13 Thanksgiving Breakfast Ideas to Fuel Your Holiday

Pumpkin Pie French Toast
Photo: CC<3's2bake

While breakfast is likely the last meal on your mind when it comes to Thanksgiving recipes, starting the day right will fuel you for the cook-a-thon that's to come. Whether you're in the market for savory breakfasts or indulgent fall treats, all of these breakfast ideas are ready in an hour or less. Mark the occasion with a warm and cozy meal to start the day, but save your time and energy for the big event. Read on for 13 of our most festive Thanksgiving breakfast ideas.

01 of 13

Sweet Potato Waffles with Cranberry Maple Syrup

high angle looking at a few sweet potato waffles on a plate, topped with cranberry maple sauce
SunnyDaysNora

Start the morning with a celebration of fall flavors. "Followed the recipe using canned sweet potatoes (in syrup)," says reviewer Leona. "The texture was perfect and the family loved both the waffles and the cranberry maple syrup. It was a great way to begin the day and welcome autumn."

02 of 13

Cinnamon Pumpkin Waffles

high angle looking at one large cinnamon pumpkin waffle topped with whipped cream
Dianne

Buy a second can of pumpkin puree this Thanksgiving and whip up some of these festive waffles. Reviewer CC<3's2bake says, "Tender, crisp, and full of delicious flavor. We leave out the nuts and serve with whipped cream and syrup. Heaven!"

03 of 13

Spiced Pumpkin Bread

looking down at two slices of spiced pumpkin bread
It's A New Day

This simple pumpkin bread can be made ahead of time, or the morning of, in just under an hour. "Made for my wife (she loves pumpkin bread) and she won't let me make a different recipe," says reviewer Michael Tyson.

04 of 13

Three Egg Omelet

looking down at a three egg omelet on a plate
Christina

This is a hearty breakfast that will get you through the holiday cooking marathon. Recipe creator BECKY M says, "These big, easy omelets satisfy everyone! Lots of meats, vegetables, and cheese to choose from — and they're HUGE!"

05 of 13

Pumpkin Smoothie

Pumpkin Smoothie
CC<3's2bake

Note that this recipe requires you to freeze the pumpkin ahead of time. The morning of, simply microwave to soften and then add all ingredients into the blender. This quick breakfast is for you if you're more the roll-out-of-bed-halfway-through-the-parade-on-Thanksgiving type.

06 of 13

Louisiana Sweet Potato Pancakes

mid angle looking at a stack of Louisiana sweet potato pancakes
Lauren

Seasonally appropriate and all around healthier than regular pancakes, you can't go wrong with these top-rated sweet potato pancakes. Reviewer Nicole says, "I will definitely be making these again...way healthier than regular pancakes and a fun treat for the fall!"

07 of 13

Chuck's Molasses French Toast

mid angle looking at a plate with a few molasses french toast strips
hungryallweighs

Rich and decadent, the molasses gives this French toast a special occasion touch! Recipe creator cdelpm2 says, "The molasses in the batter gives this version of the classic breakfast food a caramel coating that is quite delicious."

08 of 13

Savory Sausage Sun-Dried Tomato and Pumpkin Bread Pudding

high angle looking at a skillet of savory sausage, sun-dried tomato and pumpkin bread pudding
RustinJoyfylFood

Side dish or breakfast dish? On Thanksgiving, this bread pudding can be either. "Cheesy, crispy, crunchy, and warm! This savory bread pudding is an unexpected and delightful way to use pumpkin," says recipe creator RusticJoyfylFood. "The addition of sausage makes it a main course or a hearty side dish. This dish would make a lovely addition to your Thanksgiving or holiday breakfast table."

09 of 13

Pumpkin French Toast Bake

This indulgent autumn treat can be prepared ahead of time and simply popped in the oven on Thanksgiving day. Reviewer KD JS says, "I have prepared it and baked it immediately and also let it sit overnight in the fridge — both ways it was very good."

10 of 13

Cranberry Apple Oatmeal

cheryl83
Cranberry Apple Oatmeal

Spice up basic oatmeal with ingredients you'll likely already have on hand for Thanksgiving day. Reviewer Jacqui Goeldner says, "This is now my standard recipe for oatmeal. It is delicious, a word that probably is rarely used to describe oatmeal!"

11 of 13

Pumpkin Pie French Toast

Pumpkin Pie French Toast
CC<3's2bake

Get the dessert train started early with this holiday breakfast. "I have made other pumpkin French toast recipes, and none compare to this one. I think what sets this one apart must be the cream, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract," says reviewer CC<3's2bake, "I could taste the pumpkin in this recipe and the flavor overall was great."

12 of 13

Sweet and Sassy Hash Browns

looking down at a plate full of sweet and sassy hash browns
gapch1026

Sweet potato hash browns are made sweet and spicy with chipotle chile powder, garlic powder, and brown sugar. Reviewer KatC says, "Delicious. This dish was sweet and savory at the same time. I added vegan sausage and eggs to it and made it a complete breakfast."

13 of 13

Easy Pumpkin Pancakes

overhead angle looking down at five pumpkin pancakes on a plate
Jal

Pancakes in 20 minutes? This dish was made for Thanksgiving morning. "Threw this together for my family for Thanksgiving breakfast and it was a hit. The boys asked if it was pumpkin pie! If desired, you can add chocolate chips after pancakes are poured onto the skillet, and then pat them with a bit of batter so they don't stick when turned," says recipe creator MeriB.

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