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Sugar & spice: 10 Sweet Breakfast Options & 10 Savory Ones


Sugar & spice: 10 Sweet Breakfast Options & 10 Savory Ones


Start Your Day Right

Some people prefer sweet breakfasts, others savory; we say, why choose? While nutritionally, a savory breakfast is generally the better way to start your day, sometimes you just need something sweet to wake you up. For when you want to alternate between breakfasts that are good for the heart and good for the soul, we've got you covered with these 20 options.

a plate of food with eggs and meat on itMoe Thajib on Unsplash

1. French Toast

French toast is a great way to use up stale bread rather than throwing it out. The dryness of the bread soaks up all that custardy goodness where fresh bread would grow soggy. Top with fruit compote, chocolate, or whipped cream.

toast bread with blueberry on black plateJoseph Gonzalez on Unsplash

2. Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

The yeasty dough necessary for cinnamon rolls takes just enough time to make piping-hot cinnamon rolls an inconvenience for breakfast. Never fear, cinnamon roll pancakes are as easy as one, two, three. Simply swirl butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into your regular pancake mix, top with frosting, and enjoy!

Piotr ArnoldesPiotr Arnoldes on Pexels

3. Pain Au Chocolat

The French really got something right when they decided that breakfast should be a chocolate croissant and coffee. Making standard croissants is a long and daunting process with a lot of lamination, but most of the time pain au chocolat takes is just resting in the fridge.

Rodrigo OrtegaRodrigo Ortega on Pexels

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4. Blueberry Muffins

Blueberry muffins are the perfect breakfast companion to those weekend-long Gilmore Girls binges—with a vat of black coffee, of course. With a moist crumb and decadent blueberry filling, these muffins will make even the smallest of studio apartments feel—and smell—like a quaint, small-town bakery.

cookies with blueberry on sideRoberto Martinez on Unsplash

5. Dutch Baby Pancakes

The name of this dish may be a bit strange (is there any way say you'd like a Dutch baby without it sounding alarming), but you'll just have to trust us when it comes to this European pancake. Closer to a Yorkshire pudding than a traditional pancake, the Dutch baby is the perfect canvas for your breakfast. While you technically could do a savory Dutch baby...why would you?

raspberries on black bowlMonika Grabkowska on Unsplash

6. Almond Croissant

If you've ever been daunted by your purchase a clamshell of Costco croissants, let them try out overnight and fill them with delicious almond butter! The most intimidating part of the task, making the croissant, is already done for you; all you have to do is slice, fill, and top. If you have some anger to work through, you can also smash them into the viral flat croissants.

a bunch of croissants that are sitting on a tableSergio Arze on Unsplash

7. Waffles

There's nothing like a diner waffle loaded with butter and syrup. Some of these dishes are extra-decadent takes on classic faves, but when it comes to waffles, there's no point in messing with the classics.

waffle on gray ceramic plateJodie Morgan on Unsplash

8. Coffee Cake

Did you know that "coffee cake" has a different meaning internationally? While in North America, it's generally understood to be a cake served with coffee, internationally it's a sponge cake flavored with coffee. Both options sound delicious, but we'll stick with our nostalgic Sara Lee coffee cakes.

File:Coffee cake (Unsplash).jpgRachael Gorjestani rachaelgorjestani on Wikimedia

9. Apple Fritters

The second the leaves start turning yellow, we immediately begin to crave everything spiced, cider-y, and apple-adjacent. With apple fritters, you can have all three in one delicious bite. Fritters come together in about 30 minutes and, part of the appeal is their imperfection.

ice cream on blue ceramic plateAleisha Kalina on Unsplash

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10. Banana Nutella Crepes

Like with a Dutch baby, crepes aren't necessarily sweet on their own, but why not go all the way? Banana nutella crepes are a great way to use up bananas that are about to turn, and a way to trick kids, partners, or even yourself, into having fruit for breakfast.

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Now that we've hopefully satisfied your sweet tooth, let's move onto some savory options.

1. Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a vibrant red breakfast found throughout North Africa and the Middle East. The name literally means "mixture" and poaches eggs in a rich, spiced tomato broth. Dip crusty bread into it for a fun take on toast soldiers.

steam pasta beside tomatoes and plateSara Dubler on Unsplash

2. Egg In A Basket

A recipe for "egg with a hat" appeared in an 1896 cookbook, but this dish may be better-known as the one Cher makes in Moonstruck. This is a great way to spice up egg-based breakfasts, plus, it's just fun to say.

File:Egg in the basket-01.jpgSodanieChea on Wikimedia

3. Avocado Toast

The meal, the meme, the legend. Avocado toast isn't just for overpriced brunch spots, and making it at home allows customization as far as your fridge can stretch. As a bonus, avocado is full of antioxidant properties and healthy fats, which will have you feeling fuller longer.

a blue plate topped with a piece of bread covered in veggiesOphélie Bonavita on Unsplash

4. Savory Oats

Most online oat recipes slant towards sweet and, of course, there's nothing wrong with that. However, if you like things on the savory side, then there are a ton of recipes to choose from. Savory oats are bolder and creamier than sweet varieties, leaning towards a risotto. A ris-oat-o, if you will.

mixed nuts in bowlNatsuko D'Aprile on Unsplash

5. Steak And Eggs

The classic breakfast of hungry men everywhere, steak and eggs is indulgent without sacrificing protein. Whether you like your beef rare, medium rare, or well done, steak and eggs certainly will not disappoint. It will also keep you full through those early mornings at the gym.

a plate of food with eggs and meat on itMoe Thajib on Unsplash

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6. Croque Monsieur

While the French may be known for their sweet teeth, this classic sandwich proves that they can do savory breakfast just as well. This delectable hot sandwich has been around since the late 1800s, melting butter, ham, and Gruyère for a 'wich that's as filling as it is satisfying.

sliced bread with green vegetable on white ceramic plateAdam Bartoszewicz on Unsplash

7. Zucchini Fritters

You've probably tried, or at least heard of, zucchini bread or muffins, but what about zucchini fritters? You can make a fritter from just about anything, and these ones not only add a pop of green, but are a great way to use excess zucchini from your garden.

brown bread on black ceramic plateMax Griss on Unsplash

8. Frittata

A frittata is like the beefier brother of your classic omelet, or like a quiche that hits the gym. Mix in tomato and chorizo for an Italian-inspired dish, or soak up those fall vibes with a baked onion and walnut frittata. For extra crunch, top with smashed potato chips (don't worry, we won't tell anyone).

a person taking a slice of pizza from a panSubagus Indra on Unsplash

9. Breakfast Bagel

Bagels make everything better. Start your day off with a BLT, opt for the classic egg-and-cheese, or even take your grilled cheese to the next level. If you want your bagel to have a little oomph, some stores even sell their cream cheese smears by the tub.

a person holding a sandwich in their handJackie Alexander on Unsplash

10. Crepes Florentine

Remember when we said that crepes don't have to be sweet? Well, here's a prime example of a savory crepe that's still light and fluffy. Filled with creamed spinach, egg, and grated cheese, crepes florentine are simple and filling.

File:Raka made crepes with leftover Christmas ham, spinach and gruyere. Simple and delicious! (31936313110).jpgtranscendancing on Wikimedia