Christmas Breakfast for 11 People

I have a great recipe for baked French Toast and it never comes out soggy, and people always rave about it. I also have a recipe for an egg souffle which can also be prepared the night before. This one is super rich and fattening with butter and cheese in it. But I am happy to share if you want it.

Donna

I make this every x mas for breakfast for my family and parents-I do challah bread french toast-you cna use any kind of bread but I liek the challah bread because it is huge and people usually only eat1-2 slices-I make it the same way I make regular french toast(dunk in egg and milk with cinnomon except I bake mine and the other 3 cookie sheets in the oven for 10-15 minutes on 350 degrees and flip once and it is done-I also do scrambled eggs in a huge microwave bowl/dish- and cook half way and when I microwave to heat it up it cooks the rest of the way-how about bacon? all can be cooked the night before and reheated to cook the rest of the way-good luck!!

Looks like you've gotten a ton of responses, and I honestly don't have time to read them all so I apologize if this is a repeat of anyone's advice...

but a fritata is so simple, you can do the prep work ahead of time and the morning of, just toss it all together and bake. literally. you'd have to google a specific recipe, but fritatas are so easy, you can't go wrong!

merry christmas!

Bagels, cream cheese, lox. Big gorgeous fruit salad. A plate of yummy breads/cakes- banana bread, zucchini bread, etc. Homemade hot chocolate, mimosas, and a big urn of good coffee.

I looooove breakfast! :)

I am eating a piece of baked french toast right now! It is so delicious and it is a leftover from Saturday. It is a great easy way to do breakfast for a big group. Add some Canadian Bacon cooked in a pan in the oven and a fruit salad and you have a lovely brunch.

Crystal,

I have made the overnight french toast and it was great. If you are looking for something you can prepare ahead and just heat up how about different quiche's they are easy and delicious. I would also do some muffins, bagels, and fresh fruit. This way you can enjoy your family and not spend all morning in the kitchen. Happy Holidays!!

I make the over-night french toast all the time... it is fabulous! Not soggy at all. Search the web for many different varieties. My favorite so far... creme brulee french toast.

Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons corn syrup
1 (8 to 9) inch round loaf Challah bread
5 large eggs
1 1/2 cups half and half
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon Grand Marnier
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
In a small heavy saucepan melt butter with butter with brown sugar and corn syrup over moderate heat, stirring, until smooth and pour into a 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking dish. Cut 6 (1-inch) thick slices from center portion of bread, reserving ends for another use, and trim crusts. Arrange bread slices in one layer in baking dish, squeezing them slightly to fit. In a bowl whisk together eggs, half and half, vanilla, Grand Marnier and salt until combined well and pour evenly over bread. Chill bread mixture, covered, at least 8 hours and up to 1 day.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and bring bread mixture to room temperature. Bake uncovered, in middle of oven until puffed and edges are pale golden, 35 to 40 minutes.

Enjoy!

I just bought an electric griddle last year and I can cook 8 pancakes or 8 pieces of French toast - really fast. Also do grill cheese sandwiches really quick.

Or what about bagels, muffins and fresh fruit?

I am all about the baked goods and buffet style of entertaining...I usually make mini muffins...use your banana nut bread and pumpkin or zucchini bread recipes and just put them in the mini muffin tins, they bake for less time so keep your eye on them the first time...I put choc chips instead of nuts for banana muffins(you can freeze these and they thaw in minutes)...the kids LOVE them! also cinnamon rolls are a big hit and can be done the night before...I also have a cheese danish reciepe that is so good and easy it's a crime...take 2 of the crescent roll cans(the pillsbury ones) open them up and roll out flat next to each other on a cookie sheet...then mix 1bar soft cream cheese 1/2 cup of sugar and vanilla(I use about a teaspoon or lil' less) spread this on the top/middle of your crescent dough...then fold the rest of the dough over to cover the cheese(to get fancier cut slits on sides and fold in pieces to make it look more braided)anyway...bake at 350 til golden brown(about 20-25 minutes)..when cooled drizzle with a glaze(2T milk/1/2cup powdered sugar)cut into pieces and chill...it only takes about 5 minutes of prep and no one will ever believe how easy it was once they taste it...you're the first person I've given the reciepe to who hasn't tried it and begged for it...anyway I hope this helps, but I would bake ahead of time and enjoy the day with your family...you can always add some scrambled eggs, and bacon or sausage to the table as you first serve, but don't spend the day cooking...Have Fun with your Family!!!!!!

