When Thanksgiving Day rolls around, most of us will be operating on a strict game plan. Apps will be prepped, turkey is on a schedule, your sister is on pie duty and you’ve selected the perfect bottle of vino to round out the feast. Although you’ve thought through every detail of the dinner, odds are you’re forgetting one important thing: breakfast. In the midst of the holiday chaos, you’ve neglected the most important meal of the day, and Thanksgiving calls for something special. We’ve put together our top picks for easy and seasonal morning meals that are perfect for a crowd. Your guests will appreciate it, and your tummy will too.
1. Bacon and Cheddar Waffles With Caramelized Apples: The balance between sweet and savory is perfection in this decadent morning meal. Give yourself a head start by cooking the bacon a day or two in advance. (via In Sock Monkey Slippers)
2. Festive Fruit With Rosemary and Vanilla-Rooibos Syrup: Before the turkey and carb feeding frenzy begins, start your morning on the right foot with this gorgeous seasonal salad. Make the syrup in advance so all you have to do is slice up some fruit in the morning. (via The First Mess)
3. Simple Baked Eggs: Everyone loves an egg in the morning, but making them for a crowd can be tricky. Baking them is a much gentler (and forgiving!) way to prepare them, and you can make several at a time. If you don’t have individual ramekins, you can use a shallow glass or ceramic baking dish. (via Minimalist Baker)
4. Overnight Spiced Sugar Buns: Fresh morning buns are hard to beat, but they can be daunting because of the many steps. The dough gets made and shaped the night before in this recipe, so in the morning all you have to do is proof and bake. Morning buns and extra sleep? We’ll take it. (via Top With Cinnamon)
5. Bloody Mary Bar: Now this is a party. A DIY bloody mary bar with all the fixin’s is sure to get those festive vibes flowing. Just be sure to enjoy responsibly so you don’t forget about that turkey in the oven! (via FoodieCrush)
6. Bacon and Egg Breakfast Muffin: Eggs and bacon have never been so convenient. If your house needs a grab-and-go option on Thanksgiving (think last-minute runs to the grocery store or that turkey trot 5K) we’ve got you covered. (via Recipe Tin Eats)
7. Farmers Market Scramble: Because they only require one pan, scrambles are a great way to cook for a crowd. Make this the day after your turkey feast to use up leftover veggies. (via Williams-Sonoma Taste)
8. Toasted Coconut Granola: It doesn’t get much easier than this. Whip up a batch of this seriously delish granola several days in advance and keep it handy for quick breakfasts and snacks all weekend. (via Brooklyn Supper)
9. Hash Brown Egg Nests With Avocado: Store-bought frozen hashbrowns make these savory little cakes a cinch when you’ve got a house full of hungry mouths. They get baked in a muffin tin, so you can prep ’em and forget ’em for a bit — no standing over a hot stove while your coffee gets cold. (via The Cooking Jar)
10. Baked Pumpkin Cream Cheese French Toast: If you’re looking for that special decadent dish to make into a yearly tradition, look no further. Cinnamon roll-meets-pumpkin bread-meets-streusel topping in this baked version of french toast. You may want to consider making a double batch… (via Damn Delicious)
11. Butternut Squash and Kale Tart: This tart is hearty but chock full of vitamins and good fiber from all the seasonal veggies. It also makes a gorgeous presentation at your breakfast table. (via Passports and Pancakes)
12. Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte With Homemade Salted Pumpkin Spice Syrup: Forget about trying to squeeze in a coffee run between turkey bastings. With this recipe you’ll be making your favorite PSL at home in your PJs. (via Oh She Glows)
13. Ham and Cheese Spinach Puffs: For those who can’t choose between eggs or pastry, we’ve got a recipe for you. Shaping these also makes a fun activity for any kiddos in the house. (via Eatwell 101)
14. Savory Pumpkin Cornbread Waffles: For times when an ordinary piece of toast simply won’t do, we give you the savory waffle. Make a big batch of these in the morning and leave it to your guests to re-toast and top as they please. (via Minimalist Baker)
15. Spinach, Fontina and Artichoke Breakfast Pasta Hash: When carb-loading is the name of the game, turn to this pasta hash. It’s the kitchen sink of breakfasts, and fueling for that Thanksgiving cooking marathon has never been so tasty. (via Half Baked Harvest)
16. Sweet Potato Pancakes With Coconut Whipped Cream: This is the perfect way to use up the last of those leftover sweet potatoes. In fact, make a few extra just to be sure. These are too good to miss! (via How Sweet Eats)
17. Quinoa Pumpkin Porridge: If oatmeal seems a little too ordinary for the holiday weekend, try a less traditional grain in your porridge, like this quinoa version. You’ll be fueled with plenty of energy to get through that morning session of flag football. (via Detoxinista)
18. Pumpkin Bread: If you’ll be a guest at Thanksgiving, consider bringing a homemade breakfast bread, like this pumpkin loaf. It’s a thoughtful way of providing breakfast or a snack for your host without using precious oven time on the big day. (via Alexandra’s Kitchen)
What’s your favorite way to start the day on a holiday morning? Tell us in the comments below!
