Healthy Breakfast and Brunch Recipes

Brunch Parfaits

This five-ingredient parfait is perfect for a healthful on-the-go breakfast. ruthieright21 says, “This was a quick and easy summer breakfast. I layered granola throughout the whole parfait (instead of just on top) for extra crunch.”

View Recipe: Brunch Parfaits

Raspberry-Cream Cheese Muffins

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Many reviewers mixed it up by adding blueberries, cherries, and dried cranberries. “These remind me of a light raspberry cheesecake,” writes moosaba. “They're delicious, and incredibly easy to make. The batter smells amazing.”

View Recipe: Raspberry-Cream Cheese Muffins

Hash Brown Casserole with Bacon, Onions, and Cheese

If you're looking for an all-purpose dish that will feed a crowd, this is the recipe for you. All the work can be done a day ahead. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven for 30 minutes.

Susan took this casserole to a weekend getaway at the lake with friends. “I wanted to take a breakfast dish that didn't require standing over the stove flipping pancakes or scrambling eggs for a crowd. I made this recipe the night before we left, and it was a hit with everyone!”

View Recipe: Hash Brown Casserole with Bacon, Onions, and Cheese

Banana-Cinnamon Waffles

This recipe isn’t just for breakfast, as carolfitz discovered. “We make these for Sunday breakfast, and we also have served is as dessert, topped with vanilla yogurt and drizzled with warm sugar-free caramel sauce. Always sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on the batter.”

View Recipe: Banana-Cinnamon Waffles

Crustless Smoked Turkey and Spinach Quiche

This five-star favorite is a reader recipe from Wendy McMillan of Longmont, Colorado. She advises to sprinkle some of the Swiss cheese in the pie plate first before adding the ham and egg mixture. The thin layer on the bottom gives another hit of flavor when you bite into a piece.

Erin from an online comment agrees: “The browned-cheese bottom layer is what really made this dish something special. I used a half-and-half mixture of cheddar and Swiss cheeses, and I upped the spinach a little bit. Otherwise, I made exactly as directed. I made it in a nonstick pie pan, which worked great. The dark finish made the bottom of the quiche nice and brown, and I didn't have any problem with sticking - I just dumped the quiche out onto a plate and served.”

View Recipe: Crustless Smoked Turkey and Spinach Quiche

Omelet with Summer Vegetables

The texture and flavor of this summery omelet is unmatched. “The smoked gouda lends a lot of flavor and the corn gives it a nice texture and a subtle sweetness that complements the smoky richness of the cheese,” explains northcountrycook. The ingredients are best in the summer but are still available at your grocery store year round.

View Recipe: Omelet with Summer Vegetables

Pain Perdu

Pain Perdu--literally "lost bread"--was traditionally a simple breakfast of day-old French bread dredged in beaten eggs and pan-fried in butter. Our lightened version is a 5-star hit. Many reviewers noted that they left out the wine in the sauce and it was still delicious. One person used frozen berries she had on hand and saved leftover sauce for topping frozen yogurt. All agree, this is one recipe to file away for special occasions and weekend brunches.

View Recipe: Pain Perdu

Southern Shrimp and Grits

This shellfish specialty of the Carolina Low Country, sometimes called "breakfast shrimp," tastes great for brunch or dinner. Start with frozen bell pepper and onion, as well as prepeeled and deveined shrimp, to minimize prep time.

One reviewer raved: “This is one of the best, and healthiest, versions of shrimp and grits I have ever tried, not to mention it’s fast and easy. Full of flavor, the grits in this recipe lend enough creaminess that no cream is necessary, leaving this recipe healthier than most other traditional versions. I get requests for this recipe all the time when I serve it. A must for your recipe arsenal!” We agree. This is a keeper.

View Recipe: Southern Shrimp and Grits

Power Granola

“This is a great granola recipe,” raves monainva. “I like to put it in fancy bags and give it as gifts.” This recipe has plenty of room for creativity. Other reviewers suggest pairing it with yogurt, substituting dried blueberries for cranberries, or adding wheat germ and dried currents.

View Recipe: Power Granola

French Toast Soufflé

Scoring high with dozens of online reviewers, this impressive quick dish lives up to the expectations raised by its mouth-watering name. bethanybuch shares her secret: “My husband loves this. He constantly asks me to make it and I haven't told him the secret (that it's so easy). He thinks I slave over it in the morning! I have made it about five times and it's perfect every time.”