Crystal,
If you have an electric griddle then make pancakes and sausage. Set the griddle at the end of the table where you sit, this way you can sit with the family and cook while everyone is eating. When I do this I usually have a cart or small table next to my seat for the batter that I have poured into a 1/2 gallon pitcher. Also make the batter the night before. I have some who like blueberries, some like chocolate morsels, and some who like them plain, so I make up bowls of things to add to individual pancakes, then as I am making them I add whatever someone wants to their "special" pancake. Oh and for the little ones, pick up a pancake shape that you can pour the batter into and give the kids a special treat; I have Mickey and hearts.
Hugs,
T.

I just emailed my sister-in-law for her breakfast casserole recipe so you had perfect timing. This is easy, filling and very yummy!!

Sausage crescent casserole

2 cans of crescent rolls
1 pound sausage (I like the maple flavored Jimmy Dean kind)
4-6 eggs (depending on taste and what you have!0
cheddar cheese

Line 9x13 pan with one can of crescent rolls so the bottom is covered.
sprinkle on cooked and drained sausage (I cook it the night before to cut down on work in the AM)
pour 4-6 beaten eggs over top
Sprinkle with grated cheddar (amount up to you)
top with second can of crescent rolls

Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes, til browned.
Cut into squares and serve.
If you're making it for a smaller crowd, then use one can of crescent rolls and a smaller pan. Put 4 rolls on the bottom and 4 on top, cut down sausage to 1/2 pound and just use 2-3 eggs.

Hi Crystal,

Great to know that I am not alone... ;-) I host Christmas morning breakfast at my home every year for a big crowd too. This is what I usually do:

Bread: I make Pillsbury Croissants and big Biscuits
Eggs: Scrambled eggs with Cheese. Make about three big batches
Meat: I make bacon in the microwave. Really crunchy not fatty and soggy. For each strip it's 1 minute. Place paper towel on plate, then strips and finally 1 more paper towel on top. I also cook some cold cut ham.
Drink: Coffee & OJ

I get to sit down and enjoy breakfast and mingle with everyone instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

Happy Holidays.

D.

Here is an idea a friend shared with me. I haven't tried it yet but it sounds perfect.
(This works great !!! Good for when all your family is together. The best part is that no one has to wait for their special omelet !!!)

Have guests write their name on a quart-size Ziploc freezer bag with permanent marker.

Crack 2 eggs (large or extra-large) into the bag (not more than 2) shake to combine them.

Put out a variety of ingredients such as: cheeses, ham, onion, green pepper, tomato, hash browns, salsa, etc.

Each guest adds prepared ingredients of choice to their bag and shake.. Make sure to get the air out of the bag and zip it up.

Place the bags into rolling, boiling water for exactly 13 minutes. You can usually cook 6-8 omelets in a large pot. For more, make another pot of boiling water.
Open the bags and the omelet will roll out easily. Be prepared for everyone to be amazed.
Nice to serve with fresh fruit and coffee cake; everyone gets involved in the process and a great conversation piece.

Quiche always goes over well - and you can make soooo many different variations (vegitarian, plain w/ mixed cheeses, sun dried tomatoes, ham/cheese & broc. etc. I buy the premade pie crusts, tins and make them up the night before so the next morning you just have to pop them in the oven to warm up (slowly at about 300 degrees). I have also done the mini quiches that a big hit w/ the kids. Fresh bagels, cream cheese, fruit salad or tray, muffins or danish and everyone is happy. I have also made a ham, potato, cheese and egg caserole that was a big hit - if you are short on time, Bob Evans also makes a breakfast casserole that our friends and family like.

every year for Xmas breakfast my mom makes a xmas breakfast casserole
You make it the night before (it is really simple - eggs, milk, bread, sausage,cheese) and the bread soaks the
Up the eggs overnight. It is soooi good and on Xmas morning she just pops of in the oven! Email me if you would like the recipe.
Good luck!

I find that a quiche works great for a brunch. It's easy to make, can be made the day before since it can be served at room temperature anyway. I love the one that is bacon with zuchini and gruyere cheese - comes out great everytime, and everyone raves about. You can find the recipe on epicurious.com - just type in quiche in the search engine.
You can make 2 for your crowd. I get the premade pie crust from pillsbury. I've also made it with puff pastry chef and it comes out good w/ either option.
Good luck!

