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50+ Healthy Breakfasts to Start Your Mornings Off Right

50+ Healthy Breakfasts to Start Your Mornings Off Right

Updated December 30, 2019

Victor Protasio

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so it's crucial to fuel up properly. These healthy breakfasts aren't simply lower in starch or sugar: They're packed with the nutrients you need to make it through the day, like protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, so you can stay full and energized until lunchtime.

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Breakfast Bowl with Tomato, Avocado, and Egg

Credit: Photography: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Thom Driver.

Breakfast Bowl with Tomato, Avocado, and Egg Recipe

This is the kind of breakfast that's worth waking up for--and enjoying again for lunch or dinner. If you want a starchy component, add precooked farro or quinoa.

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Make-Ahead Shakshuka

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Kira Corbin

Make-Ahead Shakshuka Recipe

To make ahead, complete step 1; then follow instructions below. Be sure to pierce the yolks (without breaking them) so they won't burst when microwaved.

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Baked Eggs with Leeks and Mushrooms

Credit: Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Fanny Pan

Baked Eggs with Leeks and Mushrooms Recipe

Enjoy this dish hot from the oven, with crusty bread to soak up the runny yolks. For firmer yolks and whites, leave the eggs on the rimmed baking sheet for 4 to 5 minutes before serving.

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Southwestern Sweet Potato and Egg Hash

Credit: Greg DuPree

Southwestern Sweet Potato and Egg Hash Recipe

Hashes are a great way to incorporate vegetables into the first meal of the day. Here we’ve added a Southwestern spin with chili powder and cumin. Give the potatoes a head start by microwaving them until just shy of tender, then finish them off in the skillet for that coveted crispy texture. Use the leftover black beans to boost protein and fiber in salads, soups, or grain bowls.

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Blueberry Açaí Smoothie Bowl

Credit: Thomas J. Story

Blueberry Açaí Smoothie Bowl Recipe

Drink your morning smoothie from a bowl! With a variety of toppings, this easy breakfast movement is the healthiest way to turn a smoothie into a morning meal.

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Toasted Almond and Apple Quinoa

Toasted Almond and Apple Quinoa Recipe

Mornings can be so hectic. We know that. Let your pressure cooker relieve the pressure of cooking breakfast with this quick and easy Instant Pot recipe. Jump-start your morning with a bowl of warm quinoa cereal. It's loaded with protein and fiber, which will keep you satisfied throughout the morning.

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Wilted Spinach and Fried Egg Wheat Berry Bowl

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Wilted Spinach and Fried Egg Wheat Berry Bowl Recipe

Start this hearty breakfast bowl with a batch of perfect wheat berries, and then add a tangy twist and some probiotics with kimchi. Round it out with spinach, peanuts, and an egg. Sprinkle with chile flakes for extra heat.

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Creamy Kale Caesar Salad with Soft-Boiled Eggs

Credit: Greg DuPree

Creamy Kale Caesar Salad with Soft-Boiled Eggs Recipe

We leave out the anchovies for a kid-friendly take on classic Caesar salad. Instead of romaine, we use dark, bumpy lacinato kale leaves; a quick massage makes them perfectly tender. And instead of adding raw egg to the dressing, we add a soft-boiled egg to each serving so the yolk can run over all. A grill pan is a worthy addition to your kitchen for getting quick, chargrilled flavor without having to cook outdoors. Use it to toast the baguette slices and mellow the fresh red onion wedges.

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Pistachio, Fig, and Saffron Yogurt Oatmeal

Credit: Randy Mayor; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Pistachio, Fig, and Saffron Yogurt Oatmeal Recipe

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Slow Cooker Eggs in Purgatory

Credit: Photo by Hector Manuel Sanchez

Slow Cooker Eggs in Purgatory Recipe

We're not entirely certain about the history of this classic recipe's name, but perhaps it has something to do with the spicy kick of the sauce. Our version is a shakshuka-like dish in which fiery harissa paste and heady spices slowly infuse a rich tomato sauce where eggs gently poach. Look for jars of harissa with the Middle Eastern foods in your supermarket; you can substitute a half to full teaspoon of crushed red pepper in a pinch. The cook time for the eggs depends on the specific heat of your slow cooker. We offer a range of 15 to 20 minutes, so start checking at 15 minutes (or a couple minutes earlier) to ensure the eggs get done to your liking. Serve with warm whole-wheat pita.

Eggs in Purgatory

This story originally appeared on Cookinglight.com.

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Mushroom Frittata

Credit: Randy Mayor; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Mushroom Frittata Recipe

A frittata is a baked, open-faced omelet with Mediterranean flair. This omelet features fresh mushrooms and arugula tossed over the top to invoke a savory and warm start to your day.

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Flaxseed Oatmeal with Blueberries

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Flaxseed Oatmeal with Blueberries Recipe

My wife and I make this easy whole-grain breakfast for our family many mornings a week.

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Cilantro and Kale Pesto Toast with a Fried Egg

Credit: Erin Kunkel

Cilantro and Kale Pesto Toast with a Fried Egg Recipe

Sliced bread is the perfect blank canvas, ready to be loaded up with virtuous ingredients. Here is a toast recipe from the Instagram queen of the genre, Diana Ngo (@diningwithdiana), a cook and mom in the Seattle area who is working on her RD.

