Irresistible Christmas Morning Shakshuka Recipe Delight

Name: Christmas Morning Shakshuka
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: North African/Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 2 bell peppers (red or yellow), sliced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 can (28 oz) whole peeled tomatoes; 4 large eggs; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp cumin; Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish; Crusty bread for serving

Recipe By:

Howdy

Posted:

December 13, 2025

Updated:

December 13, 2025

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The aroma of spices wafts through the air, mingling with the scent of fresh herbs and tomatoes, creating an irresistible allure. Imagine plump eggs nestled in a vibrant bed of spiced tomato sauce, each bite bursting with flavor that dances on your palate. This is not just a meal; this is Christmas Morning Shakshuka, your new holiday tradition that promises to elevate your festive brunch game.

As you gather around the table, laughter fills the room, and memories are made over this delightful dish that brings warmth to chilly mornings. Picture family members reaching for crusty bread to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce, each forkful accompanied by stories and sweet moments. Get ready to indulge in a flavor experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You'll Love This Christmas Morning Shakshuka

This incredible Christmas Morning Shakshuka transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

During last year’s holiday brunch, my cousin Greg declared this dish “life-changing” after one bite—he’s still talking about it!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and depth to the sauce.
Onion: Use a medium yellow onion for sweetness; sauté until translucent before adding other ingredients.
Bell Peppers: Choose colorful bell peppers—red or yellow—for sweetness and visual appeal.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they infuse the dish with aromatic goodness.
Canned Tomatoes: Opt for whole peeled tomatoes for a chunky texture; crush them by hand for better control.
Eggs: Fresh eggs are key; use large ones for perfectly poached centers.
Spices: Paprika and cumin add warmth; adjust amounts based on your spice tolerance.
Fresh Herbs: Cilantro or parsley brighten the dish; sprinkle generously before serving.
Bread: A crusty baguette is perfect for sopping up the sauce—don’t skip this vital component!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Christmas Morning Shakshuka

How to Make Christmas Morning Shakshuka

Sautéing the Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add one chopped onion and two sliced bell peppers. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and release a sweet aroma.

Add Garlic and Spices: Toss in 4 minced garlic cloves along with 1 teaspoon of paprika and 1/2 teaspoon of cumin. Stir constantly until fragrant, about 1 minute; be careful not to burn the garlic.

Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in one can of crushed tomatoes (about 28 ounces). Bring to a simmer while stirring occasionally, letting it bubble away for about 10 minutes until thickened slightly.

Create Wells for Eggs: Using a spoon, create small wells in the sauce where you’ll crack the eggs. Make sure there’s enough space between each egg so they don’t crowd each other.

Crack in the Eggs: Carefully crack four large eggs into the prepared wells. Cover the skillet with a lid and let cook on low heat for about 5-8 minutes until whites are set but yolks remain runny.

Garnish and Serve!: Once cooked to your liking, remove from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley on top. Serve immediately alongside warm crusty bread for dipping into that glorious sauce.

This Christmas Morning Shakshuka is bound to become your go-to holiday brunch recipe! Enjoy every moment as you gather around this stunning dish bursting with flavor and joy.

You Must Know About Christmas Morning Shakshuka

This showstopping Christmas Morning Shakshuka delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pan until fragrant. Add spices next, then the tomatoes, allowing flavors to meld before adding eggs. This sequence ensures each layer shines in the final dish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your shakshuka! Consider swapping out bell peppers for zucchini or adding feta cheese for a creamier texture. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can elevate the flavors, too.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover shakshuka, let it cool completely before sealing it in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the eggs from drying out.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Christmas Morning Shakshuka

This professional-quality Christmas Morning Shakshuka relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Tip let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Cooking Christmas Morning Shakshuka always brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air as we enjoyed this vibrant dish together.

FAQ

What is shakshuka?

Shakshuka is a North African and Middle Eastern dish featuring poached eggs in a sauce of tomatoes, peppers, and spices. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for brunch or breakfast!

Can I make shakshuka ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove before adding fresh eggs and cooking them to your desired doneness.

What type of pan should I use for shakshuka?

A cast-iron skillet works best because it retains heat evenly, helping to cook the eggs perfectly while allowing for easy serving right from the stove to your table.

Can I add meat to my shakshuka?

Absolutely! Chorizo or ground lamb adds delicious richness and flavor to your shakshuka. Just sauté it first before adding vegetables and spices for a tasty twist.

Conclusion for Christmas Morning Shakshuka

Christmas Morning Shakshuka is more than just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth and flavor that brings people together. By mastering the cooking process and adding personal touches, you create not just a dish but lasting memories around your table. Whether enjoyed on festive mornings or cozy weeknights, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.