Holidays are all about celebration, comfort, and connection—and nothing brings that spirit to life like a warm, lovingly prepared breakfast. Whether you’re gathering with family or enjoying a quiet morning, the right meal can set the tone for a meaningful day. This guide to vegan holiday breakfast ideas brings together festive, nourishing, and indulgent recipes that skip animal products but deliver all the flavor and joy.
From pillowy cinnamon rolls to savory breakfast casseroles and seasonal oatmeal blends, these plant-based dishes are crafted to suit chilly mornings and special occasions alike. They’re ideal for Christmas morning, New Year’s Day, or any weekend that deserves a little extra warmth and intention.
Why Choose Vegan Holiday Breakfasts?
Opting for a vegan breakfast doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or tradition. In fact, these meals are:
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Inclusive: Suitable for guests with dairy, egg, or meat restrictions
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Wholesome: Made with plant-based ingredients full of fiber and antioxidants
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Kind: Aligned with compassionate and eco-conscious values
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Creative: Full of flavor combinations that elevate traditional holiday fare
Plus, vegan breakfast dishes tend to be lighter and more energizing—so you can feel good as you head into the day’s festivities.
1. Soft and Gooey Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
Nothing smells more like a holiday morning than cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. This vegan version swaps out butter and dairy for plant-based alternatives, but still delivers on decadence.
Ingredients:
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2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
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1 cup warm plant-based milk (like oat or soy)
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1/4 cup coconut or vegan butter, melted
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2 tbsp cane sugar
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1/4 tsp salt
Filling:
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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2 tbsp cinnamon
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1/4 cup softened vegan butter
Icing:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2 tbsp plant-based milk
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
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Activate the yeast in warm milk with sugar. Let it foam for 5–10 minutes.
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Add melted butter, flour, and salt. Mix, knead, and let rise until doubled.
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Roll out dough, spread filling, roll into a log, and cut into rolls.
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Let rise again in a greased baking dish.
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Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.
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Drizzle icing over warm rolls and serve.
Pro tip: Make them the night before and let them rise in the fridge. Pop them in the oven first thing in the morning.
2. Savory Vegan Breakfast Casserole
If you love a hearty, savory start to your day, a breakfast casserole is a must. This plant-based version is packed with vegetables, tofu scramble, and hash browns.
Ingredients:
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1 block firm tofu, crumbled
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1 tsp turmeric
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1 tsp onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 cups frozen hash browns
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1 red bell pepper, chopped
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1/2 onion, diced
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1 cup chopped spinach
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1/2 cup vegan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
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Sauté onion and pepper until soft. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
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Mix tofu with spices and fold in sautéed vegetables and hash browns.
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Spread mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with vegan cheese if desired.
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Bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes until golden and crisp on top.
Why it works: It’s a great dish to feed a crowd, and it holds up well for leftovers.
3. Cranberry Orange Baked Oatmeal
This festive baked oatmeal offers a balance of tart and sweet, making it an ideal choice for a cozy holiday morning.
Ingredients:
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2 cups rolled oats
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1 1/2 cups plant-based milk
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1/4 cup maple syrup
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1 tsp vanilla
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Zest of 1 orange
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1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
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1/2 tsp cinnamon
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Pinch of salt
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
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Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and transfer to a greased baking dish.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden and cranberries have burst.
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Serve warm with extra maple syrup or a dollop of plant-based yogurt.
Make it extra special: Add chopped walnuts or pecans on top for a festive crunch.
4. Vegan Eggnog French Toast
This dish combines two holiday favorites into one indulgent breakfast treat.
Ingredients:
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1 cup vegan eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
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2 tbsp chickpea flour or cornstarch
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1 tsp cinnamon
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1/2 tsp nutmeg
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6 slices of stale bread (thick-cut preferred)
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Coconut oil for frying
Instructions:
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Whisk eggnog, flour, and spices in a shallow bowl.
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Dip bread slices to soak both sides.
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Fry in a greased skillet until golden brown on both sides.
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Serve with maple syrup, berries, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Flavor bonus: Add a splash of vanilla or bourbon extract to elevate the eggnog flavor.
5. Stuffed Breakfast Sweet Potatoes
If you’re craving something unique but easy, baked sweet potatoes are a surprisingly delicious base for both sweet and savory toppings.
Sweet version:
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Baked sweet potatoes
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Almond butter
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Chopped pecans
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Cinnamon
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Maple syrup
Savory version:
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Baked sweet potatoes
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Tofu scramble
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Avocado slices
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Cherry tomatoes
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Vegan feta
Instructions:
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Bake sweet potatoes until soft (about 45 mins at 400°F).
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Slice open and stuff with your toppings of choice.
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Serve immediately.
Why it’s great: These are visually beautiful, packed with nutrients, and incredibly versatile.
6. Vegan Pancake Board
Turn breakfast into an interactive experience with a pancake board filled with toppings and mix-ins.
Base: Fluffy Vegan Pancakes
Topping ideas:
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Sliced fruit (kiwi, orange, apple)
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Nuts and seeds
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Maple syrup, agave, or vegan chocolate sauce
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Nut butters
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Plant-based whipped cream
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Coconut flakes
Instructions:
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Cook a batch of pancakes and arrange on a large tray.
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Set up toppings in small bowls for guests to customize.
Fun for families: Kids and adults will love making their own festive creations.
Tips for a Seamless Holiday Breakfast
1. Plan Ahead:
Choose make-ahead dishes like baked oatmeal or cinnamon rolls to reduce morning prep time.
2. Use Warming Spices:
Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove add holiday flavor without the need for extra sugar or fat.
3. Keep It Balanced:
Pair sweeter dishes with a savory option, or serve fruit alongside heavier items to keep energy balanced.
4. Decorate Simply:
Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or fresh cranberries for a visually festive plate without extra effort.
5. Accommodate Everyone:
Choose recipes that are gluten-free or nut-free if needed, or provide swaps like sunflower butter instead of peanut butter.
Holiday Drink Pairings
Enhance your breakfast spread with warming, festive drinks:
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Spiced Chai Latte: Brew black tea with cinnamon, cardamom, and clove, then add steamed oat milk.
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Vegan Hot Chocolate: Use cocoa powder, maple syrup, and almond milk for a cozy classic.
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Fresh Orange Juice or Cranberry Spritzers: Add fresh herbs like mint or rosemary for a holiday twist.
Final Thoughts
Vegan holiday breakfasts are about more than food—they’re about slowing down, enjoying the moment, and making memories around the table. With a little planning and the right recipes, you can create a plant-based spread that feels both indulgent and nourishing.
Whether you're waking up to a snowy Christmas morning or planning a New Year’s brunch, these festive vegan recipes will bring comfort, joy, and flavor to your holiday season.
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