25 Irresistible Thanksgiving Breakfast & Brunch Ideas for a Festive Holiday Morning
The crisp air of November and December signals the arrival of my absolute favorite time of year! These months are brimming with joy, festive anticipation, and, of course, a parade of truly delicious recipes. As Thanksgiving approaches, our thoughts often turn to the grand dinner, but what about breakfast on this special day? It’s typically a bustling day in the kitchen, filled with the delightful aromas of preparation for the main feast. Yet, if your family is anything like mine, you’re gathered together for much of the day, relaxing, catching up, and enjoying holiday specials on TV. And inevitably, hunger strikes!
So, what better way to kick off such a significant day than with a delicious, satisfying, and utterly festive breakfast? As a devoted lover of all things breakfast and brunch, I believe the morning meal on Thanksgiving is a crucial part of the entire holiday experience. It sets the tone for the day, providing warmth and sustenance before the big event, and creating cherished memories with loved ones gathered around the table.
That’s why I’ve collaborated with some of my favorite food blogger friends to bring you this curated collection of amazing Thanksgiving breakfast ideas. These recipes are designed to keep your family energized and ready for a day full of feasting, laughter, and gratitude. But the goodness doesn’t stop there – many of these delightful Thanksgiving breakfast ideas are also perfect for brunch the very next day, making your Black Friday morning equally special. In fact, consider your entire holiday weekend covered with these versatile and mouth-watering options! Keep reading to discover your new favorite recipe to make this year for a memorable Thanksgiving breakfast.
Effortless and Make-Ahead Options for a Stress-Free Morning
When you’re planning your Thanksgiving breakfast, the last thing you want is a complicated or time-consuming recipe adding to an already hectic cooking schedule. Your ideal holiday brunch or breakfast recipe should be festive and satisfying, yet quick and easy, requiring minimal effort on Thanksgiving morning itself. This collection focuses on precisely that: many of these recipes are designed to be fast, simple, and won’t keep you in the kitchen for long. Crucially, a significant number also come with make-ahead options, allowing you to prepare components or even entire dishes the day before, saving valuable time and reducing stress on the big day. Of course, for those who love to go all out, we’ve also sprinkled in a few truly special “showstopper” recipes to make your Thanksgiving breakfast extra memorable and indulgent!
Delicious Vegan and Gluten-Free Choices for Every Guest
I’m incredibly thrilled to share these Thanksgiving breakfast ideas, brought to you by some of my most esteemed recipe developers, chefs, and fellow food bloggers! With such a fantastic group of culinary talents, you’re guaranteed a wide array of healthy and nutritious options. We understand that dietary needs are increasingly diverse, which is why many of these Thanksgiving breakfast ideas are thoughtfully crafted to be gluten-free, and several also cater to vegan diets. The best part? ALL of them are absolutely delicious, ensuring that no one feels left out. I’ve clearly noted the specific dietary considerations for each recipe, making it simple to find the perfect Thanksgiving breakfast or brunch dish for your loved ones. And if you’re exploring even more dairy-free options for your holiday spread, don’t forget to check out my comprehensive list of Smoothie Recipes Without Yogurt!
Now, without further ado, let’s dive right into these incredible recipes!
1. Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls by Chenée Today
Kick off your Thanksgiving celebrations with these utterly delightful Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls. They’re a symphony of fall flavors, brimming with sweet pumpkin, crunchy toasted pecans, and a blend of aromatic autumnal spices. Crowned with an incredible brown butter cream cheese frosting that’s simply irresistible, these rolls also offer a convenient overnight option. Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, ready to pop into the oven for a stress-free, heartwarming Thanksgiving breakfast!
2. Sweet Potato Oatmeal Pancakes by Big Delicious Life
Gluten Free – Dairy Free
These hearty and delicious pancakes offer the perfect pre-feast breakfast! Made with wholesome oatmeal and naturally sweet potatoes, they are a fantastic gluten-free and dairy-free option. Not overly sweet, they provide a satisfying and energizing start to your busy holiday, keeping everyone full until the main meal.
3. Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole by On Ty’s Plate
Bring some playful comfort to your Thanksgiving morning with this irresistible Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole! It’s loaded with savory breakfast sausage crumbles, a medley of colorful veggies, a generous helping of cheese, and of course, those wonderfully crispy tater tots. This casserole is an excellent option for feeding a crowd with minimal fuss.
4. Simple Overnight Oats Recipe by Mochas and Mimosas
Gluten-free Option – Vegan Option
Prepare a healthy and effortlessly make-ahead breakfast for your loved ones with this versatile overnight oats recipe! It’s the ultimate time-saver on a busy holiday morning, as all the prep work is done the night before. This recipe even includes festive variations like pumpkin spice overnight oats and comforting apple cinnamon overnight oats, perfect for embracing the flavors of the season.
5. Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Frosting by Britney Breaks Bread
Brighten your Thanksgiving morning with these utterly beautiful and aromatic Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls! Infused with the comforting flavors of apple cider and topped with a rich browned butter frosting, they are the perfect warm and indulgent treat to enjoy before your grand Thanksgiving feast. These rolls are sure to be a delightful start to a day of gratitude and good food.
