12 Quick and Easy Valentine's Day Breakfast Ideas

While many people focus on Valentine's Day dinner, instead start the day on a romantic note with breakfast in bed. These quick and easy recipes will guarantee that you can enjoy your lovely morning and still make it to work on time.

For hash browns that are crisp on the outside and buttery on the inside, look no further than your multifaceted waffle iron. Since the waffle iron cooks the hash browns simultaneously on both sides, you get to skip the fuss of flipping while still achieving perfectly golden crusts on each side. Try a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of chives on top, or serve them with a fried egg and a dash of hot sauce for the ultimate breakfast or brunch.

View the Recipe: Waffle Iron Hash Browns

Your morning will be a (tasty) breeze after you prep these bulgur bowls the night before. Simply roll out of bed and top the whole-grain goodness with your favorite toppings. Go savory with kale, chicken, and pear, or go sweet with apples, almond butter, and goat cheese.

View the Recipe: Overnight Bulgur Bowls

Made from whole grains, fruit, and one protein-packed egg, these single-serving (but can easily be doubled) pancakes are ready in less than 10 minutes. You’ll love how they resemble the custardy center bite of French toast; fluffy, eggy, and golden delicious.

View the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Pancakes

Taking the time to lightly char the tortillas is well worth it—this simple step enhances the corn flavor and adds wonderful toasty notes. You can place tortillas directly on a gas cooktop, turning occasionally with tongs until toasted. Or cook in an ungreased cast-iron skillet over high heat, turning occasionally.

View the Recipe: Healthy Breakfast Tacos

When you're looking for a breakfast that's elegant enough for Valentine's Day, but still filling and delicious, this casserole is just the ticket. This multilayered marvel is loaded with crispy potatoes, hot-smoked salmon, and a smattering of fresh herbs. Cottage cheese naturally melds into the eggs, creating pillowy lightness throughout the mixture, while goat cheese creates dense pockets of creaminess. 

View the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Breakfast Casserole

English muffins and sausage are a natural breakfast pair with a fried egg, and the crisp outside and craggy surface of a split English muffin also makes it ideal for sandwiches. We swap the egg and cheese for crisp, tart apple and sautéed spinach. The spread is a clever hacked version of béarnaise—creamy from the mayo yet bright with tarragon and vinegar. Use bulk turkey breakfast sausage. For thin, round apple slices, cut crosswise from end to end, and then remove any seeds.

View the Recipe: Sausage, Spinach, and Apple Breakfast Sandwiches

Fitness Bread is amazingly hearty, dense, and chewy—and absolutely chock full of whole grains. Each 120-calorie slice is loaded with fiber, too (6 grams) and is a good source of protein (4 grams). Toast the bread well so it’s nice and crunchy; you can do it the night before to save time in the morning.

View the Recipe: Avocado Toast with Frizzled Egg

We use dates to sweeten this breakfast bowl—so there are no added sugars. For the best results, choose whole dates (pre-chopped dates are often coated in sugar to keep the pieces from sticking together). Any nut butter can work here and will have a similar calorie count as peanut butter.

View the Recipe: Peanut Butter Oats with Raspberries

This easy make-ahead breakfast will have you set for the week. You get two mini frittatas per serving for only 168 calories; pair with a piece of fruit for a satisfying breakfast. Store cooked frittatas in the fridge for up to four days.View the Recipe: Broccoli-and-Bacon Muffin-Tin Frittatas

Rise and shine to a Valentine's Day-colored breakfast. This lower-sugar recipe is a great way to use up slightly hard baguette and any berries you have roaming around your produce drawer. Make this the night before V-Day, and let the flavors meld together in your fridge for a creamier casserole in the morning.View the Recipe: Double Berry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

 Bacon-lettuce-avocado-tomato. Sure, you could eat this dynamic combo between two slices of bread—but we like to color outside the lines. Plus, there's something inherently cozy about eating your meal out of a bowl. We ditch the bacon in favor of crispy candied pancetta, which lends the perfect contrast of sweet and smoky flavors. A grilled avocado elevates the bowl with its charred flesh and cool, creamy interior. Crowned with a pillowy poached egg and garnished with watercress and cherry tomatoes, this savory breakfast will keep you satisfied 'til lunchtime.

 So a cup of coffee isn't technically a meal, but you can't complete a romantic breakfast for two without a little liquid caffeine. Instead of relying on your favorite neighborhood barista, make better a better cup of Joe on Valentine's Day with these tips: 5 Ways to Make Better Coffee at Home.