View Recipe: French Toast Soufflé

Cardamom-Lime Sweet Rolls

Making homemade bread is a rewarding endeavor, and these sweet rolls are worth the effort. Starting with a soft, sour cream-enriched dough, these yeast-risen rolls bake up incredibly light and tender. Lime rind and juice offer just enough citrus to brighten the heady aroma of cardamom.

Earlgrey said: “If you have a soft spot for cardamom, or if you have never tried it, give the rolls a shot (or just mix some cardamom with cinnamon).” Many reviewers also substituted cinnamon and orange for the cardamom and lime for a more traditional flavor profile. Any way you shake it, these will disappear before you know it.

View Recipe: Cardamom-Lime Sweet Rolls

Garden Vegetable Crustless Quiche

The season's best vegetables and a variety of cheeses make this a crowd-pleasing and healthy meal that can be assembled the night before, refrigerated, and cooked just prior to serving. Dozens of online reviewers have commented on this fan favorite.

One reviewer said: “I enjoyed this for breakfast all week long, and it kept me full until lunch time. The cottage cheese gives the quiche a nice tangy flavor. Next time I'm going to change up the veggies just for some variety--maybe broccoli, mushroom and tomato.”

View Recipe: Garden Vegetable Crustless Quiche

Pecan Sticky Rolls

The dough for these rolls rises twice before being shaped, which contributes to the wonderfully rich flavor and soft texture. This recipe earned our Test Kitchens' highest rating, and it’s a 5-star hit with our readers online.

Jason raved: “We made these for a Sunday brunch, and they were the highlight of the meal. Unlike many sweet roll recipes that taste good but have a painfully small serving size, these rolls were irresistible and not wimpy little finger-size rolls! We will make these again.” We agree with Jason. Who has time for wimpy sweet rolls?

View Recipe: Pecan Sticky Rolls

Sausage and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Prep this delicious dish the night before for an easy breakfast or brunch. Find turkey sausage in the freezer section of the supermarket with other breakfast meats.

The consensus with online reviewers: Family and friends loved this casserole and were amazed that this was a lighter version of a traditional favorite. Put this in your file as a go-to make-ahead breakfast staple.

View Recipe: Sausage and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

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Raspberry-Orange Sunrises

Refreshing, simple, and colorful, this 4-ingredient drink will get the festivities going for any breakfast or brunch.

Ruthieright21 says: “I added a little more raspberries to increase the raspberry flavor, and I added ginger ale instead of sparkling wine because I happened to have it on hand.”

View Recipe: Raspberry-Orange Sunrises

Tropical Muffins with Coconut-Macadamia Topping

The crunchy-sweet topping of coconut, macadamia nuts, and oats brings regular muffins to new heights. Canola oil and macadamia nuts offer a dose of healthy monounsaturated fat.

One online reviewer suggests substituting pecans for the macadamia nuts and adding bittersweet chocolate chips to the mix.

View Recipe: Tropical Muffins with Coconut-Macadamia Topping

Jalapeño, Sausage, Jack, and Egg Breakfast Braid

This 2009 Ultimate Reader Recipe Contest category-winning dish makes an impressive addition to any brunch table. "When I have something spicy, I like to follow it with something fruity. Sweet and savory make a good flavor combination for breakfast in general, so I like to serve this with a fruit garnish like grapes or melon," says recipe contributor, Angela Spengler.

MamaD agrees that this is a winner: “Terrific recipe - perfect for company! I used green onions in place of onions and mild diced green chiles since the crowd I was feeding does not care for heat. You can mix this recipe up in so many ways to fit the taste of those you are serving!

View Recipe: Jalapeño, Sausage, Jack, and Egg Breakfast Braid

Spinach, Caramelized Onion, and Feta Quiche

We’ve used a combination of convenience products, like frozen hash brown potatoes, frozen chopped spinach, and refrigerated breadstick dough, to cut down on prep time, something you always need when preparing a big brunch or breakfast meal. The balance of tangy feta, sweet caramelized onions, and earthy spinach makes this a hall-of-fame breakfast dish.

Sue, an online reviewer, offers some great tips: “The onions take about ½ hour to caramelize, and in that time, I prepared the other ingredients and lit the oven. Once the onions were done, it was only a minute to put it together. To further reduce fat and calories, bake it without a crust. The potatoes make a nice bottom layer.”

