17 High-Protein Holiday Brunch Ideas for Christmas Morning

Christmas morning is chaotic. You’ve got wrapping paper everywhere, excited kids (or adults acting like kids), and someone inevitably asks “what’s for breakfast?” while you’re still in pajamas wondering why you didn’t prep more last night. But here’s the thing—holiday brunch doesn’t have to be stressful or loaded with empty carbs that leave everyone crashing before noon.

These 17 high-protein holiday brunch ideas will keep everyone satisfied, energized, and ready to tackle the day’s festivities. We’re talking dishes that range from make-ahead miracles to quick throws-together-while-coffee-brews options. Whether you’re feeding two people or twenty, these recipes deliver serious flavor and staying power without requiring a culinary degree. Ready to make Christmas morning brunch something everyone actually looks forward to?

1. Loaded Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Spinach

Why this works: Make it the night before, bake it Christmas morning, and look like a breakfast hero with zero effort.

Ingredients

• 1 pound breakfast sausage
• 10 eggs
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook sausage in a skillet until browned, then drain excess fat.
2. Whisk together eggs, cottage cheese, and milk in a large bowl.
3. Add cooked sausage, spinach, peppers, onion, and cheese.
4. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
5. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
6. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until set and golden.
7. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Why You’ll Love It

This casserole packs about 25 grams of protein per serving and feeds a crowd without breaking a sweat. The cottage cheese makes it extra creamy without being heavy, and reheating leftovers actually works. I used to skip the spinach thinking no one would eat it, but honestly, it adds color and makes everyone feel slightly healthier about their third helping.

2. Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel Board

Why this works: It’s fancy, requires zero cooking, and everyone can build their own perfect bite.

Ingredients

• 1 pound smoked salmon
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• Assorted bagels (whole wheat, everything, plain)
• Capers
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Cucumber slices
• Cherry tomatoes
• Fresh dill
• Lemon wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Arrange bagels on a large board or platter.
2. Place cream cheese in a bowl with a spreading knife.
3. Fan out smoked salmon slices artfully.
4. Add small bowls of capers and red onion.
5. Scatter cucumber slices and tomatoes around everything.
6. Garnish with fresh dill and lemon wedges.
7. Let everyone assemble their own creations.

Why You’ll Love It

Each bagel with toppings delivers around 30 grams of protein, and the whole setup looks Instagram-worthy without any actual effort. The build-your-own approach means picky eaters can customize, and honestly, boards make everything feel more festive. Pro tip: toast the bagels right before serving so they stay warm and crispy.

3. Crustless Quiche Lorraine Cups

Why this works: Individual portions mean no fighting over slices, plus they’re naturally low-carb and high-protein.

Ingredients

• 12 eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1.5 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• Salt, pepper, and nutmeg
• Butter for greasing muffin tin

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 12-cup muffin tin generously.
2. Whisk eggs and cream together until smooth.
3. Stir in bacon, cheese, green onions, and seasonings.
4. Pour mixture evenly into muffin cups.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden.
6. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from tin.
7. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Why You’ll Love It

These little cups pack 15 grams of protein each and are perfect for grab-and-go eating while opening presents. The Gruyère adds that nutty, sophisticated flavor that makes them feel special. FYI, these reheat beautifully in the microwave for about 30 seconds, which makes them perfect for staggered breakfast times.

4. Greek Yogurt Parfait Bar

Why this works: Healthy, customizable, and pretty enough to photograph before eating.

Ingredients

• 4 cups Greek yogurt (vanilla or plain)
• 2 cups granola
• 2 cups mixed berries
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
• Chia seeds and hemp hearts

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Set out Greek yogurt in a large serving bowl.
2. Arrange all toppings in individual small bowls.
3. Provide clear glasses or bowls for building parfaits.
4. Let everyone layer their own combinations.
5. Keep everything chilled until serving time.

Why You’ll Love It

Greek yogurt delivers 15-20 grams of protein per cup, and this setup lets everyone create their perfect breakfast without any cooking. Kids love building their own, and adults appreciate feeling virtuous while still eating something delicious. The pomegranate seeds add festive red pops that scream Christmas morning 🙂

5. Christmas Morning Frittata with Tomatoes and Herbs

Why this works: One pan, tons of protein, and it looks gorgeous on any holiday table.

Ingredients

• 12 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella, torn
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Whisk eggs and milk together with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet and sauté garlic.
4. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Pour egg mixture into the skillet.
6. Scatter mozzarella and basil on top.
7. Transfer to oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
8. Sprinkle Parmesan before serving.

Why You’ll Love It

This frittata serves 6-8 people with about 18 grams of protein per slice. The combination of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella gives major Caprese vibes, and honestly, it’s hard to mess up a frittata. I once forgot about mine in the oven for an extra 10 minutes, and it was still perfectly delicious—that’s how forgiving this recipe is.

