Everything you need to know about the process, the history, and the benefits
Potato cakes are a great breakfast carbohydrate and allow you to use up any leftover mashed potatoes from last night's dinner. Simply add in eggs, flour, and seasonings, and form them into patties to fry in a pan. They make a glorious base for a slice of smoked salmon and a poached egg.
The croque monsieur is a classic French sandwich. It contains ham and cheese on the inside as well as more cheese on top (usually Gruyère). It is then baked or fried until everything is nicely melted and crispy.
This British classic, thought to have originated in Wales, consists of a cheesy sauce served over a slice of bread and topped with grated cheese. The whole thing is then baked until the cheese topping is melted into a golden crust.
The omelet is a simple classic. It's also a great recipe for avoiding food waste, as you can add in any leftover vegetables you have in the fridge, plus cheese and proteins. Try preparing an omelet at the start of the week and cut a slice to heat up with toast every morning.
Elevate your French toast game by topping it with crème fraîche, fresh figs, maple syrup, and walnuts.
A breakfast hash is an easy one-pan dish of cubed potatoes fried with whatever meats or vegetables you have lying around in the fridge, usually with egg added in. Many food bloggers swear by hash as the best way to repurpose your leftovers and avoid food waste.
If you like your eggs in an easy-to-carry bite, try making breakfast egg cups. Fill a muffin tin with pieces of pastry or tortilla wrap to form the cup, and add bacon, egg, or any other fillings you'd like before baking.
Spinach egg wraps are an easy one to make in advance. You can adjust to your own tastes with added sauces, proteins, or cheese.
If ham and bacon aren't your thing, fry some salty halloumi cheese and pair it with a sweet croissant to make a decadent warm breakfast sandwich. It also works great in a toasted bagel with pesto.
The classic full English breakfast usually includes sausage, bacon, eggs, fried tomatoes, and mushrooms. It's a glorious mix, but can be a bit of a hassle to prepare. Why not throw it all into one pan and cook it together?
Huevos rancheros is a Mexican dish consisting of a fried egg served on a tortilla with warm salsa, and any other trimmings you like. Add some black beans, feta cheese, and cilantro for a delicious and filling breakfast.
A breakfast casserole is just as easy to modify to your tastes and make in advance. Mix up some eggs with ricotta cheese, flour, and baking powder, and add your preferred vegetables and seasonings. Bake in the oven and slice each morning.
This healthy and filling take on a quiche uses slices of sweet potato instead of the traditional pastry crust.
The breakfast burrito is a highly versatile option. It can be made with meat or served totally vegetarian, and can easily be prepared the night before so it's ready to grab and go in the morning.
A soft English muffin, crispy bacon, and fluffy scrambled eggs. What could be better? (Add cheese!)
If you've ever dreamt of a breakfast that was a cross between French toast and blueberry cheesecake, your prayers have been answered! To make this dessert-like breakfast, line a baking dish with day-old bread and cover with cream cheese and fresh blueberries. Add another layer of bread and pour a mixture of eggs, cream, and sugar over the whole dish. Bake in the oven while you heat a cup of blueberries with sugar and water in a pan to make a delicious syrup to top the casserole with before serving.
Blueberry pancakes are the ultimate comforting classic that bring back childhood memories for many. Why not treat yourself to some of this sweetness and warmth this weekend?
When it's more of a weekend brunch situation, try something a little different with this Middle Eastern breakfast dish. Shakshouka consists of a well-spiced tomato sauce including onions, garlic, and peppers. Eggs are cracked into the pan to simmer in the sauce. Serve with toasted bread for dipping.
If you haven’t added peanut butter to a warm bowl of oatmeal, you simply haven’t lived! Add cinnamon and your choice of fresh or dried fruit for a warm, comforting breakfast that sets you up with all the energy you'll need for the day.
If you’re short on time in the morning and need something to grab and go, try overnight oats. Simply assemble your oatmeal the night before and give it a quick blast in the microwave before you eat it the next day.
Its sister is the croque madame, a variation that includes a fried egg on top. The French really know how to do a toasted sandwich!
For a luxurious weekend treat, pull out all the stops and make this version of eggs Benedict that adds a layer of smoked salmon on top of the English muffin.
If you're trying to reduce your intake of animal proteins, you can use tofu as an alternative to eggs. Simply mash up a block of firm tofu with a fork and season to your liking! Tofu picks up whatever flavorings you add, so you can go to Mexico, the Mediterranean, or anywhere else in the world with your flavor profile!
Your tofu scramble can become the base for a vegan breakfast burrito or taco. Add black beans, pico de gallo, and avocado to finish it off.
The old avocado toast might be a little overdone, but there's a reason it's sustained itself as a brunch staple for so many years. It's quick, hearty, and there's something about the combination of crisp toasted bread, creamy avocado, and runny egg yolk that just works.
Chai tea powders for chai lattes are available in many stores, but you can also make your own at home. The base is black tea with hot milk and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and anise. A little vanilla and sugar or maple syrup never hurt, either.
Super-healthy turmeric and hot milk are the main ingredients in a golden latte, but spices like cinnamon and nutmeg can be added for flavor, as well as maple syrup or honey for a little sweetness.
See also: Quick and healthy breakfast ideas for a busy morning
Breakfast is often referred to as the most important meal of the day, yet we so often find ourselves grabbing a banana on the way out the door or skipping breakfast altogether. Cereal is the go-to the rest of the time, an option which is often lacking in the nutrition needed to get us through the morning. Not to mention the fact that it provides very little comfort on a cold winter morning!
This is your reminder to treat yourself to a good wholesome breakfast as often as you can, especially during the colder months. There are plenty of options that can be prepared the night before so even if you're not a morning person, you can still benefit from a warm meal to start your day.
Click through the gallery for some warm and wonderful breakfast ideas, from decadent weekend treats to health-conscious weekday quickies.
Hot breakfast recipes that keep out the cold
Show yourself some extra love in the morning
FOOD Meal ideas
Breakfast is often referred to as the most important meal of the day, yet we so often find ourselves grabbing a banana on the way out the door or skipping breakfast altogether. Cereal is the go-to the rest of the time, an option which is often lacking in the nutrition needed to get us through the morning. Not to mention the fact that it provides very little comfort on a cold winter morning!
This is your reminder to treat yourself to a good wholesome breakfast as often as you can, especially during the colder months. There are plenty of options that can be prepared the night before so even if you're not a morning person, you can still benefit from a warm meal to start your day.
Click through the gallery for some warm and wonderful breakfast ideas, from decadent weekend treats to health-conscious weekday quickies.