37 Thanksgiving Brunch Ideas Worth Keeping On Rotation

Thanksgiving isn’t just for the big dinner anymore. A good brunch keeps the crowd in good spirits long before the carving begins. With 37 brunch ideas to mix and match, hosting turns into something even the early risers look forward to. It’s food with purpose, keeping family calm, friends cheerful, and everyone pretending the kitchen isn’t already a full-on operation.

Cornbread muffins topped with sliced jalapeños in white paper liners, arranged on a wooden surface.
Spicy Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Fluffy Blueberry Muffins

A close-up of a blueberry muffin with a bite taken out, showing the moist interior and whole blueberries; other muffins and loose blueberries are in the background.
Fluffy Blueberry Muffins. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Plates always empty fast when a good batch comes out warm. Fluffy Blueberry Muffins get grabbed first for both breakfast and snack. Crumbs end up everywhere but nobody cares. People keep asking for one more until the tray is gone.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Blueberry Muffins

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.

Easy wins at brunch when one dish covers everything. Forks line up quick for Classic Amish Breakfast Casserole since it keeps bellies full for hours. Extra cheese means everyone is fighting for an edge piece. There is never a single square left when the meal ends.
Get the Recipe: Classic Amish Breakfast Casserole

Spiced Pumpkin Bread

A close-up of a sliced loaf of pumpkin bread with a light tan glaze dripped over the top. The bread has a moist and textured look, with visible air bubbles throughout.
Spiced Pumpkin Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bringing something sweet to brunch never fails to get people moving. Slices of Spiced Pumpkin Bread vanish as fast as you can plate them up. The loaf always gets finished before anyone can grab a second cup of coffee. Everyone agrees it is worth repeating.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Bread

Moist Zucchini Muffins

Close-up of several zucchini muffins on a plate, with one muffin split in half to show its moist, textured interior.
Moist Zucchini Muffins. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Extra soft texture surprises everyone who thought they didn’t like zucchini. Plates piled with Moist Zucchini Muffins look empty within minutes. People sneak a few for the road. These muffins somehow always run out before the chatter stops.
Get the Recipe: Moist Zucchini Muffins

Fluffy Pumpkin Pancake

A stack of pancakes with whipped cream and nuts.
Fluffy Pumpkin Pancake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Starting brunch with these pancakes makes waking up a lot easier. Fluffy Pumpkin Pancake gets topped with all kinds of extras and nobody skips seconds. There is always a debate about what goes best with them. Stacks shrink fast as people reach for more.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Pumpkin Pancake

Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Close-up of a muffin with a bite taken out, topped with cream and pumpkin seeds.
Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Those meals when you want something sweet but filling hit different with these. People who spot Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins grab more than one every time. Cream cheese swirls bring a little wow without much effort. Folks keep asking if there’s another tray.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Crispy Homemade Waffles

Freshly made waffles on a plate with strawberries.
Crispy Homemade Waffles. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Big brunches mean carving out time for something golden. Plates with Crispy Homemade Waffles get showered in various toppings every time they land. There is always a line for a corner piece. One batch usually isn’t enough for the whole table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Homemade Waffles

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

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

Nothing brings people to the table like a big pan of crispy potatoes. Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole disappears before people pour their first cup of coffee. Nobody waits for seconds—plates just keep filling. Everyone waits for that perfect bite from the crispy top.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Golden Breakfast Potatoes

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

Plates feel more complete with something crispy sitting next to the eggs. Golden Breakfast Potatoes spark quick conversations over favorite dips. All that crunch keeps people coming back for more. Seconds go surprisingly fast every time.
Get the Recipe: Golden Breakfast Potatoes

Glazed Cinnamon Toast Crunch Donuts

Two glazed donuts topped with crumbled cereal pieces are placed on a white surface.
Glazed Cinnamon Toast Crunch Donuts. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweets keep the mood light when brunch goes on a little too long. People dunk Glazed Cinnamon Toast Crunch Donuts right into coffee like it’s nothing. Kids sneak a second before anyone notices. There is always a little extra buzz when these show up.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Cinnamon Toast Crunch Donuts

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.

