Thanksgiving morning is always a special time. While most of the day’s focus might be on that grand dinner, a cozy and satisfying breakfast can help set the tone for a great holiday. From kid-friendly choices to make-ahead casseroles and healthy options, there’s no shortage of fun Thanksgiving breakfast ideas.
This site includes affiliate links; you can check the disclosure for more details.
Festive Pancakes and Waffles for Kids
If you’re looking to keep breakfast lighthearted and easy, pancakes or waffles are always a hit. You can jazz up this classic by giving them a Thanksgiving twist.
- Turkey-Shaped Pancakes: Arrange small pancakes into the shape of a turkey, using fruit like apple slices or strawberries for feathers and chocolate chips for eyes.
- Pumpkin Spice Waffles: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to your waffle mix. Serve with whipped cream or warm maple syrup to keep it simple and delicious.
- Mini Fruit Skewers: Pair these with pancakes or waffles. Use berries, pineapple, or apple slices on small skewers for a pop of color that kids will love.
Make a topping bar with whipped cream, chocolate chips, nuts, and syrup. Kids will enjoy building their own breakfast creations, and it’s a great way to keep everyone busy.
Turkey-Shaped Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- Cooking spray or extra butter for greasing
- Chocolate chips for eyes
- Apple slices strawberries, or other fruit (for feathers)
- Whipped cream optional
Instructions
- Make the Pancake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg, and melted butter. Stir until smooth, but don’t overmix—small lumps are okay.
- Preheat the Griddle: Heat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Grease with cooking spray or a little butter.
- Cook the Pancakes: Pour a large circle of batter for the turkey’s body (about 1/4 cup of batter) and several smaller circles for the feathers (about 1 tablespoon each). Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges look dry, about 2–3 minutes. Flip and cook until golden on both sides. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Assemble the Turkey: Place the large pancake on a plate as the turkey’s body. Arrange the smaller pancakes around the top half of the body to resemble feathers.
- Add Details: Place chocolate chips on the large pancake for eyes. Arrange apple slices, strawberries, or other fruit slices behind the smaller pancakes to add colorful “feathers.”
- Serve: Add a dollop of whipped cream if desired, and serve warm with maple syrup on the side.
Pumpkin Spice Waffles
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron.
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, pumpkin puree, and melted butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Cook the batter in the preheated waffle iron until golden brown.
- Serve with syrup or whipped cream.
Hearty Breakfast Casserole Ideas
A breakfast casserole is a fantastic option for Thanksgiving morning. It’s easy to make ahead, and it can feed a crowd with minimal fuss. Here are a few ideas:
- Classic Egg and Sausage Casserole: Combine eggs, breakfast sausage, and cheese in a baking dish. Toss in some diced bell peppers for extra flavor. Let it bake until bubbly and golden.
- French Toast Casserole: Layer slices of bread in a baking dish with a mixture of eggs, milk, and cinnamon. After baking, top it with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of syrup.
- Potato and Bacon Bake: Mix shredded potatoes with eggs, cheese, and crumbled bacon. This savory dish is both filling and easy to reheat if needed.
A casserole dish saves time in the kitchen, allowing you to join in on the family fun without constant cooking.
Classic Egg and Sausage Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 cups cubed bread day-old works best
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the sausage in a skillet until browned. Drain excess grease.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a greased 9×13 baking dish, layer the cubed bread, cooked sausage, and cheese.
- Pour the egg mixture over the top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until set and golden.
- Serve warm.
French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread cut into cubes
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Powdered sugar and syrup for serving
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Place bread cubes evenly in the dish.
- In a bowl, mix eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Pour the mixture over the bread, pressing gently to soak.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight, or bake immediately at 350°F (175°C) for 30–40 minutes until golden.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve with syrup.
Thanksgiving Breakfast Charcuterie Board
If you love the idea of a charcuterie board for breakfast, Thanksgiving is a great time to try it. This board can include both sweet and savory items, offering something for everyone.
- Cheese and Fruit: Arrange slices of brie, cheddar, and Gouda with grapes, apples, and dried cranberries.
- Mini Pastries: Add mini muffins, croissants, or scones to give a bakery-style feel.
- Yogurt and Granola: Include small bowls of yogurt with granola, fresh berries, and honey on the side.
- Bagels and Spreads: Mini bagels with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and jam add a nice touch.
This style of breakfast is fun, interactive, and ideal for a slower start to Thanksgiving Day. Plus, you can customize these Thanksgiving breakfast ideas based on what you have on hand.
Easy Muffin Recipes to Bake Ahead
Muffins are perfect for Thanksgiving morning since they’re quick to make and easy to serve. Consider these ideas:
- Pumpkin Muffins: Full of autumn spices, pumpkin muffins make a perfect seasonal treat. Try adding chocolate chips or a streusel topping for extra flavor.
- Cranberry Orange Muffins: Fresh cranberries and orange zest create a vibrant taste. These muffins add a hint of sweetness to the breakfast table.
- Apple Cinnamon Muffins: Chopped apples and cinnamon make these muffins a warm, comforting option that pairs well with coffee or tea.
Bake these the night before, and they’ll be ready to enjoy with minimal prep on Thanksgiving morning.
Cranberry Orange Muffins
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup fresh cranberries chopped
- Zest of one orange
- ¾ cup orange juice
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a muffin tin.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Stir in cranberries and orange zest.
- In another bowl, whisk orange juice, oil, and egg.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until combined.
