14 Easy Holiday Brunch Ideas for Intimate Gatherings

Delicious & Easy Holiday Brunch Recipes for Small Gatherings: Celebrate with Friends & Family

The holidays are a time for joy, connection, and, of course, delicious food. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s morning, a festive brunch offers the perfect opportunity to gather with loved ones in a relaxed setting. While brunches are often associated with large, boisterous crowds, there’s a special charm in hosting a more intimate affair. This curated list of holiday brunch recipes is specifically designed for small gatherings, ensuring your mid-morning feast is both fabulous and fuss-free. From savory mains and delectable side dishes to refreshing drinks and sweet treats, you’ll find everything you need to create a memorable meal.

Hosting a holiday brunch for a smaller group can be incredibly rewarding. It allows for more meaningful conversations, a cozier atmosphere, and less stress in the kitchen. This year, if your guest list is a bit more exclusive, you don’t have to compromise on flavor or festivity. We’ve handpicked 14 of our favorite holiday brunch ideas that are perfectly suited for a smaller celebration. Many of these are small-batch recipes, ideally serving 2-6 people, while others can be easily scaled down by simply halving the ingredients. The best part? Every single one is incredibly delicious and guaranteed to add a special touch to your holiday brunch menu this year.

Brunch effortlessly combines the best of breakfast and lunch, offering a delightful array of options. This versatility makes it a favorite for holiday entertaining, as you can cater to all palates with a mix of sweet and savory dishes. Embrace the relaxed vibe, enjoy a steady flow of coffee or mimosas, and savor the good company without the pressure of a grand production. Let’s dive into some essential tips to make your small holiday brunch a resounding success, followed by our top recipe recommendations!

Tips for Hosting a Stress-Free Holiday Brunch

  • Keep things simple: For a small gathering, less is often more. Instead of juggling multiple complex dishes, focus on perfecting one star main dish, such as a hearty quiche or a comforting casserole. Around this centerpiece, you can build a few complementary side dishes that require minimal effort. This approach reduces stress, allows you to enjoy your guests, and ensures every dish you serve is a winner. Prioritize quality ingredients and a balanced menu over an overwhelming spread, which is especially important when you’re aiming for a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
  • Have a mix of sweet and savoury recipes: Brunch thrives on variety! People have different preferences, with some gravitating towards sweet indulgence and others preferring savory, hearty options. Strive for a thoughtful balance by offering a little bit of both. For example, pair a rich French toast bake with crispy bacon and golden hash browns, or complement a savory sausage frittata with a fresh fruit platter and an assortment of pastries. This ensures all your guests find something they love, making your brunch menu inclusive and satisfying.
  • Prep recipes in advance: The key to a relaxed holiday brunch is advanced preparation. Embrace make-ahead casseroles that can be assembled the night before and simply popped into the oven the morning of your event. Beyond main dishes, many baked goods like muffins, quick breads, and even some sweet rolls can be prepared days or even weeks in advance and frozen. For other recipes, dedicate time the day before to chop vegetables, prepare fruit salads, or measure out dry ingredients. This foresight minimizes frantic morning cooking and frees you up to enjoy your coffee and guests.
  • Set your table the day before: This seemingly small task can make a huge difference in your morning routine. Having your table beautifully set in advance removes one significant item from your brunch-day checklist. It also allows you to thoughtfully arrange your tableware, choose festive decorations, and create the perfect ambiance without feeling rushed. Wake up to a pre-set table, and you’ll immediately feel more organized and ready to welcome your guests.
  • Use counter appliances to save oven space: Holiday cooking often means a battle for oven space. To avoid this common predicament, utilize your counter-top appliances strategically. Your toaster oven can handle smaller baked items or reheat pastries, while a microwave is perfect for quickly warming side dishes or individual servings. An air fryer is a fantastic tool for achieving crispy roasted potatoes or vegetables without occupying valuable oven real estate. Even a slow cooker can keep a breakfast casserole or savory stew warm until serving. Maximize these tools to ensure all your dishes are perfectly cooked and served at the right temperature.
  • Have non-alcoholic cocktails available: While mimosas are a beloved brunch staple, it’s always considerate to offer appealing non-alcoholic options. Many guests may be driving, abstaining from alcohol, or simply prefer a lighter beverage. Consider creating a festive mocktail, a sparkling cider, or infused water with fresh fruits and herbs. Having a thoughtful non-alcoholic option ensures everyone feels included and can enjoy a special drink alongside the delicious food.
  • Have your coffee brewed for when guests arrive: For many, coffee is an absolute essential at brunch. Don’t underestimate its importance! Have a fresh pot brewed and ready to go as your guests walk through the door. Consider setting up a simple coffee station with cream, sugar, and perhaps some seasonal flavored syrups. If you plan on making specialty lattes or other warm beverages, ensure all your ingredients and equipment are prepped and easily accessible for quick assembly. A warm, welcoming cup of coffee sets the perfect tone for a relaxing morning.
  • Relax and enjoy the good food and company! After all your thoughtful planning and delicious cooking, the most important tip is to simply relax and savor the moment. Your guests are there to enjoy your company as much as your culinary creations. Don’t stress over minor imperfections; embrace the festive spirit, enjoy the conversations, and create wonderful holiday memories.

