Breakfast Ideas to Start Your Day
I don’t know about you, but once I find a breakfast l I like, I tend to eat it every day until someone in my family complains that they’re tired of eating scrambled eggs EVERY morning. If you need to break out of your breakfast rut, here’s big list of breakfast ideas to try with your family. You’re sure to find a few winners here!
At the end of this post, you’ll see my free printable list of breakfast ideas that you can download and keep handy for easy reference.
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Eggs…every which way
We raise chickens, so eggs are on the menu in my house almost every day. My go-to egg breakfast is currently a fried egg, but I like to keep this list handy to mix it up every so often.
- scrambled eggs
For the softest scrambled eggs, cook them in melted butter over medium-low heat, using a plastic spatula to gently fold edges in after they start to set. My favorite recipe for soft scrambled eggs is from Pinch of Yum.
- fried eggs
My personal favorite way to eat fried eggs is to heat a nonstick pan over medium heat with avocado oil or butter, crack a couple eggs into the hot pan and break the yolks. I know…my own family likes their semi-runny yolks and cannot get behind this method, but I prefer my yolks soft but fully cooked. Cook the eggs for about 2-3 minutes, add shredded cheese and then flip them over. The cheese will get a little crispy, and a lot delicious. Cook for another minute or so, until egg is done to your liking, and add hot sauce. YUM!
- boiled eggs
I always forget about boiled eggs for breakfast. Break out the adorable little egg cups, toast a slice or two of hearty whole-grain bread, and settle in with a cup of tea and crossword puzzle.
- egg-in-a-hole
Here’s an oldie but goodie. Cut out the middle of a slice of bread while you melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Place the bread on the heated pan, crack an egg into the hole, add salt and pepper and let it cook for about 3 minutes. Flip it over and cook another 30-60 seconds for runny yolk, or 1-2 minutes for a more set yolk.
- crustless quiche
Skip the crust and up the healthy bonus points. It still tastes delicious. One of my favorite crustless quiche recipes comes from Well Plated by Erin. No need to hover over the stovetop, crustless quiche is baked in the oven, giving you a half hour to work out, read, or catch up on email while it bakes.
- breakfast tacos
Pump up the yum with breakfast tacos. Scrambled eggs, shredded cheese, onion, and avocado cradled in a warm tortilla. Your kids will eat it on Tuesday or any other day. Find an easy breakfast taco recipe at Downshiftology, along with ideas to customize the flavor.
- egg mcmuffin sandwich
Not your fast food mcmuffin! Make your own in no time with a croissant or lightly toasted and buttered English muffin. Pile on scrambled or fried egg, bacon or ham, and a slice of cheese. I promise you can make your own much healthier version in less time than you would spend in the drive-thru.
- breakfast burritos
Probably my number one favorite breakfast item. I like to make big batches of breakfast burritos and freeze them, ready to treat myself on any ordinary Monday. I’ve been making these breakfast burritos from Mom on Time Out for years and they are a winner with our family.
Baked goods breakfast (AKA…breakfast cake)
While I used to offer Muffin Mondays to my kids weekly, we’ve moved away from breakfast cake these days. Still, there’s no denying the delicious appeal of muffins or coffee cake as a breakfast treat. Here are a few of my favorite baked goods to make the occasional weekend breakfast extra special.
For tips on how I put together my own make-ahead mixes for muffins, scones, and quick breads, read the post linked below.
Read: List of Favorite Make-Ahead Mixes
- muffins
They literally look like a cupcake, but no one thinks it’s weird to eat them for breakfast. Our Muffin Mondays are few and far between these days, but here are a few of our favorite muffin recipes. Some days a muffin is well deserved.
Zucchini Muffins
With or without the frosting, these zucchini muffins are a yummy treat.
Starbucks Copycat Blueberry Muffins
These are THE BEST. No qualifiers. I’ve made this recipe dozens of times and they are perfection every single time.
Amish Bran Muffins
I’m not a fan of raisins, so I prefer to use plain bran flakes instead of Raisin Bran.
- scones
A little more effort, but worth it as an occasional treat, scones are a notch above muffins in my opinion. Growing up, my dad made scones regularly, adding a little nostalgia on top of the general delicious appeal of these triangular breakfast cakes.
Cinnamon Chip Scones
These are my very favorite. Make extra to freeze or enjoy with an afternoon cup of tea.
Whole Wheat Blueberry Scones
Another winner, and you’re getting a superfood (blueberries) with this one, so you can feel good about eating your breakfast cake!
- baked oatmeal
This is another breakfast option that I like to keep a mix on hand for. Read all about that in my List of Favorite Make-Ahead Mixes.
Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal
I’ve been making this recipe from Lynn’s Kitchen Adventures for many years.
Strawberries and Cream Baked Oatmeal
Yes, please! We always have lots of blueberries, so I often substitute those, but spring strawberries are amazing!
- breakfast cookies
What kid doesn’t want cookies for breakfast. I will say that once you let your kids have cookies for breakfast, especially cookies with chocolate chips, they instantly want another.
Zucchini Breakfast Cookies
If you’re going to give them cookies for breakfast, at least load them up with veggies.
One Bowl Carrot Cake Breakfast Cookies
This one offers veggies (carrot) and fruit (apple). For sure that makes the cookie part okay!
- cinnamon rolls
I know there are amazing bakers out there with out-of-this world cinnamon roll recipes. But…I just don’t have the patience. I use Rhodes Cinnamon Rolls from the frozen section of the grocery store and they come out just fine. For the number of times a year we eat cinnamon rolls (can count on one hand), those work just fine.
- breakfast cake (literally)
Buttermilk Blueberry Breakfast Cake
Not for everyday breakfast, but this is a lovely addition to brunch or a breakfast buffet.
