Between cinnamon rolls, muffins, coffee cakes, and casseroles, we know we’re not alone in thinking holiday breakfast is the meal of the day. Yep, even better than the main holiday course — there, we said it! Enjoyed with a yummy holiday latte and good company, there’s nothing quite like good food on a cozy holiday morning. That said, traditional holiday breakfast foods aren’t always the healthiest. In fact, they’re often loaded with sugar and artificial add-ins. But fear not, there are so many ways to enjoy a taste of the holidays in a healthy way! From healthy muddy buddies to homemade cinnamon rolls to protein-packed casseroles and burritos, we’re treating you to the healthiest and tastiest holiday breakfast ideas that you and the whole family will love.
10 Delicious Healthy Holiday Breakfast Recipe Ideas
Grain-Free Healthy Muddy Buddies
Whether you know it as puppy chow or muddy buddies, this sweet and salty treat is a holiday classic. Traditionally, this recipe is covered in sugar and loaded with empty calories. But, we’re giving it a healthy holiday twist! Loaded with protein, made with grain-free cereal and dairy-free chocolate, and sweetened naturally. Sprinkle it over your smoothie, stir it into your yogurt bowl, or enjoy a serving with dairy-free milk and a side of fruit! Yum.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups Grain-Free Rice Chex Cereal alternative (such as Lovebird, Magic Spoon, Forager Project O’s, Love Grown, and Three Wishes)
- ⅔ cup dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped dairy-free chocolate bar (we love Enjoy Life Foods or love Hu Kitchen)
- ⅓ cup natural peanut butter (or nut or seed butter of choice, such as almond or sunflower)
- *⅔ cup powdered coconut sugar (or powdered monk fruit)
- ½ cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder of choice
Directions:
Step #1: In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, add your nut butter and chocolate chips. Microwave in 20-second increments, stopping to stir to prevent burning. Continue until the chocolate mixture is fully melted.
Step #2: Add cereal of choice to a large mixing bowl, then pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently mix until the cereal is fully coated. If the mixture is warm, cool to room temperature or place in the fridge to chill for 5 minutes. Note: you only want the chocolate to cool, not harden; you want the sugar/protein powder mix to stick
Step #3: Add powdered sugar (see how-to below) and protein powder and stir until well-coated. If your bowl has a lid, option to shake to coat. Alternatively, you may shake in a Tupperware or ziplock bag.
Step #4: Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
*Notes:
#1: Option to omit protein powder and use 1 cup powdered sugar
#2: Option to omit sugar and use 2-3 scoops of vanilla or chocolate-flavored protein powder
#3: To make homemade powdered coconut sugar, simply blend 1 cup coconut sugar with 1 tbsp arrowroot or tapioca starch until a fine powder is achieved
Healthy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
There’s nothing like waking up to the sweet scent of cinnamon on a holiday morning — especially when freshly baked cinnamon rolls are waiting to be had! Perfectly doughy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, these healthy cinnamon rolls are a must-have. Made with grain-free bread mix and a naturally sweetened coconut butter frosting, you and your guests will be swooning over this better-for-you holiday breakfast.
Ingredients:
Cinnamon Roll Dough:
- 3 eggs
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted and cooled
- ¼ cup + 1 tsp water
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 box Simple Mills Bread Mix (Simple Mills Store Locator or available on Amazon)
- 1/2 tbsp coconut sugar
For Rolling Dough:
- 1-3 tbsp gluten-free flour
Cinnamon Roll Filling:
- 2-4 tbsp cinnamon (depending how strong you like the flavor)
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted and cooled
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar
- ½ tbsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Roll Frosting:
- ½ cup coconut butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-4 tsp non-dairy milk
- 1-2 tsp coconut sugar, optional
Directions:
Step #1: Gather ingredients and preheat oven to 350°F
Step #2: Prepare dough mix by whisking eggs, water, and coconut oil in a large mixing bowl. Add Simple Mills Bread Mix and coconut sugar and stir well until combined. Then add apple cider vinegar and mix again until combined into a dough. Set aside.
Step #3: Next, prepare the cinnamon roll filling. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the cinnamon, coconut oil, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step #4: Next, form the dough. Place a large piece of parchment paper on the counter and add 1-2 tablespoons gluten-free flour, evenly spreading the flour to cover the surface. Place the ball of dough in the center of the parchment paper. Using a flour-coated rolling pin or drinking glass, roll out the dough into a ½ -inch thick rectangle.
Step #5: Spread the filling. Using a brush, silicone spatula, or back of a spoon, evenly spread the cinnamon filling on the dough, leaving ½ -inch space from the edges.
