The Perfect Morning-After Vegan Brunch
The morning after Thanksgiving has a vibe all its own — cozy, slow, and full of leftovers waiting for transformation. Whether you’re hosting overnight guests, planning a relaxed family morning, or simply recovering from the holiday feast, having a go-to vegan Thanksgiving brunch menu makes the day easy and enjoyable.
Brunch the next day doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch. With a few creative twists, you can turn your leftovers into satisfying new dishes that taste like something fresh and intentional — not just reheated odds and ends. From savory breakfast casseroles to sweet pumpkin waffles and colorful fruit platters, these vegan Thanksgiving brunch ideas are simple, delicious, and sure to please every palate.
And as you enjoy your slow, gratitude-filled morning, consider pairing your coffee or tea with something that shares your values — sustainable comfort. Check out The Dharma Store, where you’ll find vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton. They’re soft, eco-conscious, and perfect for lounging through a cozy post-holiday morning.
1. Vegan Sweet Potato Pancakes with Maple Pecan Syrup
Start your morning with something warm and fluffy. Sweet potatoes, one of Thanksgiving’s biggest stars, make the perfect pancake base.
How to make it:
Mash leftover roasted sweet potatoes and mix them into your favorite vegan pancake batter. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of vanilla for extra flavor. Cook on a lightly oiled skillet until golden brown.
Serve with: Maple syrup warmed with chopped pecans and a little vegan butter. It’s rich, comforting, and a great way to use up leftover sweet potato puree or casserole (minus the toppings).
2. Savory Tofu Breakfast Scramble
If you’re craving something savory, a tofu scramble is a quick, protein-packed option that feels hearty without being heavy.
How to make it:
Crumble firm tofu into a pan and sauté with onions, garlic, and leftover roasted veggies like peppers, mushrooms, or Brussels sprouts. Add turmeric for color, black salt for that “eggy” flavor, and finish with nutritional yeast.
Pro tip: Stir in a few spoonfuls of leftover vegan gravy for extra flavor and creaminess. Serve with toast or leftover rolls.
3. Leftover Stuffing Waffles
Yes, waffles — made from your leftover vegan stuffing. It’s one of the easiest and most creative ways to reinvent Thanksgiving leftovers for brunch.
How to make it:
Press your leftover stuffing into a waffle iron (lightly greased) and cook until crispy and golden. The result? A savory, crunchy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside waffle that pairs perfectly with cranberry sauce or vegan gravy.
Serve with: Sautéed mushrooms, avocado slices, or a drizzle of vegan hollandaise for an upscale brunch feel.
4. Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
If you prefer something light but seasonal, pumpkin pie overnight oats are perfect — they taste like dessert but deliver a nutritious start to the day.
How to make it:
Combine rolled oats, plant milk, a spoonful of leftover pumpkin puree, maple syrup, chia seeds, cinnamon, and a dash of vanilla extract. Refrigerate overnight, then top with crushed pecans and a dollop of coconut yogurt in the morning.
Pro tip: These oats can double as an easy grab-and-go breakfast if you’re traveling the day after Thanksgiving.
5. Vegan Breakfast Hash with Leftover Veggies
A breakfast hash is an all-in-one solution for leftover roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes, or any other veggies from your holiday feast.
How to make it:
Chop everything into bite-sized pieces and pan-fry with olive oil, garlic, and onions until crispy. Add a handful of kale or spinach near the end for freshness.
Flavor booster: A drizzle of tahini sauce or vegan aioli ties it all together. Serve hot in a skillet for that classic brunch aesthetic.
6. Cranberry Orange Scones
Scones make a wonderful companion to your morning coffee or tea, and they’re surprisingly easy to bake.
How to make it:
Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Cut in vegan butter, then add a splash of plant milk, orange zest, and a few spoonfuls of leftover cranberry sauce. Mix until just combined, form into rounds, and bake until golden.
The result is a light, tender scone with the perfect blend of tart and sweet — a true brunch winner.
7. Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
When you’re serving a group, baked oatmeal is the perfect make-ahead brunch dish. It’s hearty, hands-off, and smells amazing while baking.
How to make it:
Combine rolled oats, diced apples, cinnamon, plant milk, maple syrup, and a bit of flaxseed meal. Pour into a baking dish and bake until golden. Serve warm with almond butter or a drizzle of coconut cream.
Bonus: You can reheat leftovers easily or enjoy them cold the next day — it’s meal prep-friendly and family-approved.
8. Vegan Breakfast Casserole with Bread and Veggies
Think of this as a cross between a strata and a savory bread pudding — perfect for using up leftover bread and vegetables.
How to make it:
Layer cubed bread (like sourdough or rolls), sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and onions in a baking dish. Whisk together a mixture of silken tofu, nutritional yeast, turmeric, salt, and pepper for the “egg” base, then pour it over the bread. Bake until set and golden.
Serve with: A side of cranberry sauce for brightness or a drizzle of hot sauce for a savory kick.
9. Maple Glazed Vegan Donuts
If you want to go the sweet route, baked vegan donuts are a cozy treat that feels special but doesn’t require deep frying.
How to make it:
Mix flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, plant milk, and melted coconut oil. Bake in a donut pan, then glaze with maple syrup and powdered sugar.
They’re soft, spiced, and perfect with your morning coffee or tea.
10. Cozy Vegan Chai Lattes and Hot Chocolate Bar
No brunch is complete without something warm to sip on. Setting up a small DIY drink bar adds a festive touch to your post-Thanksgiving morning.
Ideas for your drink station:
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Vegan chai lattes with oat milk and cinnamon sticks
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Peppermint hot chocolate made with coconut milk and cocoa
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Apple cider simmered with cloves and star anise
Serving tip: Set out mugs, toppings like coconut whipped cream or vegan marshmallows, and let guests build their own cozy drink.
Hosting Tips for a Stress-Free Post-Thanksgiving Brunch
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Prep ahead.
Chop vegetables, mix batters, and set your table the night before so your morning feels relaxed. -
Use leftovers smartly.
Don’t let your fridge overwhelm you. Transform what’s there into new dishes — think cranberry sauce as jam or mashed potatoes as waffle batter. -
Keep it casual.
Thanksgiving dinner is formal — your brunch doesn’t have to be. Use simple table settings, self-serve platters, and minimal cleanup options. -
Offer variety.
Combine a few sweet and savory options so everyone finds something they love. -
Go eco-friendly.
Use cloth napkins, reusable plates, and sustainable decorations like candles or greenery.
And if you’re looking for another way to keep things sustainable, check out The Dharma Store — their organic cotton vegan t-shirts make great gifts for guests or cozy morning wear for you.
Bonus: Easy Vegan Brunch Platter Idea
For a simple yet impressive presentation, build a vegan brunch platter that includes:
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Mini bagels or croissants
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Vegan cream cheese and jams
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Fresh fruit and nuts
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Mini muffins or baked goods
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Leftover cranberry sauce as a dip for pancakes or waffles
Arrange everything on a large wooden board for a relaxed, shareable vibe that feels festive without being fussy.
A Relaxed Start to the Day
Your Thanksgiving celebration doesn’t have to end with dinner — it can continue into a cozy, delicious brunch that keeps the gratitude (and good food) going. These vegan Thanksgiving brunch ideas are designed to be flexible, low-stress, and fun to make, even if you’re still feeling the post-feast haze.
Whether you go sweet with pumpkin pancakes or savory with a breakfast casserole, the key is to enjoy the slow pace, good company, and comforting flavors of the season.
So pour that second cup of coffee, grab a plate, and savor a vegan brunch that celebrates everything you love about Thanksgiving — all over again.