Start your holiday with Thanksgiving breakfast ideas, from fluffy pancakes to savory egg bakes, that will keep hunger at bay until it's time for the feast.
With all the focus on turkey and pie, it’s easy to forget that you need Thanksgiving breakfast ideas, too, so you can make it to the big meal without becoming irrationally hungry or impatient. From hearty make-ahead breakfast casseroles to lighter, no-bake meals, this collection has easy options for comforting dishes that set the tone for the day and give it an energizing start.
If you want to set out a spread of baked goods, try one of the festive muffin recipes loaded with fall flavors, or bake a large dish of gooey cinnamon rolls for guests to enjoy with hot coffee and tea. To make it heartier, add a bowl of fresh fruit salad and a platter of crispy bacon. For busy mornings with people coming and going, set out an assortment of grab-and-go breakfast recipes, such as pre-assembled yogurt parfaits, squares of egg casserole or wedges of coffee cake for people to serve themselves.
Many of these dishes are also great brunch ideas and recipes, if you are expecting guests closer to midday, and work for gatherings of any size. Add a Bloody Mary bar for a little extra holiday cheer. Whether setting them out on the kitchen counter for an informal meal or preparing the table for a house full of guests, these Thanksgiving breakfast recipes make the morning as celebratory as the rest of the day.
1/39
Apple Butter Biscuit Breakfast Bake
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother created this recipe to use up the leftovers from Christmas Eve dinner. By combining the leftover ham and biscuits with her homemade apple butter, milk and eggs, she could serve us all a warm, delicious breakfast and still have time to spend with the grandchildren. —Mary M. Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 331 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 976mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein.
2/39
Pumpkin Pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
These pumpkin pancakes are also delicious served with butter or whipped topping and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Freeze any extras in a single layer on a cookie sheet, then store in a freezer bag. They're great fresh out of the toaster! —Mindy Bauknecht, Two Rivers, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 pancakes: 361 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 600mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
3/39
Cheddar-Butternut Squash Clafoutis
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this savory version of the classic French dessert clafoutis and shared it for dinner with a salad. My friends loved it, but in the end I could have eaten the whole pan myself while dreaming of being in Paris with every scrumptious bite. —Joseph A. Sciascia, San Mateo, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 357 calories, 22g fat (11g saturated fat), 176mg cholesterol, 586mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
4/39
Cranberry Cream Cheese French Toast
From the Recipe Creator:
My friend makes this French toast bake with blueberries, but I make mine with cranberry sauce. Either way, it’s divine. It makes a great brunch dish. —Sandie Heindel, Liberty, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 375 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 231mg cholesterol, 382mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
5/39
Pumpkin Oatmeal
From the Recipe Creator:
There's nothing like a bowl of warm oatmeal in the morning, and my spiced version works in a slow cooker. Store leftovers in the fridge. —Jordan Mason, Brookville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 183 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 329mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
6/39
Roasted Vegetable and Chevre Quiche
From the Recipe Creator:
Roasting the veggies in this rich yet bright quiche intensifies their flavors. The addition of fresh goat cheese lends a wonderful creamy tanginess. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 219 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 471mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
7/39
Pecan Bacon
From the Recipe Creator:
Crispy, sweet bacon dresses up any breakfast. When my girls see this, they call it "special breakfast." The big flavor punch just may surprise you. —Catherine Ann Goza, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 bacon strip: 142 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 186mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
8/39
Overnight Butternut & Bacon Strata
From the Recipe Creator:
When I served this dish for a bridal brunch, everyone begged me for the recipe. It's the perfect blend of savory, sweet and salty and it comes together very quickly a day in advance. Just pop it into the oven the next morning and enjoy relaxed time with your guests. —Pamela Gelsomini, Wrentham, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 547 calories, 39g fat (19g saturated fat), 226mg cholesterol, 988mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
9/39
Chai Butternut Squash Pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
Hot or cold, chai tea is my absolute favorite drink. I wanted to enjoy the spicy chai flavor in a different way, and that's when the idea for these pancakes was born. Serve with your choice of syrup; I enjoy them with some added roasted walnuts. —Corinna Nguyen, Hutto, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 289 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 394mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
10/39
Savory Oatmeal
From the Recipe Creator:
Who says oatmeal has to be sweet? I love this recipe because it starts my day in a healthy, fulfilling way. The fresh garlic, tomatoes and basil are bright notes in a breakfast that keeps me satisfied until lunch. The oatmeal gives me protein and fiber, and I add a splash of extra virgin olive oil at the end for heart health. —Roland McAmis Jr., Greeneville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 222 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 761mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
11/39
Cinnamon Apple Cider Monkey Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