View Recipe: Spinach, Caramelized Onion and Feta Quiche

Grilled Goat Cheese Sandwiches with Fig and Honey

If you’re looking to change-up a tired breakfast routine, try these new-fashioned grilled cheese sandwiches. They are equally good for breakfast or dinner. Mixing honey with the goat cheese makes it easier to spread over the cinnamon-raisin bread.

Karen couldn’t have said it better: “I was looking for something different for breakfast and I stumbled upon this recipe...I have fallen in love and I drool on the mornings that I know I will be making this. The combination of the goat cheese and fig preserves is divine, and the lemon zest gives the combo just a touch of freshness. I don't always have basil on hand, but it is still dynamite without it.”

View Recipe: Grilled Goat Cheese Sandwiches with Fig and Honey

Orange-Cranberry Wheat Germ Muffins

These muffins are at their best warm, so reheat briefly if you make ahead. Wheat germ is an excellent source of vitamin E, so feel free to serve up a heaping basketful at your next brunch.

Online reviewers have made these a top-rated hit. One person had a great idea: “I baked these in mini-muffin pans and got 2-1/2 dozen. I adjusted the cooking time to 12 minutes.” As full size or mini-muffins, try these for a brunch or as a take-along breakfast anytime.

View Recipe: Orange-Cranberry Wheat Germ Muffins

Chocolate Chip-Coffee Muffins

Every bite of our Chocolate Chip-Coffee Muffins delivers a jolt of coffee flavor and chunks of chocolate. Just be sure to watch the muffins carefully—they will toughen if baked too long.

View Recipe: Chocolate Chip-Coffee Muffins

Egg and Hash Brown Casserole

This dish is like enjoying an omelet stuffed with spinach, Swiss cheese, and mushrooms, with hearty sides of bacon and hash browns, all in one package.

View Recipe: Egg and Hash Brown Casserole

Omelet with Turmeric, Tomato, and Onions

Although not typical in French cooking, turmeric marries well with eggs and perks up a basic omelet.

View Recipe: Omelet with Turmeric, Tomato, and Onions

Sausage and Polenta Breakfast Casserole

Creamy and savory collide in a wonderful way. Everyone gathered around your breakfast table will love this one.

View Recipe: Sausage and Polenta Breakfast Casserole

Banana-Chocolate French Toast

This sweet breakfast treat will be a hit for kids and grown-ups alike. Serve with a fruit cup to round out the meal.

View Recipe: Banana-Chocolate French Toast

Migas con Salsa Verde

This Mexican one-skillet dish makes for a savory (and top-rated) breakfast. Don't forget to top each serving with a tablespoon of cheese for a melty finishing touch.

View Recipe: Migas con Salsa Verde

Apple-Stuffed Strata

A layer of sweet, baked apples and crunchy pecan topping helps this breakfast bread pudding shine. Last-minute prep couldn't be simpler: Just add a dusting of sugar and nuts.

View Recipe: Apple-Stuffed Strata

Libanais Breakfast

This Middle Eastern-inspired breakfast is a popular selection at Café Medina in Vancouver, where the dish includes a boiled egg and three salads—tabbouleh, cucumber salad, and baba ghanoush—complemented with crisp pita toasts. Our simplified version features just one salad—tabbouleh.

View Recipe: Libanais Breakfast

Streusel-Topped French Toast Casserole with Fruit Compote

If you like bread pudding, you'll love this creamy, custard-rich treat. For a special finishing touch, dollop with whipped topping.

View Recipe: Streusel-Topped French Toast Casserole with Fruit Compote

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

Pear and Gruyère Strata

Think of this as stuffed French toast in a casserole. Here, sweet cinnamon bread meets juicy pears and the savory bite of Gruyère cheese. You want a pear variety that will hold its shape and won't exude too much moisture as the strata bakes—we liked Anjou and Concorde.

View Recipe: Pear and Gruyère Strata

Banana, Wheat Germ, and Oats

Wheat germ and oats make a perfect pair: You get the goodness of whole grains from the oats and a host of nutrients, such as vitamin E, iron, potassium, and folic acid, from the nutty wheat germ.

View Recipe: Banana, Wheat Germ, and Oats

Ciabatta French Toast with Warm Apple Maple Syrup

Moist yet crusty bread and nutty Gruyère cheese set this French toast recipe apart from more traditional varieties. A vegetable peeler works great for getting thin slices out of the cheese. For the apples, Rome or Fuji varieties would also work.

