12 Full Holiday Brunch Ideas From Drinks to Desserts

The holidays are the perfect time to gather friends and family for a festive brunch. With a mix of drinks, savory dishes, and indulgent desserts, your holiday table will be a hit. Imagine starting with warm coffee and spiced beverages, followed by comforting meals that everyone will enjoy. There is something about holiday flavors that bring out the best in both simple and elegant recipes. 

This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Hot Apple Cider

Warm apple cider is a holiday favorite that brings comfort and warmth to your brunch table. It is perfect for chilly mornings, filling the house with its sweet and spicy aroma. This drink can be enjoyed by both adults and children, making it a great choice for family gatherings. Adding a dash of cinnamon or a few cloves will give it that traditional holiday flavor.

Ingredients for hot apple cider include apple juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices. You can also add a splash of bourbon or rum for an adult twist. For extra sweetness, a bit of brown sugar can be stirred in.

To make hot apple cider, simply heat the apple juice in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices, allowing the mixture to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. If you prefer an alcoholic version, add your preferred spirit just before serving. Serve hot, garnished with extra cinnamon sticks or a slice of orange.

Spiced Eggnog

Eggnog is a creamy, spiced drink that brings a festive touch to your holiday brunch. Its rich flavor, with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon, is a favorite during the winter months. This drink can be made ahead of time and chilled for an easy brunch option. Serve it with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg for a finishing touch.

Ingredients for spiced eggnog include eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, rum or bourbon, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. You can use store-bought eggnog or make your own from scratch for a more authentic taste. Be sure to use fresh spices to enhance the flavor.

To make homemade spiced eggnog, whisk the eggs and sugar together in a bowl until smooth. In a separate pot, heat the milk and cream over low heat, adding the vanilla and spices. Slowly add the egg mixture to the milk, whisking constantly, then heat gently until thickened. Strain and chill, adding rum or bourbon before serving.

Cranberry Mimosa

A cranberry mimosa is a vibrant and refreshing drink that will brighten up your holiday brunch. The tartness of cranberry juice pairs beautifully with the crisp, bubbly champagne, creating a delightful contrast. This festive drink adds color and cheer to any occasion, making it a great choice for toasts. Garnish with fresh cranberries or a sprig of rosemary for an extra touch.

Ingredients for cranberry mimosa include cranberry juice and champagne or sparkling wine. For a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the champagne with sparkling water. Fresh cranberries are used for garnish, along with a sprig of rosemary for extra flavor.

To make a cranberry mimosa, simply pour the cranberry juice into a champagne flute until it is about two-thirds full. Top off with champagne or sparkling wine, stirring gently to combine. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries or a sprig of rosemary for a festive look. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.

Bacon and Egg Breakfast Muffins

Bacon and egg breakfast muffins are savory and filling, making them an ideal addition to your holiday brunch spread. These muffins are packed with protein and flavor, combining crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese in each bite. They are portable and easy to serve, making them perfect for a crowd. You can also prepare these muffins ahead of time for a stress-free brunch.

Ingredients for bacon and egg breakfast muffins include eggs, cooked bacon, shredded cheese, and muffin batter or store-bought or homemade. You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and herbs like chives or thyme.

To make the muffins, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C. Grease a muffin tin and spoon the batter into each cup. Add a small piece of cooked bacon to each muffin and crack an egg on top. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the eggs are cooked to your liking, then serve warm.

Holiday Fruit Salad

A holiday fruit salad adds a fresh and colorful touch to your brunch table. It’s a light and refreshing option that balances out heavier dishes, providing a burst of natural sweetness. You can mix a variety of seasonal fruits like citrus, apples, and pears, making it a vibrant centerpiece. Adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon gives the salad a festive touch.

Ingredients for the fruit salad include seasonal fruits like oranges, apples, pears, pomegranate seeds, and grapes. You can also add a handful of nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. For dressing, mix honey, lime juice, and a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the flavors.

To make the fruit salad, simply peel and chop the fruits into bite-sized pieces. Toss them together in a large bowl, then drizzle with honey and lime juice. Add the cinnamon and toss gently to combine. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Smoked Salmon Bagels

Smoked salmon bagels are a classic brunch dish that adds a touch of elegance to your holiday spread. The salty, smoky flavor of the salmon pairs perfectly with the creamy cream cheese and fresh bagel. This dish is simple to assemble, yet it feels sophisticated and indulgent. You can serve it with capers, red onions, or fresh dill for added flavor.

Ingredients for smoked salmon bagels include bagels, cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, red onions, and fresh dill. You can also add lemon wedges for a burst of freshness. The cream cheese can be plain or mixed with herbs for extra flavor.

