25 Delicious Thanksgiving Breakfast Recipes
Thanksgiving is about family, gratitude, and, of course, delicious food. Have you thought about hosting a Thanksgiving breakfast to kick off the festivities? These 25 easy recipes will give your guests a cozy start to the day.
A relaxed breakfast is a wonderful way to showcase the season’s flavors: pumpkin, apple, cranberry, maple, and cinnamon.
Picture everyone gathered around a beautifully set table, sharing laughter and stories over fall favorites. Pajamas are welcome!
Many of these recipes can be made the night before, and a few (the crockpot casserole, overnight oats, and fruit salad) never touch the oven, so the turkey keeps its spot. Mix and match a few favorites to build your own menu, and adjust the servings for your guest list.
What Are Some Seasonal Flavors for Thanksgiving Breakfast?
The flavors of fall make a Thanksgiving breakfast feel special. Whether you choose a pumpkin casserole, a savory frittata, or a bowl of fall fruit salad, these tastes will make your brunch memorable:
To truly capture the spirit of Thanksgiving, it’s essential to highlight flavors that resonate with this festive time of year.
- Cinnamon
- Pumpkin
- Nutmeg
- Ginger
- Maple
- Sage
- Clove
- Cranberry
- Allspice
From sweet treats to hearty casseroles, these flavors bring family and friends together around the table.
Best Thanksgiving Breakfast Ingredients
Popular fall ingredients add color, warmth, and comfort to your spread. Here are some to look for when planning your menu:
- Pumpkin
- Sweet Potatoes
- Butternut Squash
- Apples
- Dark Leafy Greens (like kale or spinach)
- Cranberries
- Pecans
- Walnuts
- Maple Syrup
- Berries
- Eggs
Easy Thanksgiving Breakfast Recipes: 25 Dishes to Start the Day
Just FYI: I’m picky about my dishes, so I scrolled and scrolled to find these 25 recipes. Because the Thanksgiving meal is so heavy, we have just two meals: breakfast and “dinner.”
I like to have breakfast finished by 10:00, and we serve Thanksgiving dinner between 2:00 and 3:30. The exact time depends on when the Cowboys game starts. Choose the timing that fits your family’s traditions.
I chose fairly easy recipes that can be prepared ahead, preferably the night before.
When to Host Fall Breakfast or Brunch
You can serve any of these recipes on their own, or choose a few so guests have options. A Thanksgiving brunch doesn’t have to happen on Thanksgiving morning, either. Here are other times a fall breakfast gathering would be fun:
- Football day before an early game
- Sunday before or after church
- On the day that the family arrives in town
- On the day that guests are leaving for home – serve them a hearty breakfast before they hit the road or leave for the airport.
- A ladies’ fall holiday get-together (book club, Sunday school class, alum group, neighbor gathering)
Let’s take a look at these 25 breakfast recipes, perfect for a fall or Thanksgiving breakfast, brunch, or luncheon.
Pumpkin Breakfast Casserole
Tina of The Worktop introduces this Pumpkin Breakfast Casserole for anyone who loves baked French toast, big casseroles, or pumpkin. This recipe is a great morning time-saver as a make-ahead overnight breakfast casserole.
Pumpkin Pancakes
Kristyn of Lilluna makes these completely irresistible pancakes topped with homemade cinnamon buttermilk syrup! Pumpkin and cinnamon always go hand in hand.
Berry French Toast Casserole
Min Shien of Joyous Apron shares the perfect Thanksgiving brunch dish. Assemble it the night before, then bake it in the morning before the turkey goes in. I love the idea of adding fresh strawberries and blueberries.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins
Jessica and Jorge of The Novice Chef swirl sweet cream cheese into moist pumpkin muffins, and it melts into the tops as they bake. They’re ready in just 30 minutes. Make a double batch the night before, because these are guaranteed to become a new Thanksgiving favorite!
Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole
Gabriel of One Clever Chef created this breakfast casserole recipe that is also vegetarian, paleo, low-carb, dairy-free, and gluten-free. Made with nothing but eggs and nutritious veggies like spinach, eggplant, avocado, broccoli, and tomato, this healthy breakfast bake is the perfect easy dish for a Thanksgiving family brunch.
Loaded Hash Brown Casserole
Debi of Quiche My Grits shares this yummy hash brown dish that tastes just like a loaded baked potato! This easy recipe is packed with cheesy, bacon-filled flavor that’s perfect as a side or brunch entree.
Pancake Charcuterie Board
Melissa of Modern Honey created the perfect breakfast for entertaining! Homemade buttermilk pancakes topped with all of your favorite toppings — fresh berries, whipped cream, homemade syrup, Nutella, chocolate chips, peanut butter, and more. I think this is such a fun idea for a brunch.