Step #6: Roll the dough. Once filling is spread, roll the dough into a log starting from the shorter end of the rectangle. Then, cut into 1 ½ inch slices (about 9-10). Option to slice using string floss.
Step #7: Grease an 8×11 square baking dish or line with parchment paper and add slices to the baking dish and bake for 14-18 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a muffin pan and add each slice to a greased muffin hole, baking for 10-12 minutes. Note: option to double the cinnamon filling recipe and spread on top of the cinnamon rolls before baking.
Step #8: While cinnamon rolls are baking, make the frosting. Add the coconut butter to a microwave-safe bowl and melt for 30 seconds. Remove and add 1-2 tsp of non-dairy milk and stir into a glaze (you may need to add an extra splash of milk and heat to form glaze). Once glaze texture is achieved, stir in vanilla extract and optional coconut sugar.
Step #9: Remove cinnamon rolls from the oven and drizzle glaze over the top. Option to sprinkle with cinnamon. Enjoy!
Delicious Oatmeal Raisin Breakfast Cookies
If you love your morning coffee accompanied by a holiday cookie, you’ll love these healthy breakfast cookies! Because let’s be honest, what’s a holiday breakfast without a sweet treat? Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, pumpkin seeds, raisins, and almonds, these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are the perfect balance of nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup oats, rolled
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- ¼ cup shredded coconut
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
- ⅓ cup slivered almonds
- ¼ cup raisin
- ¼ cup cacao nibs
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 pinch sea salt
- ¼ cup water
- almond butter, to serve
Directions:
Step #1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Step #2: Add all ingredients to a food processor and blend until the mixture comes together, adding a splash more water if needed.
Step #3: Drop the cookie dough by the rounded tablespoon onto the parchment-lined baking tray, shaping them into rounds.
Step #4: Bake for 15 minutes until the edges are golden.
Step #5: Serve with a dollop of almond butter.
Dark Chocolate Cranberry Granola
This homemade granola recipe is the perfect sweet and savory breakfast idea that can be enjoyed in so many ways! Inspired by holiday flavors like cranberries, pistachios, and ginger alongside wholesome granola staples like oats + chocolate chips. Enjoy it with a bowl of non-dairy milk or yogurt, sprinkle it on your warm bowl of oats, or break it into bite-sized pieces and dip it into your coffee or PSL.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups oats, rolled
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 banana
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
- ¼ cup pistachios
Directions:
Step #1: Heat oven to 300 F.
Step #2: Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.
Step #3: Combine wet ingredients in a food processor or blender.
Step #4: Mix wet with dry.
Step #5: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread oat mixture evenly on top.
Step #6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step #7: Let granola cool. Then, mix in cranberries and chocolate. Enjoy!
Baked Oatmeal Muffin Cups
Banana bread muffins meet baked oats. This healthy holiday breakfast recipe is comforting, nourishing, and so easy to customize! Give it a seasonal holiday twist with any additional mix-ins, such as cinnamon-spiced pears or leftover cranberries. You could even swap half a mashed banana for equal parts pumpkin puree! The best part? These easy-baked oatmeal cups can be prepped ahead of time and heated up when you’re ready to enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 egg
- 2 cups oats
- 2 bananas, mashed
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp flaxseed meal
Directions:
Step #1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray.
Step #2: In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, flaxseed meal, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix together the milk, mashed bananas, egg, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Stir in any additional mix-ins you like.
Step #3: Pour into a prepared muffin tin, filling up about ¾ of the way. Bake for 18-20 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned on top.
2-Minute Blueberry Oatmeal Mug Muffin
No time to prep? Whip up this single-serve microwave mug muffin instead! It’s low in sugar, packed with protein, takes minutes to make, and makes staying healthy during the holidays easier than ever. For a holiday twist, swap the blueberries for cranberries or apples, sprinkle in a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, or toss in a handful of chopped pecans or pistachios!
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- 1 egg white
- ⅛ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- ⅓ cup banana
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ⅓ cup blueberries
- ½ cup oats
- ½ tbsp flaxseed meal
- ⅓ cup unsweetened almond milk
Directions:
Step #1: Spray a large mug with cooking spray. Use a fork to mix together the milk, mashed banana, egg white, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir in the oats, flaxseed, and cinnamon. Then fold in the blueberries.
Step #2: Cook on high for 2 minutes and check. Then continue cooking in 30-second increments until puffed up and cooked through.