View Recipe: Ciabatta French Toast with Warm Apple Maple Syrup

Real Bagels

If you grew up on factory bagels, these are a chewy revelation. Omit barley malt syrup from the recipe if you can't find it.

View Recipe: Real Bagels

Spinach, Green Onion, and Smoked Gouda Quiche

We like the creamy, custardy consistency of this quiche when it's baked for 35 minutes. If you prefer a firmer texture, bake an additional 5 minutes.

View Recipe: Spinach, Green Onion, and Smoked Gouda Quiche

Coconut French Toast with Grilled Pineapple

Easy to make, this rich dish is full of flavor. It's best prepared with day-old bread. You can serve the pineapple slices raw, but the deep, caramelized flavors you get from cooking them in a grill pan are worth the extra effort.

View Recipe: Coconut French Toast with Grilled Pineapple

Breakfast Tortilla

This hearty, open-faced omelet, called a tortilla, uses potatoes inside instead of serving them on the side. This omelet maximizes flavor with Yukon Gold potatoes, fresh tomatoes, and Manchego cheese.

View Recipe: Breakfast Tortilla

French Toast with Maple-Apple Compote

Sweet Pink Lady apples hold up well to being sautéed for the compote. Liberty, Fuji, or Jonagold apples will also work. Substitute Hawaiian bread if challah isn't available.

View Recipe: French Toast with Maple-Apple Compote

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

Tuscan Lemon Muffins

The tart, rich flavor of these muffins comes from a favorite Italian combo—olive oil and fresh lemon.

Reviewer JaneBaines said, "I think these deserve FIVE stars! They're VERY good. They were even better the next day because they are very moist and substantial without being heavy."

View Recipe: Tuscan Lemon Muffins

Fingerling Potato-Leek Hash with Swiss Chard and Eggs

Perfect for a brunch dish or breakfast for dinner dish, this hash is full of healthy ingredients and is a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet.

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

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. A fresh fruit salad would be a good accompaniment.

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

Maple-Glazed Sour Cream Doughnut Holes

Sour cream enriches these yeasted doughnut holes. 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

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

Ham and Swiss Egg Sandwiches

This delicious handheld breakfast will get the kids going in the morning and out the door without delay. Warm and savory, it will truly start the day off right.

View Recipe: Ham and Swiss Egg Sandwiches

Peanut Butter, Banana, and Flax Smoothies

Peanut butter and banana smoothies are usually a splurge item. Luckily, we have a healthy version that doesn't skimp on flavor. If the smoothies seem too thick, add another tablespoon or two of milk.

View Recipe: Peanut Butter, Banana, and Flax Smoothies

Crab Eggs Benedict

This Benedict is served with a "mock" hollandaise sauce made from mayonnaise and buttermilk, instead of the traditional clarified butter.

View Recipe: Crab Eggs Benedict

Savory Bread Puddings with Ham and Cheddar

Comforting bread pudding becomes a breakfast dish 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

Baked Egg-in-a-Hole

These bacon-and-egg toasts make for a fun breakfast or easy dinner. This kid-friendly recipe is sure to be a hit, any time of day.

View Recipe: Baked Egg-in-a-Hole

Pistachio-Chai Muffins

A simple sugar glaze anchors crunchy pistachios, while aromatic spices and black tea speckle the dough.

View Recipe: Pistachio-Chai Muffins

French Toast Peanut Butter and Jelly

What kid (or grown-up, for that matter) wouldn't love this ooey-gooey sandwich? Serve the souped-up PB&Js with fresh fruit.

View Recipe: French Toast Peanut Butter and Jelly

Open-Faced Sandwiches with Mushrooms and Fried Eggs

This open-faced sandwich is savory and delicious. It's perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner.

View Recipe: Open-Faced Sandwiches with Mushrooms and Fried Eggs

Summer Squash, Bacon, and Mozzarella Quiche

Start your day with this warm and savory quiche. 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

Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Muffins

Cocoa batter encases chocolate mini chips, which also melt atop for chocolaty goodness. Did we mention chocolate?

