12 Festive and Delicious Christmas Breakfast Ideas in the UK

Christmas morning is like unwrapping a gift – full of excitement and joy, but often with a dash of chaos. Between the thrill of opening presents and the festive spirit in the air, it can be tricky to fit in a breakfast that’s as special as the day itself. You want something that feels festive, but without adding to the stress of an already busy morning. Our list of Christmas breakfast ideas for the UK promises to take that pressure off your plate. With a variety of easy-to-make options, you can enjoy delicious dishes that bring a festive touch to your table. Whether you’re craving traditional favourites or looking to try something new, this list has something for every taste and style. Let’s discover the 12 perfect breakfast ideas to make your Christmas morning even more magical!
29 August 2023 7 min read
Best Christmas Breakfast ideas in the UK

12 Scrumptious Breakfast Ideas For Christmas Eve

These 12 Christmas breakfast ideas promise to give you that festive flair without the stress. Let’s explore them and bring a little extra magic to your Christmas morning.

1. Traditional English Breakfast: A Hearty Start

English breakfast is a quick breakfast idea for Christmas morning

Nothing says “good morning” quite like a full English breakfast as a Christmas Eve meal idea. Imagine sizzling sausages, crispy bacon, roasted tomatoes, buttery mushrooms, and eggs cooked just the way you like them. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in a slice of black pudding. Pair this feast with some toast and marmalade, and you’ve got a breakfast fit for a king (or queen!). This classic feast is satisfying, as well as the traditional Christmas breakfast in the UK.

Highlights

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes.
  • Budget: Medium.
  • Preparation Level: Easy
  • Dietary Considerations: Gluten-Free Option Available.

2. Scandinavian Jul Breakfast: A Nordic Delight

A Scandinavian Breakfast is a great idea for a Christmas Eve meal

Take a trip to Scandinavia with a Christmas Eve breakfast inspired by the region’s ‘Jul’ traditions. Picture a spread of pickled herring, smoked salmon, and ‘knäckebröd’ (crispbread), accompanied by a selection of cheeses and the slightly sweet ‘lussekatter’ (saffron buns). This light and aromatic breakfast is a refreshing way to kick off the festivities, bringing a taste of the North to your table.

Highlights

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes.
  • Budget: Medium.
  • Preparation Level: Intermediate.
  • Dietary Considerations: Pescatarian, Dairy-Free Option Available.

3. American Pancake Breakfast: Sweet and Comforting

Pancakes are the best kid's Christmas breakfast ideas

Few things beat a stack of fluffy pancakes, especially on Christmas Eve. These breakfast American pancakes are piled high, drizzled with rich maple syrup, and topped with fresh berries. Add a side of bacon or sausages, and you’ve got yourself a comforting breakfast that evokes warmth and nostalgia. This sweet treat is one of the best ideas for a Christmas Eve meal to indulge your inner child.

Highlights

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes.
  • Budget: Low.
  • Preparation Level: Easy.
  • Dietary Considerations: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free Option Available.

4. Latin American Delights: A Vibrant Feast

A great variation to Christmas Eve meal ideas in the UK

Latin America brings a burst of flavour to your Christmas Eve breakfast with sweet tamales from Mexico, panettone from Peru, and hearty ‘hallacas’ from Venezuela. Each dish is a celebration of culture, family, and tradition, making your breakfast not just a meal, but an experience. These vibrant flavours are sure to make your holiday morning as lively and festive as the celebrations to come.

Highlights

  • Prep Time: 40 minutes.
  • Budget: Medium.
  • Preparation Level: Intermediate.
  • Dietary Considerations: Contains gluten and dairy.

5. French Réveillon Breakfast: A Taste of Elegance

Quick and delightful  breakfast ideas for Christmas morning

Borrow the elegance of the French Réveillon dinner for your Christmas Eve breakfast. Imagine delicate croissants, buttery ‘pain au chocolat’, fresh fruit tarts, and creamy café au lait. This airy and classic French approach is a sublime way to start your day, adding a touch of sophistication to your morning routine.

Highlights

  • Prep Time: 90 minutes.
  • Budget: High.
  • Preparation Level: Intermediate.
  • Dietary Considerations: Vegetarian and contains gluten.

6. Snowflake French Toast: A Winter Wonderland on Your Plate

A creative Christmas Eve family meal idea

Wake up to a snowy breakfast scene with Snowflake French Toast. Cut slices of brioche into snowflake shapes using cookie cutters, then dip them in a classic egg-milk-cinnamon mix and lightly fry until golden brown. Sprinkle powdered sugar, top with fresh berries, and a drizzle of maple syrup to make this dish as delightful to eat as it is to look at. It’s the perfect way to capture the essence of a white Christmas.

Highlights

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes.
  • Budget: Low.
  • Preparation Level: Easy.
  • Dietary Considerations: Vegetarian, Contains Egg.

7. Cranberry Oatmeal Bake: Hearty and Festive

Oatmeal bake is one of the quickest Christmas Eve meal ideas

For a warm, comforting start to your Christmas Eve meal ideas, try a Cranberry Oatmeal Bake. Mix rolled oats with fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a hint of nutmeg, then bake to perfection. The result? A hearty breakfast full of festive flavours that’s perfect for sharing. Top with a dollop of Greek yoghurt or chopped nuts for added texture.

