Buzz
Christmas is a day centered around indulgence. Cinnamon rolls for breakfast! A splash of liqueur in your coffee! Champagne mixed into your orange juice! Roasted meats with crispy potatoes! Gravy, as much as you can handle! And of course, don’t even think about forgetting the pie. It’s all fun, but starting with a heavy casserole might slow down the excitement before it even begins. Consider your Christmas day a marathon, and kick off your festivities with a cheerful charcuterie spread.
Top-notch meats, cheeses, a crusty baguette, crackers, fruit, nuts, and olives create the perfect breakfast. (Countries like Croatia, Finland, and Denmark incorporate cold cuts into their morning meals. I wish it were more popular here.) They’ll fill you up and energize you as you watch your kids open their presents, without leaving you feeling sluggish or sleepy. (Still avoid olives before noon? It’s time to grow up.)
You don’t have to shape your meats and cheeses into festive forms like trees or wreaths, but I strongly suggest it. If you want to go the extra mile and add mini pancakes with bacon or jammy boiled eggs, feel free, but I believe the traditional spread of cheese and charcuterie with its delightful accompaniments is simpler and adds a touch of elegance. How about some jamón ibérico before 9 a.m.? A piece of aged gouda with a mimosa? Marcona almonds to snack on as you open your stockings? How utterly indulgent.
Unlike many breakfasts, this one requires no cooking, needs minimal utensils, and can be prepared the night before, covered, and placed in the fridge overnight. Just remember to take it out at least half an hour before serving—cheese is always better when it’s not cold.