6. Cranberry Goat Cheese and Cheddar Crescent Sausage Balls by My Pretty Brown Fit
These festive Cranberry Goat Cheese & Cheddar Crescent Sausage Balls are an absolute delight for the holiday season! They bring together buttery crescent dough, savory sausage, sweet cranberries, and sharp cheddar cheese, all enhanced with a hint of tangy goat cheese. Perfect for a unique and flavorful Thanksgiving breakfast or a delightful appetizer.
7. Homemade Sweet Potato Pop Tarts by Chenée Today
Easy Recipe – Make Ahead Option
These delectable homemade Sweet Potato Pop Tarts are a perfect handheld treat for a crowd on your Thanksgiving morning. Made easy with frozen sweet potatoes and convenient store-bought pie crust, they’re draped with a rich brown butter icing that adds an extra layer of indulgence. You can even make the sweet potato filling ahead of time to save even more precious minutes on Thanksgiving morning!
8. Pumpkin Caramel Sticky Buns with Pecans by Sense & Edibility
Make Ahead Option
These Pumpkin Caramel Sticky Buns truly live up to their name, delivering a deliciously sticky and gooey experience that’s absolutely irresistible! Infused with familiar pumpkin spice flavors and adorned with crunchy pecans, they fill your kitchen with a comforting aroma that’s sure to win hearts. Perfect for impressive holiday brunches or a special Thanksgiving breakfast, these can also be prepped ahead of time for convenience.
9. Breakfast Quiche with Leeks, Bacon, and Asparagus by Chenée Today
Make Ahead Option
For those who prefer a savory start, this rich and flavorful quiche is an outstanding choice for your Thanksgiving morning. It’s generously packed with crispy bacon, tender sautéed leeks, vibrant asparagus, aromatic shallots, and creamy, nutty Gruyère cheese. The best part? This elegant dish can be entirely prepared the night before and simply reheated, ensuring a quick, effortless, and utterly delicious breakfast on Thanksgiving!
10. Easy Slow Cooker Apple Butter by Sweet Tea & Thyme
Make Ahead Recipe
Simplify your holiday prep with this incredibly easy apple butter recipe, made effortlessly in your slow cooker! This thick, aromatic autumn-spiced spread is wonderfully versatile. It’s fantastic smoothed over your morning toast, pairs beautifully with a warm slice of pumpkin bread, or can even be enjoyed straight off a spoon for a taste of fall bliss. A perfect make-ahead addition to any Thanksgiving breakfast spread.
11. Cinnamon Chip Scones with Spiced Orange Glaze by Chenée Today
These tender, flaky-crumbly scones are an absolutely amazing addition to your Thanksgiving breakfast spread! Each bite is a delightful burst of cinnamon, perfectly complemented by a luscious spiced orange icing. They offer a sophisticated yet comforting flavor profile that is sure to impress. Your entire crew is guaranteed to love these elegant and delicious holiday treats!
12. Fry Bake and Saltfish Buljol by Homemade Zagat
Transport your Thanksgiving guests to the sunny Caribbean with this vibrant and delicious breakfast! This traditional fried bake and saltfish buljol offers a unique and flavorful start to your holiday morning. It’s a fantastic way to introduce new flavors to your family and create a truly memorable holiday feast with a twist.
13. Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling by Razzle Dazzle Life
Make Ahead Option
These Pumpkin Spice Muffins with a luscious cream cheese filling are incredibly moist and bursting with all the tantalizing flavors of pumpkin and warm spices! Inspired by popular bakery treats, they are an absolute delight and perfect for your festive Thanksgiving breakfast or a cozy holiday brunch. The make-ahead option makes them even more appealing for a relaxed morning.
14. Southern Fried Potatoes and Onions by Chenée Today
Vegan – Gluten Free – Easy Recipe
I’ve got the perfect savory side dish to complement your Thanksgiving breakfast spread! These Southern-style fried potatoes are, in my humble opinion, the absolute best version of hash browns you’ll ever encounter. They’re deliciously crispy, tender, and seasoned to perfection. Pair them with any of your favorite breakfast dishes, add a dollop of ketchup, and you’ll understand exactly what makes them so special. Plus, they’re vegan and gluten-free, making them a crowd-pleasing option for everyone.
15. Pumpkin Bourbon French Toast by Savannah Dotes & Carmen Sense
Vegan Option – Make Ahead Option
Indulge in the ultimate fall vibe with this exquisite Pumpkin Bourbon French Toast! Crispy on the outside, yet wonderfully creamy and custardy on the inside, this easy French toast recipe is infused with the cozy flavors of pumpkin and a hint of bourbon. It also includes fantastic options to make this French toast entirely vegan, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful holiday breakfast. Plus, it has a make-ahead option for added convenience.