On mornings that last a bit longer nobody complains about handheld food. Serving Hearty Breakfast Bagel Sliders makes it easy to chat and move around. Filling without being too heavy these stand up to the busiest day. Sometimes people call dibs on the last one right away.
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.

You know a brunch is good when people eat with their hands and smile. Bowls of Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes work their way around the table until they are emptied. There is always talk about making more next time. Everyone likes a bit of crunch that keeps you reaching in.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

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.

Mornings when you want something a bit nice without extra fuss make this a win. Rich Eggs Benedict Casserole usually gets sliced up before you even pull out plates. Creamy layers win lots of fans. People ask what makes it so different from all the others.
Get the Recipe: Rich Eggs Benedict Casserole

Moist Banana Bread

Close-up of a sliced banana bread loaf, showcasing its moist, textured interior with visible banana chunks.
Moist Banana Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sometimes all you need is a loaf that barely makes it to the end of brunch. Plates fill with Moist Banana Bread as soon as it cools. Slices go quick and leftovers never last. The batch always disappears before the last chat wraps up.
Get the Recipe: Moist Banana Bread

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.

Small and grabby is perfect when crowds are hungry and ready to mingle. Trays of Moist Pumpkin Muffins walk themselves out in minutes. There’s always someone who grabs two more before leaving. People end up asking for the recipe to repeat it at home.
Get the Recipe: Moist Pumpkin Muffins

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.

A protein boost in the morning just hits different when served hot. Hearty Turkey Sausage Patties keep plates busy and pair with almost any side. Eat them on their own or in a sandwich—every serving goes quick. People hope there’s a few left for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Turkey Sausage Patties

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.

Brunch gets a boost when you bring out something crumbly and sweet. Buttery Coffee Cake piles up on napkins and dishes as people mill around. The top always breaks apart in the best way. There are lots of requests for another piece before everything is picked clean.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Coffee Cake

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.

Not every brunch idea needs to be fancy to impress the crew. Easy Sheet Pan Eggs get sliced up fast so everyone gets an equal share. Seconds are common since they pair with every side. Plates are always ready for one more square.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sheet Pan Eggs

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.

Watching these pancakes puff up never gets old during brunch. Fluffy German Pancakes fill out plates faster than you can serve them. Each wedge holds up well to syrup and fruit. No one bothers cutting small pieces when everyone wants a bigger slice.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy German Pancakes

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.

Light bites are perfect for long conversations and extra coffee. Buttery Blueberry Scones sit out till they vanish without much notice. There’s always a little leftover sprinkle of sugar on every plate. People love to share them or sneak them to go.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Blueberry Scones

Sweet Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Close-up of a dish of warm cinnamon rolls topped with white glaze.
Sweet Cinnamon Roll Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweets on the table mean brunch just feels complete. People take big scoops of Sweet Cinnamon Roll Casserole as soon as the icing melts. Leftovers are rare and usually vanish by lunch. Requests come in for this at every family get-together.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Homemade Egg Bites

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

Easy bites turn into the hit of every brunch when they feed a hungry crowd. Plates fill up with Homemade Egg Bites until only empty wrappers are left. Nobody counts how many they eat. Everyone checks for more even when it looks like they’re all gone.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Egg Bites

Crispy Sourdough Waffles

Two stacked waffles with a bite taken out, topped with banana slices, blueberries, and a pat of butter.
Crispy Sourdough Waffles. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Everyone smiles when these extra crispy waffles make the lineup. Crispy Sourdough Waffles have people fighting for corners just for that crunch. Toppings just add to the fun but you really only need the waffle. People ask for leftovers and quickly find out there aren’t any.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sourdough Waffles

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.

Mixing big flavors for one big dish cuts stress for feeding friends or family. Slices of Hearty Breakfast Casserole land on every plate and seconds are just as fast. Seconds always go to the hungriest at the table. Leftovers are a myth with this brunch mainstay.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Breakfast Casserole

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.

