Easy Christmas Morning Breakfast Spread

Waffles and Pancakes

• —1 batch Fluffy Homemade Waffles, approximately 8 waffles
• —1 batch Quick and Easy Pancakes, approximately 16 small pancakes
• —Icing sugar, for lightly dusting the waffles

You may not need the entire batch of each for a smaller gathering. Extras can be frozen and enjoyed another day.

Pastries

• —8 small croissants

Bacon

• —1 pound bacon, cooked until crisp

Fruit

• —1½ cups strawberries
• —1 cup raspberries
• —1 cup blueberries
• —1 small bunch green grapes
• —1 small bunch red grapes
• —2 oranges, thinly sliced

Toppings

• —1 batch Simple Strawberry Compote, approximately 1½ cups
• —2 cups vanilla Greek yogurt or softly whipped cream
• —¾ cup pure maple syrup
• —½ cup softened butter
• —½ cup strawberry, raspberry or mixed-berry jam, optional

Wash the berries and grapes, then allow them to dry thoroughly.

Cut the grapes into small clusters so they're easier to serve. Remove the strawberry hulls if desired and slice the oranges into thin rounds.

Arrange the strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, red grapes, green grapes and orange slices on a wooden serving board or large platter. Group the fruits loosely by type rather than mixing everything together.

Cover and refrigerate the fruit platter until you're ready to assemble the breakfast spread.

Prepare one batch of my Simple Strawberry Compote.

The sauce can be made several days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Transfer it to a serving bowl and add a small spoon just before serving.

It can be served chilled, at room temperature or gently warmed.

Cook the bacon using your preferred method until it reaches your desired level of crispness.

For easy cleanup, arrange the bacon in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for approximately 15–20 minutes, depending on its thickness. Transfer it to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.

Arrange the finished bacon on a rectangular serving platter.

Prepare one batch of my Fluffy Homemade Waffles.

As the waffles finish cooking, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to keep them warm and crisp. Avoid stacking them while they're hot, as trapped steam can soften the waffles.

Arrange them loosely on a large serving platter and lightly dust a few with icing sugar.

Prepare one batch of my Quick and Easy Pancakes.

Make the pancakes small and stackable so guests can easily add one or two to their plates. Arrange them alongside the waffles on the same platter.

Keep the cooked pancakes warm in a 200°F oven until you're ready to serve.

Place the croissants on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300°F oven for approximately 5–8 minutes.

Arrange the warm croissants on a separate serving platter.

Spoon the vanilla Greek yogurt or softly whipped cream into a medium serving bowl.

Pour the maple syrup into a small pitcher and place the softened butter and berry jam in separate bowls. Add a spoon or small spreader to each topping.

Place the waffle-and-pancake platter toward one side of your table or kitchen island. Position the croissants on the opposite side, then arrange the bacon and fruit platters nearby.

Place the bowl of strawberry compote beside the waffles and pancakes. Fill the remaining spaces with the yogurt, butter and jam. Position the maple syrup pitcher within easy reach of the waffles and pancakes.

Add stacks of small plates, forks and folded napkins at either end so everyone can serve themselves.

Tuck a few clean rosemary or cedar sprigs between the serving dishes and scatter several fresh cranberries around the display.

Keep the greenery on the countertop rather than directly underneath the food. Only use greenery that is clean and free from sprays or pesticides.

Fresh cranberries are very tart, so the scattered berries are primarily decorative.

Waffles

The homemade waffles are perfect for making ahead. Allow them to cool completely, then arrange them in a freezer-safe container or bag with parchment paper between the layers. Freeze for up to three months. Reheat the waffles directly from frozen in the toaster until hot and crisp.

Pancakes

The pancakes can also be made ahead and frozen. Allow them to cool completely, then stack them with parchment paper between the layers and place them in a freezer-safe container. Reheat them in the microwave, toaster or a low oven until warmed through.

Strawberry Compote

The strawberry compote can be prepared up to one week ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Bacon and Fruit

Cook the bacon one day ahead and reheat it in a 350°F oven for approximately 5–8 minutes. Wash and dry the fruit the evening before. The fruit platter can also be assembled, covered and refrigerated overnight.