Coffee Cake Banana Bread
If you’re a coffee drinker like a normal person, just reading the name of this bread will make you drink an extra cup. The smell of it fresh out of the oven necessitates a second, and each slice of this heavenly “breakfast cake” is an excuse for another.
Lemon Zucchini Loaf with Lemon Glaze
You may not have ever thought of zucchini bread as beautiful before, but this bread is gorgeous. Definitely fit for an elegant brunch, or just the thing to treat yourself on a Tuesday.
Read: Breakfast on Repeat – Themes for Every Day of the Week
Cereal and healthy grains
- oatmeal
Growing up, we ate porridge. And I was not a fan. These days, my kids get their oats with 12 chocolate chips sprinkled on top. The key to perfect oatmeal for me is not overcooking. I like to maintain texture in my oatmeal. Here’s my process. Boil 2 cups water. Add 1 cup old-fashioned oats. Remove from heat after a couple of minutes and let cook to desired consistency. Add toppings: blueberries, brown sugar, chocolate chips (for the kids), peanut butter (shudder – for the husband).
- quinoa breakfast bowl
To offset the mornings you eat breakfast cake. This healthy grain is the perfect base to load your breakfast bowl with fruits or veggies. Find a variety of recipe options with this roundup of 15 Best Quinoa Breakfast Bowls from Simply Quinoa.
- granola with yogurt
Simple and timeless. Layer it in a clear glass or dish with fruit and it looks extra special.
Easy Granola Clusters
I love granola, but store bought granola has so much sugar (and usually preservatives) in it. This easy recipe makes nice chunky granola bites.
Pancakes and waffles and french toast…oh my!
- pancakes
A breakfast classic for good reason. Here are a couple of my favorite variations.
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Save these for special occasions only unless you want to double your regular workout routine.
Whole Wheat Oatmeal Pancakes
Have your pancakes and your healthy breakfast, too. Simple ingredients with great results.
- waffles
I use my regular pancake mix recipe (see below) as my waffle base also. Buttermilk is the key to fluffy deliciousness.
Cinnamon Roll Waffles
For that one morning you’re willing to deal with the sugar crash to give your kids an extra special treat that they LOVE, this is your breakfast. You’re going to cook those refrigerated cinnamon rolls in your waffle iron! So easy…except the cleanup. Just put your earbuds in and make a morning of it.
- sheet pan pancake
Somehow I missed this breakfast idea for the first 40-something years of my life. Maybe it wasn’t a thing until recently. I’m here to tell you it’s a good thing.
Fluffy and Soft Sheet Pan Pancakes
This is a great base recipe. Add your favorite flavors (blueberries, chocolate chips) or keep it simple and top with maple syrup if you must.
- dutch baby pancake
Yeah, baby. Gather your people before you pull it out of the oven. Dutch baby pancakes are simple to make but I forget about them unless I look at my list of breakfast ideas! Check out the Dutch baby pancake recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen.
- french toast
The bread makes or breaks it here. Our family is divided between a classic brioche and a thick, hearty multigrain, but once we add berries and whipped cream it really doesn’t matter, right? My favorite classic french toast recipe is from Two Peas and Their Pod.
Read: The Best Homemade Pancake Mix
Quick and easy does it
Some mornings you just need easy. Here are my go-to quick and easy breakfast ideas.
- avocado toast
I’m all in on this one. Hearty bread, avocado slices, tomato, cilantro, and feta. I could eat this every day.
- bagel with cream cheese
- yogurt with fruit
- banana or apple with peanut butter
- banana breakfast bowl
There are a lot of banana smoothie bowl recipes out there, and while they may be good, that is not what I mean by banana breakfast bowl. A few years ago when I was doing a Whole30 eating plan, I ate a bowl of sliced bananas, cashews, and unsweetened coconut chips for breakfast. It was so yummy that I kept it in my regular breakfast rotation. Here’s the “recipe” called Monkey Salad.
- smoothie
Occasionally I follow a recipe, but mostly I make up my own, tossing in whatever flavors, fruits, or veggies I have. For you recipe followers, here is a fabulous smoothie guide to get you started. Read How to Make a Smoothie + 27 Simple Smoothie Recipes from Wholefully for a complete beginner’s guide.
Make-ahead breakfast ideas
If you can squeeze in a little prep time on the weekend, a make-ahead recipe will make your weekday breakfasts a breeze. Whether you whip these up once in a while or make it a regular thing, these breakfast ideas can be made the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
- egg muffins
Bite-sized breakfast that’s warm, filling, and perfect for on-the-go. Check out the egg muffin recipe ideas from Belly Full and whip up a batch this weekend ready for reheating any day of the week.
- baked french toast
For a special fall or winter breakfast, this baked french toast casserole fits the bill.
- breakfast casserole
One of my favorite ways to start the day. Do yourself a favor and make an extra pan. Cut it up and freeze it in individually wrapped pieces. Enjoy a delicious breakfast any old morning you want. The Sausage Breakfast Casserole from Pioneer Woman has great texture and reheats well.
- overnight oats
These overnight oats from Cookie + Kate are a delicious way to start the day. Make a batch on the weekend for a slightly less hectic Monday morning.
Favorite Breakfast Tools
My waffle maker and pancake griddle are workhorses that have lasted for years. We love the thick Belgian waffle style. You can drink a smoothie out of any glass or cup, but cute mason jars are my favorite!
Printable List of Breakfast Ideas
I just gave you more than 40 delicious breakfast ideas to start your day! Join my mailing list below for access to my printables library where you’ll find a free printable list of all these breakfast ideas, plus lots more printable resources to help you organize home life and homeschool.
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Big List of Breakfast Ideas