View Recipe: Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Muffins

Winter Jeweled Fruit Salad

In Mexico, copas de frutas (fruit cups) are popular street food. They typically consist of fresh fruit sprinkled with lime juice and chili powder and are the inspiration for this jewel-colored fruit salad. Jicama (pronounced HEE-kah-mah), also known as a Mexican potato or turnip, tastes like a cross between an apple and a potato and adds crunch to the salad.

View Recipe: Winter Jeweled Fruit Salad

Spiced Persimmon and Pecan Muffins

Traditional spiced muffins suddenly seem stylish when made with seasonal persimmons. There are two distinct types: Creamy-fleshed Hachiya is mashed to keep the muffins moist, while firmer Fuyu is diced for fruity bits with some bite.

View Recipe: Spiced Persimmon and Pecan Muffins

Vegetarian Benedicts with Thyme Sabayon

Fresh thyme is a welcome addition to this frothy, egg and wine-based sauce called sabayon. Substitute curly kale for lacinato kale, if desired.

View Recipe: Vegetarian Benedicts with Thyme Sabayon

Bananas Foster Parfaits

Our Bananas Foster Parfaits are truly a breakfast treat for children of any age. Just be sure to make an extra one for yourself.

View Recipe: Bananas Foster Parfaits

Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits

The less you knead the dough, the lighter and more tender your biscuits will be. Fat-free buttermilk adds a lovely tang and encourages a moist texture. This method of folding the dough creates irresistible flaky layers. To maximize the number of biscuits you get from the recipe, gather the dough scraps left after cutting, and gently pat or reroll them to a ¾-inch thickness.

View Recipe: Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits

Easy French Toast Casserole

When it comes time to serve a crowd, this easy casserole is a rich and decadent addition to any breakfast or brunch table.

View Recipe: Easy French Toast Casserole

Hearty Pancakes

This recipe combines whole wheat flour and farina with applesauce and raisins for a delightfully sweet and filling pancake.

View Recipe: Hearty Pancakes

Egg and Cheese Breakfast Tacos with Homemade Salsa

This recipe isn't just for breakfast. "My husband & I have this all the time for dinner and we use fresh eggs from a local farm," says WadeChartier. "I substitute flour tortillas and I also triple the amount of cumin. This is a casual night dish."

View Recipe: Egg and Cheese Breakfast Tacos with Homemade Salsa

Carrot Cake Pancakes

Stuffed with toasted walnuts, shredded carrots, and all the spices found in carrot cake, these light buttermilk pancakes are a guilt-free breakfast pleasure. Top with some homemade honey butter or light pancake syrup.

View Recipe: Carrot Cake Pancakes

Lemon-Scented Olive Oil Muffins

The unique flavor of these little breads is a slight departure from a traditional sweet muffin, and they make a delightful addition to any breakfast or brunch menu. If you love the taste of olive oil, choose a robust, full-flavored one for a more intense taste.

View Recipe: Lemon-Scented Olive Oil Muffins

Frittata with Spinach, Potatoes, and Leeks

Make the leek mixture, and cook the potatoes a day ahead. Or use store-bought diced cooked potatoes (such as Simply Potatoes), whisk the eggs, combine everything, and bake the frittata in the morning.

View Recipe: Frittata with Spinach, Potatoes, and Leeks

Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins

Tossing frozen blueberries with flour before adding them to the batter keeps them from turning the batter purple while they bake. If you use fresh blueberries, skip that step. Keep the muffins in a covered container and grab one in the morning before you head out the door for a super-delish and super-quick breakfast.

View Recipe: Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins

Whole-Wheat Cinnamon Rolls

This recipe encompasses everything you crave in a cinnamon roll, in a vastly lighter version. Brown sugar sweetens the filling of this breakfast treat, and powdered sugar dissolves into a milky glaze that's drizzled over the top of these delicious cinnamon rolls. Whole-wheat flour adds a healthy dimension to these tasty rolls.

View Recipe: Whole-Wheat Cinnamon Rolls

Mushroom and Bell Pepper Omelet with Fontina

The nutty, smooth-melting fontina cheese provides a rich and supple counterpart to fresh produce and aromatic herbs in this dish.

View Recipe: Mushroom and Bell Pepper Omelet with Fontina

German Apple Pancake

The dramatic presentation of this German pancake—it puffs up gloriously—as well as the recipe's rich, custardlike texture make it a morning delight. Use any type of firm, tart apple such as Granny Smith, pippin, Northern Spy, or Sierra Beauty.

