55 Breakfast Recipes To Start Your Day

When you think of breakfast, there are probably a few dishes that come to mind. If you're in a rush, you might grab a piece of toast, a quick bowl of oatmeal, or some yogurt. On weekends, you might turn toward classics like pancakes, waffles, eggs, or bacon. While these are all certainly delicious options, there is far more to explore when it comes to the most important meal of the day.

Here, we've rounded up 55 of our favorite breakfast recipes, with options to suit pretty much any occasion. Whether you're in a time crunch, looking for your next weekend project, or cooking for a crowd, you're bound to find a stand-out dish. Plus, the recipes we've included cover a range of dietary restrictions and lifestyles, with choices for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free eaters. From smoothies and overnight oats to savory noodle soups and laminated pastries, you're bound to find your new favorite breakfast.

These cinnamon rolls, laced with raspberry jam, offer a surprising twist on a weekend classic. The dough comes together quickly with the help of a stand mixer and uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. The raspberry jam, meanwhile, adds tangy, fruity complexity to the flavors of a traditional cinnamon roll. Keep in mind that these will need to rise twice before baking: first for 30 minutes and then for 15.

Recipe: Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls

For the best of both worlds, try these muffins that combine the joys of both banana and zucchini bread. The fruit and vegetable mix — with the help of Greek yogurt — keeps these muffins ultra-moist and gives them a nutritious boost. Even better is the fact that these muffins come together in just 30 minutes, meaning they don't only have to be reserved for special occasions. Rather, they can make for a perfect weekday treat.

Recipe: Zucchini Banana Bread Muffins

Chilaquiles are the ideal breakfast for anyone who wants to start their day with something savory and spicy. Consisting primarily of crispy tortilla chips simmered in salsa and topped with fried eggs, chilaquiles are a traditional breakfast dish hailing from Mexico. This version uses store-bought tortilla chips and pre-made salsa to expedite the cooking process. A topping of eggs, crema, Cotija cheese, diced onion, and cilantro, balance the heat and round out the dish.

Recipe: Chilaquiles

Overnight oats have surged in popularity, and for good reason: Thanks to their minimal prep time and endless flavor possibilities, they're ultra-versatile and easy to throw together on a whim. This version mimics the flavors of traditional apple pie, layering creamy oats with apple butter and brown sugar-stewed apples. Because these oats need at least eight hours in the fridge, they're the perfect dish to prepare in advance and enjoy on busy weekday mornings.

Recipe: Overnight Oat Parfait

For context, this recipe is not for the traditional Jamaican rum cake — also known as "black cake" — that's served at Christmastime. Rather, this dish incorporates the flavors of an American-style bundt cake with an abundance of Jamaican rum. Vanilla pudding mix helps keep the batter extra-moist, as does the rum-and-vanilla syrup that infuses the cake. The final result is a rich, decadent breakfast or brunch dish that is sure to please. 

Recipe: Jamaican Rum Cake

This recipe comes via Gabe Kennedy, winner of ABC's "The Taste" — and it comes together in just 20 minutes total. Despite using a simple ingredient list of just butter, white onion, eggs, lox, and chives, this scramble manages to pack a flavorful punch. These eggs would go perfectly with a side of buttered toast, but they are just as delicious served on their own.

Recipe: L.E.O. (Lox, Eggs and Onions)

If you want to take your pancakes up a notch — literally — then this might be the recipe for you. Whipping egg whites separately from the rest of the ingredients introduces more air into the batter, resulting in pancakes that are airy, fluffy, and tall. These pancakes make for an impressive-looking dish, but they are actually fairly quick and easy to make. Top with raspberries and maple syrup for a luxurious morning treat.

Recipe: Soufflé Pancakes

While undeniably delicious, quiches can be difficult and time-consuming to make. This recipe streamlines the process by relying on a store-bought pie crust. The filling is also a breeze to prepare, requiring just eggs, bacon, heavy cream, milk, and seasonings. Keeping the ingredients simple doesn't just save time — it allows for the rich flavors of bacon and eggs to take the spotlight. This quiche pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a vinaigrette.

