There’s just something magical about a *Christmas brunch buffet* that brings everyone together, don’t you think? I love the idea of gathering with family and friends, sipping on warm mugs of cocoa, and indulging in a feast bursting with flavors and joy. This buffet is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with laughter and love! Picture a table adorned with delightful dishes that cater to every taste—savory, sweet, and everything in between. You can mix and match, creating your perfect plate while enjoying the festive spirit that fills the air. Trust me, this brunch buffet is going to be the highlight of your holiday celebrations, bringing smiles and full bellies to all your loved ones!
Ingredients List
- 12 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 cups frozen hash browns
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is super important because we want everything to cook evenly and beautifully.
- While the oven is heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the 12 large eggs and 1 cup of whole milk until they’re well combined. You want that lovely frothy texture!
- Next, it’s time to add some flavor! Toss in the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and the 1 pound of crumbled bacon. Don’t forget a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste! Stir everything together until it’s nicely mixed.
- Now, let’s move on to the base! In a baking dish, layer the 4 cups of frozen hash browns, making sure they cover the bottom evenly. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the hash browns for that extra crispiness. Yum!
- Pour the egg mixture over the hash browns, ensuring that it’s evenly distributed. This is where the magic happens!
- Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s set and has that gorgeous golden brown color on top. Keep an eye on it, and maybe even peek through the oven window for a sneak taste of that delicious aroma!
- Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it into squares. This resting time helps everything settle and makes serving easier. Trust me, your guests will be lining up for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a crowd-pleaser! Everyone loves a hearty brunch, and this dish has something for everyone—savory, cheesy goodness with a touch of freshness from the spinach and tomatoes.
- Super easy to prepare! With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for busy holiday mornings!
- Versatile and customizable! You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or proteins, making it a great way to use up leftovers or cater to different tastes.
- Perfect for gatherings! This brunch buffet dish can be made ahead of time, so you can spend more quality time with your loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
- It looks beautiful on the table! The vibrant colors of the spinach and tomatoes against the golden eggs make for a stunning presentation that will impress your guests.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes not only taste better but also add a vibrant color to your dish. It makes all the difference!
- Don’t overmix: When combining your egg mixture with the veggies and cheese, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a rubbery texture, and we definitely want creamy and fluffy!
- Let it rest: After baking, allowing the dish to cool for a few minutes is key. This helps it set nicely, making it easier to cut into squares and preventing it from falling apart.
- Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to get creative! A pinch of garlic powder, some red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs like chives or parsley can elevate the flavors to a whole new level.
- Check for doneness: If you’re unsure whether it’s done, gently shake the baking dish. If the center still jiggles a lot, it needs a few more minutes. You want it set but not overcooked!
Variations
- Veggie Lover’s Delight: Swap in your favorite seasonal veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even some sautéed mushrooms for a colorful twist. The more, the merrier!
- Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture for a little heat that’ll wake up those taste buds!
- Herbed Up: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or basil into the egg mixture for an aromatic touch that pairs beautifully with the cheese and veggies.
- Cheese Lovers: Try using different cheeses! Feta, gouda, or pepper jack can bring a whole new flavor profile. Imagine that rich, creamy feta mingling with the spinach—so good!
- Meat Medley: If you want to mix it up, add some cooked sausage or ham into the egg mixture. It adds heartiness, making it even more satisfying and perfect for the meat lovers in your life.
- Sweet Surprise: For a unique brunch spin, consider adding some diced apples or pears for a touch of sweetness that contrasts wonderfully with the savory flavors.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, so you’ve whipped up this amazing *Christmas brunch buffet* dish, and now you’ve got some leftovers. No worries! Storing and reheating is a breeze, and I’ve got all the tips you need to keep it as delicious as the first serving.
To store your leftovers, simply let the dish cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. I like to cut it into squares first; it makes it easier to grab servings later. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for those post-holiday brunch cravings!
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the squares on a baking sheet, and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat them for about 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through. The foil helps keep the moisture in and ensures that your dish comes back to life without losing that lovely texture!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also pop a square in the microwave. Just make sure to use a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to retain some moisture. Heat it in 30-second intervals until warmed to your liking. Just be careful not to overheat, or you might end up with a rubbery square—yikes!
And there you have it! Enjoy those leftovers as if they were fresh from the oven, and savor every bite of your festive creation!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers! While I absolutely love indulging in this *Christmas brunch buffet* dish, I think it’s good to be aware of what we’re putting into our bodies. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (1 square):
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keep in mind, these numbers can vary a bit based on the specific brands and ingredients you choose. So, while it’s nice to have an idea of the nutrition, don’t stress too much about it. Enjoying good food with loved ones is what it’s all about, right? Happy cooking and happy feasting!
FAQs
Can I make this Christmas brunch buffet dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for preparing ahead of time. You can assemble it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven the next morning, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go!
What can I serve alongside the brunch buffet?
I love serving this dish with fresh fruit and a variety of pastries—think croissants, muffins, or even cinnamon rolls! It adds a lovely touch of sweetness and variety to your buffet spread.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Just make sure to let it cool completely, then cut it into squares and store in an airtight container. It should keep well for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned earlier.
What if I don’t have all the ingredients?
No worries at all! This Christmas brunch buffet is super versatile. Feel free to swap in any veggies or proteins you have on hand. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly with different ingredients.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the center is set—give it a gentle shake, and if it jiggles slightly but holds together, it’s perfect! Just remember to let it rest for a few minutes before cutting for the best texture.
Christmas Brunch Buffet: 5 Joyful Recipes to Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Christmas brunch buffet featuring a variety of dishes for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- Eggs – 12
- Milk – 1 cup
- Cheddar cheese – 2 cups, shredded
- Spinach – 2 cups, fresh
- Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup, halved
- Bacon – 1 pound, cooked and crumbled
- Hash browns – 4 cups
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Salt – to taste
- Pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Add cheese, spinach, tomatoes, bacon, salt, and pepper to the egg mixture.
- In a baking dish, layer the hash browns and drizzle with olive oil.
- Pour the egg mixture over the hash browns.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until set and golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables.
- Serve with fresh fruit and pastries for variety.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: christmas brunch buffet











