Heading away to the beach or the bush for a break this summer? Gathering the family or friends at your place for Christmas? Or just enjoying a quiet breakfast for two? Whether you're 2, 20 or more, these breakfasts will start any holi(day) right.
COLOUR THERAPY
These vibrant trifles, below, a recipe from Anneka Manning, are rich yet refreshing, sweet yet tart, indulgent yet light, and they look gloriously festive too. You can also do something similar with banana bread.
Source: Alan Benson
This eye-catching idea from Adam Liaw is his fresh take on the classic Aussie bacon-and-egg brekkie. The eggs are baked in pea purée then topped with salty bacon and parmesan. This will make any breakfast seem brighter and better!
BAKING FOR BREAKFAST
Source: Adam Liaw
Celebrating Christmas? This wreath will make a beautiful centrepiece for your table on Christmas morning or a lovely edible gift. Fresh berries, chopped pecans and cinnamon sugar make up the filling, wrapped in a buttery yeasted dough.
Source: Brett Stevens
Mixed berries on top give these muffins by Anneka Manning a festive touch - and they are a great option if those at your table need to avoid gluten or dairy.
TOAST, BUT FANCY
Gluten-free and dairy-free banana coconut and berry muffins Source: Alan Benson
The roasted red grapes add a sweetness that balances the labne. You can also swap them for cherries, or another stone fruit.
STACK IT UP
Source: Danielle Abou Karam
Sweet and sticky banana pancakes from Donal Skehan. The batter for these is best if it rests in the fridge for at least an hour, or overnight, so that makes these easier to fit around whatever else you've got going on. You'll find a stack (boom!) more options in our pancake recipe collection, from Russian cottage cheese pancakes to savoury Korean mung bean pancakes.
SPREAD THE LOVE
Caramelised banana pancakes Source: Donal's Kitchen Hero
A heavenly combination of lemon pound cake, curd and syrup, teamed with fresh fruits and ‘soured’ cream, this is a brilliant summer breakfast. The cake is great served plain, toasted or chargrilled, too
BOWLS OF PLENTY
Lemon buttermilk pound cake with lemon curd Source: Alan Benson
With a batch of Lee Holmes' homemade granola in the pantry, you've got a guaranteed easy start. It's gluten-free, packed with seeds and spices, and will keep for up to four weeks. (Also makes a great gift). If you like an oaty granola, try this maple, cardamom and almond granola.
Source: Murdoch Books / Luisa Brimble
If gingerbread says holiday to you, here's a breakfast that captures some of that feeling. Grated apple, chia seeds, oats, cacao or cocoa, ginger and coconut milk come together in an easy make-ahead breakfast bowl (you'll find more like this in our breakfast bowl collection).
ON THE SAVOURY SIDE
Choc-gingerbread chia pudding Source: Chris Middleton
"This recipe was a little experiment. The question was: could French toast baked in the oven be just as delicious as when it is pan-fried in a generous amount of butter? The answer: Yes! And, as a bonus, it is so much easier to cook in large batches for more-the-merrier gatherings," says Anneka Manning of this indulgent breakfast.
Source: Alan Benson
"This is a Christmas breakfast treat - a great way to fancy up your morning in minutes," says Donal Skehan, of this recipe, which he shares in a festive episode of his series Donal's Meals in Minutes. Served here with eggs and a smoked salmon puree, boxty - traditional Irish pancakes - are also a great way to use up leftover mash.
Source: Donal's Meals in Minutes
With golden pastry and lots of good things inside, this tart by Rowie Dillon is great for a gathering. And that lovely pastry? It's gluten free, too. Other smart tarts we like for holiday breakfasts include this roasted pumpkin, tomato and oregano tart, this Argentinian tomato and ricotta tart, and Donna Hay's caramelised onion, potato and feta tart
EGG OPTIONS
Source: Harper Collins
Take your breakfast to Turkey with this recipe from Somer Sivrioglu. Cilbir is a wonderful mix of poached eggs, Greek-style yoghurt and a peppery capsicum topping. Serve with fresh pide for mopping it all up!
Source: Adam Liaw
This dish is one of Ethiopia's favourite breakfasts, and we think the amped-up flavours of the eggs, served with kita - crunchy homemade pan-fried flatbreads - is just the ticket for a holiday breakfast.
BREAKFAST FOR TWO
Source: Adam Liaw
Pomegranate seeds add a festive touch to this riff on a traditional Persian rice dish called tahdig. A mix of brown rice, wild rice, lentils, pistachios and tart cherries, this recipe from Belinda So is perfect for those who love the crunch of toasted rice. Serve it up with a dollop of thick natural yoghurt.
The crunchy edges and layers of a well-cooked dish are very satisfying to consume. Source: Benito Martin
"Best eaten warm, with plenty of fresh toast to mop up the sauce," says Claire Scrine of her take on this Middle Eastern breakfast. Her recipes serves 2-3, so it's great if you're a hungry duo!
Find many more ideas in our Breakfast, Brunch and Christmas recipe collections.
Source: Savannah van der Niet