6. Protein-Packed Pancakes with Whipped Ricotta

Why this works: High-protein pancakes that actually taste like regular pancakes? Christmas miracle achieved.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup oat flour
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Fresh berries for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Blend cottage cheese, eggs, oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, and vanilla.
2. Let batter rest for 5 minutes to thicken.
3. Heat a griddle over medium heat and grease lightly.
4. Pour 1/4 cup batter for each pancake.
5. Flip when bubbles form on surface.
6. Whip ricotta with honey until fluffy.
7. Serve pancakes topped with whipped ricotta and berries.

Why You’ll Love It

Each pancake delivers around 12 grams of protein, and the whipped ricotta situation is absolutely genius. They’re fluffy, satisfying, and nobody will guess they’re “healthy.” The protein powder doesn’t make them taste weird or chalky like some recipes—the cottage cheese keeps everything moist and delicious.

7. Ham and Cheese Egg Muffins

Why this works: Grab-and-go breakfast that kids and adults both demolish.

Ingredients

• 12 eggs
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/4 cup milk
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh chives

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease muffin tin.
2. Whisk eggs and milk together.
3. Divide ham, cheese, and peppers among muffin cups.
4. Pour egg mixture over fillings.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes until set.
6. Cool slightly before removing from tin.
7. Garnish with fresh chives.

Why You’ll Love It

These little guys pack 10 grams of protein each and are perfect for toddlers through grandparents. Make them ahead, store in the fridge, and reheat as needed throughout the morning. Some people add spinach here, but IMO, it makes them watery—stick with heartier vegetables like peppers.

8. Festive Breakfast Charcuterie Board

Why this works: When you want brunch to feel like an event without actually cooking anything complicated.

Ingredients

• Hard-boiled eggs, halved
• Sliced turkey and ham
• Various cheeses (cheddar, Gouda, Brie)
• Mixed nuts
• Fresh fruit (grapes, berries, apple slices)
• Whole grain crackers
• Mini muffins or scones
• Honey and jam

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Arrange proteins (eggs, meats, cheeses) on a large board first.
2. Fill in gaps with crackers and mini baked goods.
3. Add fresh fruit in clusters for color.
4. Scatter nuts throughout empty spaces.
5. Include small bowls of honey and jam.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs for festive touches.

Why You’ll Love It

This board lets everyone graze at their own pace, which is perfect for Christmas morning chaos. The protein from eggs, meats, and cheese keeps everyone satisfied, and honestly, boards just make everything more fun. I always add rosemary sprigs for that pine-tree holiday vibe—totally unnecessary but absolutely worth it.

9. Spinach and Feta Breakfast Wrap Station

Why this works: Interactive breakfast that feels special but comes together in minutes.

Ingredients

• 12 eggs, scrambled
• Whole wheat tortillas
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• Hot sauce
• Avocado slices

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Scramble eggs and keep warm in a serving dish.
2. Sauté spinach until wilted.
3. Warm tortillas wrapped in foil.
4. Set up a station with all ingredients in separate bowls.
5. Let everyone build their own wraps.
6. Provide Greek yogurt and hot sauce for topping.

Why You’ll Love It

Each wrap delivers around 25 grams of protein depending on how generously people load them. The build-your-own format means everyone gets exactly what they want, and cleanup is surprisingly minimal. The Greek yogurt instead of sour cream adds bonus protein without anyone noticing the swap.

10. Cranberry Orange Protein Muffins

Why this works: Sweet holiday flavors with a protein punch that actually keeps you full.

Ingredients

• 2 cups oat flour
• 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• Zest of 2 oranges
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Mix all dry ingredients in one bowl.
3. Whisk eggs, yogurt, honey, orange zest, and juice in another.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients gently.
5. Fold in fresh cranberries.
6. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full.
7. Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden.

Why You’ll Love It

These muffins pack 12 grams of protein each and taste like Christmas in portable form. The tart cranberries with sweet orange create that perfect holiday flavor combination. They freeze beautifully too, so make a double batch and thank yourself later :/

11. Savory Oatmeal Bowl Bar

Why this works: Who says oatmeal has to be sweet? This savory version is a total game-changer.

Ingredients

• 4 cups steel-cut oats, cooked
• Poached or fried eggs
• Crumbled bacon
• Shredded cheese
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Green onions
• Avocado slices
• Hot sauce
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook steel-cut oats according to package directions.
2. Keep oats warm in a slow cooker or large pot.
3. Prepare all toppings and arrange in bowls.
4. Let everyone build their own savory oatmeal bowl.
5. Top each bowl with an egg for extra protein.

Why You’ll Love It

The oats provide complex carbs while eggs, bacon, and cheese deliver around 20 grams of protein per bowl. This concept blows people’s minds because they’ve never considered savory oatmeal, but once they try it, they’re converts. The runny egg yolk mixing with the oats creates this creamy, comforting situation that’s perfect for a cold Christmas morning.

12. Baked Eggs in Prosciutto Cups

Why this works: These look ridiculously fancy but are almost embarrassingly easy to make.

Ingredients

• 12 slices prosciutto
• 12 eggs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• Fresh thyme
• Black pepper
• Cherry tomatoes, halved

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease muffin tin.
2. Line each cup with a slice of prosciutto.
3. Crack one egg into each prosciutto cup.
4. Add a few tomato halves to each.
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan and thyme.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes depending on desired yolk firmness.
7. Cool for 2 minutes before removing carefully.

