50+ Thanksgiving Breakfast Ideas that use all your favorite fall ingredients - sweet potatoes, cranberries, cinnamon, cornbread, pumpkin and more.
Start off the day with the perfect Thanksgiving breakfast idea
With Thanksgiving, all the attention is always on the turkey, and in anticipation of having two or three or four servings of turkey, many decide it is probably for the best to skip breakfast on Thanksgiving morning. Well not in this household! Thanksgiving breakfast is the perfect opportunity to try something a little different, but still tasty and in the spirit of the holiday.
Consider one of these Thanksgiving breakfast recipes as an appetizer for the day, or make a Thanksgiving brunch recipe so you have the energy to finish preparing the feature meal. Or perhaps just think of these Thanksgiving morning breakfast ideas as a way to make the yummy day that much yummier!
Make these Thanksgiving breakfast recipes to kick off your Thanksgiving feast, or make these festive breakfasts with your Thanksgiving leftovers. Either way, enjoy these 50+ Thanksgiving Breakfast Ideas!
Thanksgiving Breakfast Casseroles
These are the best breakfast casseroles to make on Thanksgiving day! We love starting the day with a breakfast casserole because they are easy to make, and can feed a crowd.
For many of these Thanksgiving breakfast casserole recipes, you can prepare everything the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning. That way, while you are chatting with family and preparing for the main feast, breakfast is cooking.
1. Pumpkin Breakfast Casserole
I love this Pumpkin Breakfast Casserole because it has all the favorite fall flavors. This is a make-ahead casserole, meaning you prepare everything the night before.
On Thanksgiving morning, just pull it out of the refrigerator, pop it in the oven, and it'll be ready to serve for breakfast!
Pumpkin Breakfast Casserole
2. Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole
Here's a hearty and filling Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole that the entire family will love on Thanksgiving morning. This casserole can feed 8-12 people, depending on how you cut it.
It's another make ahead breakfast casserole, so go ahead and prep it the night before.
Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole
3. Apple French Toast Casserole
This baked Apple French Toast Casserole is particularly nice to make for Thanksgiving breakfast because it will fill your home with the sweet scent of fall as it sits in the oven.
It's filled with lots of apples to celebrate my favorite fall fruit. And there's a delicious crumb topping on top with lots of cinnamon flavor.
Overnight Apple French Toast Casserole
4. Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole
You won't have any problems getting your vegetables in for the day if you eat this vegetarian breakfast casserole for Thanksgiving morning. Get the vegetables out of the way, and just focus on the turkey and carbs later on in the day.
This is another casserole you can prepare the night before, so you are free to relax a bit in the morning and catch the parade on TV.
Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole
5. Bacon Breakfast Casserole
I've found that this Bacon Breakfast Casserole is a particularly always a hit when feeding family and friends for brunch because it uses classic ingredients that everyone loves.
If you have friends or family visiting, this recipe will be a sure winner for Thanksgiving breakfast!
Bacon Breakfast Casserole
6. Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
This ham and cheese breakfast casserole is special because it uses tater tots. I love using tater tots because it is easy and it gives the casserole lots of flavor.
Ham and cheese is a classic combination, so if you are making Thanksgiving breakfast for a crowd or a big family, this recipe is sure to be a winner.
Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole with Tater Tots
7. Croissant Breakfast Casserole
With buttery, flaky croissants, this croissant breakfast casserole is beautiful and so easy to make.
This decadent breakfast is sure to wow the guests!
Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Here are some other casseroles that would be great to serve on Thanksgiving morning.
8. Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole
This crescent roll breakfast casserole can be prepared in the morning. One 9x13 pan bakes 18 of these crescent roll puffs.
The crescent rolls are first stuffed with cream cheese. Then they are baked in an ham and egg mixture, which makes gives them a light and puffy texture.
It's perfect for the large family or for Thanksgiving guests!
Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole
9. Creamy Turkey Shepherd's Pot Pie
Creamy Turkey Shepherd’s Pot Pie with Bacon
10. Ham and Broccolli Strata
Ham and Broccoli Strata
Thanksgiving Brunch Recipes to Make in a Skillet
Find some delicious and hearty Thanksgiving brunch recipes that you can make in a skillet. Have a skillet brunch on Thanksgiving day to keep every one full until the actual feast.
11. Easy Breakfast Skillet
You might call this a country breakfast skillet or a farmers breakfast skillet. It's loaded with ingredients that are hearty and filling.
