41 Best Thanksgiving Breakfast Ideas

Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday season, and what better way to start the day than with a good, hearty Thanksgiving breakfast? While most focus on an elaborate dinner, let's kick things off with some cozy ideas for a morning meal with your family and friends.

To those who have their main menu down-pat but are lacking in the breakfast department, welcome! This list of Thanksgiving breakfast ideas is sure to help you start the day on a stress-free (and mouthwatering) note.

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• The 41 Best Thanksgiving Breakfast Recipes
• Elevate Your Holiday Celebration With Culinary Experiences

The 41 Best Thanksgiving Breakfast Recipes

1. Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls

Keep those allergies at bay with these gluten-free cinnamon rolls. An easy recipe for  Thanksgiving breakfast that is also great for a midday snack can be topped with a delicious cinnamon roll icing or plain honey. Best served warm, everyone will love these tasty, fluffy rolls. Be prepared for plenty of second requests.

2. Cinnamon Roll Casserole

A great Thanksgiving breakfast is the cinnamon roll casserole. This gooey dish that oozes deliciousness is easy to make and is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly Thanksgiving morning. The sweetened cream cheese icing adds a soft, sweet texture to the roll, making this one of the ideal Thanksgiving breakfast foods to guests with a sweet tooth. 

3. Pumpkin Pancakes

Start your day in a memorable way with this crowd-pleaser. Stack these pumpkin pancakes high, add a dollop of whipped cream and butter and pour over the maple syrup. They are very yummy as they are, or you can top them off with cinnamon-spiced apple slices. Made with real pumpkins and pumpkin pie spice, this one is easy to make and delicious.

4. Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

If it’s comfort food you’re after, then a hearty, cheesy hashbrown casserole makes for a very satisfying Thanksgiving breakfast food. The contrast between the tender and cheesy filling inside and the crunchy topping makes this a perennial favorite.

5. Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast

A more conventional type of French toast, this is a surefire winner among Thanksgiving breakfast ideas. Topped with a yummy blueberry compote, the dish can be spiced with a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon to give it an added kick. If blueberry compote is not your thing, try using cranberries instead.

6. Croque Monsieur Breakfast Casserole

Feel like going all fancy and French? Then, this Thanksgiving breakfast recipe will make your guests go “oh-la-la.” This delectable dish calls for Gruyère cheese and bechamel sauce poured over the top to give it a unique flavor. It is the savory brother of the famous French toast and makes for a delicious brunch.

7. Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

Prepare these rolls the night before to allow the yeast time to perform its magic. This will make your cinnamon rolls extra soft and fluffy when they exit the oven. Properly prepped the night before, you will need just a short time to bake them. Frost the rolls while still warm to make the perfect Thanksgiving breakfast for your guests.

8. Maple Bacon

One of the most versatile Thanksgiving breakfast foods you will come across, maple bacon is what you get when you combine the sweetness of maple syrup with the saltiness of bacon. The result can go with almost any other breakfast dish that you choose to combine it with, including eggs, quiches, pancakes and so on. Purists can, of course, eat it as is. As Thanksgiving essentials go, this one is a crowd-pleaser.

9. Strawberry Muffins

As a Thanksgiving breakfast item, muffins are perfectly sized to feed a large group of people, especially when combined with another dish. These soft, moist strawberry muffins will make a delicious addition to your breakfast table. Adding a sprinkle of sugar to the top of the muffin will give it a crunchy dimension to complement the soft interior.

10. Sheet Pan Sweet Potato Hash

You can elevate your holiday breakfast with this bacon and sweet potato hash that will have your guests begging for more. Of course, any dish with bacon will be a winner, but combining it with sweet potato makes for a delicious addition to any Thanksgiving menu.

11. Chia Seed Smoothie

Supercharge your Thanksgiving breakfast with a chia seed smoothie. A great way to start your day, it provides you with a good part of your daily nutrition in the form of fiber, good fats and carbs — essentials to keep you going during the busy day ahead. Five minutes is all it takes to rustle one up, and it will leave you free to focus on the main Thanksgiving dinner menu.

12. Eggless Pancakes

For all you vegans out there, eggless pancakes can make for the perfect Thanksgiving breakfast. Just swap regular dairy for your milk of choice and you won't even notice the difference. Light and fluffy, these pancakes can be stacked high and paired with fruit toppings such as blueberries and bananas or plain with just a drizzle of maple syrup on top.

13. Vegetarian Quiche

With caramelized onions, roasted cherry tomatoes and sauteed mushrooms, this vegetarian quiche is a great idea for Thanksgiving breakfast. Its creamy and flaky texture and rich flavors will have everyone coming back for more. The Gruyère cheese imparts a nuttiness into the already rich flavor. You can serve it warm or at room temperature. Throw in a side salad, and you have a filling breakfast idea.