Guilt-Free Banana Flax Pancakes
Made with five simple ingredients, these easy-prep Banana Flax Pancakes are the perfect holiday breakfast idea. Add your favorite holiday mix-ins like dairy-free chocolate chips or pumpkin puree, and serve with your favorite pancake toppings like nut butter, fresh fruit, or any holiday baking leftovers! Enjoy this single-serve portion or double (or triple) the recipe for all to enjoy.
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp flaxseed meal
- 2 eggs
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp cinnamon
- 1 banana, mashed
Directions:
Step #1: Mash the banana in a bowl.
Step #2: Whisk in the eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon
Step #3: Stir in the flaxseed meal.
Step #4: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in batter, and once it begins to bubble and firm up on the edges, flip and cook on the other side for around 1 minute.
Easy Butternut Squash Breakfast Casserole
If you have leftover eggs, butternut squash, and veggies, give this simple savory holiday breakfast idea a try! This Butternut Squash Breakfast Casserole is packed with protein, low in sugar, and easy to prep (and clean!). Make it ahead of time for busy mornings, and customize it with any veggies of choice.
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- 12 eggs
- 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup reduced fat feta cheese (or dairy-free alternative)
- 6 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¾ tsp oregano
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¾ tsp black pepper
- ½ red onion, diced
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
Directions:
Step #1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Step #2: Add the olive oil to the pan. Once hot, add the butternut squash and red onion. Cook for 8-10 minutes until squash and onion are tender, adding 1-2 tablespoons of water if burning. Add the salt, garlic powder, oregano, and pepper. Stir together. Add the spinach and cook until it wilts, 1-2 minutes.
Step #3: Whisk together the eggs and feta. Add the butternut squash mixture to a baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Pour the eggs over top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until eggs set and are cooked through.
The Healthiest Vegetarian Breakfast Burritos
Who doesn’t love a cozy breakfast burrito on a chilly morning? These easy-prep (and freezer-friendly) healthy breakfast burritos are the perfect holiday breakfast meal that will be loved by the whole house. Stuff them with any leftovers and serve with your favorite tortillas! Packed with protein and easy to customize for paleo and dairy-free diets.
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- 10 eggs
- 2 green bell peppers, diced
- 14 oz canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- ¾ cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese (or dairy-free alternative)
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 6 low-carb tortillas (we love Siete grain-free tortillas)
- Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
Directions:
Step #1: Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the peppers and onions. Cook until tender, about 6-8 minutes. Add 1-2 tbsp. of water if needed to prevent burning.
Step #2: Add the beans and let cook for 1-2 minutes.
Step #3: Whisk together the eggs, salt, and pepper. Add to the pan. Cook the eggs, scrambling them until cooked through.
Step #4: Warm the tortillas in the microwave or oven until soft. Divide the eggs among the tortillas. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp. of cheese. Serve with salsa.
Step #5: For the burritos that you are not eating today, let cool and then wrap in saran wrap. Wrap in foil and freeze. To reheat, unwrap completely and wrap in a paper towel. Microwave for 1 ½ – 2 minutes until soft.
Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Ready for a change-up from classic warming oats? This Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Bowl is giving us all the cozy breakfast vibes. It will keep you energized, nourished, and satisfied all morning long! Perfect for busy holidays or when you want something healthy yet totally tasty. Serve it with yogurt, a drizzle of nut butter, or freshly sliced seasonal fruit!
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup quinoa
- 1½ cups unsweetened almond milk
- 2 apples, diced
Directions:
Step #1: Add the almond milk, quinoa, apples, cinnamon, vanilla extract, ginger, and salt to a small pot. Stir together.
Step #2: Bring to a boil. Then cover the pot and turn down to a simmer. Let cook for 15-18 minutes on low until most of the milk has been absorbed. Remove from heat but do not open the cover. Let sit for 5 minutes.
Step #3: Open and fluff with a fork. Add almond butter and any other toppings you like.
Shortcut: If you have cooked quinoa, this recipe can still work. Place diced apples in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add 1/2 cup of cooked quinoa, 1/2 cup of almond milk, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, a pinch of ginger, and a pinch of salt per serving. Microwave for 2 minutes until the quinoa is heated through and the milk is warm. This can also be done in a saucepan, just saute the apples until soft and then add the remaining ingredients.
Our Gift To You: Holiday Mornings Made Healthy!
With these delicious and nutritious breakfast recipe ideas, kick off your holiday in a healthy way. Best of all, there’s something for everyone: our healthy morning menu includes a range of gluten-free, paleo-friendly, plant-based, and protein-packed ideas! With nutrient-dense ideas like breakfast cookies and cozy quinoa bowls, enjoy a tasty morning treat without the guilt. Customize these recipes to make them your own, and add in any holiday leftovers or add-ins!
