20 easy Christmas morning breakfasts to add some extra holiday sparkle

A festive twist on the classic French toast that will ensure you get your eggnog intake for the season – and help clear it out of your refrigerator before it goes bad.

Epicurious' eggnog French toast recipe features a fruity compote topping for an extra special holiday breakfast treat. 

A great companion to your Christmas morning coffee, pecan pie muffins prove you don't need to wait for dessert for sweets. 

Tricia Yearwood has an easy recipe that comes together with only six ingredients. 

Nothing too fancy here. Just some good old eggs, sausage and cheese to get your holiday started.

Simply Recipes has a solid recipe to use as a base for whatever you might like to add to your Christmas morning breakfast casserole. 

A festive spin on your classic pancakes. Magnolia Cafe in Austin is famous for theirs, and the recipe has been featured on both the Food Network and "Today,"  but it doesn't mean you have to go all the way to Texas to have them. 

The Magnolia Cafe recommends you try the Homesick Texan's recipe for their pancakes at home. 

Want to use that leftover ham, but want something a bit fancier than a scramble or a casserole? Eggs Benedict is a definite crowd pleaser that elevates any breakfast into something special. Consider this one for the adults looking to splurge on extra holiday treats.

The New York Times' eggs Benedict recipe is as straightforward (and easy) as they come if you're never tried to tackle this brunch classic at home.  

For those who have their own waffle-maker, blueberry waffles are a quick, great way to score extra points over the holiday.

For an extra special bit of tang, try Joy the Baker's buttermilk blueberry waffle recipe for Christmas morning. 

Drizzle everyone's favorite breakfast side dish with maple syrup and add a dash of black pepper to fancy up your usual bacon. 

Or if you're like us, just black pepper isn't enough. We're all about this great recipe from Food52 for sriracha maple bacon. 

Want something sweet but don't feel like slaving in the kitchen all morning? Have yummy, sticky cinnamon rolls on hand for a speedy, but still special, breakfast.

Sally's Baking Addiction has an easy recipe for cinnamon rolls for even the most novice baker. 

Anything goes with coffee cake. Add cream cheese, nuts, fruits, butterscotch chips; whatever fits your fancy.

Looking for a no-fuss coffee cake you can prep Christmas Eve? King Arthur Flour has a recipe that bakes up just as well if set the night before or Christmas morning. 

Give the bacon and sausage a break, and add some cured Italian meats to your morning casserole, like the prosciutto pictured here. 

Taste of Home features a breakfast torte recipe with Italian meats, cheese and spinach for a very Christmas-y looking meal. 

You can cut a circle out of the center of your toast or pop the egg in the center of a bagel (or pastry like in the image, if you're feeling fancy!). It's too tasty to be this easy.

Serious Eats has a version that calls for puff pastry – one of the most vital ingredients of any holiday meal.  

Another breakfast on the go if you have a hectic Christmas day ahead of you. A crunchy oat-made bar with fruit makes for a tasty and festive treat; and raspberries and cranberries are especially festive. 

Alton Brown has a recipe that features dried fruit of your choosing along with a strong granola mixture that is sure to please hungry tummies while opening presents. 

Have a ton of leftover ham from Christmas Eve dinner? Throw it in a skillet the next morning with a couple eggs for a hearty breakfast.

If you prefer something a little fluffier, Taste of Home has a good recipe guide for making a ham & egg scramble.  

An oldie but always a goodie, this dish is a family pleaser with syrup and a little bit of powdered sugar on top. 

A touch of cinnamon goes along way Fine Cooking's French toast recipe. 

A savory and portable breakfast that you can manage on a busy Christmas day without losing time sitting at the table with a fork and knife.

Worried about time? The Kitchn's chorizo breakfast burritos can be frozen ahead of time for easy reheating so you can spend time on what's important – finding where the last screw goes on the bike you've assembled Christmas morning. 

Your breakfast casserole doesn't have to be loaded with bacon and sausage. Add dark leafy greens and tomatoes for a lighter – and likely healthier – option that won't weigh you down on a busy holiday. 

We're fans of this recipe for a veggie breakfast casserole from Little Spice Jar filled with spinach, peppers, onions and, yes – even a little touch of hot sauce. 

Citrus usually shines the brightest at the holidays, but consider dressing up oranges and grapefruit with pomegranates and mint. 

The Milwaukee Journal Sentential has a good guide to the best fruits that are in season at Christmas. 

The flavor layers of panettone make bread pudding a breakfast alternative to toast and pancakes, and what way to use up our holiday cake. 

Of course Ina Garten has a killer recipe for such Christmas morning decadence. 

Sleep in this Christmas morning! Make an omelet casserole the night before and put it in the slow-cooker. All you'll have to do is wake up and eat. 

Stockpiling Moms has a proven overnight casserole recipe that makes use of frozen hash browns for an extra layer of breakfast goodness. 

Not a big breakfast eater? Spice up your morning beverage! Spike your hot chocolate with cinnamon, star anise, paprika, or even some cayenne powder, if you're feeling frisky.

Feeling adventurous? Saveur has Thai-inspired hot chocolate recipe that gets its pop from the warm tastes of cardamon, cloves and star anise.