14. Baked Apple Oatmeal

Tuck into a hearty Thanksgiving breakfast of baked apple oatmeal with the deliciousness of apple infused into every bite. It is easy to prepare and can be made ahead, refrigerated and reheated before serving. The cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger give it an autumn aroma that’s perfectly suited to the season.

15. Gluten Free Banana Muffins with Chocolate Chips

Cooking for those who are gluten intolerant can be a tricky affair. These gluten-free banana muffins with chocolate chips are an easy way to keep them happy during your Thanksgiving breakfast. Soft, moist and imbued with the goodness of bananas, with the chunky chocolate chips enriching the texture, these banana muffins can go well with the other dishes on your breakfast table.

16. Caramel-Pecan Pumpkin Pull-Aparts

These sticky buns are made with angel biscuit dough, caramel and pecan nuts. Drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over them to take this Thanksgiving breakfast dish to the next level. Chocolate lovers will surely approve.

17. Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread

Moist and flavorful gluten free pumpkin bread is the perfect accompaniment for all the dishes on the holiday breakfast table. The cinnamon sugar-coated crust and the pepitas give it a satisfying crunch. Perfect for anyone with a gluten allergy, this gluten-free pumpkin bread can be enjoyed as is or along with any other Thanksgiving foods.

18. Vegan Breakfast Burrito

For Thanksgiving breakfast, a vegan breakfast burrito chosen from our list of vegan Thanksgiving recipes would be our top choice. It's packed with nutrition and bold flavors. Filled with hearty ingredients such as tofu, kale, crispy fried potatoes and cashew cheese, it's seasoned with cumin, coriander, pepper and a blend of spices that will have your taste buds singing.

19. Pumpkin Pecan Pie

The flavor of pumpkin makes this a perfect Thanksgiving breakfast. Pumpkin pecan pie combines two of the most popular Thanksgiving desserts. It will keep your guests happy and make the meal a memorable one. For pure indulgence, you can add some vanilla ice cream to a warm slice of pie to further enhance the experience. Yes, we know it's breakfast, but it's the holidays — diet rules needn’t apply! 

20. Tiramisu Stuffed French Toast

A Thanksgiving breakfast with friends can be a very special occasion. Top on our Friendsgiving food ideas list is the tiramisu-stuffed French toast, a delightful combination of two very popular dishes that have been taken to the next level. Soak brioche bread in a custard infused with espresso coffee and use a bit of cream cheese to firm up the filling. 

21. Shakshouka

Want to add an exotic Mediterranean touch to your Thanksgiving breakfast menu? Add shakshouka to the list, an easy-to-make North African staple you can cook in about 35 minutes. Also known as “eggs in purgatory,” it combines well with bread, cheese sandwiches and roasted potatoes.

22. Instant Pot Hash

An instant pot hash is a quick and easy way to get your Thanksgiving breakfast underway. You can use your instant pot to assemble this delicious dish with the minimum effort. With plenty of veggies, potatoes, eggs and bacon, it's sure to keep everyone happy and ready for the festivities ahead.

23. Eggs Basket Benedict

A slight twist to a Thanksgiving breakfast regular, the eggs basket Benedict made with puff pastry and bacon bits is always a winner. Top it off with ready-packaged hollandaise or a cheese sauce for a rich, creamy texture. If you prefer spicy fare, add a sprinkling of paprika or a Sriracha sauce.

24. Canadian Bacon with Apple

A simple yet tasty addition to your Thanksgiving breakfast spread is Canadian bacon with apple. This easy recipe pairs savory Canadian bacon with sweet, caramelized apple slices. Just be sure not to overcook the bacon, as it is typically pre-cooked and needs only a quick warm-up in a pan for the perfect texture. This sweet and savory addition is sure to garner fans around your table.

25. Pumpkin Spice Latte

A good Thanksgiving breakfast idea that will not only complete your breakfast menu but will also satisfy your coffee cravings is a pumpkin spice latte. The best part is that it takes just five minutes to prepare and can be served hot or cold. Add some pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice to your coffee, and this Thanksgiving breakfast drink will be good to go.

26. Savory Pumpkin Quiche

Get into the holiday spirit with a savory pumpkin quiche. Mix some bacon and mushrooms to add flavor. Cremini and baby portobello mushrooms would be the preferred choice — your Thanksgiving breakfast menu will be all the richer for it. 

27. Blueberry Crêpes

An excellent idea for a Thanksgiving breakfast idea is blueberry crêpes, a crowd favorite. These delicious French crêpes with blueberries and whipped cream make for a winning combination for your guests.

28. Instant Pot French Toast Casserole

A Thanksgiving breakfast does not need to take too much of your time to prepare. Why not use your instant pot to make this French toast casserole? Add some chopped fruit and powdered sugar once it is done, drizzle some maple syrup or honey over it, and you have a delicious dish that will help start your day on the right note.

