The first official meal of 2025 should be memorable and flavorful. Chances are late night New Year’s Eve revelry will make breakfast a nonstarter, but a New Year’s Day brunch can hit the spot on January 1. When family members or guests rouse from their post-countdown slumbers, these brunch ideas and tips can kick off the new year with flavor.

Skip the mimosas

While it may be tempting to employ a little “hair of the dog” therapy to combat the ramifications of overindulgence from the evening prior, it is a better bet to skip any extra alcohol come the morning. Rather, serve plenty of hydrating refreshments, with water at the top of the list. For those who desire something with a little more zip, create a mocktail with fruit juice and sparkling water.

Make-ahead meals

Serving foods that can be made in advance cuts back on the amount of work that needs to be done in the late morning of New Year’s Day. Breakfast casseroles can be the way to go, as they pair many ingredients together and can be reheated. Fruit salads as well as homemade granola parfaits can be made in advance and then served during the brunch.

Consider bagels and breads

A platter of bagels, croissants and cinnamon rolls are easy to serve and might be a welcome way to fill the stomach. Paired with lox, cheeses and cold cuts, these carbohydrates can help complete the meal.

Sheet-pan options are easy

Brunch hosts and hostesses who choose to whip up foods during the brunch itself can employ some tactics to make the work easier. Crack eggs onto cheese-coated slices of thick bread and put under the broiler for perfectly cooked batch results.

Don’t forget the sweets

Muffins and sweet rolls can blur the lines between meal and dessert; otherwise, serve alternative make-ahead desserts that are relatively easy, such as pound cakes or cookies.

Set up the coffee bar

Chances are a little caffeine might be necessary to jump-start the day. Make coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and other warm beverages readily available with the accompanying creamers and flavorings so that brunch guests can customize their drinks.