50+ Healthy Breakfasts to Start Your Mornings Off Right
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so it's crucial to fuel up properly. These healthy breakfasts aren't simply lower in starch or sugar: They're packed with the nutrients you need to make it through the day, like protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, so you can stay full and energized until lunchtime.
Breakfast Bowl with Tomato, Avocado, and Egg
Breakfast Bowl with Tomato, Avocado, and Egg Recipe
This is the kind of breakfast that's worth waking up for--and enjoying again for lunch or dinner. If you want a starchy component, add precooked farro or quinoa.
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Make-Ahead Shakshuka
To make ahead, complete step 1; then follow instructions below. Be sure to pierce the yolks (without breaking them) so they won't burst when microwaved.
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Baked Eggs with Leeks and Mushrooms
Baked Eggs with Leeks and Mushrooms Recipe
Enjoy this dish hot from the oven, with crusty bread to soak up the runny yolks. For firmer yolks and whites, leave the eggs on the rimmed baking sheet for 4 to 5 minutes before serving.
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Southwestern Sweet Potato and Egg Hash
Southwestern Sweet Potato and Egg Hash Recipe
Hashes are a great way to incorporate vegetables into the first meal of the day. Here we’ve added a Southwestern spin with chili powder and cumin. Give the potatoes a head start by microwaving them until just shy of tender, then finish them off in the skillet for that coveted crispy texture. Use the leftover black beans to boost protein and fiber in salads, soups, or grain bowls.
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Blueberry Açaí Smoothie Bowl
Blueberry Açaí Smoothie Bowl Recipe
Drink your morning smoothie from a bowl! With a variety of toppings, this easy breakfast movement is the healthiest way to turn a smoothie into a morning meal.
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Toasted Almond and Apple Quinoa
Toasted Almond and Apple Quinoa Recipe
Mornings can be so hectic. We know that. Let your pressure cooker relieve the pressure of cooking breakfast with this quick and easy Instant Pot recipe. Jump-start your morning with a bowl of warm quinoa cereal. It's loaded with protein and fiber, which will keep you satisfied throughout the morning.
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Wilted Spinach and Fried Egg Wheat Berry Bowl
Wilted Spinach and Fried Egg Wheat Berry Bowl Recipe
Start this hearty breakfast bowl with a batch of perfect wheat berries, and then add a tangy twist and some probiotics with kimchi. Round it out with spinach, peanuts, and an egg. Sprinkle with chile flakes for extra heat.
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Creamy Kale Caesar Salad with Soft-Boiled Eggs
Creamy Kale Caesar Salad with Soft-Boiled Eggs Recipe
We leave out the anchovies for a kid-friendly take on classic Caesar salad. Instead of romaine, we use dark, bumpy lacinato kale leaves; a quick massage makes them perfectly tender. And instead of adding raw egg to the dressing, we add a soft-boiled egg to each serving so the yolk can run over all. A grill pan is a worthy addition to your kitchen for getting quick, chargrilled flavor without having to cook outdoors. Use it to toast the baguette slices and mellow the fresh red onion wedges.
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Pistachio, Fig, and Saffron Yogurt Oatmeal
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Slow Cooker Eggs in Purgatory
Slow Cooker Eggs in Purgatory Recipe
We're not entirely certain about the history of this classic recipe's name, but perhaps it has something to do with the spicy kick of the sauce. Our version is a shakshuka-like dish in which fiery harissa paste and heady spices slowly infuse a rich tomato sauce where eggs gently poach. Look for jars of harissa with the Middle Eastern foods in your supermarket; you can substitute a half to full teaspoon of crushed red pepper in a pinch. The cook time for the eggs depends on the specific heat of your slow cooker. We offer a range of 15 to 20 minutes, so start checking at 15 minutes (or a couple minutes earlier) to ensure the eggs get done to your liking. Serve with warm whole-wheat pita.
Eggs in Purgatory
This story originally appeared on Cookinglight.com.
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Mushroom Frittata
A frittata is a baked, open-faced omelet with Mediterranean flair. This omelet features fresh mushrooms and arugula tossed over the top to invoke a savory and warm start to your day.
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Flaxseed Oatmeal with Blueberries
Flaxseed Oatmeal with Blueberries Recipe
My wife and I make this easy whole-grain breakfast for our family many mornings a week.
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Cilantro and Kale Pesto Toast with a Fried Egg
Cilantro and Kale Pesto Toast with a Fried Egg Recipe
Sliced bread is the perfect blank canvas, ready to be loaded up with virtuous ingredients. Here is a toast recipe from the Instagram queen of the genre, Diana Ngo (@diningwithdiana), a cook and mom in the Seattle area who is working on her RD.
