4 Holiday Brunch Recipes to Add to Your Menu

Add a little extra sparkle to your holidays this year by incorporating these holiday brunch menu ideas into your repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a post-Thanksgiving brunch, Christmas brunch or a holiday celebration in between, these recipes are sure to be steal the show. What sets brunch apart from all other meals is its ability to morph from a laid-back buffet to an elegant plated affair. It’s all about how you choose to cook, serve and style it for the table. Grab your whisks and get ready to feel jolly with these holiday brunch recipes from us at Pottery Barn.

Egg Casserole

When you need go-to holiday brunch ideas, there’s nothing like an egg casserole. Whip it up and chill it until about one hour before you want to pop it in the oven. Then, bake it in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for 45 minutes to one hour, or until the casserole has puffed lightly and the center is set. On the day of your brunch, your oven does all the work so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your guests.

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground country sausage

6 eggs

2 cups milk

6 slices sourdough bread

8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon dry mustard

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt

Brown the sausage in a heavy-bottomed skillet. While that’s cooking, whisk the eggs and milk together with the spices in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the cheese. Tear or cube the bread and add it to the bottom of a greased 8" square baking dish. Once the sausage is fully cooked, stir it into the egg mixture and pour the blend over the bread into the baking dish. Cover the dish and chill it in the refrigerator for at least eight hours, or overnight. In the morning, bake the casserole uncovered. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before slicing it and serving to your brunch guests.

Baked Oatmeal

If you’re interested in adding something hearty, comforting and a little sweet to your menu, this casserole delivers. As a bonus, it’s also versatile and easy to personalize by using your favorite fruits and spices. While it’s baking, you’ll have plenty of time to arrange the table linens and get ready for everyone to arrive.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups diced fruit

2 cups old fashioned oats

2 eggs

1 cup milk

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/4 cup brown sugar, maple syrup or the sweetener of your choice

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

Mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl. Pour it into a greased 8" square baking dish. Bake it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 45 minutes. Serve it warm on small plates or in bowls topped with a helping of cream.

Baked Polenta with Bacon

When you’re feeding a crowd, you want holiday brunch ideas that don’t require standing over a stove making individual servings. Pass up the omelets and scrambles in favor of this breakfast casserole that combines the magic of polenta with flavorful bacon and savory greens. As a bonus, this hands-off recipe leaves you plenty of time to sit and enjoy your mug of coffee before everyone arrives.

Ingredients:

6 ounces diced bacon

1 diced white onion

3 ounces of chopped fresh spinach, Swiss chard or kale

4 large eggs

2 cups milk

2 cups coarse cornmeal

2/3 cup shredded Parmesan

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt

4 cups water

Cook the bacon until it’s crispy around the edges. Add the onion and continue cooking for about three minutes before stirring in the chopped greens. Cook the mixture for about 20 to 30 seconds until the greens begin to wilt. Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside.

Meanwhile, put 4 cups of water in a small saucepan or tea kettle to boil. Beat the eggs, milk, cornmeal and half the cheese together. Stir the bacon mixture, salt and pepper into the eggs. Pour it into a greased 9" by 13" baking dish. Pour the boiling water into the mixtures, whisk it until everything is combined and bake it for about 20 minutes. Remove the dish from the oven after five minutes and whisk the mixture to make sure it bakes evenly. Sprinkle the second half of the cheese over the casserole after removing it from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Festive Fruit Salad Shooters

While all of the other dishes on this brunch list require silverware, this fun holiday brunch recipe doesn’t need anything extra. Simply divvy your favorite fruit salad into shot glasses or small glasses, arrange them on a lovely platter and voila! Your guests have easy access to a sweet, healthy treat.

With easy, hearty recipes, your guests are guaranteed to leave full and happy.  The best part? You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy brunch yourself and take care of anything else that needs attention.