- Fill muffin cups with batter and bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Healthier Thanksgiving Breakfast Ideas
If you want to keep breakfast on the lighter side, there are plenty of ways to do that without sacrificing flavor. Here are a few wholesome options:
- Overnight Oats: Mix oats with milk or almond milk, a touch of honey, and some chopped nuts. Top with cranberries or apple slices for a holiday touch.
- Smoothie Bowls: Blend a smoothie with your favorite fruits and a little yogurt, then pour it into a bowl. Top with granola, seeds, and fresh fruit for added texture.
- Avocado Toast: Keep it simple by mashing avocado on whole-grain toast and adding a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. This option is filling without being heavy.
These ideas allow you to start the day with a nutritious breakfast that won’t weigh you down before the main Thanksgiving meal event.
Warm Drinks to Enjoy on Thanksgiving Morning
Thanksgiving breakfast wouldn’t be complete without warm drinks. Whether you prefer coffee, tea, or something festive, these ideas will add a cozy touch:
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: Make a simple version at home with coffee, milk, a dash of cinnamon, and a bit of pumpkin puree.
- Hot Apple Cider: Warm apple cider with cinnamon sticks and cloves makes a comforting, aromatic drink for chilly mornings.
- Spiced Chai Tea: Brew your favorite chai tea and add a splash of milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
Warm drink ideas are perfect for creating a cozy vibe that makes Thanksgiving breakfast feel extra special.
Sweet and Savory Breakfast Breads
A freshly baked bread can be a treat to start the day. Try these easy-to-make options that feel festive without too much work:
- Pumpkin Bread: Bake pumpkin bread with warm spices and a hint of sweetness. It’s excellent on its own or with a smear of butter.
- Cranberry Orange Loaf: Tart cranberries and zesty orange create a fresh, holiday-inspired flavor.
- Savory Herb Bread: For a change from sweet, bake a bread with rosemary, thyme, and a sprinkle of cheese. This works well if you prefer savory flavors.
These loaf ideas can be baked ahead of time and warmed up on Thanksgiving morning, making them a fuss-free breakfast addition.
Thanksgiving-Themed Breakfast Cocktails
A light cocktail can be a fun way to celebrate Thanksgiving morning. Here are a few easy ideas:
- Mimosa: Add cranberry juice to the traditional orange mimosa for a Thanksgiving twist.
- Apple Cider Mimosa: Mix apple cider with champagne for a fall-inspired flavor.
- Bloody Mary: For those who enjoy savory drinks, a classic Bloody Mary with a celery stick garnish adds a touch of elegance.
These drink ideas bring a touch of festivity to Thanksgiving breakfast, setting a relaxed mood for the day.
Apple Cider Mimosa
Ingredients:
- 1 part apple cider
- 1 part champagne
- Cinnamon sugar (for rim)
Instructions:
- Dip the rim of a glass in water, then into cinnamon sugar.
- Pour equal parts apple cider and champagne into the glass.
- Serve immediately.
Quick and Easy Breakfast Wraps
If you’re looking for a quick, grab-and-go option, breakfast wraps are ideal. They’re easy to make and can be filled with your favorite ingredients:
- Egg and Cheese Wraps: Scramble eggs with cheese and wrap them in a soft tortilla. Add bacon or veggies if you like.
- Avocado and Turkey Wrap: Layer sliced avocado, turkey, and cheese in a wrap. A little mayo or mustard can add extra flavor.
- Spinach and Feta Wrap: Mix scrambled eggs with spinach and feta cheese, then wrap it up. This adds a fresh, savory taste that’s satisfying without being heavy.
These breakfast wrap ideas are simple to make and can be customized for any taste, making them great for busy Thanksgiving mornings.
Fresh Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits
Parfaits are an easy, healthy option for Thanksgiving breakfast. Set out bowls of fruit, yogurt, and granola, and let everyone build their own parfait.
- Greek Yogurt Base: Start with a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a creamy, protein-rich base.
- Fresh or Dried Fruit: Offer a variety of fruits like blueberries, strawberries, bananas, and dried cranberries.
- Granola and Nuts: Set out granola, almonds, and walnuts for a crunchy topping.
Parfaits are light yet satisfying and can be quickly assembled, which makes them ideal for Thanksgiving morning.
Breakfast Ideas for Leftover Thanksgiving Ingredients
Thanksgiving breakfast can also be a creative way to use up leftovers. Here are some ideas to make the most of what you have:
- Turkey and Cheese Omelet: Add shredded turkey and cheese to an omelet for a simple, hearty meal.
- Stuffing Breakfast Cups: Press leftover stuffing into muffin tins and crack an egg on top. Bake until the egg is set.
- Sweet Potato Hash: Dice leftover sweet potatoes and cook with onions and bell peppers. Add an egg on top for extra protein.
Using leftovers adds a bit of Thanksgiving flavor to breakfast, keeping things festive while reducing food waste.
Make-Ahead Ideas to Save Time
Preparing breakfast the night before can save time and stress on Thanksgiving morning. Here are a few options:
- Overnight French Toast: Assemble the ingredients the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning.
- Slow Cooker Oatmeal: Cook oatmeal overnight with apple slices, cinnamon, and a touch of brown sugar.
- Breakfast Burritos: Wrap eggs, cheese, and sausage in tortillas, then refrigerate or freeze. Reheat in the morning.
These make-ahead ideas are perfect if you’d rather relax and enjoy Thanksgiving morning with family.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving is all about celebrating and spending time together, and starting the day with a delicious breakfast sets the right tone. Whether you prefer a quick grab-and-go option or a cozy casserole, there are endless Thanksgiving breakfast ideas to explore. Grab a few ingredients the day before, set the table, and enjoy a memorable morning with your loved ones before the big feast begins.