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Quinoa Breakfast Bowl with 6-Minute Egg
Quinoa Breakfast Bowl with 6-Minute Egg Recipe
Embrace breakfast’s savory side with this whole-grain bowl. This simple one-dish meal is crowned with a soft-boiled egg; the nutrient-rich yolk creates its own creamy sauce. New research shows that eating eggs with raw vegetables like tomatoes increases your absorption of carotenoids—antioxidants that may protect against heart disease.
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Overnight Maple-Raisin Oatmeal
Overnight Maple-Raisin Oatmeal Recipe
Steel-cut oats offer a nutty alternative to hot cereal made with rolled oats. If you prefer, substitute firm pears for apples or dried cranberries for the raisins.
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Instant Pot Whole-Milk Yogurt
Instant Pot Whole-Milk Yogurt Recipe
Making your own batch of versatile, nutritious, probiotic-rich yogurt has never been easier. We all know the Instant Pot is awesome acting as both a slow cooker and a pressure cooker, but if you’ve ever wondered about the other claim on the box—Wait, can I really make yogurt in my Instant Pot?—trust us, we tried it out and it’s actually super simple using the Instant Pot’s “Yogurt” setting. All you need is whole milk and a few tablespoons of plain yogurt (you need just a little bit that’s already made to act as a “starter” for your yogurt). Once you’ve made your first batch, be sure to save a few tablespoons of yogurt to start your next batch when your supply is low. Use your homemade yogurt for nutrient-rich smoothies, as a tangy topper for soups and tacos, to make rich sauces and dips, and more. If you want to simply enjoy a bowl for breakfast, top your yogurt as desired with fresh fruit, honey, granola, chopped nuts, etc. You can also stir in a little vanilla extract to taste in order to make vanilla yogurt.
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Overnight Oats with Kefir, Berries, and Toasted Coconut
Overnight Oats with Kefir, Berries, and Toasted Coconut Recipe
This oatmeal bowl is a great on-the-go breakfast and is also made probiotic-rich with the addition of kefir. This bowl is best enjoyed cold becuase the active cultures in kefir are sensitive to heat. Resist the urge to microwave the oats, keeping it chilled for maximum benefits.
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Copycat Starbucks Egg White, Roasted Red Pepper, & Spinach Egg Bites
Copycat Starbucks Egg White, Roasted Red Pepper, & Spinach Egg Bites Recipe
These fluffy , perfectly portioned egg bites are super convenient and can easily be made ahead of time at home for a grab-and-go breakfast that only needs a few seconds in the microwave.
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Papaya-Blueberry-Cherry Breakfast Bowls
Papaya-Blueberry-Cherry Breakfast Bowls Recipe
A feast for your eyes and your mouth, this bright bowl pops with a myriad of tasty, crunchy components.
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Quinoa Bowls with Avocado and Egg
Quinoa Bowls with Avocado and Egg Recipe
This quick, satisfying breakfast is loaded with anti-inflammatory foods: extra-virgin olive oil, avocado, tomatoes, quinoa, and omega-3 eggs. For even more anti-inflammatory benefit, serve with an orange or grapefruit.
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Steel-Cut Oatmeal with Apples
Steel-Cut Oatmeal with Apples Recipe
Mornings can be so hectic. We know that. Let your slow cooker relieve the pressure of cooking breakfast with this overnight Instant Pot recipe. While you sleep, your slow cooker is making your breakfast—what could be better?
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Grapefruit, Avocado, and Prosciutto Breakfast Salad
Grapefruit, Avocado, and Prosciutto Breakfast Salad Recipe
Bright, refreshing grapefruit pairs surprisingly well with nutty-earthy toasted sesame oil. This meal is full of satiating heart-healthy fats that will keep you full for a long time.
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Roasted Grape and Goat Cheese Wheat Berry Bowl
Roasted Grape and Goat Cheese Wheat Berry Bowl Recipe
Save time in the morning by prepping the batch of perfect wheat berries and the grapes the night before. You can store the grapes in a microwave-safe container in the fridge. When ready to use, microwave grapes for 30 to 45 seconds before spooning them over your grains.
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Amaranth Oatmeal
Step aside oatmeal, there’s a new grain on the breakfast aisle. Amaranth is a naturally gluten-free, rice-like grain that makes for a satisfying and highly-nutritious breakfast.
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Cold Brew-Banana Smoothie
Cold Brew-Banana Smoothie Recipe
Who says you can't caffeinate and fill up on a hearty, wholesome breakfast smoothie all at the same time? In this cozy java concoction, prepared cold brew is blended into a banana and almond milk smoothie. Rather than using ice cubes which will dilute the flavor of the smoothie, the cold brew is cleverly frozen. With a dash of cinnamon and agave nectar, this healthy breakfast smoothie tastes like banana bread in a glass.
