Stuck in a breakfast rut? Find over 60 healthy breakfast ideas below! With sweet, savory, easy, and make-ahead options, we have something for everyone.
And just like that, it’s back to school time! I’m getting the fall recipe calendar organized, getting ready to test, photograph, and share a ton of new ideas. For us, this season is going to be a busy one, and I know it will be for many of you, too. Today, I’m sharing my favorite healthy breakfast ideas to get these busy days off to a good start. You’ll find some that are perfect to make ahead and grab on the go, some that are quick and easy to whip up in the morning, and even some for days when you have a little more time for breakfast.
Below, I’m sharing over 60 healthy breakfast recipes, divided into 11 (yes, 11!) categories.: oatmeal, eggs, smoothies, bowls, quick breads, pancakes and waffles, breakfast tacos, breakfast biscuits, toast, muffins and bagels, and bars and balls. Whether you’re someone who craves something savory or sweet first thing in the morning, or you like to enjoy breakfast at home or grab and go, you’re sure to find some healthy breakfast ideas you’ll love.
Oatmeal for a healthy breakfast
Oatmeal is loaded with fiber, making it a great healthy breakfast!
However, if you’re like me, you run the risk of getting stuck in an oatmeal rut. In college, I ate plain instant oatmeal every day. After four years, I couldn’t stand it. To avoid oatmeal burnout, make sure to vary the toppings. Any nut butter, fresh fruit, dried fruit, yogurt, nuts, seeds, or jam are a good choice. Savory oatmeal is also delicious.
You can also change up the way you prepare your oatmeal. Make baked oatmeal or homemade granola, or whip up a big batch of oatmeal for quick breakfasts during the week. Find these and more oatmeal recipes below:
Breakfast recipes with eggs
If you’re someone who wants to prioritize protein for breakfast, egg recipes are a great option. Make a quick omelet, scrambled eggs, or fried eggs in the morning, or try one of the recipes below for a little variety. For example, make egg bites for an easier breakfast. On days when you have more time, start your day with a big breakfast casserole or shakshuka.
Healthy Breakfast Smoothies
Smoothies are one of the best breakfast recipes, as they bring a big serving of fruits and vegetables to the first meal of the day. After years of making smoothies, I’ve found that a handful of spinach is almost undetectable, so add some to a fruit smoothie for extra nutrients. Alternatively, blend in a superfood like hemp seeds, nut butter, matcha or maca powder for an extra healthy kick.
Make your smoothie the night before and store it in the fridge for a quick breakfast or prepare individual smoothie packs. Portion out the fruits, veggies, and superfood ingredients for a single smoothie in a container and prepare it for as many days as you want at once. Store the containers in the freezer and in the morning, blend a frozen pack with almond milk or juice. Enjoy!
Healthy breakfast bowls
If you’re looking for new and original breakfast ideas, a breakfast bowl might be just the ticket. In this category, almost anything goes. When I make a savory bowl, I top rice or farro with a soft-boiled egg, veggies (leftover roasted Brussels sprouts, squash, cauliflower, etc.), and a savory sauce like pesto or tzatziki. My sweet bowls vary. Sometimes I’m in the mood for chia pudding. Other days, I’ll top quinoa with almond milk, cinnamon, and fresh fruit and call it a meal.
Quick bread recipes for breakfast
Moist, comforting, and slightly sweet, quick bread is a delicious breakfast option. In the summer, I almost always have individual slices of zucchini bread in the freezer. In the fall and winter, pumpkin bread and banana bread take its place. Enjoy a thick slice of your favorite quick bread on its own, or top it with a dollop of Greek yogurt and seasonal fruit to make it last longer.
Pancake and waffle breakfast ideas
Pancakes and waffles may not be something you can make every day of the week, but unlike their cousins, French toast, these breakfast recipes keep well if you make them ahead of time and freeze them. So double up on the weekend batch of pancakes or waffles and freeze leftovers for busy mornings. When you’re ready to eat, pop them in the toaster or microwave to defrost. Enjoy with maple syrup!