Recipe: Easy Quiche Lorraine

Apple clafoutis — a French dish made of fruit cooked in a sweet batter — is one of those impressive meals that's deceptively simple to make. Aside from apples, most of the required ingredients are pantry staples you likely already have in your kitchen. And because the whole thing manages to come together in under an hour, it's the perfect sweet treat to make on the weekend. Top the apple clafoutis with powdered sugar just prior to serving.

Recipe: Apple Clafoutis

Poha is a type of parboiled and flattened rice that originates from India. Because it's already partially cooked and flat, poha rice cooks much faster than most other varieties. Along with the thick poha rice, this dish incorporates toasted peanuts, onion, ginger, and several spices (coriander, cumin, and mustard seeds, to name just a few). Kanda poha comes together in under 15 minutes, making it the ideal savory breakfast for busy mornings.

Recipe: Kanda Poha

As long as you have the right tools, 20-minute Belgian waffles can become a household staple. This recipe uses buttermilk to give the batter an unexpected tang — a necessary counterpart to ultra-sweet syrup used as topping. Although this dish does require that you have a waffle iron, we believe it's worth it — especially since all the ingredients are pantry and fridge staples. These waffles are especially tasty topped with fresh blueberries.

Recipe: Buttermilk Belgian Waffles

These egg white breakfast cups are the perfect vessel for anything you have laying around your fridge. Recipe developer Susan Olayinka suggests stuffing these bites with chopped tomato, bell pepper, and spinach, but it can easily work with pretty much any vegetable. This protein-packed breakfast dish pairs especially well with toast or hash browns, notes Olayinka, but is just as delicious eaten on its own.

Recipe: Egg White Breakfast Cups

This festive breakfast dish is perfect for the holiday season — but makes for a yummy treat no matter the time of year. Eggnog is so flavorful on its own, so using it to add complexity and a richer texture to this French toast casserole is a genius move. The custardy bake is finished with a pecan-laced streusel topping, adding a nutty crunch to the final dish.

Recipe: Eggnog French Toast Casserole

This nostalgic quick bread pairs beautifully with a pat of butter and a side of coffee or tea. Using ingredients like wheat germ and molasses give the applesauce bread an earthy quality, while cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg provide a classic spiced flavor. Not only does applesauce give the quick bread its signature taste, but it also prevents the final dish from coming out dry. The golden raisins serve a similar function, and they provide an extra boost of sweetness in each bite.

Recipe: Applesauce Bread

This gingerbread granola is the mash-up you didn't know you needed. Classic granola ingredients like walnuts, pecans, almonds, and oats get the holiday treatment with the addition of dried cranberries, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and molasses. Recipe developer Miriam Hahn likes to pair this granola with oat milk and fruit, but, if you're in a rush, it's great by itself. The best part? In an airtight container, this granola lasts for up to a month — making it the ideal make-ahead breakfast.

Recipe: Best Gingerbread Granola

This soothing, warming soup comes together with the help of pre-made wontons, made with any type of filling you prefer. Meanwhile, adding aromatics like garlic, ginger, and green onions helps elevate the simple chicken broth. Wilted baby bok choy adds color and nutritional heft to the soup, while soy sauce and rice wine vinegar create a balanced flavor. The whole thing comes together in 20 minutes, making it perfect for any morning that requires a last-minute savory boost.

Recipe: Easy Wonton Soup

Turn cinnamon rolls into a plant-based treat by substituting your dairy for ingredients like vegan butter and oat milk — the final product will be just as delicious. Make these for brunch, and you'll have a dish that looks (and tastes) impressive. No need to be daunted, however: The process is deceptively simple and requires just over 30 minutes of your time. Top with a simple glaze to get that classic cinnamon roll look and taste.