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Breakfast Bowl with Tomato, Avocado, and Egg
Breakfast Bowl with Tomato, Avocado, and Egg Recipe
This is the kind of breakfast that's worth waking up for--and enjoying again for lunch or dinner. If you want a starchy component, add precooked farro or quinoa.
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Air-Fried Breakfast Bombs
Air-Fried Breakfast Bombs Recipe
If you’re only using your air fryer to whip up awesome party snacks, you’re missing out. Pull it out in the morning to make these hearty breakfast bombs filled with bacon, egg, and cheese. Whole-wheat pizza dough encases the savory filling in a nice fiber-packed crust. Substitute regular pizza dough if you can’t track down whole-wheat dough. Like it spicy? Add a dash or two of hot sauce to the filling before baking. In a rush? These palm-sized “bombs” make a great on-the-go breakfast.
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Sweet Almond Cream of Buckwheat with Skillet Pears
Sweet Almond Cream of Buckwheat with Skillet Pears Recipe
If you’re avoiding oatmeal because of possible gluten cross-contamination, enjoy a bowl of warm cream of buckwheat cereal instead. Top this hearty cereal with chopped pears, dried cherries, and toasted almonds for a satisfying morning meal.
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Savory Chickpea Waffles
Savory Chickpea Waffles Recipe
We swap sugary pancake syrup for a poached egg and use chickpea flour in place of refined for an extra punch of protein. Enjoy for a quick breakfast or dinner.
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Poached Egg Power Bowls
Poached Egg Power Bowls Recipe
This 10-minute dinner features the power trio of protein-packed legumes, seeds, and crisp greens. Quinoa is one of the few plant-based sources of complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. The runny, nutrient-rich egg yolk doubles as a silky dressing in this vegetarian main.
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Sausage, Spinach, and Apple Breakfast Sandwiches
Sausage, Spinach, and Apple Breakfast Sandwiches Recipe
We swap the classic egg and cheese combo for crisp, tart apple slices and sautéed spinach. Use any bulk turkey breakfast sausage for this sandwich.
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Best Baked Oatmeal
A hearty dish of baked oatmeal is a wonderful (and low-key, easy) brunch dish to make ahead for company, but it can also serve as a brilliant meal prep move that will set you up with practically instant breakfasts for the week. We call this our our “best” baked oatmeal recipe because it offers warming spiced flavor without overwhelming the palate, and achieves a delightful level of creaminess, while maintaining just the right amount of toothy integrity from the oats. Crowned with toasty almonds and bright, juicy berries, it’s this whole-grain breakfast bake is eye-catching as it is delicious. Serve with cream and maple syrup to sweet to taste.
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Pomegranate-Farro Breakfast Salad with Honey Ricotta
Pomegranate-Farro Breakfast Salad with Honey Ricotta Recipe
For a tangier citrus flavor, go with lemon; for more floral, sweet notes, try tangerine. To keep prep simple, use purchased pomegranate arils from the produce section, or pre-prep a fresh pomegranate the night before.
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Mini Fruit-and-Yogurt Parfaits
Mini Fruit-and-Yogurt Parfaits Recipe
Light and healthy, single-serving Mini Fruit-and-Yogurt Parfaits combine granola, yogurt, pomegranate seeds, fresh pineapple, and blueberries, and are perfect for breakfast or a snack.
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Farro Breakfast Bowl
This meal in a bowl takes its morning cue from soft-boiled eggs and a dollop of yogurt, and then goes savory with toasty cumin-scented farro and a creamy avocado. It’s also perfectly portioned for two. Boil the farro like pasta—in plenty of water that you’ll drain off—to cut the cook time in half. Toasting the farro in a little oil is a great way to revive any leftover cooked whole grains. Whole-milk Greek yogurt has a cool, luxurious mouthfeel that brings all the elements together. It also has more protein than reduced- or nonfat yogurt.
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Toasted Oat and Prune Breakfast Muffins
Toasted Oat and Prune Breakfast Muffins Recipe
Delicious and warm, these muffins are the perfect first step into the wonderful world of alternative flours. Toasty oats and brown sugar conjure up the comforting flavors of fall—no matter what time of year it is.
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Pineapple-Mango Breakfast Bowls
Pineapple-Mango Breakfast Bowls Recipe
Take your taste buds to the tropics with these fruit-and-yogurt-filled pineapple boats.
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Vegetable Frittata
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Paleo Pumpkin Pancakes
The pumpkin and spices really shines in these Paleo Pumpkin Pancakes, but feel free to use as much or little of the spice mix as you want. The almond butter gives these naturally sweet pancakes a nutty flavor and a punch of protein and healthy fats.
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Egg-Topped Quinoa Bowl with Kale
Egg-Topped Quinoa Bowl with Kale Recipe
Here, the yolk of the fried egg serves as a dressing (without you having to do anything extra) to coat nutrient-dense quinoa. Pancetta adds a snap of savory satisfaction to earthy kale, while all-season cherry tomatoes, meaning you can make it whenever, lend a fresh pop of bright flavor. Sub steel-cut oats, bulgur, or leftover brown rice for quinoa. The hot sauce gives this simple dish a kick in the pants.