If you have a big day planned, you'll want this delicious Thanksgiving breakfast that will keep you going until the big feast.
Easy Breakfast Skillet - Loaded and Hearty
12. Bacon Sweet Potato Hash
Is there are better start to the day than waking up to the smell of roasted sweet potatoes and sizzling bacon wafting from the kitchen? You'll get that with this Bacon Sweet Potato Hash.
The sticky, maple glaze on this Thanksgiving breakfast idea is so flavorful thanks to the combination of sweet maple syrup and savory bacon.
Sweet Potato Hash
13. Crispy Sweet Potato Hash Browns
If you can't wait until dinner for the sweet potatoes, start off Thanksgiving morning with some sweet potato hash browns.
Keep this breakfast simple by pairing it with some simple slices of avocado, or topping it with an egg.
Sweet Potato Hash Browns
Other skillet breakfast ideas for Thanksgiving morning
14. Sweet Potato Brunch Skillet
Sweet Potato Brunch Skillet
15. Sweet Potato, Apple and Sausage Breakfast Hash
Sweet Potato, Apple and Sausage Breakfast Hash
Easy Thanksgiving Breakfast Ideas
Here are some easy recipes that you can make for Thanksgiving breakfast. They use favorite thanksgiving ingredients, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, corn, and warming spices.
16. Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread with Crescent Rolls
This is an easy breakfast that you can get in the oven in just 10 minutes! Baking this cinnamon crescent roll recipe will fill your kitchen with the sweet scent of fall.
If you want a quick and simple Thanksgiving breakfast that the whole family will love, give these a try.
Cinnamon Sugar Pull Apart Bread with Crescent Rolls
17. Blueberry Cornbread Muffins
It's not too early to start eating cornbread for Thanksgiving breakfast. This blueberry cornbread muffin is delicious and easy to make.
This is a simple grab and go breakfast too, in case you are headed out for a Turkey Trot this year.
Blueberry Cornbread Muffins
18. Baked Mini Pumpkin Donuts
Oh how we love these mini baked pumpkin donuts! We make this every year for Halloween, and again for Thanksgiving.
This is a great Thanksgiving breakfast recipe because it really sets you up for the festive mood! Kids always love this recipe, and adults too. My favorite is the brown butter glaze.
Baked Mini Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Butter Glaze
19. Sweet Potato Pancakes
I turned one of my favorite Thanksgiving sides into a Thanksgiving breakfast recipe one year because I couldn't wait to have the sweet potato and marshmallow combination.
If you are looking for pancakes for Thanksgiving morning, let this sweet potato pancake be your recipe! It's easy to make, delicious, and so festive!
Easy Sweet Potato Pancakes with Marshmallow Sauce
20. Cinnamon Brown Sugar Popovers
The batter for this Cinnamon Brown Sugar Popover recipe is simple to make - it should only take about five minutes to mix it up. The hardest part about these popovers is waiting for them to bake in the oven.
You don't need a popover pan for this Thanksgiving breakfast recipe - just use a normal muffin tin. It might not be as high as a traditional popover, but the flavor and texture are 100% there.
Cinnamon Brown Sugar Popovers - Made in a Muffin Pan
21. Medjool Date and Orange Scones
The flavors in these Medjool Date and Orange Scones immediately make me think of fall and winter. They are festive with cloves and cinnamon, and citrus fruits.
You will love this as a Thanksgiving breakfast because these scones are so tasty with a cup of coffee. Start the day with a scone and coffee, before the festivities start!
Medjool Date and Orange Scones
22. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
This apple cinnamon oatmeal is not only delicious, but it's healthy too. It takes no more than 10 minutes to make.
If you are looking for a super easy and quick Thanksgiving breakfast, this oatmeal is festive and delicious. The kids love it, and so do I when I'm rushing around the kitchen prepping the main feast.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
23. Healthy Apple Muffins
This healthy apple cinnamon muffin is loaded with nutrients, vitamins, fiber and protein. You'll be powering through Thanksgiving morning with this muffin in your hand.
Healthy Apple Muffins
24. Corn Pancakes
Delicious Corn Pancakes are a souffle-like inside. It's a cross between corn pudding and pancakes. We love this easy to make recipe!
Even better, it uses a pantry favorite - canned cream style corn. You'll love these on Thanksgiving for breakfast and year round.