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Quinoa Breakfast Bowl with 6-Minute Egg

Credit: Greg DuPree

Quinoa Breakfast Bowl with 6-Minute Egg Recipe

Embrace breakfast’s savory side with this whole-grain bowl. This simple one-dish meal is crowned with a soft-boiled egg; the nutrient-rich yolk creates its own creamy sauce. New research shows that eating eggs with raw vegetables like tomatoes increases your absorption of carotenoids—antioxidants that may protect against heart disease.

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Overnight Maple-Raisin Oatmeal

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford, Claire Spollen

Overnight Maple-Raisin Oatmeal Recipe

Steel-cut oats offer a nutty alternative to hot cereal made with rolled oats. If you prefer, substitute firm pears for apples or dried cranberries for the raisins.

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Instant Pot Whole-Milk Yogurt

Credit: Time Inc. Video Studio

Instant Pot Whole-Milk Yogurt Recipe

Making your own batch of versatile, nutritious, probiotic-rich yogurt has never been easier. We all know the Instant Pot is awesome acting as both a slow cooker and a pressure cooker, but if you’ve ever wondered about the other claim on the box—Wait, can I really make yogurt in my Instant Pot?—trust us, we tried it out and it’s actually super simple using the Instant Pot’s “Yogurt” setting. All you need is whole milk and a few tablespoons of plain yogurt (you need just a little bit that’s already made to act as a “starter” for your yogurt). Once you’ve made your first batch, be sure to save a few tablespoons of yogurt to start your next batch when your supply is low. Use your homemade yogurt for nutrient-rich smoothies, as a tangy topper for soups and tacos, to make rich sauces and dips, and more. If you want to simply enjoy a bowl for breakfast, top your yogurt as desired with fresh fruit, honey, granola, chopped nuts, etc. You can also stir in a little vanilla extract to taste in order to make vanilla yogurt.

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Overnight Oats with Kefir, Berries, and Toasted Coconut

Credit: Alison Miksch Styling: Lindsey Lower

Overnight Oats with Kefir, Berries, and Toasted Coconut Recipe

This oatmeal bowl is a great on-the-go breakfast and is also made probiotic-rich with the addition of kefir. This bowl is best enjoyed cold becuase the active cultures in kefir are sensitive to heat. Resist the urge to microwave the oats, keeping it chilled for maximum benefits.

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Copycat Starbucks Egg White, Roasted Red Pepper, & Spinach Egg Bites

Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Prop Styling: Christina Daley; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Copycat Starbucks Egg White, Roasted Red Pepper, & Spinach Egg Bites Recipe

These fluffy , perfectly portioned egg bites are super convenient and can easily be made ahead of time at home for a grab-and-go breakfast that only needs a few seconds in the microwave.

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Papaya-Blueberry-Cherry Breakfast Bowls

Credit: Alison Miksch

Papaya-Blueberry-Cherry Breakfast Bowls Recipe

A feast for your eyes and your mouth, this bright bowl pops with a myriad of tasty, crunchy components.

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Quinoa Bowls with Avocado and Egg

Credit: Photography: Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine

Quinoa Bowls with Avocado and Egg Recipe

This quick, satisfying breakfast is loaded with anti-inflammatory foods: extra-virgin olive oil, avocado, tomatoes, quinoa, and omega-3 eggs. For even more anti-inflammatory benefit, serve with an orange or grapefruit.

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Steel-Cut Oatmeal with Apples

Steel-Cut Oatmeal with Apples Recipe

Mornings can be so hectic. We know that. Let your slow cooker relieve the pressure of cooking breakfast with this overnight Instant Pot recipe. While you sleep, your slow cooker is making your breakfast—what could be better?

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Grapefruit, Avocado, and Prosciutto Breakfast Salad

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Grapefruit, Avocado, and Prosciutto Breakfast Salad Recipe

Bright, refreshing grapefruit pairs surprisingly well with nutty-earthy toasted sesame oil. This meal is full of satiating heart-healthy fats that will keep you full for a long time.

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Roasted Grape and Goat Cheese Wheat Berry Bowl

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Roasted Grape and Goat Cheese Wheat Berry Bowl Recipe

Save time in the morning by prepping the batch of perfect wheat berries and the grapes the night before. You can store the grapes in a microwave-safe container in the fridge. When ready to use, microwave grapes for 30 to 45 seconds before spooning them over your grains.

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Amaranth Oatmeal

Amaranth Oatmeal Recipe

Step aside oatmeal, there’s a new grain on the breakfast aisle. Amaranth is a naturally gluten-free, rice-like grain that makes for a satisfying and highly-nutritious breakfast.

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Cold Brew-Banana Smoothie

Credit: Sara Tane

Cold Brew-Banana Smoothie Recipe

Who says you can't caffeinate and fill up on a hearty, wholesome breakfast smoothie all at the same time? In this cozy java concoction, prepared cold brew is blended into a banana and almond milk smoothie. Rather than using ice cubes which will dilute the flavor of the smoothie, the cold brew is cleverly frozen. With a dash of cinnamon and agave nectar, this healthy breakfast smoothie tastes like banana bread in a glass.

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Breakfast Bowl with Tomato, Avocado, and Egg

Credit: Photography: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Thom Driver.

Breakfast Bowl with Tomato, Avocado, and Egg Recipe

This is the kind of breakfast that's worth waking up for--and enjoying again for lunch or dinner. If you want a starchy component, add precooked farro or quinoa.

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Air-Fried Breakfast Bombs

Credit: Gina DeSimone

Air-Fried Breakfast Bombs Recipe

If you’re only using your air fryer to whip up awesome party snacks, you’re missing out. Pull it out in the morning to make these hearty breakfast bombs filled with bacon, egg, and cheese. Whole-wheat pizza dough encases the savory filling in a nice fiber-packed crust. Substitute regular pizza dough if you can’t track down whole-wheat dough. Like it spicy? Add a dash or two of hot sauce to the filling before baking. In a rush? These palm-sized “bombs” make a great on-the-go breakfast.

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Sweet Almond Cream of Buckwheat with Skillet Pears

Credit: Oxmoor House

Sweet Almond Cream of Buckwheat with Skillet Pears Recipe

If you’re avoiding oatmeal because of possible gluten cross-contamination, enjoy a bowl of warm cream of buckwheat cereal instead. Top this hearty cereal with chopped pears, dried cherries, and toasted almonds for a satisfying morning meal.

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Savory Chickpea Waffles

Credit: Jennifer Causey Styling: Ginny Branch

Savory Chickpea Waffles Recipe

We swap sugary pancake syrup for a poached egg and use chickpea flour in place of refined for an extra punch of protein. Enjoy for a quick breakfast or dinner.

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Poached Egg Power Bowls

Credit: Greg DuPree

Poached Egg Power Bowls Recipe

This 10-minute dinner features the power trio of protein-packed legumes, seeds, and crisp greens. Quinoa is one of the few plant-based sources of complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. The runny, nutrient-rich egg yolk doubles as a silky dressing in this vegetarian main.

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Sausage, Spinach, and Apple Breakfast Sandwiches

Credit: Alison Miksch

Sausage, Spinach, and Apple Breakfast Sandwiches Recipe

We swap the classic egg and cheese combo for crisp, tart apple slices and sautéed spinach. Use any bulk turkey breakfast sausage for this sandwich.

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Best Baked Oatmeal

Credit: Aaron Kirk; Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland; Food Styling: Robin Bashinsky

Best Baked Oatmeal Recipe

A hearty dish of baked oatmeal is a wonderful (and low-key, easy) brunch dish to make ahead for company, but it can also serve as a brilliant meal prep move that will set you up with practically instant breakfasts for the week. We call this our our “best” baked oatmeal recipe because it offers warming spiced flavor without overwhelming the palate, and achieves a delightful level of creaminess, while maintaining just the right amount of toothy integrity from the oats. Crowned with toasty almonds and bright, juicy berries, it’s this whole-grain breakfast bake is eye-catching as it is delicious. Serve with cream and maple syrup to sweet to taste.

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Pomegranate-Farro Breakfast Salad with Honey Ricotta

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Pomegranate-Farro Breakfast Salad with Honey Ricotta Recipe

For a tangier citrus flavor, go with lemon; for more floral, sweet notes, try tangerine. To keep prep simple, use purchased pomegranate arils from the produce section, or pre-prep a fresh pomegranate the night before.

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50+ Healthy Breakfasts to Start Your Mornings Off Right

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Breakfast Bowl with Tomato, Avocado, and Egg

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Make-Ahead Shakshuka

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Baked Eggs with Leeks and Mushrooms

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Southwestern Sweet Potato and Egg Hash

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Blueberry Açaí Smoothie Bowl

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Toasted Almond and Apple Quinoa

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Wilted Spinach and Fried Egg Wheat Berry Bowl

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Creamy Kale Caesar Salad with Soft-Boiled Eggs

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Pistachio, Fig, and Saffron Yogurt Oatmeal

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Slow Cooker Eggs in Purgatory

Eggs in Purgatory

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Mushroom Frittata

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Flaxseed Oatmeal with Blueberries

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Cilantro and Kale Pesto Toast with a Fried Egg

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Quinoa Breakfast Bowl with 6-Minute Egg

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Overnight Maple-Raisin Oatmeal

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Instant Pot Whole-Milk Yogurt

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Overnight Oats with Kefir, Berries, and Toasted Coconut

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Copycat Starbucks Egg White, Roasted Red Pepper, & Spinach Egg Bites

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Papaya-Blueberry-Cherry Breakfast Bowls

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Quinoa Bowls with Avocado and Egg

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Steel-Cut Oatmeal with Apples

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Grapefruit, Avocado, and Prosciutto Breakfast Salad

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Roasted Grape and Goat Cheese Wheat Berry Bowl

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Amaranth Oatmeal

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Cold Brew-Banana Smoothie

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Breakfast Bowl with Tomato, Avocado, and Egg