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Instant Pot Breakfast Ratatouille
Instant Pot Breakfast Ratatouille Recipe
Why don’t we make ratatouille for breakfast more often? Winter breakfasts tend to slant sweet and warm—gooey cinnamon rolls, thick porridge smeared with jam, chocolate babka—but what about the savory? Specifically, what about the vegetables? Ratatouille proves that vegetables can be used in the morning outside of an omelet. This vegetable dish is so strong it can actually stand on its own if you don’t eat eggs. Of course our recipe calls for a dozen, but if you’re opting out, just toss in a can of cooked chickpeas for some protein.
The Instant Pot brings this sweet and briny dish to life. Tomatoes, eggplant, and zucchini get cozy in an olive oil bath with onion and garlic. Aside from the magic that is how quickly the Instant Pot cooks vegetables, the best part of breakfast ratatouille is that you can make massive batches of the meal and freeze individual portions.
Instant Pot Ratatouille
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Maple Quinoa Bake with Skillet Apples and Walnuts
Maple Quinoa Bake with Skillet Apples and Walnuts Recipe
This hearty and comforting baked quinoa is a great healthy breakfast to make ahead for the family or serve for a brunch gathering with friends.
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Butternut Squash Hash
When I first met Logan, he had full-blown celebrity status at thelocal diner. His entrance was greeted by literal whoops of excitement and high fives from the entire staff, who then hurried to present the dude with his usual order: a mountain of hash and eggs with a side of assorted breakfast meats and a cream cheese-slathered bialy. Logan would happily inhale said feast, fist bump his army of adoring fans on the way out, and then enjoy a short-lived meat and potato high before descending into a world of pain and morning meat sweats. It was ugly.
After wasting one too many weekends in post-diner recovery, Logan has finally come to appreciate the wonders of a more wholesome homemade hash recipe like this one. Packed with veggies and plenty of lean chicken sausage, it's a sweet and savory skillet meal that’s guaranteed to thrill even the most die-hard hash lover. No Zantac or post-brunch nap necessary.
Butternut Squash andBrussels Sprout Hash with Chicken Sausage
Excerpted from The Dude Diet. Copyright 2016 by Serena Wolf. All rights reserved.
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Blueberry Açaí Bowl
Açaí, a superfood rich in fiber, antioxidants, and heart-healthy fatty acids is the component that you didn't know you need in all of your smoothie bowls. Blended with frozen berries and a banana, and topped with fresh fruit, granola, chia seeds, and coconut, this Instagram-worthy breakfast is the ultimate start to your day.
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Veggie Eggy Scramble
Katie admits that she and her family "aren't big morning people." They rush through and typically grab what's convenient. We like the idea of getting them to incorporate veggies into the morning meal, and it's not hard or time-consuming to do. Katie can spend a few minutes prepping everything the night before (including beating the egg-cheese mixture) to make the next morning a breeze. When they need this to be grab and go, they can stuff the scramble into a whole-wheat pita.
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Coconut-Quinoa Breakfast Bowls
Coconut-Quinoa Breakfast Bowls Recipe
Not only an edible work of art, this quinoa bowl yields a refreshing bonus: a glassful of antioxidant-rich coconut water to pair with all that strawberry, kiwi, and banana.
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Eggs Poached in Tomato Sauce with Garlic Cheese Toasts
Eggs Poached in Tomato Sauce with Garlic Cheese Toasts Recipe
We really liked this dish with the fruity heat of Turkish Aleppo pepper, but you can substitute crushed red pepper.
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Green Smoothie Muffins
A whole package of spinach gives these banana muffins their green hue.
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Super Berry Breakfast Bowl
Super Berry Breakfast Bowl Recipe
Lose weight the 5:2 way. This quick and easy recipe is featured in the breakfast section of the new 5:2 Starter's Guide to The 2-Day Diet. The book provides a selection of over 100 tasty recipes that meet the daily 500 calorie allotment for the 2 intermittent fasting days as required by the 5:2 Diet.
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Strawberry Bulgur Bowl
While you might not think of turning bulgur into porridge, it’s a delicious whole-grain breakfast with a texture similar to instant oatmeal. Mashed dates naturally sweeten and enrich almond milk for a creamy, satisfying bowl. You can make the porridge ahead and simply reheat briefly before serving; add the berries and nuts after heating the bulgur.
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5 Spot Banana Pancakes
Notes: If desired, sprinkle about 1 teaspoon chopped pecans on each pancake after adding banana slices. Serve pancakes with butter and warm maple syrup or a dusting of cinnamon-sugar.