Recipe: Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

Cranberry and orange make for a timeless flavor combination — and these muffins highlight it like no other. Though cranberries are often associated with fall and winter holidays, this zesty, bright recipe can be made any time of year. Plus, it's the perfect opportunity to use up the leftover cranberries you may have sitting in your freezer. In addition to the berries, these muffins get their sweet-tart flavor from a combination of orange zest and juice.

Recipe: Cranberry Orange Muffins

This avocado-stuffed egg salad is the protein-packed breakfast you didn't know you needed. Much like a traditional egg salad, this recipe uses hard boiled eggs, lemon juice, mayonnaise, herbs, and aromatics. The twist comes with the addition of creamy avocado, lending the salad an extra dose of healthy fats that will keep you full for hours. Try this egg salad on toast for a nourishing and deeply satisfying morning meal.

Recipe: Avocado Egg Salad

This cinnamon toast will make anyone excited to start their day. Pieces of pan-fried toast get brushed with a quick cinnamon-scented simple syrup, then doused in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Each piece is then put in a skillet with butter, sugar-side down, to develop a crispy, caramelized exterior. These toasts would be delicious served with a side of berries, and feel free to top with powdered sugar to make the plate look extra-special.

Recipe: Best Cinnamon Toast

Forget the stale, dry, coffee shop scones of your past and make these instead. In addition to being an easy baking project, homemade scones are a treat: crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and deliciously served warm. These get an extra boost from tart, jammy blueberries, which lend the scones a more complex flavor and gorgeous pop of color. For the full experience, serve alongside butter, jam, and clotted cream.

Recipe: Blueberry Scone

This recipe, from Eric Greenspan's 2018 cookbook "The Great Grilled Cheese Book" offers the chef's take on the classic "Elvis" sandwich, stuffed with peanut butter, banana, and bacon. This version incorporates tangy goat cheese into the mix, giving the ultra-rich, sweet and salty flavor combination a modern update. The rest of the sandwich, however, remains basically true to the original. After all, it was Elvis' favorite for a reason!

Recipe: Elvis Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This smoothie is packed with flavor and only takes five minutes to make. Fresh mango and lime juice give the drink a tropical flavor, while oat milk and banana work to create a creamy texture. Honey adds a hint of sweetness, but you can substitute that for maple syrup, agave, or any sweetener you like. For a twist, feel free to use other fruits, depending on what's available: According to recipe developer Susan Olayinka, pineapple and young coconut make great additions.

Recipe: Mango Banana Smoothie

This strudel recipe is simplified with the help of store-bought frozen puff pastry, reducing the total cooking time to just an hour. Like a classic version of the Eastern European pastry, this one gets filled with tart Granny Smith apples, raisins, sugar, cinnamon, and allspice. With its flaky, golden exterior and warm, spiced filling, this strudel pairs beautifully with a dash of powdered sugar or a dollop of crème fraiche.

Recipe: Simple Apple Strudel

Croissants tend to have a short shelf life, but this recipe makes the most of the pastries, even if they're a day-old and stale. Stuffed with pancetta, eggs, cheese, and aromatics, this savory bake is easy to throw together and feeds a crowd. This recipe is also great to prepare in advance: You can assemble the casserole the night before and simply bake it in the morning.

Recipe: Croissant Breakfast Casserole

If you've ever had the urge to eat cannoli first thing in the morning, then this recipe is for you. This breakfast dish takes the best elements of a stack of pancakes and merges it with the flavors of the classic Italian dessert. The pancake batter itself is fairly traditional, but each pancake gets layered with a sweet, creamy mascarpone filling. In addition to mascarpone, the cannoli-inspired filling incorporates ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and chocolate.

Recipe: Cannoli Pancakes

Sweet potatoes may not seem like a traditional breakfast dish, but they make the perfect base for any topping you can imagine. Top with avocado slices and a fried egg for a savory, nutrient-dense breakfast, or drizzle with nut butter and honey for a sweet alternative. Using an air fryer to cook the sweet potatoes will make the skin extra-crispy — and you don't even have to preheat the oven.