Corn Pancakes
More Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Breakfast Ideas
25. Cranberry Sauce Oatmeal Bar
Cranberry sauce oatmeal bars
26. Cranberry Sour Cream Crumb Cake
Cranberry Sour Cream Crumb Cake
27. Cranberry Pancakes
Crispy cranberry buttermilk pancakes
28. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
Thanksgiving Drinks to Serve at Breakfast
I love a good fall flavor drink. Here are some of our favorite drinks to have with our Thanksgiving breakfast.
29. Maple Pecan Latte
Make this Starbucks copycat at home. This Maple Pecan Latte is perfect for Thanksgiving breakfast because it's full of fall flavors -- and caffeine!
If you have guests staying over, they will love this speciality coffee drink full of autumn flavors.
Maple Pecan Latte
30. Hot Pumpkin Spice
This hot pumpkin spice is such a cozy drink that will warm you up on a chilly Thanksgiving morning. We love making this drink and getting cozy.
The kids love this - it's caffeine free. And I love it because it's easy to whip up. We drink this all the way from October 1st until Thanksgiving breakfast.
Hot Pumpkin Spice Drink (GF, Vegan and Dairy-Free Option)
31. Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
As tasty as it is, Pumpkin Pie Smoothie is loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, high in protein, and rich in fiber...it is just all around good for your body and soul.
Have this smoothie for Thanksgiving breakfast and you'll be powering through the morning. This is also a great breakfast idea if you are headed out to do some quick physical activity before the big meal.
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie (GF)
32. Chai Frappuccino
This Chai Frappuccino is a drink that is both a refreshment and a treat. It's dairy-free but creamy, and cool to drink but also warmed with spices.
This fall flavored drink is perfect for Thanksgiving morning when you want a bit of a treat.
Chai Frappuccino (Vegan)
33. Hibiscus Lemon Gin Cocktail
Here's a beautiful brunch cocktail that will look gorgeous on your Thanksgiving brunch table! Everyone will be wanting a hibiscus lemon gin cocktail.
The hibiscus flower is so pretty when added into a glass.
Hibiscus Lemon Gin Cocktail
34. Cranberry Gin Cocktail
Here's festive brunch cocktail. This is a twist on the classic gin and tonic.
To make this cranberry gin cocktail, add in a shot of cranberry juice and 2 slices of clementine oranges.
Instant Pot Slow-Cooker Skinny Copy-Cat Starbucks Caramel Apple Cider
Easy Thanksgiving Breakfast Ideas That Require Little or No Cooking
If you don't want to cook on Thanksgiving morning, I get you!
Here's a collection of Thanksgiving breakfast ideas that require very little effort. Many of these are no cook breakfast ideas, while others require just minimal cooking or prep.
35. Pumpkin Greek Yogurt Breakfast Bowl
Pureed roasted pumpkins and bananas are the base of this pumpkin breakfast bowl recipe, while the Greek yogurt gives it a tinge of tang. Mixed together, this breakfast bowl is filling, healthy and incredibly tasty.
It's a great breakfast for Thanksgiving because it's easy to make, healthy and full of fall flavors. Perfect for adults and kids alike.
Pumpkin Greek Yogurt Breakfast Bowl (GF)
36. Milk Toast
This old fashioned breakfast recipe is so comforting and a family favorite. We love this simple milk in toast.
This is a perfect Thanksgiving breakfast because while it's easy to make, the cinnamon flavor makes it special.
Milk in Toast
37. Fairy Bread
Kids go crazy for Fairy Bread! If you want to make Thanksgiving breakfast special for little ones, serve Fairy Bread and you will win them over.
This is a super easy breakfast idea, but since it is loaded with sugars, we only serve it on special occasions. Thanksgiving works, right?
Fairy Bread - 6 Ideas for Sprinkles on Toast
Other Thanksgiving recipes that require little or no cooking
38. Cranberry Energy Balls
Cranberry Coconut Energy Balls Recipe (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
39. Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
10-Minute Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
Spread These on Toast for a Quick Thanksgiving Morning Breakfast
Who says you can't simply have toast on Thanksgiving morning? Here's a selection of autumn themed spreads that you can serve for a festive but easy breakfast.
40. Honey Espresso Almond Butter
Honey Espresso Almond Butter is so delicious and addicting that I eat it by the spoonful every time I make it.
You can easily make this beforehand, so on Thanksgiving morning, you don't have to do anything except toast some bread.
