47 Comforting Thanksgiving Breakfast Ideas for 2024

Thanksgiving breakfast is a fun time to start the holiday and welcome family and friends. This is typically a more casual meal than Thanksgiving dinner, often reserved for a smaller crowd. However, that does not mean you don’t want to make the holiday breakfast memorable. A few fun Thanksgiving breakfast recipes can help make that happen. 

Are you wondering what to eat on Thanksgiving for breakfast? Should you eat breakfast on Thanksgiving day or reserve your appetite for the bigger meal? What are 3 traditional breakfast dishes to eat on Thanksgiving? In this article, we will share some fun meal ideas and basic recipe information to help answer your questions. Let’s explore some creative Thanksgiving food ideas for your dining pleasure. 

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• Thanksgiving Breakfast Ideas
• Thanksgiving Breakfast Casserole Ideas
• Thanksgiving Brunch Ideas
• Thanksgiving Lunch Ideas

Thanksgiving Breakfast Ideas

1. Pumpkin Sheet Pan Pancakes

Pumpkin sheet-pan pancakes are a sweet and delicious Thanksgiving breakfast idea to try when you want to get into the fall spirit! They are a unique twist on a classic breakfast option of skillet pancakes and are easy to make in large batches. 

2. Cranberry-Mimosa Breakfast Cake

Cranberry mimosa cakes are a delicious sweet treat that can be made with spiced ginger ale or bubbly champagne, depending on your preferences. They are a great Thanksgiving breakfast pastry option for those with a sweet tooth. 

3. Sweet Potato Hash Sheet Pan Style

Sweet potatoes are a classic Thanksgiving appetizer that can be cooked in so many different ways, making this breakfast a delicious and festive option! This Thanksgiving breakfast option will satisfy everyone, and it pairs perfectly with scrambled eggs or spicy sausage links. 

4. Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

Overnight cinnamon rolls are the perfect option to make the day before if you don’t want to add to your cooking on Thanksgiving day. You can make the dough yourself or use the premade dough, depending on your preferences. They are an easy and delicious Thanksgiving breakfast recipe. 

5. Cranberry Bread Pudding

Cranberries are a delicious and classic Thanksgiving treat. Why not add them to classic bread pudding for a fun breakfast option? This Thanksgiving breakfast recipe is sweet, dense, filling and perfectly on theme. It is one of the best Thanksgiving desserts for breakfast and will surely be a hit. 

6. Breakfast Strata

Eggs, cheese, mushrooms, sausage and bread! This Thanksgiving breakfast option has something for everyone! It is a delicious mix of savory goodness that is easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. 

7. Gingerbread Oat Muffins

Gingerbread oat muffins are a delicious and fun fall treat with the added health benefits of oats. They can be made the day ahead and stored easily in the refrigerator, making them a delightful and easy Thanksgiving breakfast option when you want to be prepared because you know you will be short on time. 

8. Apple and Cinnamon Spiced Tea

Warm tea with breakfast is the perfect way to get into the fall spirit. Make some delicious apple and cinnamon-spiced tea and pair it with a pastry of your choice for a cozy and warm Thanksgiving breakfast meal. This is the perfect alternative to coffee when you want to warm up in the morning, but skip that added dose of caffeine. 

9. Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are great for any occasion but are especially convenient during a holiday when the last thing you want to do is cook another meal. They are easy and delicious to make. To make this Thanksgiving breakfast idea even more festive, add some cinnamon and pumpkin flavors! 

10. Stuffed French Toast

Who doesn’t love a serving of French toast? To make it even better, try stuffing it with a cream filling. If you’re feeling extra fancy, make the filling pumpkin-flavored or incorporate cranberry sauce into your creamy filling. This Thanksgiving breakfast is a delicious twist on a classic meal that tastes even better than the original. 

11. Quiche

Quiches are a delicious and easy meal to prepare. They are an amazing savory dish and are customizable to your taste palette! This Thanksgiving breakfast is sure to be a hit for the whole family and is also a great Friendsgiving food idea! 

12. Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Sour cream coffee cake is a great Thanksgiving breakfast option to satisfy one’s sweet tooth! It tastes delicious and is the perfect warm, cozy meal to enjoy with a pumpkin spice coffee or latte. 

Thanksgiving Breakfast Casserole Ideas

13. Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole is a delicious Thanksgiving breakfast. Create this fun recipe using hashbrowns, cheese, sour cream and cream of mushroom soup. It is a unique, savory dish that makes hashbrowns even better.

14. Sausage and Egg Casserole

Sausage and egg casserole is a delicious savory option that allows you to experiment with typical breakfast ingredients. It is simple to prepare and a popular Thanksgiving breakfast option that everyone in your household will love. 

15. Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

French toast casserole sounds delicious, and pumpkin spice French toast casserole sounds even better! Get in the spirit of the season and enjoy this deliciously sweet Thanksgiving breakfast. 

16. Blueberry Pancake Casserole

Want a sweeter casserole option? Use blueberry pancakes! This casserole makes a superb sweet treat and is a great Thanksgiving breakfast to start your day with. Pair each slice with warm syrup and fresh whipped cream for added sweetness and a delightful breakfast idea. 

17. Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is a classic Thanksgiving appetizer and a popular one for a reason. It makes a great Thanksgiving potluck idea on its own, but why not switch it up a bit? Make a savory version by adding eggs, spinach and sausage to the dish for a delicious Thanksgiving breakfast twist! 

18. Mushroom and Gruyère Breakfast Casserole

Mushroom and gruyère casserole is a delicious, cheesy and creamy option for those who want something more savory. It is an excellent make-ahead dish, which makes it a convenient choice for Thanksgiving breakfast.

19. Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

This tater tot breakfast casserole is filled with crispy tots, ham, cheese and eggs. it is the perfect mix of crispy and creamy textures and an incredible Thanksgiving breakfast option for children and adults.

20. Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Cinnamon roll casserole is another deliciously sweet Thanksgiving breakfast option. For an easy and quick meal, you can use premade refrigerated dough to create this dish. 

21. Ham, Cheese and Egg Casserole

Ham, cheese and egg casserole is a delicious option that transforms classic breakfast foods. You can even add tomato, mushrooms, spinach or any other veggies of your choice to this dish. For the vegetarians in your home, replace the ham with tofu. it is savory, customizable and a great Thanksgiving breakfast option. 

22. Mexican Chorizo and Egg Casserole

Chorizo is a delicious ground pork sausage typically eaten in tacos, though it also tastes great in a casserole. This casserole is similar to a breakfast burrito in ingredients but in a completely different format that allows you to try something new while sticking to familiar flavors. 

It is a great Thanksgiving breakfast option you’re bound to love. As a bonus, this meal can be made vegetarian with some veggie chorizo. It tastes just as delicious as the real thing. 

23. Cornbread and Sausage Breakfast Casserole

This breakfast casserole is yet another great way to use leftover cornbread. This Thanksgiving breakfast option is ideal for those who love breakfast with a Southern spin or a bit of sweetness in their casserole dishes. It is a delicious option for any meal, not just breakfast. 

24. Mushroom and Feta Casserole

Mushrooms and feta make a delicious, Mediterranean-inspired combination no matter what time of day you serve them. Add them to a casserole, and they make a delightful Thanksgiving breakfast option. Layered with eggs, fresh herbs, and a hint of garlic, this casserole bakes up to a golden, bubbly perfection, filling your kitchen with enticing, earthy aromas.

25. Vegetarian Egg and Spinach Casserole

Vegetarian egg and spinach casserole is delicious and savory. It is sure to be enjoyed by anyone, not just vegetarians! As a bonus, you can easily make this meal vegan using vegan egg mix. it is the perfect Thanksgiving breakfast everyone can enjoy regardless of dietary preferences. 

Thanksgiving Brunch Ideas

26. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Chocolate chip pancakes are a classic breakfast choice any day of the week. Make them a seasonally appropriate Thanksgiving breakfast by adding some pumpkin. Try using dark chocolate chips for added elegance. The combination of sweet pumpkin and bitter chocolate is delightful and feels upscale. Turn your favorite breakfast into a fall treat! 

27. Cranberry Orange Muffins

Cranberry orange muffins are a less common flavor but just as delicious, if not more so, than standard blueberry, oat or chocolate chip muffins. They are perfect for the fall season and taste amazing, with a bittersweet combination that appeals to everyone. They make the perfect turkey day breakfast idea and are a great Thanksgiving appetizer!

28. Spinach and Mushroom Crepes

Sweet crepes are delicious and popular, but have you ever tried savory crepes? Spinach and mushroom crepes make a great option. These crepes feature tender, earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach folded into a creamy, herb-infused filling. 

The filling is enveloped in thin, golden crepes. Their light texture and upscale flavor profile make them an ideal lighter choice for an elegant breakfast. 

29. Cream Cheese and Lox Bagels

Cream cheese and lox bagels are a delicious and easy breakfast option. Toast a bagel as usual and add some cream cheese, lox and your favorite seasoning. This is a quick, easy and satisfying breakfast option that tastes delicious. The lox also offers healthy fats and other health benefits. 

30. Butternut Squash Frittata

Butternut squash frittata is a delicious single-pan recipe that is easy to make and cuts down on dishes that need to be washed. It is fluffy and thick and can be made with tons of different ingredients, such as squash, spinach, kale, onion, goat cheese and more. 

This is the ideal way to get rid of your leftover vegetables after the Thanksgiving meal is complete. Harvard studies claim, “kale remains a highly nutritious food to include as part of a healthful dietary pattern.” Add some to your frittata for added health benefits. This really is the perfect savory Thanksgiving breakfast.

31. Ham and Cheese Croissant Sandwiches

Ham and cheese croissant sandwiches are simple and easy to throw together. They are also incredibly delicious and easily customizable, appealing to everyone’s taste buds. Try adding some seasonal veggies or an egg on top. You can also incorporate any condiments of your choice. This Thanksgiving breakfast is a perfect quick and easy option. 

