Home Recipes Meal Types Brunch
Nicole Doster
Katie BandurskiUpdated: Feb. 18, 2024
Kick off a brand new year with a festive brunch. Whether you're hosting friends or enjoying a quiet day at home with family, make these New Year's Day brunch ideas to wind down after the holidays.
You had an incredible New Year’s Eve party spread last night, the ball dropped and everyone sang whatever lines they knew of Auld Lang Syne. Now the Champagne bottles are in the recycle bin, the party favors are put away and you’ve had a good night’s sleep. It’s time to eat! Start the day with a fab New Year’s Day brunch of waffles, breakfast tacos, mimosas, French toast and more. And don’t forget New Year’s Day good luck foods for later.
Eggs Benedict Casserole
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This eggs Benedict casserole is just as tasty as the classic but without all the hassle. Simply assemble the ingredients ahead, and bake it the next morning for an elegant breakfast or brunch. —Sandie Heindel, Liberty, Missouri
Prosciutto, Egg and Spinach Strata
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This egg spinach strata recipe is one of my favorite things to make for Mother’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s Day brunch! It’s a wonderful savory dish that incorporates elements of the cuisine I grew up enjoying. Plus, you can prepare it the night before and just throw it in the oven in the morning. —Danielle Pfanstiehl, Andover, Connecticut
Chiles Rellenos Croque-Madame
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A traditional croque-madame is a heartier version of a croque-monsieur because it’s served with an egg on top of the sandwich. Instead of bechamel and Gruyere, this playful version includes pepper jack, chiles and chipotle. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
Orange-Glazed Bacon
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Just when you thought bacon couldn’t get any tastier, our Test Kitchen staff whipped up this tasty recipe starring the favorite breakfast meat drizzled with a sweet orange glaze. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
The Best Quiche Lorraine
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Nestled in a buttery, rustic crust, this quiche is filled with sweet onions, bacon bits and cheese. It’s truly the best quiche Lorraine recipe. —Shannon Norris, Cudahy, Wisconsin
Orange Dream Mimosas
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Your inner child will love this fun riff on the classic mimosa. For a perfect New Year’s Day sip, use sparkling cider, ginger ale or sparkling grape juice for a nonalcoholic version. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Fluffy Waffles
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A friend shared this fluffy waffle recipe with me a few years ago. The cinnamon cream syrup is a nice change from maple syrup, and it keeps quite well in the fridge. Our two children also like it on toast. —Amy Gilles, Ellsworth, Wisconsin
Air-Fryer Cinnamon Breakfast Bites
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These scrumptious breakfast treats are so quick and easy to make and the air fryer gives this a crispy, sugary coating that's hard to resist.—Ruth Hastings, Louisville, Illinois
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
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This savory, scrumptious hash brown breakfast casserole uses an egg substitute for lower fat and cholesterol. Serve with fresh fruit for a New Year’s Day brunch idea that’ll keep your family going strong until dinner! —Cindy Schneider, Sarasota, Florida
White Chocolate Raspberry Pancakes
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We grow berries in the summer, and I’m always looking for new ways to incorporate them into our meals. I created these white chocolate raspberry pancakes on a whim, and my husband thought they were great! Semisweet chocolate chips can easily be substituted for the white baking chips. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Cast-Iron Loaded Breakfast Biscuits
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These loaded breakfast biscuits are full of hearty breakfast ingredients like eggs, bacon, mushrooms and cheese! They are perfect to bake up on the weekends, then freeze for a quick weekday breakfast. A gluten-free flour blend can be substituted for the all-purpose flour. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Cinnamon Coffee Cake
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I love the excellent texture of this easy cinnamon coffee cake recipe. Always a crowd-pleaser, its pleasing vanilla flavor enriched by sour cream may remind you of breakfast at Grandma’s! Make it the night before a New Year’s Day brunch and save time in the morning. —Eleanor Harris, Cape Coral, Florida
Uncle Merle’s Bloody Mary
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I had a very good friend who was not related to me, but everyone called him “Uncle Merle”. He gave me this recipe and made me promise not to give it to anyone until he passed away. Uncle Merle is gone now, but his recipe lives on.—Ronald Roth, Three Rivers, Michigan
Omelet Waffles with Sausage Cheese Sauce
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Waffles are fun to make, so I decided to make this waffle omelette recipe! They are topped with browned sausage, onions, peppers and a chunky cheesy sauce. They are the perfect choice when you want to have all the breakfast foods in one dish for New Year’s Day brunch. —Ronna Farley, Rockville, Maryland
Sunshine Crepes
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My family wanted just a light New Year’s Day brunch, so I whipped up these sweet and fruity crepes that were a big hit with everyone! To save even more time, use pre-made crepes. —Mary Hobbs, Campbell, Missouri
Artichoke and Onion Frittata
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Fresh flavors make this pretty egg bake a delightful entree for a New Year’s Day brunch or light luncheon. —Joyce Moynihan, Lakeville, Minnesota
Homemade Sage Sausage Patties
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Oregano, garlic and sage add savory flavor to these ground pork patties. I’ve had this Pennsylvania Dutch recipe for years, and it always brings compliments.
