Comfort Food Breakfast and Brunch Recipes

Fingerling Potato-Leek Hash with Swiss Chard and Eggs Comfort Food

Photo: John Autry

Our Favorite Breakfast & Brunch Comfort Food

Comfort food isn't strictly reserved for dinnertime. Start your day with something warm and delicious to keep you fueled throughout the morning.

We'll start you off with our Fingerling Potato-Leek Hash with Swiss Chard and Eggs. To trim Swiss chard, pull or cut the stems out of the leaves. The dish goes from stovetop to tabletop using just one pan.

View Recipe: Fingerling Potato-Leek Hash with Swiss Chard and Eggs

Photo: John Autry

Bacon-Cheddar Corn Muffins

Cheddar, jalapeño, and bacon make these muffins a great partner for chili or as a savory grab-and-go breakfast.

View Recipe: Bacon-Cheddar Corn Muffins

Photo: John Autry

Smoked Salmon and Egg Sandwich

This open-face sandwich is going to put a smile on your face from the very first bite. Choose fish labeled "wild Alaskan salmon."

View Recipe: Smoked Salmon and Egg Sandwich

Photo: John Autry

Oatmeal Pancakes

There is something about oatmeal that can't be matched when it comes to cozy comfort. Kick it up a notch by adding fresh blueberries to the pancake batter for an interesting twist.

View Recipe: Oatmeal Pancakes

Photo: John Autry

Summer Squash, Bacon, and Mozzarella Quiche

Start your day with a warm and savory quiche that will keep you satisfied through the morning. Prep Tip: Chop vegetables, shred cheese, and cook bacon while the dough for the crust chills in the refrigerator.

View Recipe: Summer Squash, Bacon, and Mozzarella Quiche

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Savory Sausage Breakfast Rolls

Filled with sausage and cheese, these hit the spot on a chilly morning. We like reduced-fat pork sausage, but turkey breakfast sausage also works well.

View Recipe: Savory Sausage Breakfast Rolls

Photo: John Kernick

Bacon and Egg Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions and Arugula

This upscale twist on the traditional breakfast sandwich features sweet, tender caramelized onion and peppery arugula.

View Recipe: Bacon and Egg Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions and Arugula

Photo: Jonny Valiant

Crab Eggs Benedict

For all the comfort of traditional eggs Benedict without the calories, we updated the classic with a mock hollandaise sauce. It's made from mayonnaise and buttermilk instead of clarified butter. Serve with steamed asparagus.

View Recipe: Crab Eggs Benedict

Photo: John Autry

Eggs Poached in Curried Tomato Sauce

Decrease the heat by removing some or all of the jalapeño's seeds. You can make the sauce up to three days ahead; prepare through step 1, cool, cover, and refrigerate. Bring back to a gentle simmer before proceeding.

View Recipe: Eggs Poached in Curried Tomato Sauce

Photo: John Kernick

Ciabatta French Toast with Warm Apple Maple Syrup

Moist yet crusty ciabatta and nutty Gruyère cheese set this dish apart from traditional French toast with an extra comforting twist. A vegetable peeler works great for getting thin slices out of the cheese. Rome or Fuji apples would also work.

View Recipe: Ciabatta French Toast with Warm Apple Maple Syrup

Photo: Jonny Valiant

Winter Jeweled Fruit Salad

Jicama tastes like a cross between an apple and a potato. It adds crunch and a new twist on fresh fruit salad.

View Recipe: Winter Jeweled Fruit Salad

Photo: John Autry

Cherry-Wheat Germ Muffins

Dried cherries enliven a hearty muffin featuring nutty wheat germ. Vary the flavor with dried apricots or blueberries.

View Recipe: Cherry-Wheat Germ Muffins

Photo: Randy Mayor

Eggs Blindfolded Over Garlic-Cheddar Grits

Blindfolded eggs are a short-order cook’s version of poached eggs. The Garlic-Cheddar Grits in this recipe make a comfort-food-worthy bed for the perfectly cooked eggs.

View Recipe: Eggs Blindfolded Over Garlic-Cheddar Grits

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Maple-Glazed Sour Cream Doughnut Holes

Sour cream enriches these yeasted doughnut holes. Enjoy them for breakfast or dessert. Sugarcoat it: Omit the maple glaze and dip the doughnut holes in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for more texture.

View Recipe: Maple-Glazed Sour Cream Doughnut Holes

Photo: John Autry

Ham and Swiss Egg Sandwiches

With one-third less sodium than the fast-food breakfast muffin, ours has a lot more going for it—you can make it fresh at home in less than 15 minutes. Add a glass of orange juice and you're ready to begin your day on a healthy note.

View Recipe: Ham and Swiss Egg Sandwiches

Photo: John Kernick

Mozzarella Omelet with Sage and Red Chile Flakes

Gooey mozzarella, vibrant sage, and a generous hit of red pepper make this a standout breakfast or brunch dish.

View Recipe: Mozzarella Omelet with Sage and Red Chile Flakes

Photo: John Autry

Savory Bread Puddings with Ham and Cheddar

Comforting bread pudding becomes a main dish instead of dessert by using savory rather than sweet ingredients. Preparing it in individual ramekins gives it a dressier feel and shortens cooking time.

View Recipe: Savory Bread Puddings with Ham and Cheddar