View Recipe: German Apple Pancake

Baked Eggs en Cocotte with Onions

Keep an eye on the eggs as they cook, bearing in mind that cook times vary depending on the thickness of the ramekins and your personal preference for the texture of the eggs.

View Recipe: Baked Eggs en Cocotte with Onions

Ham and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich with Mango Chutney

This sandwich packs protein from egg, calcium from cheese, and fiber and B vitamins from the whole-wheat muffin. For a touch of sweetness, spread your favorite jelly or jam over the bottom half of each sandwich.

View Recipe: Ham and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich with Mango Chutney

Eggs Blindfolded over Garlic-Cheddar Grits

Blindfolded eggs are a short-order cook’s version of poached eggs. The key is adding the ice cubes to the pan after the egg whites are set.

View Recipe: Eggs Blindfolded over Garlic-Cheddar Grits

Whole-Wheat Buttermilk Pancakes

Whether you're serving up breakfast for dinner or a delicious weekend brunch, make an extra batch and freeze to save for busy mornings. Bonus: Many of our online reviewers have called these fluffy, flavorful pancakes the best they've ever tasted.

View Recipe: Whole-Wheat Buttermilk Pancakes

Ham and Cheese Strata

The longer this sets before baking, the more custard-like the consistency will be. Trust us, it's worth the wait.

View Recipe: Ham and Cheese Strata

Onion and Fresh Herb Omelet with Mixed Greens

Add whole fresh strawberries and whole wheat toast for an easy weekend brunch or light supper during the week.

View Recipe: Onion and Fresh Herb Omelet with Mixed Greens

Morning Glory Muffins

The whole-wheat flour, dried fruits, nuts, oatmeal, and wheat bran contribute plenty of fiber to each Morning Glory Muffin. Substitute apricots or raisins for chopped pitted dates in this recipe if you like. Complete your breakfast with fat-free yogurt and fruit.

View Recipe: Morning Glory Muffins

Herb and Goat Cheese Omelet

A tender omelet gains a salty boost from goat cheese without adding too much sodium. Serve with seedy whole-grain toast and fresh fruit for a hearty breakfast.

View Recipe: Herb and Goat Cheese Omelet

Oven-Puffed Pancake

The decadence of this cake makes for a lovely presentation, perfect for entertaining guests at brunch.

View Recipe: Oven-Puffed Pancake

Classic French Omelet

Our Classic French Omelet is the perfect way to start off any morning. The trick to mastering the French omelet is to pull the pan off the heat as needed, while stirring, to control how fast the eggs cook. The finished omelet should be golden outside and unbrowned, while still creamy at the very center.

View Recipe: Classic French Omelet

 

Mushroom Frittata

This vegetarian egg recipe is ideal for a light breakfast or brunch, but you can also serve it for dinner paired with a simple side salad.

View Recipe: Mushroom Frittata

Peanut Butter and Banana Pancakes

You can give these pancakes a PB&J flavor profile by spreading them with grape or strawberry jelly.

View Recipe: Peanut Butter and Banana Pancakes

Poached Eggs with Buttery Multigrain Toast

Eggs can be poached ahead of time and stored in cold water in the refrigerator, but if so, be sure to undercook them slightly. Warm them in hot water before serving.

View Recipe: Poached Eggs with Buttery Multigrain Toast

Buttermilk-Banana Pancakes with Pomegranate Syrup

This pancake recipe is a delightful combination of fruity flavors. The pairing of banana pancakes with pomegranate syrup is a healthy way to start your morning.

View Recipe: Buttermilk-Banana Pancakes with Pomegranate Syrup

Peanut Butter and Jelly Muffins

Consider these a breakfast version of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Don't use a natural-style peanut butter in this recipe; it won't have enough sugar or fat to help the muffins rise.

View Recipe: Peanut Butter and Jelly Muffins

Quick Breakfast Tostada

This hearty dish, with eggs, beans, and cheese, will give your day a hearty start. Add a little cooked chicken or ground beef for a filling breakfast-for-dinner option, or cook the eggs ahead and pack each ingredient separately for an assemble-at-work lunch. It's also good for kids to make themselves, as everything cooks quickly in the microwave, no stove necessary.

View Recipe: Quick Breakfast Tostada

Double Apple Bran Muffins

Oat bran, the outer casing of an oat, is high in fiber. Apples and applesauce make these healthful muffins sweet and moist. If making ahead, individually wrap cooled muffins, and freeze for up to one week.

