Memorable Meals for Christmas Morning: SparkRecipes SlideShow

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Memorable Meals for Christmas Morning

by Stepfanie Romine, Staff Writer


Unwrapping presents can work up quite an appetite. On Christmas morning, sit down with the family to one of these hearty, home-cooked meals and create a new holiday tradition. From red velvet pancakes and Panettone French toast to Christmas quiche and cheesy breakfast casserole, we've got meals that are sweet and savory, naughty and nice!

Grandma's Crumb Cake

This old-fashioned crumb cake is often called coffee cake because the two pair so well together. This slightly sweet cinnamon cake takes just 35 minutes to bake, which is just enough time to make coffee and prepare a fruit plate to accompany it. Grandma would be proud.

Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole

The best part about this sausage and cheese breakfast casserole is that you can make it the night before, then pop it in the oven while you open presents. Swap the sausage for ham or bacon if you prefer--or even leave it out and use sauteed mushrooms for a meatless meal. Note: If using a glass dish, allow it to come to room temperature before placing in the oven.

Red Velvet Pancakes

Red velvet pancakes are basically chocolate pancakes with red food coloring added. You could make any pancake recipe festive by swirling in some food dye. We like these topped with sweetened cream cheese (hey, it's a special occasion) or vanilla Greek yogurt and berries.

Christmas Quiche

This crustless quiche is delicious any time of year, but the kale and sun-dried tomatoes give it a festive appearance. Quiche is best when it has had some time to cool, so make it the night before and reheat it just before serving.

Orange Cranberry Muffins

Orange Cranberry Muffins match up our two favorite winter fruits for a light breakfast. Bake a batch while waiting for Santa on Christmas Eve.

Cinnamon Rolls

Skip the refrigerated tubes of dough, and impress your guests with these homemade cinnamon rolls. This no-rise variety is ready in about 30 minutes. Pair with a cup of milk for the perfect breakfast.

White Chocolate Peppermint Latte

Early morning Christmas wake-up calls mean coffee is most likely on the breakfast menu. Instead of your usual cup of joe, serve these white chocolate peppermint lattes.

Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Frittata

Frittatas are perfect for holiday brunch. They are started on top of the stove and finished--and then kept warm--in the oven. On a special occasion, we like this smoked salmon and cream cheese version, but you can use any combo of meat, cheese, and veggies.

Apple-Cinnamon Slow Cooker Oatmeal

Slow cookers aren't commonly used for breakfast, but they do make light work of meals any time of day. On Christmas morning, try apple-cinnamon oatmeal in the slow cooker. With just four ingredients and five minutes of prep work, this rich, sweet dish is comforting--almost like dessert.

French Toast Casserole

French toast can be fussy and time-consuming for a crowd, but French toast casserole is a simpler way to achieve the same flavor. Letting the dry bread soak overnight in the custard actually yields a better result.

Panettone French Toast

Speaking of French toast, take yours up a notch by using leftover holiday bread, such as Panettone. The spices and dried fruit adds even more flavor to your breakfast. Bonus: Panettone tends to dry out quickly, making it an ideal candidate for a soak in a sweet eggy bath!