Orange Cinnamon Rolls
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I’ve been making this recipe from my grandmother for years-it’s a favorite on Sunday mornings! The orange zest, juice and nuts give the rolls great flavor. — Donna Taylor, Southbridge, Massachusetts
Chai Tea Latte
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My family loves this comforting chai tea latte recipe, especially on cold days instead of cocoa or when they’re feeling under the weather. I simplified this chai tea recipe by using the filter basket of our coffeepot. It’s delicious and great after dinner or as a New Year’s Day sipper. —Julie Plummer, Sykesville, Maryland
Easy Cheesy Loaded Grits
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A tasty bowl of grits inspired me to develop my own recipe with sausage, green chiles and cheeses. It just might be better than the original. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Open-Faced Prosciutto and Egg Sandwich
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We love breakfast at any time of the day in my house. I came up with this healthy egg sandwich as something new for brinner (aka breakfast for dinner), but they’re fabulous no matter when you serve them. —Casey Galloway, Columbia, Missouri
Baked French Toast
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New Year’s Day brunch is special when Mom makes one of her French toast recipes, like this do-ahead baked version. —Jill Baughman, New York, New York
Roasted Vegetable and Chevre Quiche
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Roasting the veggies in this rich yet bright quiche intensifies their flavors. The addition of fresh goat cheese lends a wonderful creamy tanginess. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia
Savory Dutch Baby
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This savory Dutch baby delivers comfort and flavor, and it brings a smile. It’s the perfect New Year’s Day brunch idea for using up little bits of leftovers, as long as they are fully cooked and heated in the bottom of the skillet prior to adding the batter and cheese. —Susan Anderson, Helena, Montana
Flaky Danish Kringle
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This traditional yeast bread wonderfully reflects my Scandinavian heritage. Flaky layers of tender dough are flavored with almond paste. The unique sugar cookie crumb coating adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
Amish Breakfast Casserole
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We’ve enjoyed a few hearty breakfast casseroles while visiting an Amish inn. When I asked for a recipe, one of the ladies told me the ingredients right off the top of her head. I modified it to create this quick and easy breakfast casserole my family loves. It’s especially good for New Year’s Day brunch. —Beth Notaro, Kokomo, Indiana
Denver Omelet Salad
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I love this recipe. It may not be your typical breakfast, but it has all the right elements. Plus, it’s easy, healthy and fast. Just turn your favorite omelet ingredients into a morning salad! —Pauline Custer, Duluth, Minnesota
Salmon Croquette Sandwich
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I’m obsessed with smoked salmon on bagels with all the accouterments! Smoked salmon can get pricey, though, so I found this salmon croquette sandwich alternative. I could seriously eat it every day for breakfast. —Jessi Hampton, Richmond Hill, Georgia
Bourbon Chocolate Pumpkin Latte
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I created this by adapting two of my favorite recipes. It’s the perfect beverage to warm you up at a special occasion or a New Year’s Day brunch. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
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I created this pineapple sour cream coffee cake recipe for a contest at the Los Angeles County Fair in the 1980s. My kids were very proud of me when my name was called out for first place. The coffee cake would be the perfect partner for your morning coffee or a delightful dessert with a scoop of ice cream. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Creamy Baked Eggs
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This recipe is so simple, and the eggs come out just as my husband likes them every time. If you like soft yolks, cook eggs for 9 minutes; for firmer yolks, cook for about 11 minutes.—Macey Allen, Green Forest, Arkansas
Chicken and Egg Hash
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This chicken and eggs recipe is one of my daughter’s favorites. To reduce cooking time and clean out the fridge, dice up leftover potatoes and use pre-cooked meat. —Joyce Price, Whitefish, Ontario
Veggie-Packed Strata
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This is a wonderful, colorful casserole that everyone enjoys for New Year’s Day brunch. I’m sure you’ll be hooked on it after one bite, too. —Jennifer Unsell, Vance, Alabama
Coconut-Macadamia Sheet Pan Pancakes
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These sheet-pan pancakes are great for New Year’s Day brunch when you want to serve a group without standing over the stove. The fun flavors give this dish a tropical flair, and pineapple-flavored ice cream topping is a great swap for the usual maple syrup. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Breakfast BLT Waffles
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I’m not a big fan of sweets for breakfast, but I love a crisp waffle. My son and I tried these BLT waffles, and they were a huge success! We used gluten-free, dairy-free waffles with fantastic results. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Cheesy Hash Brown Bake
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These cheesy hashbrown potatoes were so popular at the morning meetings of our Mothers of Preschoolers group that we published it in our newsletter. I love to serve this creamy, comforting and tasty dish as part of a New Year’s Day brunch spread. —Karen Burns, Chandler, Texas
Sparkling Peach Bellinis
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Folks will savor the subtle kiss of peach flavor in this elegant New Year’s Day brunch beverage. — Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
German Pancake