Crystal Here is a recipe that is easy and we have used before. http://www.jimmydean.com/sitecontent/breakfast/2007/09/28.... You Can omit or add anything as far as mushrooms and tomatoes etc. Enjoy!

I would do the breakfast casserole that someone already mentioned. I take that into my office party every year and it is a huge hit. Very easy too. YOu put it together the night before and bake for about 45 minutes that morning.

My mother in law does an egg dish. I guess it's like a quiche in a way. Plus she does sausage, bagels/english muffins.
She makes the egg dish the night before and then puts in oven in the morning.

I would agree with the previous posters; the overnight french toast isn't soggy at all (you can do a "done" test with a knife just like any other thing you would bake), and a fruit salad is easy to prepare a day in advance. a giant batch of scrambled eggs (if you want to prepare add-ins like onions or peppers you can do that ahead of time) works if you have a pan big enough to hold a big batch; otherwise quiches are easy to heat up. and there's always pastries - what hotels call a "continental breakfast".
good luck!

Try allrecipies.com Great recipies and tips.

I would do an puffy egg pancake. Serve with syrup, fresh fruit, any kind of jam or jelly or brown sugar.
per person:
egg
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup flour
1/2 Tablespoon sugar
1/16 tsp salt
1/2 tsp butter

Preheat oven to 425 degreesF
Place aproprate size pan in oven til hot
In mixer, blend eggs, milk, flour, sugar, and salt, til smooth
Remove pan from oven and add margarine and swirl til melted.
Pour batter into hot pan
Bake til puffy and golden about 40 min
serve

Baked french toast is a great option for the kids, but maybe too sweet for the grownups (?) How about also doing an overnight egg dish, like a strata? There are a lot of great and very easy recipes on the following site: http://southernfood.about.com/library/recipes/blpage16a.htm

You could also keep it really simple and just put out croissants, bagels, big bowls of berries and yogurt and cereal and let people graze....good luck!

How about some sort of egg casserole? You could also serve warm cinnamon rolls. Bagels or something bready with special cream cheese spreads (pampered chef has some good recipes). Sausage.

Hi Crystal,
My family has the french toast bake every holiday. It's never soggy and it's so yummy. It's much easier then doing the plain french toast.

I'll be making cinnamon rolls and bacon..the rolls can rise in the fridge overnight.
Another idea is a breakfast casserole?

Good luck!

We do pancakes, scrambled eggs, bagels and muffins! Nice and easy :)

Buy as many things already prepared as possible. Go to BJ's, or Costcos, or even Stop n' Shop, Pathmark (wherever you shop) Don't be ashamed to use coupons...I have that Tabletop Griddle and it can cook everything at once. So, if you do not have one...Buy Bagels (the small ones, get different varities too), Different flavored cream cheeses, Buy Crossiants, and different spreads (grape jelly, strawberry jam, etc), and English muffins. You can buy frozen home fries, pop them in the oven while you cook sausages (the links in a skillet) and Microwave bacon on a a plate with paper-towels (about 1 min. per slice) You can cook the meat 1/2 way the night before. You know those Aunt Jemina frozen pancakes are good, pop in the oven,(do not microwave them)... Scramble the eggs with and without cheese(buy already shredded) the day of. Get an already prepared Vegetable platter,( you can even toss some chopped in the eggs; get Orange juice, Coffee, Milk, small bottled water, juice boxes for the kids and a few bottles of champagne for Mimosas. (yum) Buy already made Christmas Cookies Cookies. Make it your day and try not to work too hard. If anyone ask if they can bring something, say (SURPRISE ME to a couple of people, and then tell another couple exactly what to bring (I MEAN ANYTHING, from napkins, to Champagne)and follow up with "Thank You that would be/is So NICE of you.) You know everyone can eat anything they want for breakfast, NO RULES *** Have a box of some sweet cereal, and 1 box of healthy cereal for picky kids (and some adults) I wish I could be there to help. I use to be a Professional Caterer, now I am just a damn good cook at my own pace. I do LOVE to save TIME, and MONEY... ( I hope you invest in some real good sturdy, solid paper plates they are alittle more expensive that the other ones) They have decorative plates and cups. NO one will frown if you don't bring out the GOOD china. It's just breakfast, not dinner! Happy Holiday's

The french toast recipe that i make(not sure if it is the same as yours) where it sits overnight and bakes the next day is great, and not soggy. You could also make some frittatas(sp?)You could bake muffins too or have some breakfast rolls, or a banana bread.