I use the cold-weather staple apple cider—plus apples and more cinnamon—to turn plain cinnamon rolls into monkey bread. My boys love the sticky sweetness. —Kelly Walsh, Aviston, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 329 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 553mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
12/39
Pumpkin Scones
From the Recipe Creator:
After trying a pumpkin scone at a coffee house, I was inspired to look for a recipe to try at home. The glaze nicely complements the pumpkin flavor. —Amy McCavour, Gresham, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 scone: 338 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 348mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
13/39
Canadian Bacon with Apples
From the Recipe Creator:
At the holidays, I'd rather spend time with family and friends than be stuck in the kitchen, so I rely on easy-to-fix recipes like this. No one can resist Canadian bacon and apples coated with a brown sugar glaze. —Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 199 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 744mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
14/39
Sweet Potato-Cranberry Doughnuts
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up near Idaho, which is famous for spudnuts—a doughnut made from mashed potatoes. I reworked a recipe using sweet potatoes and cranberries to come up with this variation. I like to serve them for dessert. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 glazed doughnut: 191 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 63mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
15/39
Savory Pumpkin Quiche
From the Recipe Creator:
This quiche satisfies a seasonal craving I get for all things pumpkin. Fresh mushrooms add flavor, and I try different types like baby portobello and cremini mushrooms. —Rachel Garcia, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 231 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 417mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
16/39
Slow-Cooked Apple Cinnamon French Toast
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband works nights delivering linens to hospitals and nursing homes. As a retired nurse, I worked for many years at night too. I try to stay on his schedule, so I often put this casserole together when I am making dinner and refrigerate it. I start the slow cooker around midnight, so when he gets home the meal is ready for breakfast. And though we are empty nesters, I make the full recipe because leftovers reheat so well in the microwave. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving with about 2 tablespoon syrup: 343 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 302mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
17/39
Sweet Potato Waffles
From the Recipe Creator:
Cardamom and pecans really make the flavor of these special sweet potato waffles stand out. I make them when I have leftover sweet potatoes. —Mickey Turner, Grants Pass, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
2 waffles: 546 calories, 35g fat (14g saturated fat), 172mg cholesterol, 541mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 13g protein.
18/39
Apple Yogurt Parfaits
From the Recipe Creator:
Get the morning started right with this super simple four-ingredient parfait. Try chunky or flavored applesauce for an easy variation. —Rebekah Radewahn, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 parfait: 158 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.
19/39
Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
Recipes that don't tie me to the kitchen—that’s what I’m all about. I make this luscious dish the night before breakfast or brunch with guests. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 302 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 148mg cholesterol, 342mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 4g fiber), 13g protein.
20/39
Yankee Red Flannel Hash
From the Recipe Creator:
Hash is a classic diner dish. With potatoes and pastrami, this one's easy to make at home. The beets give it fabulous color and flavor. —Nancy Mock, Colchester, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 307 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 247mg cholesterol, 1010mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
21/39
Caramel Apple Muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
These muffins are perfect for anyone who loves caramel apples. They are particularly good with breakfast or during a coffee break. —Therese Puckett, Shreveport, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 245 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
22/39
Breakfast Sliders
From the Recipe Creator:
These breakfast sliders combine all your favorite morning foods—like eggs, bacon and bagels—into one tasty package. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 417 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 253mg cholesterol, 1072mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
23/39
Pretty Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns
From the Recipe Creator:
I make sticky buns and cinnamon rolls quite often because my husband loves them. One day I had some fresh pumpkin on hand and decided to try pumpkin cinnamon buns. We loved the results! —Glenda Joseph, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 bun: 399 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
24/39
Savory Apple-Chicken Sausage
From the Recipe Creator:
These easy, healthy sausages taste great, and they make an elegant brunch dish. The recipe is also very versatile: It can be doubled or tripled for a crowd, and the sausages freeze well either cooked or raw. —Angela Buchanan, Longmont, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 sausage patty: 92 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 328mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 medium-fat meat.
25/39
Toasty Pumpkin Waffles
From the Recipe Creator:
When I really want to impress folks, I serve these waffles. They're beautiful stacked and layered with pink sweet-tart cranberry butter. When I owned a bed and breakfast it was the recipe guests requested most. —Brenda Ryan, Marshall, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 waffle with 2 teaspoons butter: 595 calories, 30g fat (13g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 557mg sodium, 69g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein.
