5 of the Best Breakfasts to Have on Christmas Day
It’s Christmas morning. The whole day ahead revolves around food, with rich, indulgent dishes waiting patiently for their moment later on. But right now, it’s early, you’re starving, and lunch still feels a lifetime away.
The trick to Christmas breakfast is choosing something that feels special without spoiling what’s to come — a meal that satisfies hunger, sets the tone, and still leaves room for the main event.
These five breakfasts get it exactly right.
1. Smoked Salmon & Scrambled Eggs
Smoked salmon and scrambled eggs feels like Christmas on a plate.
Soft, creamy eggs paired with silky salmon strike the perfect balance between indulgent and light. Served on toast with cracked black pepper and maybe a squeeze of lemon, it’s elegant without being fussy — and undeniably festive.
This is a breakfast that says it’s Christmas without shouting about it.
2. Bacon or Sausage Sandwich
Some traditions don’t need reinventing.
A bacon or sausage sandwich is pure Christmas morning comfort — especially after an early start or a late night assembling toys. Soft bread, properly cooked meat, and a simple sauce if you fancy it. No sides, no ceremony, just something warm and deeply satisfying.
It’s the kind of breakfast you eat standing up in the kitchen, tea in hand, wrapping paper underfoot.
3. Fruit, Yoghurt & Pastries
This is the relaxed, grazing-style breakfast made for slow mornings.
Bowls of fruit and yoghurt alongside flaky pastries let everyone help themselves as the morning unfolds. It feels lighter, fresher, and quietly luxurious — especially with good coffee and no strict sitting-down rules.
Perfect for households where breakfast happens in stages between presents and cups of tea.
4. Smashed Avocado on Toast with Poached Eggs
For those who like something fresh and balanced before the indulgence really begins.
Creamy avocado on crisp toast, topped with a perfectly poached egg, feels nourishing without being boring. It’s filling, but not heavy — and a welcome contrast to the richness waiting later in the day.
A modern classic that earns its place on Christmas morning.
5. Kippers
Kippers are unapologetically old-school — and that’s exactly the appeal.
Smoky, comforting, and deeply traditional, they feel like a nod to Christmases past. Served simply, they’re surprisingly satisfying without being rich or greasy, making them ideal for those who want something hearty but sensible. Be warned – only when the turkey starts to roast will the smell of kippers disappear from the kitchen!
Not for everyone — but for those who love them, nothing else will do.
The Christmas Breakfast Rule
There’s no single “correct” way to do Christmas breakfast — only what works for you.
Whether it’s smoked salmon and eggs, a classic sandwich, or something lighter and slower, the best choice is one that takes the edge off without stealing the show.
Because by the time the roast is ready, breakfast will be long forgotten — and that’s exactly how it should be.
Joanne Brook-Smith is a writer and editor with two decades of publishing experience. She launched Crave Magazine during the Covid period to create a fresh, inspiring space for food, travel and lifestyle content.