16. Spiced Pumpkin Cornmeal Scones by Global Kitchen Travels
These exquisite multi-grain Pumpkin Cornmeal Scones, warmly spiced with ginger and nutmeg, are an awesome accompaniment to a vibrant cranberry sauce. They offer a unique texture and flavor profile that feels wonderfully autumnal and festive. Perfect for getting your Thanksgiving celebrations started early, these scones are a delightful way to greet the holiday morning.
17. Fluffy Gluten-Free Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes by Good Food Baddie
Vegan – Gluten Free
These light, airy, and utterly fluffy Gluten-Free Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes are like enjoying a slice of sweet pumpkin pie for breakfast – but in pancake form! They are incredibly easy to whip up and can be ready to savor in less than 10 minutes, making them ideal for a busy holiday morning. For the ultimate indulgence, drizzle them with rich maple syrup and top with a dollop of creamy coconut whipped cream.
18. Mushroom Kale Quiche by Collards Are The Old Kale
Make Ahead Option
When oven space is at a premium on Thanksgiving Day, this hearty Mushroom Kale Quiche comes to the rescue! It can be entirely prepared and baked the night before, then simply warmed up on Thanksgiving morning. This make-ahead marvel offers a delicious, savory, and plant-based jump-start to a beautiful and busy holiday, ensuring everyone enjoys a satisfying breakfast without adding to the morning rush.
19. Moist Sweet Potato Muffins by Dude That Cookz
Prepare to be amazed by these unbelievably moist Sweet Potato Muffins, crafted from scratch to deliver an unparalleled flavor and texture. Combining two distinct layers, they create one of the best muffins you’ve ever had, perfectly capturing the essence of fall. These delightful muffins are an excellent choice for a comforting and festive Thanksgiving breakfast.
20. Rich & Fluffy Pumpkin Spice Pancakes by My Eager Eats
Start your Thanksgiving morning off right with a stack of these incredibly rich and fluffy Pumpkin Spice Pancakes! Made with fresh pumpkin puree and generously spiced with warming cinnamon and other sweet autumnal spices, they deliver a truly comforting and festive flavor. These pancakes are a delightful way to infuse your holiday breakfast with the quintessential tastes of the season.
21. Banana Bread French Toast with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Syrup by Chenée Today
Easy Recipe
Thanksgiving morning is often short on extra time, which is precisely why this Banana Bread French Toast is one of the best holiday breakfast ideas – it cleverly starts with readily available store-bought banana bread! From there, all it takes is a quick, flavorful batter and an easy-to-make cinnamon cream cheese syrup to transform it into an absolutely amazing, crowd-pleasing brunch dish. It’s indulgence made simple for your busy holiday.
22. Cinnamon Rolls Soaked in Tres Leches by Crumb Snatched
Prepare for a truly decadent treat with these thick, delicious Cinnamon Rolls, generously soaked in Tres Leches and crowned with a sweet and tangy frosting! This recipe offers a heavenly combination of two beloved classics, transforming ordinary cinnamon rolls into an extraordinary holiday breakfast. It’s a perfect indulgence that will have everyone asking for more.
23. Vegan Pancakes by Samiah Nicole
Vegan – Easy Recipe
For a quick, healthy, and delicious start to your holiday, look no further than these easy Vegan Pancakes! This simple twist on a vegan protein pancake mix brings so much incredible flavor to your Thanksgiving morning, and it’s ready in just minutes. Perfect for feeding those who prefer plant-based options without compromising on taste or convenience.
24. Orange Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins by Chenée Today
Make Ahead Recipe
These adorable mini muffins are wonderfully fluffy and moist, made with creamy buttermilk and rich brown sugar. Each bite is bursting with delightful mini chocolate chips and bright, zesty orange flavor. They are incredibly easy to prepare, and even better, they can be baked ahead of time, making them a perfect, stress-free addition to serve on Thanksgiving morning. A delightful treat for all ages!
25. Pumpkin Cold Foam Recipe by Chenée Today
What’s a delicious Thanksgiving breakfast or brunch without the perfect coffee accompaniment? This exquisitely frothy and flavorful pumpkin cold foam recipe is the ideal beverage to elevate your holiday meal. Infused with warming pumpkin spice, it’s a delightful way to add a touch of seasonal indulgence to your morning coffee, making your Thanksgiving brunch truly complete.
Happy Thanksgiving!
And there you have it – our comprehensive list of delightful recipes for what to make for breakfast on Thanksgiving! I extend my heartfelt thanks for exploring these amazing Thanksgiving breakfast ideas, brought to you by me and so many of my fantastic foodie friends. We’ve curated this collection to ensure there’s something for every taste and dietary preference, from sweet and spicy cinnamon rolls to savory quiches, and from make-ahead marvels to quick-prep pancakes. No matter your family’s preferences, you are sure to have discovered an incredible new recipe to try for breakfast or brunch this Thanksgiving, making your holiday morning truly special and effortlessly delicious. May your day be filled with warmth, gratitude, and delicious food!
Don’t lose these mouth-watering recipes! PIN these Thanksgiving breakfast ideas for later and share the holiday cheer!
