Best 5 Christmas Brunch Recipes

Related To:

Panettone Bread Pudding

Food Network Ina Garten Panettone Bread Pudding

Photo by: Marshall Troy Photography ©Food Network : 2012, Television Food Network, G.P.

Marshall Troy Photography, Food Network : 2012, Television Food Network, G.P.

While Christmas dinner may be the centerpiece meal in most homes come next week's holiday, brunch isn't to be forgotten, as it's often quicker and simpler to prepare than supper, even if you're cooking for guests. This year, whether you'll be hosting a crowd on Christmas morning or simply unwrapping presents with your family, enjoy a spread of sweet and savory brunch picks, like crispy peppered bacon, Alton's golden-brown French toast and Ina's indulgent bread pudding. Check out Food Network's top-five Christmas brunch picks below to find these recipes and more to complete your holiday celebration.

5. Breakfast Casserole — Filled with all of your favorite breakfast components — bread, eggs, sausage, potatoes and gooey cheese — this big-batch casserole can be assembled the night before and baked when you're ready to enjoy it on Christmas morning.

4. Maple-Pepper Bacon — No matter what else you're serving at brunch, be sure to round out the meal with a batch of Food Network Magazine's crispy bacon, baked instead of fried, with a sweet and savory topping of maple syrup and pepper.

3. French Toast — Mix up Alton's custard before you go to sleep on Christmas Eve, then wake up to a go-to breakfast in the morning; just dunk slices of bread into the mixture of eggs and half-and-half, then cook them until they're deliciously golden brown.

2. Western Skillet Eggs — Start by sauteing sweet shallots and bell peppers before adding ham, cherry tomatoes and bread to create the base of the dish, then crack a few eggs right on top and bake the dish until the eggs are set. It's important to start cooking in an ovenproof skillet, as it moves from the stovetop to the oven seamlessly.

1. Panettone Bread Pudding — Rich and moist in the center with a lightly toasted crust of sugared almonds on the outside, Ina's crowd-pleasing bread pudding (pictured above) relies on a loaf of Italian panettone — a dried fruit-studded sweet bread — to turn out indulgent results every time. Click the play button on the video below to watch her make it.

Panettone Bread Pudding
Loading Video...

Next Up

Quick Christmas Morning Brunch Menu

This year, instead of resorting to cereal and cocoa, serve a simple brunch, featuring hearty dishes that are ready in 30 minutes or fewer.

A Complete Christmas Dinner Menu Full of the Fastest Recipes Around

Check out this at-the-ready menu of all-star dishes that will wow your guests this holiday season.

The Best Food-Themed Christmas Gift Wrap, Cards, Bags and Tags

Here's how to make what's outside your gift box just as pretty as what's inside!

7 Red and White Christmas Cookies to Deck Your Holiday Table

Because red and green aren’t the only Christmas colors!

I’m 28-Years Old — Here’s Why I Still Sit at the Kids' Table

It’s honestly the best place to be on Christmas Day.

Food Network Magazine: Nov/Dec 2008 Recipe Index

Find easy recipes for appetizers, main dishes, sides and desserts from Food Network Magazine.

The 17 Most Memorable Food Scenes in "Elf"

Buddy the Elf’s candy diet is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

Why I Ruin a Few Christmas Cookies Every Year

It’s my meaningful way to keep past holiday memories alive.