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Piping hot and puffy from the oven, this golden pancake made a pretty presentation for a skier's theme breakfast I hosted. Served with homemade buttermilk syrup, it's an eye-opening treat. Make several German pancakes if you're feeding a crowd, and keep in mind that my easy syrup tastes great on waffles and French toast, too. —Renae Moncur, Burley, Idaho
Sweet and Spicy Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls
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The addition of spicy chocolate cinnamon cane sugar adds a little bit of heat and an extra punch of cinnamon and chocolate to the filling of these cinnamon rolls originally shared by Patty Wynn of Pardeeville, Wisconsin. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Biscuits and gravy are usually prepared separately but served together. I created a way to bake them all at once in this scrumptious casserole. —Nancy Mcinnis, Olympia, Washington
Pecan French Toast
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Make-ahead convenience is a bonus with this yummy New Year’s Day brunch dish. It couldn’t be easier to make, but it tastes like you worked all morning!—Cindy Fish, Summerfield, NC
Salmon Quiche
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This New Year’s Day brunch recipe came to me from my mother—it’s the kind you request after just one bite! —Deanna Baldwin, Bermuda Dunes, California
Strawberry Banana Crepes
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My family often has company over for breakfast or brunch, and these light fruit-topped crepes are our favorite. The sweet sensations are as fast to make as they are fabulous. You can cook the crepes the night before, refrigerate them with waxed paper in between, then fill and top them in the morning. —Shelly Soule Las Vegas, Nevada
Sheet-Pan Eggs and Bacon Breakfast
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I saw this sheet-pan eggs and bacon recipe on social media and decided to re-create it. It was a huge hit! Use any cheeses and spices you like—you can even try seasoned potatoes. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Cranberry Orange Mimosas
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Mimosas are just so elegant for New Year’s Day brunch. My recipe uses tart cranberries to balance the sweetness of champagne and orange juice. —Shannon Stephens, Lake in the Hills, Illinois
Cinnamon Fruit Biscuits
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Because these sweet treats are so easy, I'm almost embarrassed when people ask me for the recipe. They're a snap to make with refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, sugar, cinnamon and your favorite fruit preserves. —Ione Burham, Washington, Iowa
Upside-Down Orange French Toast
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I like to serve this for breakfast when we have overnight guests or for New Year’s Day brunch. It gives Florida visitors a taste of sunshine! —Barbara Carlucci, Orange Park, Florida
BLT Egg Bake
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BLTs are a favorite at my house, so I created this recipe to combine those flavors into a warm, cozy casserole. It was such a hit, I served it to my church ladies group at a New Year’s Day brunch I hosted. —Priscilla Detrick, Catoosa, Oklahoma
Honey Poppy Seed Fruit Salad
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This colorful fruit salad with poppy seed dressing pairs well with any morning entree and takes just 10 minutes to prepare. The subtle honey sauce in this salad steals the show. —Dorothy Dinnean, Harrison, Arkansas
Pressure-Cooker French Toast
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A delicious morning treat, this French toast is made quickly in the Instant Pot pressure cooker, and it's definitely worth waking up for. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Prosciutto Dutch Baby
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This delicious savory Dutch baby is perfect for a New Year’s Day brunch or quick weeknight lunch or dinner. Similar to a popover, this is a different take on the famous breakfast dish that everyone loves. Simple to make and so delicious! —Joan Hallford, N. Richland Hills, Texas
Pumpkin and Chicken Sausage Hash
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This can be served as a side or as the main dish for breakfast, lunch or dinner. I like to serve it topped with poached or fried eggs for breakfast. —Valerie Donn, Williamsburg, Michigan
Breakfast Tacos
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This is a really simple, tasty New Year’s Day brunch. It has been a mainstay for our mornings together as a family. —Jo Ferguson, Arnold, Missouri
Originally Published: November 16, 2021
Nicole Doster
With nearly a decade of experience creating content for various lifestyle publishers and eCommerce brands, Nicole combines her love of at-home cooking with her expertise in product reviews and digital content creation to lead the award-winning shopping editorial team across Taste of Home, Family Handyman and Reader's Digest. As TMB's content director, affiliate, she oversees strategy, operations and planning for all product testing and shopping content, to bring readers recommendations and inspiration you can trust.Before joining the affiliate team, Nicole edited hundreds of recipe and food lifestyle articles for Taste of Home working closely with our Test Kitchen team and network of contributors. With a passion for baking, comfort food and hosting get-togethers you'll often see Nicole testing new products that make life easier. As a former barista in Chicago and Baltimore, she's slung hundreds of cappuccinos and doppio espressos in her lifetime and she will talk your ear off about the best gadgets to make cafe-quality coffee at home. When she's not hunched over her laptop, she's either fixating on her latest DIY home renovation or on a walk with her rescue pup, Huey.
Katie Bandurski
As Senior Shopping Editor, Katie connects Taste of Home readers with the best gifts, deals and home products on the market. An avid foodie and a holiday enthusiast, Katie is an expert at cultivating meaningful moments.When she’s out of the office, you’ll find her exploring Wisconsin, trying out new vegetarian recipes and watching Christmas movies.