To assemble the bagels, spread a generous layer of cream cheese on each half. Top with a few slices of smoked salmon, then add capers, red onion, and fresh dill. Serve with a wedge of lemon on the side for a citrusy finish. Enjoy immediately for a fresh and satisfying brunch dish.

Pecan Sticky Buns

Pecan sticky buns are a sweet and sticky treat that will delight your guests during the holiday season. The warm, gooey caramel sauce and toasted pecans make this dish irresistible. These buns are perfect for a holiday brunch, as they offer both indulgence and a comforting, homemade touch. Serve them fresh from the oven for the best experience.

Ingredients for pecan sticky buns include yeast dough, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans. You will also need heavy cream and vanilla extract for the caramel sauce. To enhance the flavor, you can add a pinch of salt to the caramel.

To make the buns, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C. Roll out the yeast dough and spread a mixture of butter, cinnamon, and sugar over it. Roll the dough into a log, slice it into pieces, and place them in a baking dish with pecans and caramel sauce. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, then drizzle with any remaining caramel before serving.

Egg and Cheese Croissants

Egg and cheese croissants are a rich and indulgent dish that is perfect for a holiday brunch. The buttery, flaky croissants pair beautifully with scrambled eggs and melted cheese. This dish is simple to make yet feels like a special treat. You can add bacon, sausage, or vegetables to customize it to your liking.

Ingredients for egg and cheese croissants include croissants, eggs, cheese or cheddar or Swiss, and butter. You can also add cooked bacon or sausage, or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper for extra flavor.

To make the croissants, cut the croissants in half and place them on a baking sheet. Scramble the eggs and cook them in a pan with butter, then spoon them onto the croissant halves. Top with cheese and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Serve warm for a savory brunch treat.

Pumpkin Spice French Toast

Pumpkin spice French toast is a cozy and flavorful dish that brings all the fall flavors to your brunch table. The custard-like batter, infused with pumpkin spice, creates a rich and decadent French toast. It is a great way to celebrate the season, especially when topped with whipped cream or maple syrup. This dish is perfect for a festive holiday morning.

Ingredients for pumpkin spice French toast include eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg. You will also need bread or preferably brioche or challah and butter for cooking. For topping, use whipped cream, maple syrup, or toasted pecans.

To make the French toast, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, and spices. Heat a pan over medium heat and melt a little butter in it. Dip each slice of bread into the batter, coating it well, and cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden brown. Serve with your favorite toppings for a delicious, seasonal breakfast.

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Cinnamon sugar donuts are a warm and sweet treat that makes the perfect holiday brunch dessert. These homemade donuts are soft, fluffy, and covered in a sugary cinnamon coating. You can bake them or fry them for a crispy exterior. Either way, they are sure to satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth.

Ingredients for cinnamon sugar donuts include flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and eggs. You will also need milk, butter, and vanilla extract. For coating, mix together cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl.

To make the donuts, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C. Mix the dry ingredients together, then add the wet ingredients and stir until a dough forms. Shape the dough into small circles and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Once they are out of the oven, coat them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while they are still warm.

Chocolate Yule Log Cake

A chocolate yule log cake is a festive dessert that adds a touch of elegance to your holiday brunch. This rolled cake, filled with rich chocolate cream, is perfect for special occasions. The cake is often decorated with powdered sugar or marzipan to resemble tree bark, making it both beautiful and delicious. This dessert is a holiday classic that never goes out of style.

Ingredients for a chocolate yule log cake include flour, cocoa powder, eggs, sugar, and butter. You will also need heavy cream, powdered sugar, and chocolate for the filling. For decoration, use powdered sugar, whipped cream, or marzipan.

To make the cake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C. Mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately, then combine and bake the batter in a jelly roll pan for 10 to 12 minutes. Once baked, roll the cake with parchment paper and let it cool. Unroll the cake, fill it with chocolate cream, then re-roll and decorate with powdered sugar or whipped cream.

Cranberry Orange Bread

Cranberry orange bread is a moist, flavorful bread that is perfect for the holidays. The tart cranberries combined with the citrusy orange make for a delightful flavor combination. This bread can be served as a side or as a dessert, and it is an easy make-ahead option for holiday brunch. It is also a great gift for neighbors or friends.

Ingredients for cranberry orange bread include flour, sugar, cranberries, orange zest, and eggs. You will also need milk, butter, and baking powder. For extra flavor, add a little cinnamon or nutmeg.

To make the bread, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C. Mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately, then combine them. Fold in the cranberries and orange zest, and pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.