Recipe: Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes

This recipe takes a classic bread pudding to the next level — and the best part is that you only need a can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls to make it happen. Along with chunks of cinnamon dough, this bread pudding includes pecans and is topped with a luxurious glaze. Because this bread pudding requires only 10 minutes of active prep time, it's the perfect dish to make if you're hosting a crowd.

Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding

If you want a hearty, savory breakfast, look no further than this classic combination: steak and eggs. A chimichurri sauce, made from chopped herbs like parsley, oregano, mint, garlic, and lime, enlivens the otherwise simple dish. You'll want to save any of the chimichurri you have leftover from breakfast — it's packed with flavor and can be used to brighten up almost any protein.

Recipe: Best Steak & Eggs Breakfast With Chimichurri

Due to their versatility and accessibility, overnight oats have acquired a devoted fan base — and rightly so. Because you prepare them the night before you plan to eat them (if not earlier), they can help make mornings a breeze. This recipe celebrates the flavor of strawberries by incorporating both the fresh fruit and strawberry jam. Honey and vanilla extract help round out the rest of the dish, while yogurt and milk (nondairy works too!) provide moisture for the oats.

Recipe: Strawberry Overnight Oats

Lemons and blueberries make for a classic flavor combination that never fails to delight — especially in the early months of summer. These scones get packed with jammy, fresh blueberries and are scented with lemon zest. Once baked, the scones get drizzled with a quick lemon glaze. Not only does this topping add a touch of additional sweetness to the dish, but the glaze also contributes to the scones' citrusy, tart flavor. Serve with coffee or tea for an elegant, simple morning meal.

Recipe: Lemon Blueberry Scones

If you're looking for a breakfast dish that makes use of last night's leftovers, this may be the recipe for you. These simple Irish potato cakes call for cold mashed potatoes (ideally leftover), flour, salt, pepper, egg, and chives. Cooked in a buttered skillet until golden brown, these pancakes are neutral enough to work with any number of additional mix-ins: For example, recipe developer Jaime Shelbert recommends adding crumbled bacon, cheddar, or sautéed onions to the mixture prior to cooking.

Recipe: Irish Potato Cakes

French toast is delicious on its own. But if you want to make something special, try these Nutella-stuffed French toast sandwiches that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. This recipe is just as simple to make as traditional French toast — the only difference is that you dip Nutella sandwiches in the egg mixture, rather than individual pieces of bread. Pair with powdered sugar and strawberries to further elevate this already decadent dish.

Recipe: Nutella French Toast

If you happen to have a sous vide machine, these egg bites are the perfect make-ahead breakfast. With their light, airy texture, you can customize the egg bites' filling to match your mood. Recipe developer Ting Dalton, however, recommends including crispy diced pancetta and a mix of Gruyere and cheddar cheeses. If you make these in advance, store in the fridge and heat in the microwave for just a minute.

Recipe: Cheesy Sous Vide Egg Bites

Babka is a traditional Jewish bread from Eastern Europe that's braided with fillings like chocolate or cinnamon. This cinnamon version will appeal to anyone who loves a good cinnamon roll, as it contains many of the same flavors: This babka filling contains butter, brown sugar, and a hefty dose of cinnamon. Keep in mind that this recipe does require just under an hour and a half to make — meaning it's a great weekend project.

Recipe: Traditional Cinnamon Babka

This recipe combines the best of fruit salad with the filling, nourishing qualities of quinoa. Plus, it couldn't be easier to make — especially if you cook your grains in advance. Along with the quinoa, this dish includes strawberries, mango, and blueberries. Rounding out the salad is a dressing made from honey and lime juice, providing the perfect balance of sweet and sour. Just make sure to eat immediately after assembling — otherwise your fruit could get soggy.

