Christmas morning is a magical time filled with joy, excitement, and, of course, delicious food. Preparing brunch shouldn’t add stress to your holiday spirit. This year, why not embrace the joy of meal prepping with a traditional brunch menu that can be made ahead of time, frozen, and effortlessly reheated on Christmas Day? Here’s a delightful menu designed to take you from the oven to the table in under an hour so you can enjoy the festivities with family and friends around the tree.
Menu Highlights
- Savory Breakfast Casserole
- Cinnamon Rolls – Grocery Store Brand
- Cranberry Muffins
- Hot Chocolate
- Coffee Bar
1. Savory Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients:
- 8 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup diced bell peppers and onions
- 1 bag of frozen hash browns
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preparation (Day Before): In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Stir in cheese, sausage, bell peppers, onions, and hash browns. Season with salt and pepper. Pour into a greased baking dish.
- Cooking: Cover and refrigerate overnight. On Christmas morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until set. Let cool slightly before serving.
2. Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients:
- 1 tube of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough from the Grocery Store
- 1/4 cup icing (included)
Instructions:
- Preparation (Day Before): Roll out cinnamon roll dough as directed on container
- Cooking: Place the rolls on a baking sheet and chill overnight. On Christmas morning, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Drizzle with icing before serving.
3. Cranberry Muffins
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
Instructions:
- Preparation (Day Before): Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, mix milk, oil, and egg. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ones, then fold in cranberries. Pour into muffin tins.
- Cooking: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden. Let cool completely, then freeze.
5. Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
- Hot chocolate mix
- Milk
- Cheese
Instructions:
- Setup (Day Before): Prepare the hot chocolate mix in a large pot. Place white cheese on a platter in the frigerator to add to the hot chocolate.
- Serving: On Christmas morning, heat the hot chocolate and let everyone add cheese if they want it.
Final Touches
Set Up a Home Coffee Bar
Creating a cozy and functional home coffee bar can enhance your daily routine and impress guests. Follow these steps to set up an inviting coffee station that reflects your style and caffeine preferences!
1. Choose Your Location
- Select a Space: Look for an area in your kitchen or a small corner in your living room. Ensure it’s easily accessible and has enough counter space for your coffee equipment.
- Consider Lighting: Good lighting can elevate the ambiance. If possible, position your coffee bar near a window or add a stylish lamp.
2. Gather Your Essentials
Coffee Equipment:
- Coffee Maker: Choose between a traditional drip coffee maker, French press, espresso machine, or pour-over setup based on your preferences.
- Coffee Grinder: If you use whole beans, a grinder is essential. Burr grinders provide a more consistent grind.
- Kettle: A good kettle, preferably with temperature control, is a must for brewing specialty coffees like pour-over or French press.
Coffee and Accessories:
- Coffee Beans: Stock a variety of high-quality beans or ground coffee. Consider a mix of single-origin, blends, or seasonal flavors.
- Filters: Keep a supply of coffee filters if using a drip coffee maker or pour-over.
- Condiments: Provide sugar, sweeteners, creamers, and milk alternatives. Consider flavored syrups for a special touch.
3. Organize Your Space
- Storage Solutions: Use jars or canisters for coffee beans and sugar. Labeling can help keep everything organized.
- Shelving: Install shelves for coffee mugs, syrups, and other accessories. Display them aesthetically for easy access and a decorative touch.
- Tray or Cart: A small tray or rolling cart can keep all your essentials together and make it mobile if necessary.
4. Personalize Your Bar
- Mugs and Glassware: Select your favorite coffee mugs and cups. You can mix and match styles for a more eclectic look or stick to a cohesive theme.
- Decor: Add personal touches, like a small plant, a framed photo, or a coffee-related quote on a chalkboard or print.
- Coffee Art: If you enjoy latte art, consider investing in a milk frother and have some cocoa powder or cinnamon for decoration.
5. Create a Comfortable Atmosphere
- Seating Area: If space allows, add a comfortable chair or stool. It encourages you to relax and savor your coffee.
- Cozy Touches: Use an attractive tablecloth or runner, and consider candles for warmth and ambiance.
By planning and prepping these dishes ahead of time, you can enjoy a festive brunch that captures the spirit of Christmas without the hassle. Reheat the breakfast casserole and serve it alongside warm cinnamon rolls, muffins, and a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa.