When it comes to breakfast, the sky's the limit. From savory to sweet, breakfast is not only the most important meal of the day, but usually the tastiest. While there are thousands of delicious breakfast recipes out there to enjoy, we've compiled 5 of our all-time favorite breakfasts, along with a few variations to keep things interesting.
The Breakfast Scramble
If those who can't do, teach; then those who can't make perfect omelets create amazing scrambles. Egg scrambles are a favorite breakfast option because they are easy to make and totally customizable for any taste. Whether you are a vegetarian, a meat lover, or an omnivore, egg scrambles are an egg-cellent choice!
Any egg scramble starts with scrambling eggs (figure 2 per person) along with a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. If you like your eggs creamy, add a splash of milk or cream. The rest of the ingredients are really up to your tastes, but here's one delicious veggie egg scramble that's great for using up some leftover vegetables from your fridge!
This colorful scramble serves 4.
What you'll need:
- 6 eggs (you can use just egg whites if you prefer)
- 1 cup of chopped mushrooms
- 1 cup of chopped onion
- 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes
- 1/2 -1 cup of shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, and/or Monterey jack are all great options)
- 1 cup of fresh spinach
- salt and pepper
On medium heat, use a spray (or small pad of butter) to coat a medium to large sized frying pan and start sautéing the mushrooms and onions for about 3 minutes or until soft, then add in the spinach. Lower the heat slightly and continue cooking until the spinach wilts down. Then add the beaten egg mixture along with the cheese and use a spoon or spatula to mix the ingredients around in the frying pan, making sure the egg mixture does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
Continue mixing and cooking your scramble until desired doneness, usually around 10 minutes. Only add the tomatoes a minute or so before you think the eggs will be done to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Challah French Toast
Who doesn't love French toast? For this delicious breakfast favorite we've traded in plain old sandwich bread for a rich, braided loaf of challah, which is actually made from eggs and perfect for French toast.
(Recipe adapted from Wholefoodsmarket.com)
What you'll need:
8 - 10 slices of challah bread cut about 1 inch thick
6 large eggs
3/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon butter
maple syrup (optional)
(Serves 4 - 6)
Whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Over medium heat, start melting the butter in a large frying pan. Dip each slice of challah in the egg mixture, being sure to coat both sides thoroughly, then hold the slice over the bowl to release any excess. Cook the challah in the frying pan in a single layer for 3 to 4 minutes per side (flipping once), until both sides are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the finished French toast slices to a plate. Repeat cooking process with remaining slices. Feel free to top with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and/or berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries or all 3 taste great).
Breakfast Casseroles
Breakfast casseroles are a breakfast favorite because they combine all your favorite breakfast foods into one delicious dish and can easily feed a hungry family. This recipe was adapted from Southerfood.about.com. Serves 4.
What you'll need:
3 cups frozen hash browns
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup diced cooked ham
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Cook the frozen hash browns in a medium frying pan for about 5 minutes or until soft, then place the hash browns at the bottom of a greased 9 x 13 casserole dish and drizzle the butter over the potatoes. Mix the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper together in a bowl and add ham and cheese. Pour the egg mixture over the hash browns. Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes, or until set; let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Yogurt Parfait
For those of us that crave a lighter and healthier breakfast, nothing satisfies like a delicious yogurt parfait. The creaminess of the yogurt, the sweetness and tanginess of the fruit, and the crunch of granola make this breakfast treat a textural and flavorful delight.
For an easy and delicious yogurt parfait just combine layers of your favorite flavor yogurt with fruit (berries, Clementine oranges, bananas, and kiwi are all good options), granola, honey, and/or shredded coconut in a parfait glass (or any tall, slender glass).
Cinnamon Rolls
If you prefer a warm, sweet pastry in the morning, cinnamon rolls are a classic breakfast favorite that are sure to tempt your palate. While there are no shortage of frozen or pre-made cinnamon rolls in your local grocery store, making these treats from scratch is easier than you may think. This recipe is adapted from Paula Deen via The Food Network.
Dough ingredients:
1/4-ounce package yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 cup scalded milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter or shortening
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg
3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
Filling ingredients:
1/2 cup melted butter (plus more for pan)
3/4 cup sugar (plus more for pan)
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Optional 3/4 cup raisins, walnuts, or pecans
Glaze ingredients:
4 tablespoons butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 - 6 tablespoons hot water
Heat oven to 350 degrees
First dissolve the yeast in warm water. In a separate large bowl, combine milk, sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt, then add 2 cups of the flour and mix until smooth. Blend in the remaining flour until the dough forms. When the dough is ready, knead on a lightly floured surface for 5 - 10 minutes, then let sit in a well-greased bowl until it doubles in size (usually 1 - 1 1/2 hours).
After the dough rises, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to the shape of a 15 x 9 inch rectangle. Brush melted butter over the dough. Combine sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the dough. If you want to add raisins or nuts, this is when you would sprinkle them over the dough as well. Starting with the longer side of the dough rectangle, roll the dough and pinch the edge together to seal. Then cut the dough into 12 - 15 slices.
Cover the bottom of your baking pan with butter and a sprinkle of sugar, then place cinnamon roll slices in the pain and let rise until doubled in size (about 45 minutes). Bake the rolls for 30 minutes or until browned. While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing butter, powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl, then add 1 tablespoon of hot water and blend until you reach your desired consistency. Wait until the finished rolls cool a bit before adding the glaze.
Enjoy this terrific start to the day!