Recipe: Quinoa Fruit Salad

A strata is a type of casserole typically made with day-old or stale bread. A combination of egg and milk gives the strata a silky, custardy texture, while chopped ham, cheddar cheese, and Swiss cheese provide tons of flavor. The most unique part of this dish, however, is its topping. Made from corn flakes and melted butter, this ultra-crunchy finishing touch takes the dish to the next level.

Recipe: Ham And Cheese Strata

Dosas — a thin and crispy crepe made from lentils and rice — are a traditional southern Indian breakfast dish (via Sukhi's). In this masala dosa recipe, the dosa is filled with a potato mixture that's spiced with chilis, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric, red pepper flakes, curry leaves, and cilantro. Deeply savory and naturally vegan and gluten-free, dosas are a crowd-pleasing option when cooking for a group, especially if you're accommodating dietary restrictions.

Recipe: Classic Masala Dosa

If you want to make a cake that's perfectly acceptable to eat for breakfast, this is the recipe for you. Dotted with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter, this vanilla butter cake comes together in under 40 minutes. According to recipe developer Jessica Morone, this cake is best served warm. If you're having a piece of this cinnamon flop cake for breakfast, pair it with a hot cup of coffee.

Recipe: Cinnamon Flop Cake

This frittata makes it easy to sneak some extra leafy greens into your diet. Packed with garlicky sautéed spinach, this egg-based entrée also includes both grated Parmesan and crumbled goat cheese. Because they're baked, frittatas are a great option for anyone who wants more hands-off cooking time compared to other egg dishes. For an impressive brunch spread, serve alongside your favorite breakfast potatoes, fruit salad, and coffee.

Recipe: Easy Spinach Frittata

This sweet treat manages to pack in a ton of vegetables, making it a solid choice for breakfast. Spiced with cinnamon and ground ginger, this bread — which evokes both zucchini bread and carrot cake — is especially delicious on chilly, autumn mornings. Just before eating, recipe developer Kate Shungu likes to gently warm each slice and top with a pat of butter. Feel free to freeze any leftover slices of this zucchini carrot bread you may have — but it will likely all be eaten before you have the chance!

Recipe: Zucchini Carrot Bread

This is one of the more technical recipes on the list, but we promise that the effort will be worth it. Originating from France's Brittany region, kouign-amann is a flaky pastry made from a laminated dough, much like croissants. What makes them unique are their crispy outer shells, made from caramelized sugar, that form as they bake. The final product is a deeply rich, buttery, layered pastry that is sure to impress anyone and everyone.

Recipe: Kouign-Amann

Everyone has an opinion about what makes the perfect breakfast sandwich — but we would argue that this recipe nails it. This breakfast sandwich, taking inspiration from a classic Egg McMuffin, has all of the components you want in the dish: It's topped with a folded omelet, cheddar cheese, and thick-cut bacon. Most important, however, is the spicy, creamy Sriracha butter that's liberally applied to both sides of the English muffin.

Recipe: The Ultimate Breakfast Sandwich

It's hard to think of ways to improve banana bread — but the addition of brown butter definitely doesn't hurt. Brown butter is full of complex, nutty, and toasty flavors that meld beautifully with banana. Dark brown sugar, meanwhile, adds caramelization and keeps the cake extra moist. The final result is richer and has more depth of flavor than your average banana bread, despite taking about the same amount of time to make.

Recipe: Brown-Butter Banana Bread

No need to deal with messy food coloring to achieve a stunning red velvet dough: These eye-catching cinnamon rolls come together with the help of boxed cake mix. And it wouldn't be a cinnamon roll without the glaze — this mash-up pays homage to a classic red velvet cake by using a tangy cream cheese icing in lieu of a traditional glaze. Like any cinnamon roll, these are best served warm. Store any leftovers in the fridge and reheat individually.

Recipe: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

This noodle soup, known as mohinga, is Myanmar's national dish — and there's a good reason it's so beloved. Typically served as breakfast, this stew is made from a savory, comforting catfish-based broth flavored with aromatics like lemongrass, ginger, and bay leaves. A pile of thin rice noodles adds body to the soup, and several toppings — cilantro, hard-boiled eggs, lime juice, and thinly sliced red onion — take the dish to the next level.