26/39
Apple Pie Steel-Cut Oatmeal
From the Recipe Creator:
I absolutely love this slow-cooked oatmeal. The steel-cut oats have so much flavor and texture. My family sprinkles toasted pecans on top whenever possible. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 171 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 39mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
27/39
Rich Cranberry Coffee Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
When our children come home for the holidays, I make sure to bake this cranberry coffee cake. I always use fresh berries in season, then put a few bags in the freezer for later on. That way, we can enjoy this moist cake any time we want! —Mildred Schwartzentruber, Tavistock, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 337 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 285mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
28/39
Pumpkin-Apple Muffins with Streusel Topping
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother always made these tasty muffins whenever our family got together at her house. Now they’re a family favorite at my house, and my in-laws love them, too! —Carolyn Riley, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 243 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 150mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
29/39
Puffy Apple Omelet
From the Recipe Creator:
With all the eggs our chickens produce, I could make this omelet every day! It's a pretty, festive-looking dish, but you could fix it anytime—including for a light supper. —Melissa Davenport, Campbell, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 253 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 188mg cholesterol, 142mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
30/39
Zippy Praline Bacon
From the Recipe Creator:
We live on a lake and have many overnight guests, so I serve brunch often. I'm always looking for recipes to enhance the usual bacon and eggs. My husband came home from a men's breakfast raving about this praline bacon. Just be sure to make more than you think you might need...everybody wants seconds. —Myrt Pflannkuche, Pell City, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 58 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
31/39
Apple, Cheddar & Bacon Bread Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
I had this dish at a bridal brunch many years ago. It was so delicious that I created my own version, and this is the result. Now I make it all the time. Enjoy! —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with 8 teaspoons syrup: 505 calories, 26g fat (10g saturated fat), 155mg cholesterol, 729mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
32/39
Spiced Apple Oatmeal
From the Recipe Creator:
These easy apple-y oats let your family have a warm and cozy breakfast no matter how busy you are. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 290 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 109mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
33/39
Pumpkin and Chicken Sausage Hash
From the Recipe Creator:
This can be served as a side or as the main dish for breakfast, lunch or dinner. I like to serve it topped with poached or fried eggs for breakfast. —Valerie Donn, Gaylord, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 260 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 634mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
34/39
Pumpkin Doughnut Drops
From the Recipe Creator:
I always have a few special treats handy when the grandchildren visit. These cake doughnuts are one of their favorite snacks. —Beva Staum, Muscoda, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 doughnut: 48 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
35/39
Hash Brown Maple Sausage Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
This craveworthy casserole has a golden hash-brown crust that's topped with sausage and veggies. My favorite part is the surprise layer of gooey Gruyere. —Anuja Argade, Foster City, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 487 calories, 32g fat (13g saturated fat), 200mg cholesterol, 899mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
36/39
Grain-Free Apple Pie Granola
From the Recipe Creator:
Because of food allergies, I’ve learned to swap ingredients. There are no grains in this granola but loads of nuts and apples. Try it with yogurt or milk. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 204 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
37/39
Cranberry Muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
There's an abundance of cranberries in our area during the fall, and this recipe is one of my favorite ways to use them. I've often given these fresh-baked muffins as a small gift to friends, and they're always well received. —Ronni Dufour, Lebanon, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 231 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 141mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
38/39
Apple Monkey Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
For a fun sweet treat that's certain to satisfy, try this recipe. Drizzled with icing, each finger-licking piece has a yummy surprise filling of apples and pecans. It's well worth the bit of extra effort. —Carolyn Gregory, Hendersonville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces : 288 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 205mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
39/39
Maple Bacon Walnut Coffee Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Wake up the sleepyheads in your household with this moist, tender coffee cake that’s both sweet and savory. Bacon and nuts in the crumbly topping blend with flavors of maple, nutmeg and cinnamon. Yum! —Angela Spengler, Clovis, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 160 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 183mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
Thanksgiving Breakfast Ideas FAQ
What dishes should I serve at Thanksgiving brunch?
Thanksgiving brunch works best with a mix of sweet and savory favorites ranging from light nibbles to more substantial dishes. Quiche, strata, muffins and coffee cake can be assembled or baked ahead of time for an easy morning. If you want to keep it simple, make a big batch of spiced oatmeal in the slow cooker and set out bowls of yogurt, fruit, granola and syrup for a build-your-own-bowl spread.
What are the easiest Thanksgiving breakfast ideas that don’t need an oven?
The easiest oven-free breakfast dishes, such as French toast, fall-flavored pancakes, waffles and bacon, can be prepared on the stove or in a slow cooker. Since oven space is limited on Thanksgiving, air-fryer recipes are another option for a warm dish, like fluffy egg bites or breakfast burritos. Lastly, there are always no-bake offerings, like layered yogurt parfaits with fall fruits.
Are there make-ahead Thanksgiving breakfast casseroles?
A French toast casserole or savory strata are best when assembled the night before, making them ideal make-ahead casserole options. If planning further in advance, you can freeze them, unbaked, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before popping them into the oven. For a gluten-free meal, egg casserole recipes skip the bread and focus on making flavorful, silky squares of baked eggs and vegetables, perfect for a crowd.
