23 Thanksgiving Brunch Ideas for When You Want to Start the Day Without the Stress

ByMandy Applegate

Mornings feel calmer when I plan one of these 23 Thanksgiving brunch ideas instead of rushing around the kitchen. Each dish keeps the start of the holiday relaxed and unfussy. I like knowing the food is ready while everyone eases into the day. A slow, warm beginning makes the whole holiday smoother.

Breakfast potatoes with parsley on a wooden cutting board.
Golden Breakfast Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fluffy Blueberry Pancakes

A stack of pancakes topped with blueberries and syrup sits on a plate, with a jar of syrup in the background.
Fluffy Blueberry Pancakes. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Early chatter fades the moment Fluffy Blueberry Pancakes hit the table. The light texture keeps the mood cheerful and relaxed. I stack them tall and they tend to disappear quicker than the coffee cools. They bring an easy, happy start to Thanksgiving morning without adding extra work.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Blueberry Pancakes

Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole

A wooden spoon lifts a serving of cheesy casserole with chunks of ham and potatoes from a baking dish.
Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Warm, hearty bites from Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole create a sense of calm before the busy holiday begins. Each scoop feels soothing and familiar. I enjoy how it keeps everyone full without requiring attention. Guests appreciate a stress-free brunch that feels welcoming and special.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole

Buttery Coffee Cake

Close-up of eight square pieces of crumb cake with a textured, crumbly topping.
Buttery Coffee Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A soft crumb with a sweet aroma tells everyone brunch is ready, and Buttery Coffee Cake always gets noticed. People linger near the serving plate and talk longer. I love how it pairs well with quiet morning moments. Thanksgiving starts gently when something this comforting leads the meal.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Coffee Cake

Rich Eggs Benedict Casserole

A serving of bread pudding with a creamy sauce and chopped herbs is lifted from a baking dish.
Rich Eggs Benedict Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Holiday mornings sometimes call for something that feels special, and Rich Eggs Benedict Casserole brings that feeling without creating chaos. Each serving feels like a brunch restaurant moment. I set it out and let everyone help themselves. The whole morning stays smooth because the main dish is already waiting.
Get the Recipe: Rich Eggs Benedict Casserole

Amish Cinnamon Cake

Three pieces of crumbly coffee cake with a cinnamon swirl are stacked on a plate, with two white mugs partially visible around them.
Amish Cinnamon Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

The hint of warm spice signals comfort the moment Amish Cinnamon Cake appears. Its soft texture feels calm and inviting. I like placing it beside fruit because people naturally slice off small pieces as they chat. Thanksgiving morning feels unhurried when something this cozy anchors the table.
Get the Recipe: Amish Cinnamon Cake

Hot Breakfast Sandwich

A sesame seed bagel sandwich with cream cheese, smoked salmon, red onion, cucumber, and sprouts on a plate.
Hot Breakfast Sandwich. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Quick to grab and easy to eat, Hot Breakfast Sandwich keeps energy high while people move around. No plates required makes the morning less formal. I love how it encourages relaxed conversation instead of waiting for seats. Thanksgiving brunch stays simple and enjoyable when everything feels this effortless.
Get the Recipe: Hot Breakfast Sandwich

Classic Amish Breakfast Casserole

A close-up of a serving of savory bread pudding with bacon and herbs being lifted from a white baking dish.
Classic Amish Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Tradition meets convenience when Classic Amish Breakfast Casserole shows up. People serve themselves without waiting, and the room settles into an easy rhythm. I appreciate how it keeps everyone full while the rest of the day unfolds. Thanksgiving morning becomes peaceful rather than rushed.
Get the Recipe: Classic Amish Breakfast Casserole

Easy Sheet Pan Eggs

A slice of toasted bread with a cooked egg in the center, topped with bacon, green onions, and herbs, held above a tray of similar pieces.
Easy Sheet Pan Eggs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When the oven handles the work, I can focus on enjoying the moment, which makes Easy Sheet Pan Eggs a lifesaver. People take the portion size they want. The morning keeps moving without pauses or crowding. Thanksgiving brunch stays organized without constant attention at the stove.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sheet Pan Eggs

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A dependable favorite like Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole brings comfort to the table. The cozy texture keeps guests lingering in the kitchen. I love how it invites people to grab a scoop without waiting. Thanksgiving brunch feels calm and warm when something familiar keeps everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Moist Pumpkin Muffins

A stack of pumpkin muffins in paper liners is arranged on a light surface, with small decorative pumpkins in the background.
Moist Pumpkin Muffins. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

The seasonal flavor in Moist Pumpkin Muffins makes them disappear quickly. Their soft texture keeps the morning relaxed and casual. I place a basket at the center of the table so people can grab one as they settle in. Thanksgiving brunch feels welcoming when something this cozy starts the day.
Get the Recipe: Moist Pumpkin Muffins

Hearty Breakfast Bagel Sliders

A sesame seed bagel sits on top of a serving of scrambled eggs with melted cheese on a white plate.
Hearty Breakfast Bagel Sliders. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