Recipe: Burmese Breakfast Stew Recipe

This hash makes for a hearty, filling breakfast that's full of flavor. Fresh chorizo is already loaded with spices, and green bell pepper, Fresno chile, and lime add extra freshness, heat, and acidity to the dish. However, the best part of this recipe is that you can customize it based on whatever you have in your fridge. Potatoes and eggs provide a neutral base that allows you to take the flavor profile in any direction.

Recipe: Chorizo Hash and Eggs

Granola bars are a sweet snack we all know and love. But have you ever heard of a savory granola bar? This recipe makes a strong case for the unusual twist: Along with classic granola ingredients like rolled oats, flax seeds, and pumpkin seeds, these granola bars feature dried herbs oregano and rosemary. A dash of flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper finish things off on a decidedly savory note. But that's not to say they don't have any sweetness: honey and dehydrated pomegranate seeds leave the bars perfectly balanced.

Recipe: Savory Rosemary Granola Bars

This Singaporean soup is a popular breakfast dish, and this recipe comes from a restaurant that's been serving it since 1978. As the pork ribs simmer, they help create a rich, savory broth. Meanwhile, a ton of garlic (20 cloves, to be exact), white and black pepper, star anise, cinnamon, and soy sauce add complexity and a peppery bite. Serve alongside steamed rice for a warming, deeply satisfying breakfast.

Recipe: Bak Kut Teh

Compared to regular rolled oats, steel cut oats tend to retain more of their bite and have an almost chewy texture — great news for anyone who avoids overnight oats because they're too mushy. Chia seeds are added to the oats and provide not just a creamy texture, but a ton of extra nutrients. If you prep your oats the night before, all you need to do in the morning is top with some mixed berries and serve.

Recipe: Overnight Steel Cut Oats

It's a favorite dish among brunch-goers everywhere — but have you considered trying to make it yourself? For a luxurious weekend brunch in the comfort of your own home, look no further than these eggs Benedict topped with smoked salmon. Even with the homemade hollandaise sauce, you'll be shocked by how easily these come together: The whole dish is ready in under 30 minutes.

Recipe: Eggs Benedict With Salmon

This recipe mashes up two favorite quick breads — banana and pumpkin — into a single loaf that's sure to beat the rest. Along with mashed bananas and pumpkin purée, this recipe includes tangy Greek yogurt and nutty whole-wheat flour. To provide textural contrast and extra richness, you can add mix-ins like walnuts, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips to the batter — but feel free to switch it up according to your taste.

Recipe: Pumpkin Banana Bread

Take the fuss out of making a quiche at home by omitting the crust entirely — we promise you won't miss it! These eggs have the custardy, rich consistency of a classic quiche filling thanks to half-and-half and shredded cheddar. A ton of sautéed spinach rounds out the recipe, adding a much-needed earthiness to the otherwise decadent dish. Since you're leaving out the crust, this quiche pairs especially well with a couple of slices of toast.

Recipe: Crustless Spinach Quiche Recipe

Sweet potatoes are probably one of the last things to come to mind when you think of smoothies — but that's about to change. This beverage relies on packaged, frozen sweet potato cubes (though you could cube, steam, and freeze your own, if you prefer), plus more traditional smoothie ingredients like banana, almond milk, and Greek yogurt. Medjool dates provide sweetness, while vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves contribute an unexpected warmth.

Recipe: Sweet Potato Smoothie

These muffins allow you to enjoy the flavors of a holiday pecan pie no matter the time of year. Plus, being both vegan and gluten-free, they can accommodate a range of dietary restrictions. To bring this recipe to life, recipe developer ​​Miriam Hahn uses ground flaxseed in her batter instead of egg. She also substitutes all-purpose flour for almond flour and adds chocolate chips for an extra hint of sweetness.

Recipe: Pecan Pie Muffins