Tacos and burritos for a healthy breakfast
After years of living in Austin, breakfast tacos are my favorite healthy breakfast. Most of the time, I make scrambled eggs with spinach and top them with avocado, hot sauce, and pico de gallo. But all kinds of variations can be made here! Add veggies like roasted sweet potatoes or vegan shiitake bacon, or use a different sauce. Have fun making your own breakfast tacos!
I also love having a breakfast burrito first thing in the morning. Instead of making them from scratch on a weekday, I make them on the weekend and freeze them so I can quickly defrost them during the week.
Healthy breakfast cookies
Breakfast cookies are the perfect snack for mornings when you don’t have to stop. Ingredients like flax, oats, nuts, seeds, and even quinoa fill them with protein, healthy fats, and fiber. In addition to the fruit and veggie variations listed below, I love the Banana Bread Breakfast Cookies from page 35 of Love and Lemons Every Day. These breakfast recipes are great to make ahead and freeze for busy mornings. To defrost, pop them in the microwave for 8-10 seconds and away you go!
Breakfast ideas with sandwiches and toast
If you’re looking for easy, tried-and-true breakfast ideas, toast is the way to go! Place a slice of whole-grain bread in the toaster and top it with your favorite seasonal ingredients. I like to start with a spread and then add a layer of roasted or raw vegetables, fruit, and/or fresh herbs. I’m a huge fan of avocado toast, but hummus, ricotta, and nut butter are also great starting points for delicious toast.
Or, replace the bread with an English muffin or bagel and make a breakfast sandwich. The recipe below freezes well, making it a great healthy breakfast to make ahead.
Healthy muffins and scones for breakfast
When I was growing up, chocolate chip muffins were a breakfast staple in our house. Muffins are still one of my favorite ways to start the day, but I don’t limit myself to just chocolate chip muffins. I love all of the recipes below!
Like other healthy breakfast baked goods, muffins and scones freeze well. I like to keep a frozen stash on hand at all times.
Breakfast ideas with bars and balls
If you love to start your day with a granola bar, try replacing the pre-packaged ones with homemade ones. All of these recipes are simple and made with wholesome ingredients that combine to create delicious and nutritious morning snacks. Like baked goods, these bars and balls keep well in the freezer, so whip up a batch to keep on hand for easy, healthy breakfasts and snacks.
Looking for more healthy breakfast ideas?
Check out this list of my favorite brunch recipes or best vegan breakfast ideas!
Healthy breakfast ideas: vegetarian breakfast tacos
Serves 4
Healthy breakfast ideas: vegetarian breakfast tacos
Dip
- 1 large yellow tomato, diced
- 3 tablespoons red onion diced
- 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- ½ to 1 serrano chili, thinly sliced
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- Juice of ½ lime
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
For the tacos:
- 1 green pepper, Stemmed, seeded and diced
- 3 chives, chopped
- 6 big eggs, defeated
- 2 cups arugula or spinach, chopped
- Extra virgin olive oil, To drizzle
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 8 tortillas
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, and more to decorate
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges, To serve
Prevent your screen from going dark
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Make the salsa: In a small bowl, combine the tomato, onion, cilantro, serrano chile, garlic, lime juice, and salt. Chill until ready to use.
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In a small nonstick skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the green pepper, scallions, and a pinch of salt and pepper and sauté until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Spoon a large spoonful of the sauce into the pepper mixture and stir. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Lightly brush a large nonstick skillet with olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the eggs, let them cook for a few seconds, then scramble. Add the green pepper mixture to the eggs. Continue to stir and scramble the eggs until they are done. Remove the pan from the heat while the eggs are slightly runny and stir in the arugula and half of the additional cilantro.
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Assemble tacos with egg mixture, a tablespoon of salsa, remaining cilantro, and a few slices of avocado. Finish with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of salt and pepper, if desired. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
