5 Mother’s Day Breakfasts That Mom Will Actually Be Excited to Eat

Let’s get this one thing straight: Just because you take time out of your morning to make it from scratch and you serve it to her in the comfort of her own bed does not mean that it’s something Mom legitimately wants to eat. She’s got a heart of gold and appreciates the kind gesture, so she’s probably not going to tell you that she secretly had hoped for something else, but deep down, she’s definitely wishing it for an alternative option. Enough with the tacky, heart-shaped nonsense–this Mother’s Day, promise the most important women in your life that you’ll make her something seriously delicious.

And if you happen to be a mom yourself, please feel no shame in sending these options (along with some graceful hint-dropping) to whoever ought to be celebrating you on May 13th. Whether you’re serving breakfast bedside to one special mom or hosting brunch to honor a few of the wonderful women in your life, here are some of our favorite recipes to pave the way for Hallmark holiday greatness.

Moms love muffins. Don’t ask questions–just trust me on this one. But maybe just this once, how about we skip the boxed mixes and show Mom that we care so much about her that we’re willing to start from scratch (this is the purest form of love, I promise). Not to mention, this nutty pistachio streusel is an all-around winner. It’s sweet and salty in all the right places, and she’s sure to swoon for it.

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Saucy Skillet-Poached Eggs image Photo:Alison Miksch; Food Styling: Catherine Crowell Steele: Prop Styling: Lindsey Lower

Okay, so this is probably not the best option if you’re planning on bringing breakfast to her in bed (a hot skillet of tomato sauce and clean sheets truly sounds like a recipe for disaster), but this simple, savory brunch is one that she’s going to be excited enough to sit upright at a table for. Make sure to fry up some crusty sourdough bread so she’ll be able to scrape down the skillet for every last ounce of sauce.

Enough already with the cavity-inducing pancakes–I do not know your mother, but I’m willing to guess that she’ll be less than enthused when she’s handed a batch of pancakes full of sprinkles and doused in maple syrup and icing. Sure, it’s cute to look at, but she also needs to eat. Instead, get her out of bed with these healthy-but-they-don’t-taste-like-it pancakes. Packed with hearty whole grains and adorned with fresh raspberries and a creamy almond butter drizzle, this is the mature, sweet breakfast that she never knew she needed.

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When in doubt, just make her a frittata, okay? The best part about this one is that it serves 1. Let’s face it–even though none of us want to admit it, any mom in her right mind probably just wants some alone time on Mother’s Day. The frittata comes together in a speedy 10 minutes, and it’s a perfectly light, flavorful, just-for-her start to her big day.

If Mom’s got a sweet tooth or a hankering for chocolate, skip the tacky candy bars and make her these decadent waffles instead. Buckwheat flour adds a toasty, nutty flavor that makes this weekend treat feel extra special. Topped with toasted almonds, strawberries, and Greek yogurt, these waffles are a rich, yet not too indulgent, way for you to make the day all about Mom.