Highlights

  • Prep Time: 35 minutes.
  • Budget: Low.
  • Preparation Level: Easy.
  • Dietary Considerations: Vegan, Gluten-Free.

8. Gingerbread Waffles: A Festive Twist on a Classic

Gingerbread waffles are a nice twist to classic Christmas Eve meal ideas in the UK

Take your waffle game to the next level with Gingerbread waffles. Incorporate ginger, cinnamon, and molasses into your batter to transform regular pancakes into a festive delight. Serve them with whipped cream, golden honey, or lemon curd for a zesty kick. This is a nice twist to Christmas Eve meal ideas in the UK that feels extra special.

Highlights

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes.
  • Budget: Low.
  • Preparation Level: Easy.
  • Dietary Considerations: Vegetarian and contains gluten.

9. Festive Avocado Toast: A Merry Twist

Avocado toast is the best Christmas Eve meal idea

Give your avocado toast a festive spin with this healthy and cheerful idea. Start with a toasted slice of sourdough bread and spread a creamy mashed avocado seasoned with lime juice and sea salt. For a Christmas touch, you can top it with pomegranate seeds, cranberries, sliced radishes, and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for crunch. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and serve with your favourite festive drink like spiced tea or cinnamon-infused coffee. It’s an easy and nutritious way to bring some holiday cheer to your breakfast table.

Highlights

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes.
  • Budget: Low.
  • Preparation Level: Easy.
  • Dietary Considerations: Vegan and  Gluten-Free options are available.

10. Pumpkin Spiced Smoothie Bowl: A Seasonal Delight

Pumpkin smoothie bowl is a good Christmas Eve family meal idea

Embrace the cosy flavours of autumn with a Pumpkin Spiced Smoothie Bowl. Blend pumpkin purée with almond milk, frozen bananas, and almond butter for a creamy base. Add a pinch of pumpkin spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger) for that festive warmth. Pour into a bowl and top with granola, toasted pumpkin seeds, pecan nuts, whipped cream and a drizzle of maple syrup. This seasonal smoothie bowl is a nutritious way to enjoy the flavours of the holidays.

Highlights

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes.
  • Budget: Low.
  • Preparation Level: Easy.
  • Dietary Considerations: Vegan and gluten-free.

11. Eggnog Waffles: A Christmas Classic with a Twist

Waffles are the best Christmas Eve meal ideas

Eggnog isn’t just for sipping—turn it into a breakfast delight with Eggnog Waffles. Add a splash of eggnog and a touch of nutmeg to your waffle batter, then cook until golden. These waffles have all the comforting flavours of the holiday season. Serve with caramelised bananas or vanilla ice cream for a treat that’s sure to be a hit.

Highlights

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes.
  • Budget: Medium.
  • Preparation Level: Intermediate.
  • Dietary Considerations: Contains Dairy, Vegetarian.

12. Rudolph’s Granola Parfait: A Merry Treat

A parfait is a healthy Christmas Eve family meal idea

Pay homage to everyone’s favourite reindeer with a festive granola parfait. Layer Greek yoghurt, homemade granola, red cherries (Rudolph’s nose!), and dark chocolate chips in a clear glass. This delightful parfait is healthy and a great Christmas Eve family meal idea. Plus, it’s easy to adapt for dairy-free guests, making it a versatile choice for everyone.

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Highlights

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes.
  • Budget: Low.
  • Preparation Level: Easy.
  • Dietary Considerations: Vegetarian, Dairy-Free Option Available.

A Christmas Eve Breakfast Like No Other

These were some of the best Christmas breakfast ideas for the UK to make your morning festive and delicious. However, with all the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations, you might find yourself short on time to whip up a proper breakfast. In such situations, hiring a private chef could be your saving grace.

A private chef can take the stress out of your holiday by crafting a customised Christmas breakfast menu that perfectly suits your tastes and dietary needs. Platforms like yhangry offer private chef services across the UK, where you can avail of their special Christmas menu. This way, you can ring the Christmas bells in a more relaxed and joyful manner, knowing that your breakfast is in expert hands.

FAQ's

Mulled apple cider, hot chocolate with whipped cream, and café au lait are perfect for pairing with traditional christmas breakfast in the UK. Spiced tea and freshly squeezed orange juice offer refreshing alternatives, while an eggnog latte adds a festive twist to your morning meal.

Get your kids involved by assigning fun tasks like decorating pancakes with festive toppings or using cookie cutters to shape Snowflake French Toast. They can also help with simpler steps, such as mixing ingredients for Gingerbread Pancakes or layering yoghurt and fruit in parfaits. Keeping it simple and fun makes the experience enjoyable for them.

You can make Christmas Eve breakfast more festive by incorporating seasonal ingredients like cinnamon, cranberries, and gingerbread into your dishes. Try creating themed foods, such as Christmas Tree Avocado Toast or Snowflake French Toast, and decorate the table with holiday colours and decorations. For a stress-free and extra special morning, consider hiring a private chef through platforms like yhangry. A private chef can customise a festive menu and handle the cooking, allowing you to enjoy the celebration with your family.