Why You’ll Love It

Each cup has about 13 grams of protein and looks like something from a fancy brunch restaurant. The prosciutto gets crispy while holding everything together, and honestly, presentation matters on Christmas morning. These are best served immediately, so time them to come out right when everyone sits down.

13. Protein-Loaded French Toast Casserole

Why this works: All the French toast vibes with way more staying power and zero standing at the stove.

Ingredients

• 10 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 loaf whole grain bread, cubed
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Butter for greasing

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Grease a 9×13 baking dish generously.
2. Arrange bread cubes in the dish.
3. Blend eggs, milk, cottage cheese, maple syrup, vanilla, and spices.
4. Pour mixture over bread cubes evenly.
5. Press bread down to ensure it soaks up liquid.
6. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
7. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until golden and puffy.

Why You’ll Love It

The cottage cheese adds about 8 extra grams of protein per serving without changing the flavor. This casserole has all the custardy, cinnamon-y goodness of regular French toast but feeds a crowd and doesn’t require you to stand over a griddle. I serve this with fresh berries and Greek yogurt for people who want extra toppings.

14. Smoked Turkey and Swiss Roll-Ups

Why this works: Sometimes you need protein without any cooking whatsoever, and these deliver.

Ingredients

• 1 pound sliced smoked turkey
• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• Cream cheese, softened
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh spinach leaves
• Pickles, cut into strips
• Cherry tomatoes for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Lay out turkey slices on a clean surface.
2. Spread each slice with cream cheese and a thin layer of mustard.
3. Add a cheese slice, spinach leaves, and pickle strip.
4. Roll up tightly and secure with toothpicks.
5. Slice each roll into pinwheels.
6. Arrange on a platter with cherry tomatoes.

Why You’ll Love It

Each roll-up has around 15 grams of protein and requires exactly zero cooking skills. These are perfect for people who prefer savory over sweet in the morning, and kids think they’re fun finger food. Make these the night before and store covered in the fridge—they actually taste better after the flavors meld.

15. Shakshuka with Extra Eggs

Why this works: This Middle Eastern dish is dramatic, delicious, and perfect for serving straight from the skillet.

Ingredients

• 8 eggs
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bell peppers, diced
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup feta cheese
• Fresh cilantro
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sauté onion and peppers.
2. Add garlic and spices, cook until fragrant.
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Create wells in the sauce and crack eggs into each.
5. Cover and cook until eggs reach desired doneness.
6. Sprinkle with feta and cilantro.
7. Serve directly from the skillet with bread for dipping.

Why You’ll Love It

This one-pan wonder delivers about 12 grams of protein per serving and looks absolutely stunning on a holiday table. The spiced tomato sauce with runny eggs is comfort food at its finest. Some people add harissa for heat, but I think the cumin and paprika provide plenty of flavor without overwhelming the Christmas morning crowd.

16. Cottage Cheese Pancake Dippers with Berry Compote

Why this works: Kids love anything they can dip, and these protein-packed pancakes deliver.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Pinch of salt
• 2 cups mixed berries
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Blend cottage cheese, eggs, flour, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
2. Pour batter into a piping bag or squeeze bottle.
3. Pipe thin strips onto a hot griddle.
4. Cook until bubbles form, then flip.
5. Simmer berries with honey and lemon juice for compote.
6. Serve pancake strips with berry compote for dipping.

Why You’ll Love It

Each serving packs around 18 grams of protein, and the dippable format makes breakfast fun and interactive. The berry compote tastes like fancy jam but takes literally five minutes to make. These are especially great for families with young kids who get bored with traditional pancakes.

17. Protein Eggnog Smoothie Bowl

Why this works: All the holiday eggnog flavor without the guilt or alcohol at 9 AM.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• Toppings: granola, banana slices, cinnamon, crushed pecans

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Blend yogurt, banana, protein powder, milk, and spices until thick.
2. Pour into a bowl—it should be thick enough to hold toppings.
3. Arrange granola, banana slices, and pecans on top.
4. Dust with extra cinnamon and nutmeg.
5. Serve immediately with a spoon.

Why You’ll Love It

This bowl delivers 30 grams of protein and tastes like drinking eggnog for breakfast is suddenly acceptable and healthy. The spices give it that cozy holiday feeling, and the frozen banana makes it thick and ice-cream-like. It’s refreshing if your Christmas morning feels hectic and you need something cooling.

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Make This Christmas Morning Your Best Breakfast Yet

There you have it—17 high-protein holiday brunch ideas that’ll make Christmas morning actually delicious and stress-free. From make-ahead casseroles to no-cook boards to interactive stations, there’s something here for every family style and cooking comfort level.

The best part? These recipes keep everyone satisfied and energized for the entire day of festivities ahead. No sugar crashes, no hangry relatives, just good food that happens to be good for you. Pick a few favorites, prep what you can the night before, and actually enjoy Christmas morning instead of spending it chained to the stove. Your future holiday-morning self will absolutely thank you.