24 holiday brunch recipes that feel extra special

Make holiday brunch feel like something to look forward to with these 24 wholesome ideas. Easy to pull off, but packed with that extra something for the season. Let every bite help turn a simple gathering into a special memory!

Smoky Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash

A skillet filled with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, chopped herbs, and crumbled cheese being stirred with a wooden spatula. — Smoky Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

There’s always room for something hearty that still feels easy. A mix of bold flavors keeps Smoky Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash firmly in the rotation when you want something that works for everyone. The whole pan usually goes quicker than expected.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash

Boxty (Irish Potato Pancakes)

A close up image of Irish potato pancakes on a plate. — Boxty (Irish Potato Pancakes). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Let the table lean into something a little more unexpected. Crisp on the outside and soft inside, Boxty (Irish Potato Pancakes) works well with smoked salmon, eggs, or just butter. These stay warm longer than most pancakes.
Get the Recipe: Boxty (Irish Potato Pancakes)

Fluffy Pumpkin Protein Waffles With Chocolate Sauce (17g Protein Per Waffle!)

A plate of four golden brown waffles topped with halved strawberries. A small jug of syrup is placed next to the waffles. The plate is on a light-colored surface, with two folded cloth napkins nearby. — Fluffy Pumpkin Protein Waffles With Chocolate Sauce (17g Protein Per Waffle!). Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Start the morning strong with something that pulls double duty. With a cozy flavor and solid texture, Fluffy Pumpkin Protein Waffles With Chocolate Sauce (17g Protein Per Waffle!) feel both fun and practical. Guests tend to ask for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Pumpkin Protein Waffles With Chocolate Sauce (17g Protein Per Waffle!)

Pancake Nachos - Holiday Breakfast Nachos

A plate of pancakes topped with chopped strawberries, whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, and a whole strawberry on top, set on a newspaper with strawberries in the background. — Pancake Nachos - Holiday Breakfast Nachos. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Go for a brunch centerpiece that brings everyone to the table fast. With layers of toppings and sweet mix-ins, Pancake Nachos - Holiday Breakfast Nachos make a great pick for serving a crowd. It always sparks conversation.
Get the Recipe: Pancake Nachos - Holiday Breakfast Nachos

Moroccan Shakshuka

An overhead image of a cooked shakshuka in a pan. — Moroccan Shakshuka. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Bold flavors and warm spices give this one a strong presence at the table. Whether you serve it with flatbread or on its own, Moroccan Shakshuka keeps brunch interesting without adding more work. It’s usually the first dish to empty.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Shakshuka

Savory Oatmeal with Zucchini

Try switching things up with a bowl that’s warm, simple, and not too heavy. Soft oats and fresh vegetables bring just the right balance in Savory Oatmeal with Zucchini. It tends to hold its own next to eggs or toast.
Get the Recipe: Savory Oatmeal with Zucchini

Cinnamon Roll Waffles

One iced cinnamon roll waffle. — Cinnamon Roll Waffles. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Bring out the waffle iron when you want something classic with a twist. All the cinnamon and richness of a roll comes through in Cinnamon Roll Waffles, with the bonus of crisp edges. These tend to vanish as soon as they hit the plate.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Waffles

Blueberry Sourdough Pancakes

Stack of blueberry sourdough discard pancakes. — Blueberry Sourdough Pancakes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Brunch is better when the stack has a bit more depth. A touch of tang and bursts of fruit make Blueberry Sourdough Pancakes something worth slowing down for. Syrup isn’t even necessary here.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Sourdough Pancakes

Canadian Date Bars with Oatmeal Crumble Topping

Three oat crumb bars with a fruit filling are stacked on a wooden surface, with crumbs scattered around and a blurred striped cloth in the background. — Canadian Date Bars with Oatmeal Crumble Topping. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Something slightly sweet with a soft bite can fill the gap between breakfast and dessert. Canadian Date Bars with Oatmeal Crumble Topping keep their shape well and are easy to slice for sharing. A batch rarely makes it through the morning.
Get the Recipe: Canadian Date Bars with Oatmeal Crumble Topping

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Stovetop Recipe (Gluten-Free & Vegan)

A white ramekin filled with oatmeal, grated apple, and walnuts sits on a wooden table beside two apples, a measuring spoon with cinnamon, and a kitchen towel. — Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Stovetop Recipe (Gluten-Free & Vegan). Photo credit: Fit As A Mama Bear.