Banana French Toast Casserole
Can you resist this Banana French Toast Bake from Monique of Ambitious Kitchen? She shares this amazing upside-down banana foster French toast bake with an irresistible caramel layer. Make it the night before and enjoy a wonderful holiday brunch treat!
Cinnamon Roll Apple Cobbler
Nicole of Beeyond Cereal turns canned cinnamon rolls into a crowd-pleasing apple cobbler. It’s super easy, and it looks irresistible.
Granola Fruit Tart
Kat and Melinda of Homemade Interest show you how to make these beautiful Granola Fruit Tarts. They are a delicious breakfast or brunch dish made with a baked granola crust and a vanilla yogurt filling, topped with your favorite fresh fruit. These are the prettiest tarts.
Pecan Cinnamon Overnight Oats
This pecan cinnamon overnight oats recipe from Salma of Live Love Dine would look so cute on a breakfast buffet table. It’s creamy, cozy, and feels like fall in a jar. And best of all, you can make it the day before and store it in the refrigerator.
Blueberry Bramble Bake
Janessa of Thrifty Nifty Mommy serves this blueberry bake as part of a big home-cooked Thanksgiving breakfast. The blueberries are healthy, and the powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness. Fresh fruit always brightens a brunch table.
Crockpot Breakfast Casserole
Imagine waking up on Thanksgiving morning with breakfast already done. My friend Kristy of Mommy Hates Cooking layers hash browns, sausage, bell peppers, green onions, and cheddar under a fluffy egg mixture, then lets it cook on low overnight. It feeds eight or more and is naturally gluten-free. Your oven stays free for the turkey!
Butternut Squash, Bacon, Kale, and Goat Cheese Frittata
Nicole of Coley Cooks shares a butternut squash frittata that makes the best fall breakfast or brunch! With tender squash, smoky bacon, earthy kale, and creamy goat cheese, it’s a delicious and filling meal that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Cinnamon Buns
Do you remember the refrigerator cinnamon rolls in a cardboard package? They were absolutely delicious. Audrey from Mom Generations shares the most delicious breakfast dish in the world, created by a friend of hers. If you grew up on refrigerator cinnamon rolls, these will feel familiar and taste even better.
Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast
Cheesecake for breakfast? Yes, please! Cheesecake It Is turns French toast into a festive strawberry cheesecake bake that looks perfect on a Thanksgiving table. You’ll want to make it all year.
Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Who doesn’t like a donut for breakfast? Stephanie of Pretty Simple Sweet made these moist, tender, and super flavorful best-baked apple cider donuts. They are easy to make, too. Their sugary spiced coating makes them irresistible for a Thanksgiving morning breakfast.
Spiced Applesauce Bread
My blogging friend Michelle of Thistle Key Lane adds nutmeg, cloves, and allspice to the cinnamon in this moist applesauce bread, and the walnuts give it a nice crunch. It’s a perfect make-ahead choice: it keeps in the refrigerator for up to a week and also freezes well, so you can slice it before the holiday rush. Serve it with your morning coffee while the turkey roasts.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Kristi of Iowa Girl Eats urges you to treat your company on Thanksgiving with this pretty Pumpkin Spice Latte. Use espresso, strong coffee, or keep it caffeine-free for a yummy, kid-friendly drink.
Tex-Mex Migas for Thanksgiving Morning
Last Thanksgiving, my grandson made delicious breakfast tacos for everyone. As a Texas girl, I couldn’t leave migas off this list. Clara of Kitchen Tips Blog scrambles soft eggs with tomatoes, jalapeño, Monterey Jack, and crunchy tortilla chips, then serves them in warm tortillas with avocado, lime, and salsa. They’re ready in about 10 minutes. The recipe serves two, so double or triple it for a crowd, and fold in the chips at the very end so they stay crisp.
10-Star Fall Fruit Salad
I always like to include a fruit dish in a brunch spread. It’s lighter and considerate of guests who have food restrictions. Heather of The Toasty Kitchen shares what one reviewer said: “If I could give this fruit salad 10 stars, I would. The most amazing and flavorful fruit salad that I have ever tasted.” That sounds like a great endorsement of this fruit salad.
Chai Tea Latte
Kim of Insanely Good Recipes combines frothy milk and black tea with cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon for a cozy, well-balanced latte. It smells amazing, too! Guests will appreciate the warmth.
Amish Breakfast Casserole
A breakfast casserole is always a winner for brunch. Mandy of Your Perfect Recipes shares an Amish Breakfast Casserole that brings together everything you want in a filling, crowd-friendly breakfast. It’s loaded with crispy bacon, savory sausage, shredded hash browns, and sharp cheddar cheese, all baked into a rich, cheesy dish that holds its shape and feeds a full table.
Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies
Who says you can’t have a cookie for breakfast? Not when they are as good as these Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies from Maria of Two Peas and Their Pod. And adding a little chocolate doesn’t hurt either!
Cranberry Orange Scones
Janet of JR Interiors shares her version of Ina Garten’s cranberry orange scones. She uses a smaller 2-inch cutter for petite scones and doubles the orange glaze because there’s never enough! One batch makes about two dozen, which makes them ideal for a holiday crowd. Janet also suggests packaging a few as a hostess gift.
Whether you are making breakfast on Thanksgiving morning for just family or you are hosting a more formal Thanksgiving brunch, any of these recipes can enhance the festive atmosphere and make the meal more memorable. Here are some innovative ideas to elevate your Thanksgiving breakfast presentation:
Ways to Serve Your Thanksgiving Breakfast Dishes
Themed Buffet Stations
Create different buffet stations that focus on specific themes or food types. For example:
- Pancake/Waffle Bar: Set up a waffle maker with various toppings like whipped cream, fresh fruits, nuts, and syrups. Keep pancakes on a heated griddle.
- DIY Omelet Station: Provide a selection of vegetables, cheeses, and proteins so guests can customize their omelets.
- Smoothie Station: Trust your guests with a blender?
Charcuterie Boards
A large charcuterie board filled with an assortment of items can be visually stunning and allow guests to nibble at their leisure. Include:
- Cheeses: A variety of cheeses such as brie, cheddar, and goat cheese.
- Fruits: Seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and grapes.
- Meats: Sliced cured meats or turkey rolls.
- Breads: Include artisanal breads, muffins, or croissants.
Individual Portions
Serve dishes in individual portions to add a personal touch and make serving easier. Consider:
- Mini Quiches: Bake individual quiches in muffin tins for easy serving.
- Pumpkin Parfaits: Layer pumpkin puree, yogurt, and granola in small cups for a beautiful presentation.
- Mini-Fruit Tarts
Decorative Table Settings
Enhance your table decor with seasonal elements:
- Use fall foliage, small pumpkins, or gourds as centerpieces.
- Choose festive tableware in autumn colors or with turkey motifs.
- Add height with cake stands, or set small boxes under a napkin and arrange dishes on top.
- Weave floral garland around your serving pieces.
Signature Drinks Station
Set up a drink station featuring seasonal beverages:
- Offer a selection of mimosas with different juices (like cranberry or orange).
- Include a hot apple cider bar where guests can add spices or caramel for extra flavor.
- Serve hot chocolate, pumpkin lattes, or flavored teas.
Creative Labels
Small labels tell guests what each dish is and flag ingredients like nuts or dairy. Try chalkboard tent cards, kraft-paper tags on twine, or printed cards in a fall font.
GET YOUR 23 STEPS TO GET READY TO HOST THANKSGIVING DINNER. REQUEST BELOW.
Breakfast Questions? I Have Answers.
Choose something satisfying but not too heavy, since a big dinner is coming. A make-ahead casserole, a fruit dish, and a sweet bread or muffin make a well-balanced spread. Fall flavors like pumpkin, apple, cranberry, and cinnamon make it feel festive.
Many of them! Overnight casseroles, French toast bakes, and overnight oats can be assembled the night before. Quick breads, muffins, and scones can be baked a day or two ahead, or even frozen. Making breakfast ahead keeps your morning free for the turkey.
Ultimately, this is personal preference. I like to have breakfast done by 10:00 and serve Thanksgiving dinner between 2:00 and 3:30. That gives everyone time to enjoy breakfast without spoiling their appetite for the main event.
Plan on lighter portions than a regular breakfast. Two or three dishes are usually plenty: one hearty dish, one sweet dish, and fresh fruit. Guests will be saving room for turkey and pie. Don’t forget that if there are leftovers, you can warm them up for the day after Thanksgiving.
Mostly timing. Breakfast is served early on Thanksgiving morning, while brunch is a later, more leisurely meal. Every recipe here works for either one, and brunch is perfect for the day after Thanksgiving when family is still in town.
Can’t get enough recipes for your Thanksgiving collection? Try these great ones.
- 25 Awesome Thanksgiving Appetizers
- 25 Delicious Thanksgiving Breakfast Recipes
- 17 Thanksgiving Salad Recipes to Balance The Feast
- 25 Delicious Pumpkin Recipes for Thanksgiving
- 25 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes
- 19 Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes
- 23 Best Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes
Let me know what you think of these Thanksgiving breakfast and brunch recipes. Which are your favorites? I’d love for you to PIN this post to keep these ideas handy, and I’d also love to know what subjects you’re most curious about. Tell me in the comments, and I’ll search for them.