View Recipe: Double Apple Bran Muffins

Brie and Egg Strata

Stratas are easy make-ahead dishes. The night before, assemble and layer the casserole without the egg mixture; cover and refrigerate. Combine the egg mixture, and refrigerate in a separate container. In the morning, pour the egg mixture over the bread mixture; allow the strata to stand for 30 minutes before baking.

View Recipe: Brie and Egg Strata

Whole-Grain Blackberry Spice Muffins

Coarsely chop frozen blackberries, and place them back in the freezer until ready to stir into the batter. To freeze muffins, let cool completely, and place in zip-top plastic bags. Reheat in microwave 20 seconds.

View Recipe: Whole-Grain Blackberry Spice Muffins

Pear and Walnut Muffins

Fragrant pears and walnuts make an unbeatable combination. For this recipe, you can use any type of pear available, though we suggest Anjou or Bartlett. Adding ground walnuts to these muffins results in a delightful richness. Turbinado sugar has large blond crystals and a subtle molasses flavor; substitute granulated sugar if you don't have turbinado.

View Recipe: Pear and Walnut Muffins

Quick Breakfast Burritos

This quick and healthy burrito is a great way to get kids to eat breakfast, even if they are dashing toward the bus stop.

View Recipe: Quick Breakfast Burritos

Pumpkin-Cranberry Muffins

These moist, 5-star pumpkin muffins get a burst of sweet and sour notes from the dried cranberries. This favorite recipe doubles easily to feed a crowd.

View Recipe: Pumpkin-Cranberry Muffins

Blueberry Pancakes

A time-honored pancake filler, blueberries not only add natural sweetness, but pack in antioxidants as well.

View Recipe: Blueberry Pancakes

Quick Garden Omelet

The simplest supermarket ingredients make a Garden Omelet that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Even faster: Buy presliced mushrooms.

View Recipe: Quick Garden Omelet

Simple Baked Eggs

Prepare Simple Baked Eggs in ramekins or custard cups and serve several individual portions.

View Recipe: Simple Baked Eggs

Banana Breakfast Smoothie

Prepare this protein-packed smoothie and take along a handful of granola for a quick breakfast on the go. Adding the yogurt at the very end imparts a creamy texture to the smoothie.

View Recipe: Banana Breakfast Smoothie

Cinnamon-Raisin Muffins with Streusel Topping

"These muffins smelled so good while they were cooking," said reader Brandi B. Frederick. "The first words out of my mouth after the first bite were literally, 'Holy moly! These are amazing!!!' I haven’t had real muffins in several years, so I tried them out on unsuspecting 'normal' folks. I took a dozen of them to some friends, and they went nuts over them. No one could tell they were gluten free. They were light and fluffy, flavorful, and exceptionally delicious."

View Recipe: Cinnamon-Raisin Muffins with Streusel Topping

Breakfast Sausage Casserole

This satisfying breakfast recipe is perfect to make for weekend guests. Assemble and refrigerate the casserole the night before, and just pop it in the oven the next morning. Look for turkey sausage near other breakfast-style sausage in the frozen foods section.

View Recipe: Breakfast Sausage Casserole

Summer Vegetable Frittata

Fresh seasonal produce makes this Italian omelet shine. Serve with a simple salad and fruit for an easy breakfast or brunch.

View Recipe: Summer Vegetable Frittata

Sweet Potato and Pecan Flapjacks

Cornmeal adds crunch, and mashed sweet potatoes lend creaminess to this weekend favorite. Yellow- or white-fleshed sweet potatoes have a dry and crumbly texture when baked and are not moist enough to make tender pancakes, so use the orange variety. For convenience, roast a sweet potato the night before. Serve with maple syrup, butter, and fresh fruit, if desired.

View Recipe: Sweet Potato and Pecan Flapjacks

Whole Wheat, Oatmeal, and Raisin Muffins

These muffins don't stop with whole-wheat flour. With four whole grains and three dried fruits, these muffins are a great way to get a variety of antioxidants and fiber. Wheat germ is a good source of vitamin E. Look for untoasted wheat germ in the organic food section of the supermarket. Adding boiling water to the batter and allowing it to sit for 15 minutes before baking allows the hearty oats, wheat germ, and bran to soak up the liquid for a more tender muffin.

View Recipe: Whole Wheat, Oatmeal, and Raisin Muffins