32. Cornbread Waffles

Cornbread is an iconic Thanksgiving appetizer, and waffles are an iconic breakfast option. Why not combine the two into a delicious breakfast idea? Made with a base of cornbread batter, these waffles offer the perfect blend of sweet and savory with a warm, hearty texture. Serve them with plenty of butter and warmed maple syrup. This dish really is the best of both worlds!

33. Breakfast Burritos

Breakfast burritos are a delicious, savory option that is easily customizable. Use corn or flour tortillas warmed for a few minutes. They can be handmade or store-bought, and they taste delicious either way. Simply add your ingredients and bake in the oven for about 20  minutes. This is the perfect, easy Thanksgiving breakfast idea. 

34. Brie and Cranberry Tartlets

Brie and cranberry tartlets are adorable mini pastries that are perfect for sharing. Because of this, they make the ideal Thanksgiving side. They are a sweet, flaky, bite-sized Thanksgiving breakfast option that’s sure to be a hit with guests. 

35. Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tart

Caramelized onion and goat cheese tart is a savory puff pastry bite-sized dessert that tastes amazing. It is a great turkey day breakfast option that allows you to try something new, and it can easily be made in advance to cut down on the cooking on Thanksgiving day. 

36. Savory Pumpkin and Ricotta Crostini

Crostini is a delicious bread that can be made with a wide variety of toppings. To make it more festive, add pumpkin and ricotta for a savory and rich spread. This breakfast idea is simple yet so delicious. 

Thanksgiving Lunch Ideas

37. Butternut Squash Soup

Soups are a classic fall comfort food that is perfect for Thanksgiving. They are easy to make ahead of time and heat up, and they still taste delicious as leftovers the day after. Butternut squash soup is a fantastic option for breakfast the day after your big meal.  

38. Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie

Thanksgiving is a tricky holiday for vegetarians, so make a dish just for you. Add mushrooms, carrots, peas, gravy and potatoes to your pie filling. This meal is a warm, cozy breakfast idea that even non-vegetarians should try! 

39. Mushroom and Wild Rice Salad

Mushroom and wild rice salad is a delicious, veggie-packed meal that is easy to make and full of flavor. It makes the perfect Thanksgiving breakfast idea because it can be thrown together quickly and tastes amazing. 

40. Apple and Brie Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Apple and brie grilled cheese sandwiches are a unique sweet and savory combination that is easy to make and tastes delicious. Use green apples for a tart flavor or red apples if you prefer sweet treats. Either pair beautifully with creamy brie. This Thanksgiving breakfast idea is a must-try. 

41. Turkey Chili

Who doesn’t love a nice warm chili? Turkey chili is the perfect way to take a classic dish and add a Thanksgiving twist. Made with leftover turkey, beans, tomatoes and a mix of heat and spices, this protein-rich dish offers a satisfying, savory start to the holiday. 

This dish can be prepared ahead and warmed up in the morning, making it easy to serve when you are short on time. It makes a superb Thanksgiving lunch option. 

42. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Want a twist on your typical meatballs? Use ground turkey instead of beef. Add spinach and feta for extra flavor. Toss over pasta, add to a sub roll or eat on its own. This Thanksgiving breakfast or lunch option is to die for. 

43. Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Flatbread

Brussels sprouts and bacon flatbread are a delicious, savory dish you must try. The earthy flavor of the Brussels sprouts pairs beautifully with the smoked flavor of bacon. Crispy and flavorful, they make the perfect turkey day breakfast option. 

44. Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Quesadillas

Pumpkin and goat cheese quesadillas are a unique and delicious option for breakfast or a Thanksgiving day lunch. They mix sweet and savory flavors into a fantastic dish that takes less than 30 minutes to make and appeals to the whole family. 

45. Tomato and Avocado Toast

Vine-ripe tomato and fresh, creamy avocado toast is an excellent choice for a lighter meal before Thanksgiving dinner. It is a delicious and easy turkey day breakfast and is perfect for the family hosting Thanksgiving who wants something simple beforehand. 

46. Turkey and Cranberry Brioche Sandwiches

Anything with turkey and cranberry is perfect for getting into the Thanksgiving spirit! This Thanksgiving breakfast is great the day of or a clever way to use up leftovers! 

47. Shredded Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Did you make too much turkey? Shred it and add some into a brunch wrap to avoid waste and create a meal your family will love. Incorporate a bit of stuffing and cranberry sauce into your wrap to recreate that Turkey Day flavor combination. This turkey day breakfast option is easy and a perfect way to rid your refrigerator of leftovers. 

Breakfast the day after Thanksgiving is often an afterthought, but it can be as fun and memorable as Thanksgiving dinner. We have shared some of our favorite breakfast, brunch and lunch options. From simple overnight oats to multi-ingredient casseroles and vegetarian options, plenty of dishes are worth trying and ideal for those hard-to-please family members and guests. 

Hopefully, we have inspired you to try a new recipe or recreate a classic breakfast dish. Which idea is your favorite?

For even more fun ideas for Thanksgiving, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!