I Never Skip 29 Thanksgiving Breakfast Ideas On Holiday Morning

Holiday mornings need a game plan, and breakfast is the first line of defense. This list of 29 ideas keeps the troops fed while the big meal is still hours away. It’s basically crowd control with coffee on the side. Skip it, and you’ll be carving the turkey while fending off hanger and unsolicited cooking advice.

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

Amish Breakfast Casserole

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

Family always gets up fast when breakfast is served in big slices from a warm pan. Amish Breakfast Casserole holds together well, so everyone gets something filling before all the holiday action starts. People never need reminders to grab seconds. There’s usually nothing left by midday.
Get the Recipe: Amish Breakfast Casserole

Sourdough Bread

Sliced loaf of bread on a cutting board with a knife beside it.
Sourdough Bread. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A loaf on the table brings everyone together, no matter how busy the morning gets. Sourdough Bread is crisp outside with soft slices inside, making it just right for butter or a quick swipe of jam. Everyone claims a piece before the rest of breakfast is ready. Big meals start best with fresh bread in reach.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Bread

Ham and Potato Casserole

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

Big, square portions make this the easiest way to please a lot of sleepy heads. Ham and Potato Casserole packs enough flavor to carry a crowd straight through to lunchtime. Warm plates keep the kitchen busy until they’re scraped clean. This bake always gets asked for again.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Potato Casserole

Creamy Banana Avocado Bread Recipe

Sliced loaf of chocolate chip banana avocado bread on a white surface. The bread has a golden-brown crust with chocolate chips on top and visible throughout the slices.
Creamy Banana Avocado Bread Recipe. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Lighter breads can be a surprise treat to go with stronger coffee and richer foods. Creamy Banana Avocado Bread Recipe slices up soft, stores well, and even pairs great for snacks later. People grab a slice without any fuss. More than once, it’s vanished before the main meal is finished.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Banana Avocado Bread Recipe

Shrimp and Grits

A bowl of creamy grits topped with shrimp in a tomato-based sauce and garnished with fresh parsley.
Shrimp and Grits. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bowls fill fast when people see this Southern classic on the breakfast table. Shrimp and Grits bring comfort and a little flair that gets the holiday started on the right foot. Seconds and thirds are common when this is served. I always hear questions about the recipe from curious guests.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

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

Bringing out a tray of these in the morning makes everyone rush to grab a seat. Homemade Cinnamon Rolls come apart easily and fill the house with a smell nobody ignores. Sticky fingers are everywhere, but no complaints ever happen. Rolls go so quickly you’d think they were never baked.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Cheese Grits

Creamy polenta in a skillet, topped with chopped herbs and black pepper, and stirred with a wooden spoon.
Cheese Grits. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Simple bowls keep everyone happy while they wait for the main event. Cheese Grits scoop rich and smooth for big groups and always get requests for refills. This is one of the meals people mention after a long day. There is never a need for extra toppings, everyone loves it as is.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Grits

Avocado Toast

Various avocado toasts with toppings including cherry tomatoes, fried eggs, black olives, and feta cheese on a parchment-lined surface.
Avocado Toast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Slices go fast when something green and creamy is laid out next to fresh bread. Avocado Toast puts smiles on faces and makes mornings feel easy with not much effort at all. You never see leftovers with this one. Most ask for it again week after week.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Close-up of a tater tot breakfast casserole topped with melted cheese, sliced green onions, and chopped herbs.
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Pans of crispy bites seem to disappear even quicker when extra relatives stay over. Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is fun to serve and fills hungry stomachs before busy mornings. It’s always the first dish cleaned out. People keep asking if there’s ever a second batch.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Zucchini Muffins

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

Small muffins keep hands busy and make quick work for a crowd at breakfast. Zucchini Muffins are soft and easy to grab, so plates stay neat and people stay full. Kids ask for these on repeat. There’s rarely ever any extras to save for later.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Muffins

Pancake Casserole

A baked French toast casserole topped with powdered sugar, sliced strawberries, and blueberries in a white dish.
Pancake Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A bake with stacked fluffy slices draws attention without fancy extras needed. Pancake Casserole is an easy way to share breakfast during holiday chaos, piling high for everyone to dig in. Sharing the leftovers turns into lunch most of the time. No one ever dislikes a second helping.
Get the Recipe: Pancake Casserole

Best Zucchini Bread

Sliced zucchini bread on a white surface, showing a moist interior with visible green flecks of zucchini.
Best Zucchini Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Loaves with veggies seem to win the morning for anyone who wants something lighter. Best Zucchini Bread is always grabbed for snacks too, so it doesn’t last past breakfast. Slices come out neat for everyone. You’ll hear about it even after the holiday rush is done.
Get the Recipe: Best Zucchini Bread

Pumpkin Spiced Muffins

A stack of pumpkin spiced muffins on a plate.
Pumpkin Spiced Muffins. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