Everybody wants their pancakes to taste like something special on a slow morning. Once Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Pancakes hit the table plates fill up with sticky sweetness. More syrup is always poured no matter how much is on top. People keep talking about them long after they’re gone.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Soft Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls in a pan with icing.
Soft Homemade Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

You always know brunch is solid when the smell lingers from the kitchen. Soft Homemade Cinnamon Rolls always go missing so quick you wonder if you made enough. That soft center is what everyone fights for. People pretend they want just one but always grab two.
Get the Recipe: Soft Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

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.

Keeping brunch casual but still filling is a win with these. Grabbing a Hot Breakfast Sandwich lets everyone eat and move around as they please. Stack some sides next to it and you’ve got a meal nobody argues with. Seconds are called before the first sandwich is gone.
Get the Recipe: Hot Breakfast Sandwich

Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes

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

Big flavor in pancakes keeps plates full and everyone happy. When Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes are on the table forks clear stacks quick. There’s always someone asking if you’ll make them again. The last one goes before the griddle has cooled.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes

Savory Egg Prosciutto Bagel

Close-up of a savory pastry topped with a sunny-side-up egg, sliced ham, yellow bell pepper, and garnished with chopped parsley, served on a sesame seed bun.
Savory Egg Prosciutto Bagel. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

People love when brunch brings together new flavors in a fun sandwich. Cutting up Savory Egg Prosciutto Bagel means everyone gets a try. Salt and heft keep you full for hours. Your family will ask for these again for sure.
Get the Recipe: Savory Egg Prosciutto Bagel

Fluffy Cottage Cheese Pancakes

A stack of four fluffy pancakes topped with fresh raspberries, pear slices, and a drizzle of syrup.
Fluffy Cottage Cheese Pancakes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Light but filling gets the job done for hungry brunch crowds. Fluffy Cottage Cheese Pancakes have a way of staying extra soft and stackable. More syrup just feels right with these. No one leaves the table without finishing their share.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Buttery Cheddar Biscuits

A close-up of several golden-brown biscuits stacked on parchment paper, garnished with a few sprigs of fresh herbs.
Buttery Cheddar Biscuits. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fluffy sides set the tone for relaxed brunches with friends. Warm batches of Buttery Cheddar Biscuits get torn apart the second they hit the basket. No butter required but it never hurts. By the end someone always asks if there’s more.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Cheddar Biscuits

Moist Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins

A plate of blueberry muffins with crumb topping, arranged in a pile.
Moist Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Rich bites matter at brunch when you want something sweet but not too heavy. Moist Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins bring everyone back for an extra one before seconds. Little pockets of filling keep things interesting. The plate is cleared out before you notice.
Get the Recipe: Moist Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins

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.

Bringing together savory and sweet always gets the table buzzing. Classic Chicken and Waffles is the kind of dish that draws people in for a little bit of everything. Every fork is busy balancing both pieces. These plates never make it back to the kitchen with food left.
Get the Recipe: Classic Chicken and Waffles

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.

Plates refill over and over when berries make their way into pancakes. Once Fluffy Blueberry Pancakes get served everyone wants a second helping. More often than not, you wind up making double the batch. Cleanup is easy since there’s nothing leftover anyway.
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.

Heavy meals don’t always have to mean stress in the kitchen. Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole keep everyone fueled for another cup of coffee. Hearty bites go great with whatever else is cooking. Not even a crumb is left in the dish.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole

Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake

A stack of pumpkin coffee cake squares with crumb topping and white glaze, arranged on a wooden board.
Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Something sweet and spiced makes waking up fun for a crowd. People go for extra slices of Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake even after their first plate is empty. Those crumbly tops win everyone over. Leftovers are rare and never last till the afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Spicy Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins

Cornbread muffins topped with sliced jalapeños in white paper liners, arranged on a wooden surface.
Spicy Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Sweet and spicy at brunch is the move when you want something new. Folks who spot Spicy Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins grab a couple while talking about how good they are. These muffins always get finished quick. The last one is usually up for grabs in a friendly rush.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins

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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