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Food & Wine's Definitive Guide to a Memorable Christmas Brunch

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/13 .. itive-guide-to-a-memorable-christmas-brunch.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, December 13th 2025 at 9:00 GMT by Food & Wine

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Food & Wine’s Definitive Guide to a Memorable Christmas Brunch

Food & Wine’s holiday collection, “Christmas Brunch Recipes,” takes a deep dive into the world of festive, indulgent fare that turns any holiday gathering into a memorable celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned brunch connoisseur or just starting to experiment with holiday flavors, the article curates a variety of dishes—savory, sweet, and everything in between—that are easy to prepare yet packed with the festive flair you’ll expect from a Food & Wine recipe roundup. The piece is not merely a list of recipes; it’s a thoughtful look at how to build a balanced, seasonally inspired menu that caters to guests’ tastes while keeping preparation manageable.

1. A Brisket that Feels Like the Holidays

The roundup opens with a classic that feels both cozy and upscale: a slow‑cooked, smoky brisket. The recipe emphasizes using a beef chuck roast, seasoned with a spice rub that includes maple syrup, smoked paprika, and a hint of allspice. Food & Wine notes that the brisket can be cooked in a low‑temperature oven or on the stovetop for several hours until the meat is melt‑in‑your‑mouth tender. The dish is served sliced with a simple red‑wine reduction, and the article links to the full recipe, complete with step‑by‑step photos and a video tutorial that showcases how to render the fat for an extra layer of flavor.

2. Maple‑Bacon Pancakes: Sweet Meets Savory

Next up is a twist on the classic stack of pancakes that leans into the sweet‑and‑savory trend that’s become a brunch staple. The recipe calls for classic buttermilk pancakes, topped with crisp, maple‑glazed bacon strips and a dusting of powdered sugar. The bacon is caramelized in a skillet until it’s both crunchy and syrupy, creating a perfect counterbalance to the fluffy batter. The article even offers a variation—replacing maple syrup with honey or adding a pinch of cayenne for heat. A link to the full pancake recipe includes a handy guide for making the batter in bulk, perfect for feeding a crowd.

3. Lemon‑Ricotta Pancakes with Berry Compote

Food & Wine also highlights a lighter, brighter option: lemon‑ricotta pancakes. These airy pancakes feature fresh lemon zest and a splash of ricotta cheese for a velvety texture. The recipe pairs the pancakes with a homemade berry compote—strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries simmered in a touch of white wine and a splash of lemon juice. The dish is served with a dollop of whipped cream, making it a surprisingly sophisticated, yet straightforward brunch choice. A link to the recipe provides additional variations, such as swapping ricotta for cottage cheese or adding a splash of orange liqueur for extra depth.

4. Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Quiche

For a savory, vegetable‑forward dish, Food & Wine recommends a Brussels sprouts and bacon quiche. The crustless quiche uses a creamy base of eggs, heavy cream, and shredded Gruyère. Fresh Brussels sprouts are sautéed with a splash of balsamic vinegar, then folded into the quiche mixture along with smoky bacon pieces. The article notes the quiche’s versatility: it can be baked in a single dish or portioned into individual ramekins. The accompanying recipe link includes tips on ensuring a flaky, golden crust even without a pastry shell, as well as serving suggestions—pairing the quiche with a crisp white wine or a light salad.

5. Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

Adding a pop of color, the article spotlights a roasted beet salad topped with crumbled goat cheese, toasted walnuts, and a citrus vinaigrette. The beetroot is roasted with olive oil and sea salt until tender and slightly caramelized, then layered atop a bed of mixed greens. The vinaigrette—a combination of orange juice, honey, and Dijon mustard—adds a bright, citrusy counterpoint to the earthy beets. Food & Wine provides a link to the full salad recipe and includes a side note on how to roast the beets quickly in a broiler if time is limited.

6. Salmon & Cream Cheese Bagel

For a protein‑rich option that’s also brunch‑friendly, the article presents a salmon and cream cheese bagel. Smoked salmon slices, a generous spread of herbed cream cheese, and capers are arranged on toasted bagels. The recipe suggests a quick drizzle of lemon‑yogurt sauce and a sprinkle of dill for freshness. A link to the recipe includes variations—such as using a bagel sub or swapping cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.

7. Eggs Benedict with Cranberry Hollandaise

An elegant brunch staple gets a seasonal makeover in the form of Eggs Benedict topped with a cranberry hollandaise sauce. The hollandaise is infused with fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a splash of brandy, creating a tart‑sweet balance that pairs beautifully with poached eggs and buttery English muffins. Food & Wine’s recipe link provides a guide for making the hollandaise in a stainless‑steel double boiler and tips on ensuring a silky finish without curdling.

8. Warm Berry Bread Pudding

For dessert or a sweet brunch option, the article features a warm berry bread pudding. Stale brioche or challah cubes are soaked in a custard of eggs, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, then baked with a mixture of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. The pudding is finished with a drizzle of honey‑infused maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar. The recipe link gives instructions on how to use leftover bread and includes a gluten‑free variation using a gluten‑free bread loaf.

9. Gingerbread Pancakes

A nod to classic holiday cookies, the article highlights gingerbread pancakes. The batter incorporates molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves for a warm, spicy flavor that evokes gingerbread houses. Served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a swirl of whipped cream, these pancakes are perfect for those who want to taste holiday candy without the extra calories. The link to the recipe includes a note on how to use a non‑stick skillet to avoid sticking and a suggestion to pair the pancakes with a splash of spiced cider.

10. Hot Chocolate Cake

The final dish is a decadent hot chocolate cake—rich chocolate cake layers filled with a silky chocolate ganache and topped with a dusting of cocoa powder. It’s served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of espresso‑infused chocolate sauce. Food & Wine’s recipe link includes tips on how to make the ganache in advance and how to freeze the cake for an effortless make‑ahead option.

How the Article Stands Out

What makes Food & Wine’s “Christmas Brunch Recipes” truly useful is its blend of practical, approachable recipes with high‑quality, festive ingredients that deliver impressive results. Each recipe is accompanied by:

• Clear Preparation Times – The article lists approximate cook times, so you can plan which dishes to make ahead and which to prepare fresh.
• Ingredient Highlights – Seasonal staples like cranberries, beetroot, and maple syrup are highlighted, giving readers an opportunity to incorporate these flavors into other dishes as well.
• Presentation Tips – From the way to plate the maple‑bacon pancakes to the garnish of the roasted beet salad, the article provides thoughtful ideas that elevate the look of your brunch spread.
• Links to Full Recipes – Every recipe is linked to its detailed page on Food & Wine, complete with step‑by‑step photos, videos, and user comments. This ensures you have all the resources you need to replicate the dishes, even if you’re new to brunch cooking.

Final Thoughts

Food & Wine’s Christmas Brunch Recipes offers a comprehensive, thoughtfully curated set of dishes that can serve as the backbone of any holiday brunch. Whether you’re planning a quick, casual gathering or a more elaborate celebration, the article provides the inspiration and practical guidance needed to make your brunch both delicious and memorable. By combining classic comfort foods with festive twists and providing easy links to full recipes, Food & Wine makes it straightforward to bring holiday cheer to your table—one delicious dish at a time.