Everyone says that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but when we think about Thanksgiving Day, we tend to only think about dinner. Whether we’re spending the whole day preparing and cooking or simply holding out for the big early dinner, we can overlook breakfast. However, dinner does not have to be the only special meal that day and the deliciousness does not have to end at midnight.
Thanksgiving Morning
With the promise of amazing food on the horizon, lay the foundation for the day with breakfast. You can keep it light and sweet on Thanksgiving morning or go large and hearty to hold you over until dinner, but you’ll be sure to find a recipe that gives you an excellent start to the festivities.
4-Minute Mug Cinnamon Rolls
If you’re already facing a day full of cooking, chances are you aren't looking forward to making another meal. This is a major reason why I tend to overlook breakfast on Thanksgiving Day. These cinnamon rolls take all of that pressure off of you, at least for the morning. With ingredients you’ll likely have handy (like pancake mix, butter, sugar, and cinnamon) and your favorite mug, you can have breakfast ready in less than five minutes.
Pecan Pie Overnight Oats
If you have a little more time (and the memory to do so), you can sprinkle some thanksgiving cheer into your overnight oats. Deemed “a lighter, healthier take during the holidays,” jumpstart the day with your trusty oats and treat yourself with pecans, maple syrup, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Blueberry French Toast Casserole
For a larger serving of breakfast for the whole family, indulge in this casserole. Take French toast to the next level with cream cheese and a decadent blueberry topping, but don’t feel too limited to blueberries! With this recipe, you can try any fruit or any other topping you may like. This dish can be prepared a day or two in advance, just stick it in the oven when you’re ready, and it reheats well afterward.
Apple Chicken Sausage
This simple recipe adds some fall cheer to a favorite breakfast protein. Using ground chicken, an apple, and some seasoning, make these patties that are bursting with flavor.
Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
Everyone loves a good pancake and pumpkin is the flavor of the season. What better way to start the holiday? Pancakes are fun to make with and for the whole family. This recipe can be whipped together quickly, giving you wonderfully fluffy pancakes ready to be served with your favorite toppings.
Maple Pecan Bacon
Another great breakfast staple with a twist. Add a little sweetness and a lot more crunch to these strips of bacon and set the mood for a great thanksgiving morning
The Morning After Thanksgiving
So, you’ve had the meal of the year last night, how do you wake up? Do you immediately dig into those leftovers? If you do, check out how to use those ingredients to make a breakfast that gives dinner some competition.
Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Hash
This recipe is quick and easy and perfect to make just for yourself when you wake up craving some leftovers from the night before. Mixing turkey, stuffing, and vegetables, add gravy to keep the hash moist and rich with flavor. Topping it off with an egg makes for a well-rounded breakfast.
Turkey and Stuffing Waffles
This is a Thanksgiving twist on the classic chicken and waffles. The waffles are made of your favorite stuffing and are the perfect base for a leftover breakfast sandwich, featuring turkey, mashed potato, gravy, and anything else you want to throw in there.
Breakfast Mac and Cheese
My devotion to mac and cheese knows no bounds, so this breakfast mac and cheese is the perfect way to start my day, especially after a holiday. This dish is packed with sausage and topped with biscuit crumbs, but can always be changed to fit your taste. Add in some bacon and veggies and adjust to your spice preference. A few tweaks to a favorite side dish from the night before, and you are set for breakfast.
Turkey and Sweet Potato Frittata
Spice up your regular morning eggs with fresh vegetables, leftover turkey and sweet potatoes. This recipe is a great way to make use of any leftovers and common ingredients you may have. This frittata is full of flavor and will fill your stomach (and heart) long after the holiday ends.
Monte Cristo Sandwich
In my family, Thanksgiving also includes a ham and we’re always looking for ways to enjoy it in the days that follow. This recipe is a great way to dress up some Thanksgiving meat, so you’re never bored with it. This rich sandwich also makes a great brunch or lunch treat if breakfast is just too early.
Sweet Potato Cranberry Doughnuts
Doughnuts are the breakfast of champions, and we are all champions after Thanksgiving dinner. I cannot think of a better treat for the next day than these doughnuts. This sweet potato and cranberry pastry can be topped with or dipped in an apple cider glaze, creating this wonderful fall flavor.
Enjoy Thanksgiving with your friends and family, knowing you can have delicious food for the whole day and the next.