant Breakfast Casserole

A close-up of a casserole dish filled with golden-brown, flaky croissants, ham, and melted cheese. A spoon drizzles a sauce over the dish. A large pot is partially visible in the background on a white countertop in a bright kitchen.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Flaky croissants, ham, and a savory blend of Swiss and Parmesan, baked in a creamy egg custard with herbs. Pair this Croissant Breakfast Casserole with fresh fruit, and breakfast is served—perfect for a cozy brunch that serves six. You’ll definitely want to make this one again!

Get the Recipe: Delicious Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Deruny Potato Pancakes

Deruny Potato Pancakes
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

Deruny, also called Draniki, are traditional Ukrainian potato pancakes made with finely grated raw potatoes, onion, flour, and eggs.
Get the Recipe: Deruny Potato Pancakes

Rustic Sourdough French Toast Casserole

A close-up view of a baked bread pudding in a square pan, showcasing a golden-brown, crispy top with visible chunks of bread. The edges appear toasted, and the texture is rich and inviting.
Image Credit: Peak to Plate

This Rustic Sourdough French Toast Casserole is a great way to serve a crowd on holiday mornings. The tangy sourdough bread soaks up the rich custard, creating a perfectly baked breakfast that’s both crispy and soft. For those searching for an easy holiday breakfast recipe that feels indulgent but is simple to make, this casserole is the way to go.
Get the Recipe: Rustic Sourdough French Toast Casserole

Cinnamon Swirl Oven Pancake

Cinnamon Swirl Oven Pancake
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

Cook all of your pancakes at once as one large oven pancake to make sure everyone gets a hot and fresh slice at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Swirl Oven Pancake

Orange Cranberry Scones

Orange Cranberry Scones
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

Bake up a batch of these moist orange cranberry scones! With a sunny citrus flavor and a balance of tangy fresh and sweet dried cranberries.
Get the Recipe: Orange Cranberry Scones

Christmas Fruit Salad

Two glasses filled with layered fruit salad, topped with whipped cream and mint leaves, are set on a table. Fresh strawberries and kiwi slices are visible. Pine cone decorations and utensils are also placed nearby.
Image Credit: In the Kitch

The Christmas Fruit Salad is a colorful, fresh addition to your holiday breakfast table. With vibrant fruits like pomegranates, oranges, and grapes, it brings a sweet balance to heavier dishes. It’s an excellent choice for an easy holiday breakfast idea that brightens the table and keeps things light before indulging in heartier meals.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Fruit Salad

Quiche Lorraine

Quiche Lorraine
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

This quiche Lorraine recipe is perfect for a spring brunch! Bakes up silky-smooth and creamy, with a flaky crust and plenty of smoky bacon, onion, & cheese.
Get the Recipe: Quiche Lorraine

Swedish Tea Ring

Swedish Tea Ring
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

Wow your guests with the beautiful presentation of this Swedish tea ring!  An easy sweet yeast dough, filled with sugar & spice, drizzled with a sweet glaze.
Get the Recipe: Swedish Tea Ring

Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal

A bowl of granola cereal with milk, featuring clusters of oats and nuts. A spoon is partially submerged in the milk and granola mixture. The bowl is placed on a dark surface.
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

This rich oatmeal is made with a rich, gingerbread flavored custard and baked in the oven. Gingerbread baked oatmeal tastes like a dessert.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal

Chai Latte

A beautifully presented photo of Chai Latte
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This homemade Chai Latte recipe is quick and easy to make, with warm spices and the cozy flavor of chai tea. It’s sure to warm you right up!
Get the Recipe: Chai Latte

French Toast Casserole

French Toast Casserole
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

French Toast Casserole: soft in the middle, crispy on the edges, with hints of maple, cinnamon, & vanilla. Make this easy recipe the night before!
Get the Recipe: French Toast Casserole

Christmas Morning Punch

Two stemmed glasses of orange punch garnished with green mint leaves, tied with twine and snowflake ornaments. A large pitcher of punch with orange slices is in the background, surrounded by silver decorations.
Image Credit: In the Kitch

Start your holiday off with a refreshing Christmas Morning Punch that’s both sweet and tangy. This festive drink mixes cranberry, orange juice, and ginger ale for a bright and bubbly flavor. It’s a fun and easy drink to make, perfect for serving a crowd during your holiday breakfast gathering.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Morning Punch

Cranberry Orange Muffins

Cranberry Orange Muffins
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

These cranberry orange muffins are so nice for the season! Moist, light, & full of zippy flavor, and the recipe couldn’t be easier to make.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Muffins

Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

A freshly baked breakfast casserole in a white baking dish, featuring a golden brown crust with visible chunks of bacon, spinach, and green onions. Surrounding the dish are ingredients like eggs, cheese, and chopped green onions, along with a pepper grinder.
Image Credit: xoxoBella

The Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is a warm, comforting dish that’s easy to throw together and perfect for holiday mornings. With crispy hashbrowns, eggs, and cheese, it’s a filling dish that’ll keep everyone satisfied until lunch. If you’re looking for easy holiday breakfast ideas, this casserole is a no-fail choice.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

Chocolate Babka

Chocolate Babka
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

Easy chocolate babka recipe! Moist & pillowy bread swirled with rich dark chocolate in every bite. Follow this simple step-by-step tutorial!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Babka

Breakfast Lasagna

A close-up of a slice of creamy lasagna on a white plate, garnished with herbs. Cherry tomatoes and fresh parsley are in the background. The table also has a white cloth and a glass of orange juice. Lasagna noodles are scattered nearby.
Image Credit: xoxoBella

This Breakfast Lasagna layers everything you love about breakfast—eggs, sausage, and cheese—into one hearty and easy dish. It’s a filling option that can be prepped ahead, making it a stress-free choice for a holiday morning. For those who want a no-fuss dish to feed a crowd, this is a great addition to your holiday breakfast spread.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Lasagna

Jingle Juice

Tasty Jingle Juice on display
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Jingle Juice is the perfect Christmas punch. Cranberry apple juice, lemon lime soda, sparkling rose, vodka, and triple sec.
Get the Recipe: Jingle Juice

Orange Rolls

Orange Rolls
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

Orange Rolls: Sweet yeast dough twirled around a warm brown sugar and sunny citrus filling, topped with tangy cream cheese frosting.
Get the Recipe: Orange Rolls

Chocolate Orange Panettone

Chocolate Orange Panettone
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

Take your holiday tradition to the next level with this chocolate orange panettone! Sweet, moist Italian yeast bread, studded with citrus and chocolate.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Orange Panettone

European-Style Hot Chocolate

A hand dips a churro covered in sugar into a cup of thick hot chocolate. In the background, a tray holds more churros. Two spoons rest beside the cup on a white surface. The cup has a blue floral design.
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

Indulge in this thick, rich European-style hot chocolate. Only a few ingredients and mere seconds stand between you and this luxurious treat!
Get the Recipe: European-Style Hot Chocolate

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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