14 Holiday Brunch Recipes for a Small Gathering

Celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s morning with a few of these holiday brunch recipes perfect for intimate celebrations. From savory main dishes and comforting sides to festive drinks and sweet treats, this carefully curated list is sure to help you pull off a memorable and delicious mid-morning feast for your small gathering!

1

Sausage Frittata (with Peppers and Onions)

This Sausage Frittata with Peppers and Onions is a fantastic one-pan meal, perfect for a savory holiday brunch. It comes together quickly on the stove top with just a few minutes needed in the oven, effectively freeing up valuable oven space for other dishes. Made with flavorful kielbasa sausage and offering a delightful spicy, peppery kick, this frittata is both satisfying and easy to prepare. You can get six generous slices from this recipe, and it pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or a selection of roasted vegetables, making it an ideal choice for your small gathering.

2

Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole (with Ground Turkey and Eggs)

This Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole is a delightful and nutritious main dish, featuring a delicious blend of ground turkey and eggs. It’s elegantly flavored with hints of maple syrup, apple sauce, and aromatic sage, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory for your holiday brunch. You have the flexibility to assemble and bake it immediately, or for ultimate convenience, prepare it the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. This casserole yields approximately six servings, making it ideal for smaller groups, and any leftovers reheat beautifully for continued enjoyment. A comforting and wholesome option!

3

Savoury Sweet Potato Breakfast Skillet

This Savoury Sweet Potato Breakfast Skillet is a vibrant and incredibly filling dish that combines tender sliced sweet potato, colorful red peppers, perfectly cooked eggs, and savory turkey bacon. Everything comes together beautifully in one pan, making for easy preparation and cleanup. It’s so substantial that it can easily be served as a stand-alone meal for your holiday brunch. Just add a side of crusty toast and a steaming cup of coffee, and you’re all set! This skillet generously serves 4-6 people, making it an excellent and convenient option for a smaller, intimate holiday gathering.

4

Instant Pot Egg Strata (with Ham and Brie)

This Instant Pot Egg Strata is the epitome of easy make-ahead brunch casseroles. Requiring just eight simple ingredients and a mere 10 minutes of prep time, it’s a lifesaver for busy holiday mornings. Simply assemble the strata the night before, refrigerate it overnight, and then effortlessly pop it into your Instant Pot the morning of your brunch. It’s also a brilliantly resourceful way to utilize holiday leftovers, such as savory Christmas Eve ham or creamy brie from your charcuterie board. This recipe generously serves four people, making it a perfect, no-fuss option for a smaller, delightful gathering.

    5

    Butternut Squash Quiche (with Spinach and Prosciutto)

    This Butternut Squash Quiche is a truly delicious and sophisticated dish, perfectly blending sweet and savory ingredients into a harmonious holiday brunch main. It features a delicate almond flour crust, tender roasted butternut squash, and crispy, salty prosciutto, all nestled in a creamy egg custard. The addition of spinach adds a touch of earthy freshness. This quiche pairs beautifully with a light green salad for an elegant touch or with a side of crispy home fries for a heartier meal. The recipe yields eight small servings or four larger, more substantial pieces, making it versatile for your small gathering.

    6

    Baked French Toast Casserole with Cherries

    This Baked French Toast Casserole is a truly decadent and impressive dish, making it a perfect sweet centerpiece for your holiday brunch. It features luscious layers of sourdough bread, bursting with fresh cherries, crunchy almonds, and delightful chocolate chips. Requiring only eight ingredients, it’s simpler to prepare than its elegant appearance suggests. We highly recommend trying it with fresh cranberries if cherries are out of season, offering a festive tartness. Designed to be prepped in advance, this casserole makes for an incredibly easy and stress-free brunch dish. It serves eight people, so feel free to halve the recipe to perfectly suit a smaller crowd.

