{"id":15376,"date":"2025-11-25T22:40:19","date_gmt":"2025-11-25T15:40:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=15376"},"modified":"2025-11-25T22:40:19","modified_gmt":"2025-11-25T15:40:19","slug":"7-ideas-for-a-healthy-make-ahead-holiday-brunch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=15376","title":{"rendered":"7 Ideas for a Healthy, Make-ahead Holiday Brunch"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"502\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/7-Ideas-for-Make-Ahead-Brunch-1024x643.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"A bagel sandwich on a wooden surface. One half is open-faced, topped with smoked salmon, fresh dill, capers, and cream cheese. The other half has poppy seeds on top and is partially covering the filling. MyFitnessPal Blog\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There\u2019s a level of excitement in the air during the holidays that\u2019s unlike any other time of year. But with that excitement comes an element of chaos that can get in the way of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">eating thoughtfully and healthfully<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">That\u2019s why, when it comes to holiday entertaining, I try to make as much food as possible ahead of time \u2014 and that includes the oft-forgotten Christmas breakfast. I make as much of the brunch as I can the night before so I can spend time with friends and family (not alone in the kitchen) that morning. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Here are a few favorites that always seem to be winners:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>1. SLICE-AHEAD CITRUS SALAD<\/b><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-27240\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Christmas-Brunch-Citrus-Salad.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1504\" height=\"944\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>The night before: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cut the rind off a mix of citrus (tangerines, blood oranges and pink grapefruits are great together) and slice into circles. Lay in a wide bowl and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds. Refrigerate overnight.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>In the morning:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> To serve, tear some mint leaves for the top and serve as is, or pour a bit of sparkling wine over the top as a fancy \u201cdressing.\u201d Nothing says happy holidays like a mimosa on a fork! <\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>2. PRE-POACHED EGGS<\/b><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-27239\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Christmas-Brunch-Poached-Egg.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1504\" height=\"944\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>The night before: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Poach the eggs and set them on a plate lined with paper towels. Cover with plastic wrap and chill. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>In the morning:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Carefully drop the eggs into a pan of very hot water to rewarm. Voil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00e0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2014 easy poached eggs for a crowd without cracking one shell. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>3. VEGGIE EGG SCRAMBLE<\/b><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-27242\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Christmas-Brunch-Veggie-Scramble.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1504\" height=\"944\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>The night before:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Cook greens with chopped onions and garlic until tender. Scatter into a greased baking dish. Crack and scramble the eggs, then chill in an airtight container.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>In the morning: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Season the refrigerated scrambled eggs then pour them over the vegetables and pop into the oven. Within minutes, you\u2019ll have a warm, healthy meal to share.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>4. DIY BAGELS &amp; LOX<\/b><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-27238\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Christmas-Brunch-Bagel-Lox.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1504\" height=\"944\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>The night before: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fill a large platter with all the toppings \u2014 capers, sliced red onions, tomato slices, dill fronds, etc. \u2014 add cream cheese and smoked salmon. Include lettuce leaves on the platter in case anyone would rather have a salmon wrap. Cover and chill.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>In the morning:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Set out the platter with a basket of pre-sliced bagels and a toaster. Guests can customize their bagels and toppings while you can spend time chatting with them rather than taking their orders. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>5. OVERNIGHT OAT PARFAITS<\/b><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-27237\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Christmas-Brunch-Parfait.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1504\" height=\"944\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>The night before: <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Prepare overnight oats as you normally would, then layer spoonfuls into pretty glasses or jars with fresh fruit, or other delicious mix-ins. Save any nuts and seeds to add in the morning so they stay crunchy. Combine seasonal flavors like cranberries and toasted macadamia nuts with coconut yogurt or ginger yogurt with diced pears and pomegranate arils.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>In the morning: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">All you\u2019ll need to do is top with any nuts and seeds and set out spoons!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>6. BAKED HASH BROWN CASSEROLE<\/b><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-27236\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Christmas-Brunch-Casserole.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1504\" height=\"944\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>The night before: <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Layer potatoes, veggies and other fixings in an ovenproof casserole dish and bake until the potatoes and veggies are tender. Then cool, cover and refrigerate overnight.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>In the morning: <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Crack eggs straight onto the base and toss the whole thing in the oven just until the eggs are cooked.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b style=\"line-height: 1.5\">7. SLOW COOKER PORRIDGE<\/b><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-27235\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Christmas-Brunch-Porridge.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1504\" height=\"944\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>The night before: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Use a slow cooker to simmer congee, a traditional Chinese white rice and chicken combo or your favorite grain to bubble it to perfection while you sleep. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>In the morning: <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Set a stack of bowls next to the pot. Put chopped scallions, soy sauce and toasted nuts in serving bowls for topping the congee. You could even top it with your pre-poached eggs for extra protein. If you prefer something sweet but still want some early morning nutrition, make a brown rice porridge the same way with dried cranberries, toasted almonds and a drizzle of maple syrup.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><em>Originally published December 18, 2017<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The post <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/7-ideas-healthy-make-ahead-christmas-brunch\/\">7 Ideas for a Healthy, Make-ahead Holiday Brunch<\/a> appeared first on <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\">MyFitnessPal Blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/7-ideas-healthy-make-ahead-christmas-brunch\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There\u2019s a level of excitement in the air during the holidays that\u2019s unlike any other time of year. But with that excitement comes an element of chaos that can get in the way of eating thoughtfully and healthfully. That\u2019s why, when it comes to holiday entertaining, I try to make as much food as possible &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15376","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15376","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=15376"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15376\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=15376"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=15376"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=15376"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}