12 Best Breakfast Recipes

Start the Day on a Delicious Note

Written by
Linda Larsen
Linda Larsen is a journalist, quick-cooking and slow-cooking expert, and accomplished cookbook author with over 30 years of experience in testing and developing recipes.
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Linda Larsen
Updated 04/18/20

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day; on this, all experts agree. And it's never more important than during the school year. Children who eat breakfast perform better in the classroom. These recipes will help your family feel stronger and keep their energy level up. The best foods to serve at breakfast time include whole grains like oatmeal, protein-rich foods like egg and dairy products, and nutrient-dense foods like fruits and other produce.

  • 01 of 12

    Quick Coffee Cake

    Coffeecake
    Brian Macdonald / Getty Images

    We love this coffee cake; it really lives up to its name. It's quick to make and delicious. The original recipe contained chopped nuts in the streusel but you can substitute quick-cooking oatmeal for the nuts. It's tender, slightly sweet, with a rich and crumbly topping.

  • 02 of 12

    Make-Ahead Scrambled Eggs

    Make-Ahead Scrambled Eggs Recipe

    There's something about just throwing a pan in the oven and waiting a few minutes to eat a hearty and filling breakfast that is very appealing. For us, not having to look at raw eggs in the morning is a huge plus. And these make-ahead scrambled eggs are wonderful; creamy and rich.

  • 03 of 12

    Cranberry Orange Bread

    cranberry orange bread

    The Spruce / Leah Maroney

    Here's another wonderful way to eat breakfast on the run. This hearty and flavorful loaf is studded with tart cranberries and zesty orange. Make sure that you use the freshest fruit available for this bread so the flavors will pack just the right punch.

  • 04 of 12

    Blueberry Muffins

    Blueberry Muffins

    The Spruce / Leah Maroney

    Invite your favorite morning cafe or bakery into your home with these easy blueberry muffins. They are the perfect breakfast food anyone who wakes up at the last minute and needs to rush out the door. This recipe makes big, tender muffins just bursting with fruit. Yum.

    Continue to 5 of 12 below.
  • 05 of 12

    Cheesy Pasta Frittata

    Frittata in Italian on a wooden table
    MaharaMK / Getty Images

    Frittatas are simply sturdy omelets that are easier to make. You can add anything you'd like to your frittatas: cooked chopped meat, fresh vegetables, your favorite cheese. And refrigerate leftovers; they'll heat up beautifully in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds per serving.

  • 06 of 12

    Scrambled Eggs With Cream Cheese

    Scrambled Eggs With Cream Cheese
    Photo: Pete Scherer.

    Change up the typical scrambled egg with a secret ingredient. Cream cheese turns this classic breakfast dish into something rich and creamy while adding a subtle tanginess.

  • 07 of 12

    Chicken Omelet

    Chicken Omelette

    Leah Maroney

    Chicken adds a meaty component to an omelet without the high fat of pork products such as bacon, sausage, and ham. This chicken omelet, with nutty Gruyere cheese and spinach, lets you head into your day with a light step.

  • 08 of 12

    Banana Bread Recipes

    Banana bread

    Westend61 / Getty Images

    This excellent quick bread recipe is perfect to grab for a bite as you're running out the door. The recipe is slightly unusual as there is very little liquid, which makes the bread tender and moist.

    Continue to 9 of 12 below.
  • 09 of 12

    Waffle Quiches

    Baked waffle

    HAMACHI!'s Getty Images photo / Getty Images

    Make a quiche using waffles as the base. This fabulous, inventive recipe has the most wonderful flavor. This easy handheld breakfast is going to hit the jackpot with your kids.

  • 10 of 12

    Crunchy Salmon Sandwich Spread

    two sandwiches with cereals bread and smoked salmon with herbs,
    samael334 / Getty Images

    Who says you can't have sandwiches for breakfast? If cold pizza is an option, we think that a cold sandwich is even better. This healthy sandwich is full of protein for a great start to your day.

  • 11 of 12

    Swiss Eggs Recipes

    Egg casserole

    iuliia_n / Getty Images

    If you want comfort food right as you wake up, then look no further. This recipe is easy to make, hearty, and everyone likes it; even kids. It pairs perfectly with fresh cinnamon buns or other sweet breads.

  • 12 of 12

    BLT Wrap Sandwiches Recipes

    BLT Wrap Sandwich

    Lauri Patterson / Getty Images

    And finally, this excellent wrap sandwich is full of color, texture, and flavor, and is a great choice for breakfast any day. It packs perfectly into lunchboxes or is the perfect meal to make when you're in a pinch.