29. Sourdough Waffles

These sourdough waffles are just the thing to make your Thanksgiving breakfast a special event. The sourdough starter adds tanginess, while the tahini will impart a nutty flavor. Add the sweetness of maple syrup over the sliced banana and walnut pieces, and you will have an exceptional dish with which to start the day.

30. Make Ahead Breakfast Sandwiches

Make these breakfast sandwiches ahead of time and store them in your refrigerator. For your Thanksgiving breakfast, warm them in the oven and serve. You could use croissants or soft brioche buns and fill them with ham, bacon, egg and cheese. Serve with mustard. It is a simple idea that everyone is sure to love.

31. Eggnog French Toast

This eggnog French toast is an upgraded take on a classic that’s perfect for Thanksgiving breakfast. Thick slices of buttered toast soaked in an eggnog custard with a crust of crispy pecan cornflakes make this dish a real holiday treat.

32. Instant Pot Pancakes

Home-made pancakes made in your instant pot are a crowd favorite and easy to batch cook as well. All you have to do is toss the pancake mix into the instant pot, and you’ll have impossibly fluffy pancakes ready in under an hour. Apply the butter generously and soak in maple syrup for a delicious Thanksgiving breakfast.

33. Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

Give an Italian vibe to your Thanksgiving breakfast with these lemon ricotta pancakes. Fluffy and delicious pancakes with the creaminess of ricotta and the tanginess of lemons will have everyone queuing up for more. Top them off with maple syrup and serve.

34. Apple-Sage Sausage Patties

Enrich your Thanksgiving breakfast with these sausage and apple patties. The sweet and savory combination in the patties makes for a winning combination. Best of all, they can be made earlier and frozen, freeing your morning of stress.

35. Apple Crumble Cake

Cake for breakfast, anyone? A great way to start your Thanksgiving breakfast is with this delicious apple crumble cake. Warm cinnamon apples combine with a delicious crumb cake to get your day off to a great start. It will taste even better with that first cup of coffee.

36. Apple Cider Doughnut Muffins

Get into the fall spirit with these muffins, a great Thanksgiving breakfast treat. Infused with reduced apple cider with cinnamon sugar, adding to its sweetness, these small doughnut muffins will make everyone feel the holiday spirit.

37. Apple Yogurt Parfait

Another easy Thanksgiving breakfast dish is an apple yogurt parfait. Made with four simple ingredients — applesauce, nutmeg, granola and yogurt — it can be layered into parfait glasses and served. Easy to make and tasty as well.

38. Ham Steaks with Gruyere, Bacon and Mushrooms

Satisfy everyone’s meat cravings with this delicious Thanksgiving breakfast dish. Juicy ham steaks topped with melted Gruyère cheese, bacon and mushrooms create a savory combination that will delight even the most devoted carnivores. It's a hearty, flavor-packed meal that will keep everyone happy and satisfied until the big feast later in the day.  

39. Bananas Foster French Toast

A dish that will stand apart from the rest at your Thanksgiving breakfast table, bananas foster French toast is a whole other level. A crispy exterior covers a soft interior and the banana foster sauce gives it a moist and creamy feel. In other words, it’s delicious!

40. Loaded Cauliflower Breakfast Bake

Go easy on the calories at the start of the holiday season by making this low-carb Thanksgiving breakfast bake. Use riced cauliflower as the base and be generous with your veggie fillings. This dish will appeal to all those looking to enjoy the festivities without overindulging.

41. Potato Patties

A versatile addition to your Thanksgiving breakfast table, these potato patties are the perfect chilly autumn morning food. Drizzle some ketchup over them and have them with bread or enjoy them plain. You can make them earlier and freeze them, freeing up time to get ahead on the main Thanksgiving feast.

Elevate Your Holiday Celebration With Culinary Experiences

In many ways, Thanksgiving is the most important holiday for most Americans. It is a time to spend with your family and express gratitude for the year that was. Good food is central to this holiday, culminating in a Thanksgiving dinner feast. Preparing for this feast, as well as the Thanksgiving breakfast, can be an arduous job, especially if cooking isn’t your thing. 

Making your Thanksgiving extra special and less stressful would help sharpen your cooking skills in advance. A cooking class could be the perfect way to help you polish your skills apart from learning new Thanksgiving breakfast recipes and kitchen hacks. Here are some cooking classes near you that will help get you ready for the holidays. 

Alternatively, make this an extra special occasion by hiring a private chef to prepare your Thanksgiving meals at home. You could try some private chefs near you and make this Thanksgiving memorable.

Deciding what to cook and serve for Thanksgiving breakfast can be stressful, especially if you also prepare a big dinner or host a large group at home. Planning ahead and avoiding any last-minute rush is the key to making your day smoother. You can choose dishes made in advance and frozen so that all you need to do on the day is heat and serve. This way, you can enjoy a relaxed morning without the pressure of making everything from scratch.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.