People stop hovering around the kitchen once Hearty Breakfast Bagel Sliders show up. The hand-held size keeps everyone moving while still enjoying something warm. I appreciate how casual they feel without losing that special holiday energy. Thanksgiving brunch becomes smoother when guests can grab food and keep chatting.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Breakfast Bagel Sliders

Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Breaded and fried patties garnished with chopped parsley are arranged on a plate next to a bowl of creamy dipping sauce with herbs.
Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A light crackle from Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes signals something fun is on the table. Each bite feels like a little celebration without requiring fuss. I like how quickly they disappear once someone tries the first one. Thanksgiving brunch gains a playful twist when these are part of the spread.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Fluffy German Pancakes

A Dutch baby pancake in a skillet topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and powdered sugar.
Fluffy German Pancakes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

The dramatic rise of Fluffy German Pancakes always turns heads. People gather near the oven just to watch. I love how they bring excitement without demanding constant attention. Thanksgiving brunch starts with energy and curiosity when something unexpected comes out of the oven.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy German Pancakes

Hearty Turkey Sausage Patties

Four browned sausage patties garnished with chopped herbs on a plate, with a fork breaking one open to show the inside.
Hearty Turkey Sausage Patties. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Strong, savory aroma leads people straight to Hearty Turkey Sausage Patties before they even reach the table. The simplicity keeps brunch relaxed, letting other dishes shine. I like how they anchor the meal with something warm and filling. A stress-free Thanksgiving morning always benefits from something dependable.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Turkey Sausage Patties

Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Close-up of cinnamon rolls drizzled with white icing on a plate.
Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sticky-sweet swirls make Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Pancakes feel like a bakery moment at home. Each bite brings comfort without slowing the morning. I enjoy how people react when they realize this is brunch, not dessert. Thanksgiving starts with excitement when something this fun appears.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Homemade Egg Bites

Egg Bites on a board with a little parsley on top.
Homemade Egg Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Whenever I want something neat and tidy that still feels special, Homemade Egg Bites deliver. They keep the table organized while offering warm, satisfying bites. I like how easy they are to serve without slowing anything down. Thanksgiving morning stays calm when people can choose exactly what they want.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Egg Bites

Buttery Blueberry Scones

A close-up of a blueberry scone with a light glaze, resting on brown parchment paper.
Buttery Blueberry Scones. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Soft centers and crisp edges make Buttery Blueberry Scones stand out on the brunch table. The gentle sweetness pairs nicely with slow morning coffee. I enjoy how easily people reach for a second piece. Thanksgiving feels relaxed when something this comforting is waiting.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Blueberry Scones

Fluffy Egg Casserole

A casserole dish containing egg casserole.
Fluffy Egg Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

The moment Fluffy Egg Casserole hits the table, the room settles into a calm rhythm. Everyone can serve themselves and take exactly what they want. I love that it lets me step away and enjoy the morning too. Thanksgiving brunch feels effortless with a dish like this.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Egg Casserole

Flaky Biscuits and Gravy

Two biscuits topped with creamy sausage gravy and garnished with fresh thyme are served on a beige plate.
Flaky Biscuits and Gravy. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Comfort arrives quickly when Flaky Biscuits and Gravy appears. People pause their conversations and focus on eating. I like the way it turns brunch into something that feels warm and steady. Thanksgiving morning gains a sense of ease when a dish like this anchors the table.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Biscuits and Gravy

Hearty Breakfast Casserole

A close-up of a spoon lifting a portion of a baked breakfast casserole dish containing vegetables, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust and garnished with a parsley leaf.
Hearty Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

When I want one dish to handle the heavy lifting, Hearty Breakfast Casserole gets the job done. Guests take what they want without waiting for anything else to finish. I appreciate how it frees up time to enjoy the moment. Thanksgiving starts more peacefully with this on the table.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Breakfast Casserole

Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes

A stack of pumpkin pancakes topped with walnuts and drizzled with syrup.
Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Seasonal spices quietly announce that Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes are on the table before anyone sees them. Their soft texture makes the morning feel warm without extra effort. I enjoy how people take one bite and immediately reach for another. Thanksgiving brunch gains a gentle holiday touch with these stacked high.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes

Classic Chicken and Waffles

A stack of waffles and fried chicken pieces with syrup being poured on top, served on a beige plate.
Classic Chicken and Waffles. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A mix of sweet and savory always brings excitement, and Classic Chicken and Waffles delivers that moment every single time. Guests start conversations about which bite they like best. I enjoy watching the plates return empty. Thanksgiving brunch becomes unforgettable when something this fun shows up.
Get the Recipe: Classic Chicken and Waffles

Golden Breakfast Potatoes

Breakfast potatoes with parsley on a wooden cutting board.
Golden Breakfast Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crisp edges meet soft centers every time Golden Breakfast Potatoes appear at brunch. People gather near the serving bowl and keep returning for one more scoop. I enjoy how dependable they are without needing attention. Thanksgiving morning gets easier when something this simple becomes everyone’s favorite bite.
Get the Recipe: Golden Breakfast Potatoes

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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