You know muffins are a win when they vanish before you set the serving tray down. Pumpkin Spiced Muffins are requested by name once people know what’s inside. No extras ever make it to lunch. Smiles show up every time a batch is made.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spiced Muffins

Sheet Pan Pancakes

Three rectangular slices of baked fruit-studded cake, topped with powdered sugar, are stacked on a white plate.
Sheet Pan Pancakes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Preparing breakfast in one pan means less mess and faster plates for everyone. Sheet Pan Pancakes hold up well for early guests and keep the kitchen calm during busy mornings. Easy to cut and share, they’re always a first pick. This recipe comes up every time people plan holiday mornings with me.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pancakes

Breakfast Potatoes

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

Plates fill up quickly when there is something bold and warm on the menu. Breakfast Potatoes are crunchy and pair with almost anything, making sure guests don’t skip breakfast. No matter the crowd, these are gone before you blink. The tray is always cleared first.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Potatoes

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

A close-up of a sourdough cinnamon roll topped with creamy icing and a sprinkle of cinnamon on a plate.
Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Spreading out these rolls in the morning gives a strong, tangy kick that wakes people up. Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls are soft but have structure, which makes pulling them apart even more enjoyable. Even kids are excited for breakfast with these around. Nobody ever complains about too many rolls.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Hashbrown Casserole

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

There’s never any trouble getting people to gather when hashbrowns are on the table. Hashbrown Casserole bakes up golden and pairs well with all the usual holiday sides. It’s a simple crowd favorite. Plates come back empty every time.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Easy Pumpkin Pancakes

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

Flipping pancakes that smell this good means people get up early just for a spot at the table. Easy Pumpkin Pancakes are simple to stack and vanish with or without syrup. Always asked for by name, these keep coming up for every big breakfast. Nobody gets tired of pancakes on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Pancakes

Fried Banana

A close up of a plate of fried bananas with sauce.
Fried Banana. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Quick fruit treats are easy for extra guests to pass around with coffee. Fried Banana is warm and soft, perfect for light snacking before a big holiday meal. Kids pick these out first. No leftovers make it past breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana

Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Close-up of a savory biscuit with a creamy ham filling, looking like a gourmet twist on a Biscuits and Gravy Casserole, served elegantly on a plate.
Biscuits and Gravy Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Putting biscuits together in a pan with creamy sauce pulls people out of bed before you even call. Biscuits and Gravy Casserole is hearty and helps everyone settle in for a long morning. It’s the first thing gone, no matter how much you make. Family always asks for it next time.
Get the Recipe: Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Waffles

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

Big batches mean you can serve a lot of hungry guests at once. Waffles bring sweetness and crunch to mornings, making sure everyone grabs one before heading off. No two waffles are alike once toppings hit the table. They get requested at every holiday breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Waffles

Sausage Balls

Plate of crispy fried dumplings with chopped herbs, served with a bowl of brown dipping sauce.
Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Small bites like these help fill up plates while people wait for other food to finish up. Sausage Balls stack easily and are always gone before anyone is finished with coffee. Kids are especially quick to spot them. You’ll see empty trays in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls

Cinnamon Roll Casserole

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

Combining sticky sweetness in a single pan helps kick off breakfast for a full house. Cinnamon Roll Casserole is easier to serve without losing any flavor or fun. Plates pile up until nothing remains. Everyone looks for extra icing on the side.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Casserole

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.
Pumpkin Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sweet loaves bring a gentle start for everybody, even when the day is packed. Pumpkin Bread slices up for snacks later so no one misses out. Each bite goes well with coffee or just on its own. You’ll want to save a piece for later, if any remain.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bread

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

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

Light breakfasts don’t feel skimpy when these pancakes are served hot. Cottage Cheese Pancakes work well for anyone who wants something cozy but not heavy. They’re always gone faster than expected. This is the dish most people ask about later.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Blueberry Scones

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

Soft bread with fruit is easy to share and quick to run out before the morning rush ends. Blueberry Scones are stacked on the counter and almost never make it past breakfast. People ask for extras just to take home. There are smiles at first taste, always.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Scones

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.
Egg Prosciutto Bagel. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bagels with something extra always hit the spot for holiday mornings. Egg Prosciutto Bagel is a step up from regular breakfast and pairs well with everything else on the menu. Adults get enthusiastic about these simple upgrades. Talking about them happens long after breakfast is done.
Get the Recipe: Egg Prosciutto Bagel

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.

Muffins feel special when they look as good as anything at the coffee shop. Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are a top pick for friends who wake up hungry. These vanish fast, no matter how big the batch. Everyone insists they get made again next year.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Sourdough Waffles

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

Guests move quickly when waffles are stacked fresh alongside strong coffee. Sourdough Waffles are crisp and chewy, giving breakfast some sparkle before the holiday rush. Plates stay busy from start to finish. It’s the first breakfast request every time the family visits.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Waffles

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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