    7

    Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

    No brunch is complete without a delicious side of home fries, and these Air Fryer Baby Potatoes are an absolute must-have for your holiday brunch menu. They are incredibly easy to prep, requiring minimal effort, and roast up to a perfect golden crispness on the outside while remaining wonderfully tender on the inside, all thanks to the magic of the air fryer. This method also frees up precious oven space, making your holiday cooking smoother. The recipe yields approximately six servings, but it can be effortlessly halved or doubled to perfectly match the size of your gathering, ensuring everyone gets a taste of these delightful spuds.

    8

    Air Fryer Butternut Squash Home Fries

    For a delightful twist on traditional home fries, consider adding these Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries to your holiday brunch side dish lineup. Seasonal butternut squash is expertly seasoned with a flavorful blend of herbs, warm spices, and a touch of maple syrup, creating a wonderful balance of sweet and savory in every bite. The air fryer ensures these fries come out perfectly tender on the inside with a desirable crispy exterior. The recipe conveniently serves four people, making it an excellent and festive choice for a smaller, more intimate brunch gathering, offering a unique and healthy side option.

    9

    Cranberry Oatmeal Muffins

    No holiday brunch is complete without a basket of warm, freshly baked muffins, and these Cranberry Oatmeal Muffins are absolutely bursting with festive flavors. Each bite offers a delightful combination of tart cranberries, zesty orange, and hints of rich chocolate. One of their best features is their make-ahead convenience: prepare them the day before your scheduled brunch, or even bake them weeks in advance and freeze for a truly stress-free holiday. If fresh cranberries are hard to come by, frozen or dried varieties work equally well, ensuring you can enjoy these moist and delicious treats anytime.

    10

    Cranberry White Chocolate Rolls

    If you’re looking to infuse your Christmas morning brunch with an extra touch of festive decadence, these Cranberry White Chocolate Rolls are an absolute must-make. These delightful rolls strike a perfect balance between sweet and tart, and remarkably, they take just 40 minutes from start to finish, making them ideal for a busy holiday morning. The recipe yields 12 rolls, which can be enjoyed fresh or stored at room temperature for a few days. Their soft texture and vibrant flavors are sure to be a hit, adding a wonderful sweet element to your holiday spread.

    11

    Walnut Banana Bread with Molasses

    This Walnut Banana Bread with Molasses is a comforting and flavorful addition to any holiday brunch. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas beautifully complements the warming, rich notes of molasses, creating a deeply satisfying bread. It boasts a wonderfully soft and tender crumb, perfectly contrasted by a delightful crunchy walnut streusel topping. A thick slice of this banana bread, enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or coffee, is the ideal way to conclude a festive brunch. It remains fresh for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, and can also be made in advance and frozen, making it a convenient option for holiday entertaining.

    12

    Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls

    Every memorable brunch deserves a truly decadent treat, and if you’re a fan of the rich, creamy flavor of Nutella, you are guaranteed to adore these Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls. These rolls are wonderfully sweet and fluffy, generously filled with a luscious Nutella and hazelnut swirl, and then elegantly topped with a silky dulce de leche glaze. What makes them particularly fantastic for a holiday brunch is that they require no yeast and no lengthy rising time. This means you can have warm, freshly baked sweet rolls on your table in less than an hour, minimizing stress and maximizing enjoyment for your small gathering.

    13

    Ginger Beer Mimosas

    What’s a holiday brunch without a festive mimosa to toast the season? Elevate your New Year’s or Christmas brunch menu with these delightful Ginger Beer Mimosas. They offer a unique and invigorating twist on traditional mimosas, featuring the warming addition of cardamom, ground ginger, and the spicy effervescence of ginger beer. The recipe is perfectly portioned to make two servings, ideal for sharing with a close friend or partner. For those opting not to drink, simply omit the vodka and use a non-alcoholic ginger beer to create an equally festive and delicious mocktail, ensuring everyone can enjoy a sparkling holiday sip!

    14

    Pumpkin Spice Latte with Coconut Whip

    Indulge in a healthier and equally delicious version of a seasonal favorite with these Homemade Pumpkin Spice Lattes. This recipe is thoughtfully crafted to be dairy-free and refined sugar-free, offering a guilt-free treat. Each latte is crowned with a light and airy coconut whipped cream, adding a luxurious touch. These warm and flavorful beverages make a wonderfully cozy addition to a Thanksgiving or Christmas brunch, perfect for sipping while enjoying the festive company. The recipe makes two servings, ideal for an intimate pair, but can be effortlessly doubled to cater to a slightly larger small gathering.

    We hope this collection of holiday brunch recipes inspires you to create a truly special and effortless gathering. These dishes are not only delicious but also thoughtfully chosen for their suitability for smaller groups and their potential for make-ahead preparation, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: connecting with your loved ones.

    If you decide to make any of these delightful recipes during the upcoming holiday season, we would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Please share which ones you tried and your thoughts in the comments section below.

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