Espresso Almond Butter
41. Cranberry Whipped Butter
Ok, maybe Thanksgiving is just a day or two too early for cranberry butter, but I think it's probably ok to kick off Thanksgiving breakfast with this whipped butter.
We usually eat this the month of December, but I'm going to sneak it in here because this spread on brioche is absolutely divine for breakfast.
Whipped Cranberry Butter
Here are a few other spreads that work well for Thanksgiving breakfast
42. Pumpkin Spice Almond Butter
Pumpkin Spice Almond Butter with Real Pumpkin - Glue & Glitter
Thanksgiving Breakfast Ideas that Kids Will Love
There are lots of kid-friendly Thanksgiving breakfast ideas above, but here are a few more that your little ones will love!
I loved Thanksgiving as a kid because of all the delicious foods. Here are some special treats that you can serve in the morning.
43. S'mores Pancakes
Which kid would resist these S'mores Pancakes? These take a little bit of effort to make, but they are such a treat that it will make Thanksgiving Breakfast memorable.
You can even get your kid involved with making these s'mores pancakes. It's fun to skewer and spread on the Nutella.
S'mores Pancakes (Mini Nutella Pancake Skewers)
44. Peanut Butter and Apple on Toast
This is a beautiful but easy to make breakfast that my kid loves! We eat this peanut butter apple toast a lot in the fall. That's because apples are so delicious when in season.
If you serve this for Thanksgiving breakfast, you can add on a dash of cinnamon for even more fall flavor. Better yet, pair it with this warm milk and honey.
Peanut Butter Apple Toast for Breakfast
More Kid Friendly Thanksgiving Breakfast Ideas
45. Sweet Potato Toast
Sweet Potato Toast
46. Easy Pumpkin Crepes Recipe
Easy Pumpkin Crepes Recipe
47. Pumpkin Churro French Toast Sticks
Pumpkin Churro French Toast Sticks
Vegan Thanksgiving Breakfast Ideas
48. Vegan Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins
These cinnamon breakfast muffins don't taste or look vegan. But, surprise! These healthy cinnamon muffins are egg free and made without dairy.
My favorite part of this vegan Thanksgiving breakfast idea is the muffin top. It's beautifully crispy with the addition of oats and raw sugar.
Vegan Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins
49. Vegan Carrot Cake
Cake for breakfast? Yes! This vegan carrot cake is wonderful for a Thanksgiving breakfast because it is so full of fall flavors.
It's rich in cinnamon, spices, carrots. And best of all? It's healthy enough to call a breakfast.
Vegan Carrot Cake with Vegan Coconut Yogurt Icing
More Vegan Thanksgiving Breakfast Ideas
50. Vegan Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls
Vegan Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls
51. Vegan Pumpkin Bread
Vegan Pumpkin Bread
52. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Gluten Free Thanksgiving Recipes for Breakfast
There are lots of gluten free breakfast ideas for Thanksgiving! I have several casseroles that are gluten free.
53. Breakfast Potato Casserole
Unlike many other egg casseroles, this breakfast potato casserole recipe uses does not use bread. This simple swap not only gives the casserole a great texture, but it also makes it gluten-free.
If you have gluten-free guests or family for Thanksgiving breakfast, this breakfast potato casserole is sure to be a winner!
Breakfast Potato Casserole (Gluten Free)
54. Turkey Breakfast Sausage Patties
Breakfast is definitely not too early to get started with turkey on Thanksgiving day. Here's our family's turkey sausage patties recipe.
There's no gluten in this sausage, and it's made with wholesome ingredients.
Turkey Sausage Patties
55. Baked Oatmeal
This delicious and easy to make baked oatmeal is gluten-free! This works well as a Thanksgiving breakfast idea because it can feed a crowd, requires little active cooking, and is a favorite of both kids and adults.
Top it with some maple syrup before serving, and you'll have everyone coming back for seconds.
Healthy Baked Oatmeal
Even More Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Breakfast Recipes
56. Gluten Free Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
57. Gluten Free Sweet Potato Scones
Gluten Free Sweet Potato Scones
Paleo Thanksgiving Breakfast Recipes
Here are a few paleo Thanksgiving breakfast recipes that I think you'll enjoy.
aruni says
nice post and i love the way you present it. thank you for the article and keep up the good work.
Shelley @ Two Healthy Kitchens says
I love the format of this post - so easy to find just what you're looking for! And so many scrumptious holiday recipe ideas to make sure Thanksgiving MORNING is just as special as the big dinner later!