Go with something warm and adaptable for a table that’s feeding a few different tastes. The soft texture and spiced apple in Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Stovetop Recipe (Gluten-Free & Vegan) hold well under toppings or just on their own. Nothing gets left behind in the pot.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Stovetop Recipe (Gluten-Free & Vegan)

Easy Brownie Sundae Waffle Bowls

A chocolate waffle bowl holds vanilla ice cream topped with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, sprinkles, and a cherry, with a spoon inserted. — Easy Brownie Sundae Waffle Bowls. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Lean into fun and let everyone make their own. Crunchy, chocolatey Easy Brownie Sundae Waffle Bowls give brunch that dessert energy without needing anything too fancy. Kids usually get to the table faster for these.
Get the Recipe: Easy Brownie Sundae Waffle Bowls

Green Shakshuka

A skillet with eggs, spinach and pomegranate. — Green Shakshuka. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Brighter ingredients bring a fresh twist to a classic format. Made with herbs and greens, Green Shakshuka offers a different flavor profile that still holds its own. It’s a great way to start things off with color.
Get the Recipe: Green Shakshuka

Loaded Cheesy Potato Waffles

A plate of waffle fries topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, bacon strips, and a sunny-side-up egg, with condiments and ingredients on the side. — Loaded Cheesy Potato Waffles. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Give brunch a savory option that doesn’t feel like a side dish. Each bite of Loaded Cheesy Potato Waffles holds up on its own or next to eggs and greens. These reheat well if any are left over.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cheesy Potato Waffles

Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal

Baked oatmeal with sliced apples on top. — Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Make-ahead options come in handy when mornings are busy. You get both tart and soft notes in Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal, with texture that holds well when sliced. Leftovers keep nicely in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal

Oatmeal Breakfast Bowl - Easy with Delicious Toppings

A bowl of oatmeal topped with sliced kiwi, banana, strawberries, seeds, and yogurt, with whole strawberries, kiwi, and a spoon nearby. — Oatmeal Breakfast Bowl - Easy with Delicious Toppings. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Let everyone build their own plate with something that starts simple. A warm base like Oatmeal Breakfast Bowl - Easy with Delicious Toppings makes it easy to satisfy different moods and routines. Most bowls end up piled high.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Breakfast Bowl - Easy with Delicious Toppings

Easy High Protein Waffles

A stack of blueberry waffles topped with whipped cream, blueberries, and a drizzle of syrup. — Easy High Protein Waffles. Photo credit: Fit As A Mama Bear.

Some mornings call for a solid base that still feels brunch-worthy. You’ll get that with Easy High Protein Waffles, especially when topped with fruit or nut butter. These reheat well and stay crisp.
Get the Recipe: Easy High Protein Waffles

Carrot Cake Pancakes

A stack of pancakes topped with cream, shredded carrots, raisins, and walnuts sits on a white plate with a gold fork. — Carrot Cake Pancakes. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Let the brunch table lean a little sweeter without feeling over the top. Packed with spice and just enough richness, Carrot Cake Pancakes hit that middle ground between cozy and fun. These stack well and taste even better with a quick drizzle.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake Pancakes

Eggplant Shakshuka

A good one-skillet dish can make everything else simpler. You’ll find Eggplant Shakshuka to be full enough for a meal but still light enough to pair with toast or salad. It tends to win over even the eggplant skeptics.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Shakshuka

Oatmeal Raisin Muffins

Sometimes a good muffin is all you need to round things out. Soft and not too sweet, Oatmeal Raisin Muffins pair well with coffee or a big brunch spread. Extras make great snacks for later.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Raisin Muffins

Pumpkin Spice Pancake Bites

Here’s a way to serve pancakes without standing at the stove all morning. With warm spice in every bite, Pumpkin Spice Pancake Bites are easy to batch and pass around. Kids usually go back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Pancake Bites

Apple Cider Oatmeal Bread

Iced Oatmeal bread on a brown and white plate. — Apple Cider Oatmeal Bread. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

A slice that feels just right with a hot drink always belongs at brunch. The balance in Apple Cider Oatmeal Bread brings subtle sweetness and a sturdy texture that holds up on its own. It’s also easy to wrap up and share.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Oatmeal Bread

Spinach and Red Bean Shakshuka

Brunch gets more flexible when you add a plant-forward option that still brings richness. With hearty greens and beans, Spinach and Red Bean Shakshuka works well for bigger spreads or as a main. This one’s easy to serve straight from the pan.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Red Bean Shakshuka

Belgium Waffle For One

Even a smaller gathering deserves something that feels thoughtful. A single serving of Belgium Waffle For One brings crisp edges and a fluffy inside without much cleanup. This one works great when you’re not feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Belgium Waffle For One

Beetroot Light and Fluffy Pink Pancakes

Bright color adds a little more fun to the table. The soft texture in Beetroot Light and Fluffy Pink Pancakes gives them just enough flair without being too sweet. They look great stacked on a platter.
Get the Recipe: Beetroot Light and Fluffy Pink Pancakes