I make cinnamon rolls for breakfast every Christmas morning. At my house, it wouldnt be Christmas without them.

The baked french toast is very, very yummy!!! :) One of my favorite websites is allrecipes.com Besides being full of great recipies, you can read member reviews and get ideas on how you might want to change the recipe to suit your family's tastes. Go for it- you should definately be spending Christmas morning with your family instead of in the kitchen!

Hi Crystal,
I have a great easy recipe for a group. It is called christamas surprise.
Spray a 13 x 9 pan or larger with pam or use butter to grease. Place 4 or more bread slices any kind in the bottom of the pan. I usually take the crusts off. Beat about 8 eggs with milk and season with salt pepper and parsley flakes. Pour over the top of the bread. Then add cheese, diced onion if you like and you can add veggies or crumbled bacon or both. I like to use mushrooms, green pepper, diced tomatos and bacon. All of this is done the night before you want to bake it and in the morning just stick it in the oven at 350 for about 30 minutes. Cut into squares and serve.
To add to this dish I usually put out fruit and sometimes do homefries which I also do the night before. Cubing potatos leaving the skins on and par boil them. In the morning while the Christmas surprise is baking I sautee them in onion and margerine. And I throw in some Betty crocker blueberry muffins.
Most everything can be done the night before, even the fruit. Then you can relax a bit and enjoy breakfast with your family.
Merry Christmas,
M.

OOps my computer went wacky during my reply so I don't know if part of it sent. Anyway, try making a couple of quick quiches the night before and just reheat in the morning. I make one with spinach and swiss cheese, one with ham and swiss and one with shrimp, scallops and gruyere. Buy some fresh fruit in containers, already cut up, put out a baskets of muffins, some jams and jellies and juice. And your done! You'll enjoy Christmas morning a lot more without all the stress! Happy holidays!

Find an egg casserole recipe and make it the night before. You could ask for everyone to bring something, that way you have lots to choose from and you aren't doing all the work!

I like making quiche - it is actually really simple - I make my own crust but you can just buy frozen crust from the store - there are recipes you can find easily online - you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and just mix them together and bake the morning of - I also have a rgeat potato casserole that is easy and tasty

1 bag of frozen hash potatoes (2 lb)
1 pint of sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 stick melted butter
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup SHARP cheddar cheese

Mix all together - put in a greased 13x9 pan, top with cracker crumbs and parmesean cheese, bake at 350 for one hour.

Also - for making bacon easy - IF you have a George Forman grill - it is fast and easy since it cooks on both sides, it crisps up nicely and drains the fat away too!

I like to do a variety of stuffed croissants. You can get the Pillsbury or supermarket brand ones, STop and Shop has a great reduced calorie one. Unroll and put a bit of meat and cheese on each (ham and swiss, or turkey and swiss, etc), roll them up and bake. They come out great, but make sure not to put too much cheese and roll the cheese in the meat first. Put out fruit and I also like brie on Christmas morning. The kids seem to go crazy for the rolls and they are hearty and satisfying and easy to make! Merry Christmas!

We usually make a frittata or two to feed a lot of people at breakfast. You can add any kind of vegetable and/or some bacon or sausage. The egg mixture just has to bake in the oven for about 30 minutes so it is really easy to make but looks like you spent all morning cooking. Foodtv.com has some great recipe ideas for frittatas.

Merry Christmas!

quiches are great - filling and you can put them together the night before and then just pop them in the oven!

my next-door-neighbor is having 14 people for christmas morning and last year she had quite a few too - she's making 2 (or 3?) breakfast casseroles that she can make a day or two in advance and just thrown in the oven... that way she can enjoy her company and enjoy Christmas morning instead of spending the whole time in the kitchen... i don't know a receipe for you but i'm sure you could find one online!
Have a Merry Christmas :)

When my large family does breakfast, we usually do begals, donuts, and quiche or an egg bake type thing. It can all be made/bought the day before and everyone has something to eat. You can also just purchase a bunch of different cereals, or do frozen waffles, pancakes or waffles.